Ibn Zuhr
Name: Abu Marwan Abd al-Malik ibn Zuhr, or
Avenzoar
Born: 1094, Seville
Died: 1162, Seville
Era: Medieval Islamic Civilization
Region: Al-Andalus
Major Work: _Kitab al-Taysir fi al-Mudawat wa
al-Tadbir_ [Book of Simplification Concerning Therapeutics and Diet]
Abu Marwan Abd al-Malik ibn Zuhr
— master physician, known in the West as Avenzoar — was one of the most
prominent physicians, clinicians, and parasitologists of the Middle Ages. Abu
Marwan Abd al-Malik ibn Zuhr was born in 1091/c.1094 CE in Seville. After
completing his education and specializing in medicine, he entered the service
of the Almoravids (al-Murabitun). But after their defeat by the Almohads
(al-Muwahhidun), he worked under the first Almohad ruler, ‘Abd al-Mu’min. Ibn
Zuhr died in Seville in 1161/c.1162 CE. As George Sarton confirmed, Ibn Zuhr
was not Jewish, but a Muslim.
Contrary to the prevailing
practice of Muslim scientists, who used to contribute to several different
fields, Ibn Zuhr confined his work only to medicine. However, by focusing his
interest and effort on one field, he made fundamental and lasting
contributions. He emphasized the importance of observation and experiment in
his work.
In _History of Medicine_, Dr.
Neuburger said of him: “Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) was skilled in the art of
dissecting the human cadaver and knew anatomy in detail. His operative
technique was brilliant.”
Ibn Zuhr was the first to test
medicines on animals before using them on humans. He was also the first to
describe scabies and the itch mite in detail, and is thus considered the first
parasitologist. Furthermore, he was the first to give a detailed description of
the operation of tracheotomy and practiced direct feeding through the esophagus
in cases where normal feeding was not possible.
In addition, Ibn Zuhr provided clinical descriptions of intestinal tuberculosis, inflammation of the middle ear, pericarditis, and mediastinal tumors, among others.
Contributions of Ibn Zuhr
Ibn Zuhr’s contributions
included monumental works written by him; however, only three of these are
extant.
_Kitab al-Taysir fi al-Mudawat wa
al-Tadbir_ [Book of Simplification Concerning Therapeutics and Diet] is Ibn
Zuhr’s most important work. It highlights many of Ibn Zuhr’s original contributions.
The book elaborates on pathological conditions followed by treatment.
His _Kitab al-Iqtisad fi Islah
al-Anfus wa al-Ajsad_ [Book of the Middle Course Concerning the Reform of Souls
and Bodies] is a summary of diseases, treatments, and hygiene written
specifically for the benefit of the layman.
_Kitab al-Aghdhiya_ [Book on
Foodstuffs] describes various types of food and medicines and their effects.
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