Ibn al-Jazzār on forgetfulness and its treatment. Critical edition of the Arabic text and the Hebrew translations

the cautionary note that forays into such expensive research must proceed on the basis of a coherent "research design", as opposed to curiosity or enthusiasm to "try out" new techniques. So on what areas should research be concentrated at present? Roberts and Manchester suggest three topics where optimum use could be made of available funding: the relation of health to the transition to agriculture, differences in health and medical conditions between urban and rural communities, and the interplay between gender and health. But here again: "The important message is not to study palaeopathology for 'its own sake'. Genuine research questions must be asked of the data; in this way a more meaningful interpretation will result." (p. 202) The archaeology of disease in its new revised dress is a first-rate introduction to the field of palaeopathology, and is an ideal starting point for both students and historians in other areas of research. For specialists, however, it will also prove valuable for its numerous fresh insights and observations on the present state and future prospects of the field.