Chapter 1: Demotic and Greek Magical Papyri
* Summary: Introduces the history of magical papyri in Egypt, from their origins in Demotic (a later form of the Egyptian language) to their translation into Greek.
* Example: Papyrus London and Leiden (pg. 1-4), a Demotic text containing spells and incantations for healing and protection.
Chapter 2: The Magical Papyrus of Paris (PGM)
* Summary: Discusses the contents, structure, and significance of the PGM, the largest and most comprehensive collection of Greek magical texts.
* Example: PGM IV. 924-944 (pg. 35-37), a spell for inducing love, involving the use of a figurine and a magical formula.
Chapter 3: Rituals of Invocation
* Summary: Examines the various methods used in magical papyri to invoke divine powers, including prayers, hymns, and incantations.
* Example: PGM IV. 189-200 (pg. 48-51), a hymn to the sun god Helios, invoking his help in casting out demons.
Chapter 4: Healing Rituals
* Summary: Describes the wide range of healing practices found in magical papyri, including prescriptions, amulets, and apotropaic rituals.
* Example: PGM IV. 1023-1030 (pg. 91-93), a prescription for a headache remedy, using a combination of herbs and incantations.
Chapter 5: Erotic Magic
* Summary: Explores the use of magic to attract lovers, prevent infidelity, and promote sexual pleasure.
* Example: PGM IV. 2659-2680 (pg. 144-147), a spell for seducing a woman, involving the use of a charm and a potion.
Chapter 6: Curses and Binding Spells
* Summary: Discusses the prevalence of curses in magical papyri, as well as the countermeasures used to protect against them.
* Example: PGM IV. 2887-2908 (pg. 159-161), a curse against an enemy, involving the use of a lead tablet inscribed with magical symbols.
Chapter 7: Magical Amulets and Talismans
* Summary: Examines the use of amulets and talismans in magical practice, as protective devices and as a means of summoning divine powers.
* Example: PGM XII. 5-14 (pg. 195-197), the description of an amulet containing the names and images of seven gods, used for protection against demons.
Chapter 8: Astronomical and Astrological Magic
* Summary: Discusses the role of astrology and astronomy in magical practices, including spells that utilize the movements of planets and stars.
* Example: PGM IV. 1413-1456 (pg. 106-109), a spell for divining the future by observing the flight of birds.
Chapter 9: Demonology and Exorcism
* Summary: Examines the beliefs about demons in magical papyri, as well as the rituals and incantations used to exorcise them.
* Example: PGM IV. 760-783 (pg. 69-72), a spell for exorcising a demon that possesses a child, involving the use of prayers, incantations, and the consumption of a special potion.