Artemidorus is the author of a work on the interpretation of dreams (Ὀνειροκριτικά), in five books, which is still extant. He collected the materials for this work by very extensive reading (he asserts that he had read all the books on the subject), on his travels through Asia, Greece, Italy, and the Grecian islands. (Oneir. Prooem. lib. i.) He himself intimates that he had written several works, and from Suidas and Eudocia we may infer, that one was called οἰωνοσκοπικά, and the other χειροσκοπικά. Along with his occupations on these subjects, he also practised as a physician. From his work on dreams, it is clear that he was acquainted with. the principal productions of more ancient writers on the subject, and his object is to prove, that in dreams the future is revealed to man, and to clear the science of interpreting them from the abuses with which the fashion of the time had surrounded it. He does not attempt to establish his opinion by philosophical reasoning, but by appealing to facts partly recorded in history, partly derived from oral tradition of the people, and partly from his own experience. On the last point he places great reliance, especially as he believed that he was called to his task by Apollo. (2.70.) This makes him conceited, and raises him above all fear of censure. The first two books are dedicated to Cassius Maximus. The third and fourth are inscribed to his son. The fifth book is, properly speaking, an independent work, the title of which is περὶ ὀνείρων ἀναβάσεων, and which contains a collection of interesting dreams, which were believed to have been realized. The style of the work is simple, correct, and elegant; and this. together with the circumstance that Artemidorus has often occasion to allude to or explain ancient manners and usages, give to it a peculiar value. The work has also great interest, because it shews us in what manner the ancients symbolized and interpreted certain events of ordinary life, which, when well understood, throws light on various points of ancient mythology.
William Smith. A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. London. John Murray: printed by Spottiswoode and Co., New-Street Square and Parliament Street. In the article on Soranus, we find: "at this present time (1848)" and this date seems to reflect the dates of works cited. 1873 - probably the printing date.
