Ibn Abi Usaibia

Ibn Abi Usaibia (1203–1270), full name Ahmad ibn Al-Qasim Ibn Abi Usaibia, was a Syrian physician and historian of medicine, primarily known for his seminal work, Uyun al-Anba fi Tabaqat al-Atibba (Sources of Information on the Classes of Physicians). Born in Damascus, he belonged to a family with a rich tradition in the medical profession. His comprehensive biographical encyclopedia of medical personalities is an invaluable source for the history of Islamic medicine.

Life

Ibn Abi Usaibia was born into a family with a long lineage of physicians, which significantly influenced his career path. He received his early education in Damascus, studying under several prominent scholars of his time. Despite his deep involvement in the medical field, specific details about his personal life, including his medical practice and any potential contributions to medical theory or practice, remain scarce. However, his legacy is predominantly anchored in his work as a historian and biographer of medical personalities.

Work

Ibn Abi Usaibia's Uyun al-Anba fi Tabaqat al-Atibba is his most notable contribution to the history of medicine. This work chronicles the lives and achievements of physicians up until his time, covering both Islamic and pre-Islamic figures. The book is distinguished by its comprehensive coverage, including physicians from various cultural and geographical backgrounds, and its systematic approach to categorizing physicians into distinct classes or "tabaqat".

The Uyun al-Anba is not only a biographical dictionary but also a source of information on the medical knowledge and practices of the time. It provides insights into the evolution of medical science, the transmission of medical knowledge across cultures, and the integration of Greek medicine with Islamic medical practices. Ibn Abi Usaibia's meticulous documentation of medical authorities, including their works and contributions, makes his encyclopedia a cornerstone for historians of medicine.

Legacy

Ibn Abi Usaibia's work has been of enduring value to historians, serving as a primary source for the study of Islamic medicine and its practitioners. His encyclopedic effort preserved the names and contributions of numerous medical personalities who might otherwise have been forgotten. Through Uyun al-Anba, Ibn Abi Usaibia has provided a window into the medical knowledge and practices of his time, offering insights into the historical development of medicine within the Islamic world and its interaction with other medical traditions.

See Also

• History of medicine
• Islamic medicine
• Greek medicine