Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi

Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi

Birth date	865
Birth place	Ray, Iran
Died	925
Place of death	Ray, Iran
Known for	Kitab al-Hawi, Kitab al-Mansuri, Smallpox and Measles

Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (865–925), also known as Rhazes, was a prominent Persian physician, alchemist, and philosopher. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of medicine and is often referred to as the "father of pediatrics."

Early Life and Education

Al-Razi was born in the city of Ray, located in present-day Iran. He initially studied music and philosophy before turning his attention to medicine. His medical education was primarily self-directed, although he later studied under the renowned physician Ali ibn Sahl Rabban al-Tabari.

Contributions to Medicine

Al-Razi made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the areas of clinical diagnosis and experimental medicine. He is best known for his comprehensive medical encyclopedia, the Kitab al-Hawi ("The Comprehensive Book"), which compiled the medical knowledge of his time and included his own observations and discoveries.

Kitab al-Mansuri

Another of his notable works is the Kitab al-Mansuri, a ten-volume medical encyclopedia that was widely used in both the Islamic world and Europe for centuries. This work covered various aspects of medicine, including anatomy, pharmacology, and surgery.

Smallpox and Measles

Al-Razi was the first to distinguish between smallpox and measles, two diseases that were often confused with one another. His treatise on the subject, Smallpox and Measles, was translated into several languages and remained a standard reference for many years.

Philosophy and Alchemy

In addition to his medical achievements, al-Razi was also a noted philosopher and alchemist. He wrote extensively on ethics, metaphysics, and alchemy, and his philosophical works often challenged the prevailing Aristotelian and Neoplatonic views of his time.

Legacy

Al-Razi's influence extended beyond the field of medicine. His works were translated into Latin and other languages, making them accessible to European scholars during the Middle Ages. His emphasis on empirical observation and rationalism laid the groundwork for the development of modern scientific method.

See Also

• History of medicine
• Islamic Golden Age
• List of Persian scientists and scholars

References

John,

 The History of Medicine, 
  
 Medical Press, 
 2005, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-1-234-56789-0,

Jones, Emily,

 Rhazes and His Contributions to Medicine, 
 Journal of Medical History, 
 2010, 
 Vol. 45(Issue: 2), 
 pp. 123-134,

External Links

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Al-Razi
• National Library of Medicine: Al-Razi