The canonical version of the Babylonian omen series concerned with barutu: extispicy (divination from entrails of sheep), consisted of ten chapters or sub-series, and are among the first intellectual adventures with the front of the liver, are edited here for the first time. Also, the book contains a complete analysis of the Akkadian terms used in divination, a complete index of texts and words, copies of the new-found texts, and photographic plates assisting the reader. By a thorough analysis of the terminology involved in Assyrian and Babylonian scientific thought, the author for the first time opens up the vast and relatively virgin field of pre-Greek science for the general scholar. The presentation is an indispensable source for all who work with the history of languages of the Ancient Near East, biblical studies, studies in ancient religion, and the history of science and philosophy.

"While the topic of extispicy is important for understanding many aspects of Mesopotamian culture, there are few books available on the topic. This massive volume not only includes the texts, but the introduction is a useful teaching text on the topic."--Tammi J. Schneider (Claremont Graduate University), Religious Studies Review