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The papyrus, of which this work is a facsimile reproduction, was discovered by the archaeologist Ebers during his visit to Egypt in the winter of 1872-73. Ebers and his friend Stern were residing at Thebes, collecting archaeological data and there became acquainted with a well-to-do Arab from Luxor, who brought to them for sale a modern image of Osiris, and a papyrus of no special value. Suspecting that the Arab was holding in reserve objects of greater interest, Ebers offered him a considerable sum for any remarkable specimens in his possession. This induced the Arab to return on the following day, bringing with him a metallic case containing a papyrus roll enveloped in mummy cloths. Ebers immediately perceived he had a prize, but was unable to command the large sum of money demanded for it, until provided with the means through the liberality of a German gentleman, Max Gunther, traveling in that vicinity. According to the Arab’s account, the papyrus had been discovered fourteen years previously by a man since dead. The original papyrus was discovered between the bones of a mummy in a tomb of the Theban Necropolis.
Ebers hastened back to Leipzig with his precious roll, and deposited it for safe keeping in the University Library, of that city, and then, with the co-operation of an enterprising publisher and the assistance of royal patronage, placed it at the disposal of the civilized world.
The papyrus, as received by Ebers, consisted of single solidly-rolled sheet of yellow brown a papyrus of finest quality, 0.3 metre wide, and 20.23 metres long. It formed one enormous book, but was divided into no pages, which were carefully numbered. For purposes of preservation and exhibition in convenient form, the roll has since been cut into several lengths. The writing, which is exceedingly clear and regular, is partly in black and partly in red ink, the latter occuring at the heads of sections and in the expression of weights and measures. The characters are known as Hieratic, beinga cursive form of the Hieroglyphic, method of writing, and bearing the same relation to the latter that our or-