Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi

Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi[edit | edit source]

A depiction of Al-Razi in Isfahan, from a Persian manuscript.

Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (865–925 AD), also known as Rhazes or Rasis in the West, was a Persian polymath, physician, alchemist, and philosopher who made significant contributions to various fields, particularly medicine and chemistry. Recognized as one of the greatest physicians of the Islamic Golden Age, his work had a lasting impact on both Islamic and European medical traditions.

Portrait of Rhazes (al-Razi) (AD 865 - 925) Wellcome

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Born in Ray, near present-day Tehran, Iran, al-Razi was initially interested in music but later shifted his focus to chemistry and medicine. His quest for knowledge led him to study under renowned teachers of his time, although specific details about his education remain scarce.

Medical Contributions[edit | edit source]

Al-Razi's approach to medicine was remarkably modern. He emphasized observation and clinical practice, relying on his extensive experience treating patients. He is credited with many medical innovations, including:

Distinguishing measles and smallpox in his book Kitab fi al-jadari wa-al-hasbah (The Book of Smallpox and Measles).
Promoting the use of alcohol as an antiseptic.
Writing comprehensive medical encyclopedias that were used as standard textbooks in both the Islamic world and Europe for centuries.

Notable Works[edit | edit source]

Al-Razi wrote over 200 books on various subjects, of which around half are on medicine. His most famous works include:

Al-Hawi fi al-Tibb (The Comprehensive Book on Medicine), an immense encyclopedia compiling his own medical knowledge along with that of other physicians.
Kitab al-Mansuri, a shorter medical encyclopedia dedicated to the Samanid prince, Al-Mansur.
Secrets of Alchemy, where he detailed chemical knowledge and experiments.

Philosophical Views[edit | edit source]

In addition to his scientific and medical endeavors, al-Razi was also known for his philosophical works. He believed in the pursuit of knowledge and was critical of dogmatic adherence to religious orthodoxy that contradicted empirical evidence.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Al-Razi's work was influential in the development of medical knowledge in the Islamic Golden Age and later in Europe. His books were translated into Latin and became part of the medical curriculum in European universities for centuries.

External Links[edit | edit source]

Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi Resources
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