Ibn Al-Thahabi

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Ibn Al-Thahabi (also known as Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr Ibn Ayub Ibn Sa'd Ibn Ali Ibn Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-Makki Al-Zurii Al-Dimashqi) was a prominent physician and author from the Islamic Golden Age. He was born in 1173 AD in Damascus, Syria and died in 1248 AD. He is best known for his contributions to the field of medicine, particularly his work on dietetics.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Ibn Al-Thahabi was born into a family of scholars in Damascus. His father, Abu Bakr Ibn Ayub, was a well-known physician of his time. Ibn Al-Thahabi received his early education from his father and later studied under several renowned scholars of medicine and philosophy.

Career[edit | edit source]

Ibn Al-Thahabi served as the chief physician at the Nuri Hospital in Damascus. He was known for his expertise in dietetics, a branch of medicine that deals with diet and its effects on health. He wrote several books on the subject, the most famous of which is Al-Murshid ila Jawahir al-Aghdhiyah (The Guide to the Jewels of Foods).

Contributions to Medicine[edit | edit source]

Ibn Al-Thahabi's work on dietetics was groundbreaking. He classified foods into hot and cold and wet and dry, following the humoral theory of medicine. He also discussed the effects of various foods on the body and recommended diets for different diseases. His work laid the foundation for the modern field of dietetics.

Works[edit | edit source]

Ibn Al-Thahabi wrote several books on medicine and philosophy. His most famous work is Al-Murshid ila Jawahir al-Aghdhiyah. Other notable works include Al-Taysir fi al-Mudawat wa al-Tadbir (Book of Simplification Concerning Therapeutics and Diet) and Mukhtasar Kitab al-Mansuri (Summary of the Book of al-Mansuri).

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Ibn Al-Thahabi's contributions to the field of medicine, particularly dietetics, have had a lasting impact. His works are still studied and referenced in the field of Islamic medicine.

Ibn Al-Thahabi Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD