16 SCIENCE IN GRECO-ROMAN ANTIQUITY 



there is nothing but prescriptions, methods, and 

 formulas of e very-day practice. 1 

 f In the domain of physical science, likewise, the 

 Oriental cosmogonies reveal no sign of systematic 

 conceptions. The Egyptian and Chaldean astronomers 

 held that the primaeval chaos became order by the 

 effect of a divine will. The sky became a liquid mass 

 which surrounded the earth, and rested upon the atmos- 

 phere as upon a solid foundation. The planets and all 

 the stars floated on this celestial ocean, each sailing 

 in its boat in the wake of Osiris. Another theory, 

 equally widespread, represented the fixed stars as 

 lamps suspended from the celestial vault, which a 

 divine power lit every evening to illuminate the nights 

 of the earth. 2 



1 This statement perhaps needs qualification. A papyrus 

 recently discovered by Edwin Smith and studied by J. H. 

 Breasted (Recueil Champollion, 1922, p. 387-429) describes 

 and diagnoses in order, beginning from the head, the principal 

 diseases, indicating appropriate remedies for them, and the 

 possible chances of recovery. 



J 18 Maspero, Histoire Ancienne, p. 78. 



