AD&D 2nd Edition

By means of a read magic spell, the wizard is able to read magical inscription on objects – books, scrolls, weapons, and the like – that would otherwise be totally unintelligible. (The personal books of the wizard, and works already magically read, are intelligible.) This deciphering does not normally invoke the magic contained in the writing, although it may do so in the case of a cursed scroll. Furthermore, once the spell is cast and the wizard has read the magical inscription, he is thereafter able to read that particular writing without recourse to the use of the read magic spell. The duration of the spell is two rounds per level of experience of the spellcaster; the wizard can read one page or its equivalent per round. The wizard must have a clear crystal or mineral prism, which is not expended, to cast the spell.