About

My primary research focuses on the social and intellectual history of medicine and pharmacology in antiquity, especially in the Ancient Near East. I am generally interested in the reasons and modes by which ancient scientific/technical ideas were generated, acquired a logical organization, developed, and were transmitted through time and geographical boundaries. In my current work I apply these interests to the exploration of possible relationships between Babylonian healing practices and those of other ancient Mediterranean cultures, particularly those of Greece and Rome, as a means to better understand both. Stemming from this main interest is my parallel research in ancient technology, specifically that which lead to the development of Mesopotamian “alchemical” and glass-making techniques, of cuneiform gastronomical recipes, and the making of perfumes.

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