Avicenna

Avicenna (ibn Sina) (c. 980-1037)

Ibn Sina, known as Avicenna to westerners, was one of the greatest polymaths of all time. Like Franklin, Ibn Sina was not just a jack, but a master of all trades. His mastery included medicine, philosophy, astronomy, chemistry, geology, logic, paleontology, mathematics, physics, poetry, psychology, education, and more. Ibn Sina is most well known for his works in modern medicine, as he is commonly referred to as the father of modern medicine and clinical pharmacology.

Ibn Sina introduced modern medicine to the world. He started the process of systematic experimentation and quantification in physiology, discovered the contagious nature of infectious diseases, and fathered the idea of quarantine to limit the spread of contagious disease. He also introduced experimental medicine, clinical trials, and neuropsychiatry.

Regarded by many as one of the most famous exponents of Muslim universalism and Islamic learning, Ibn Sina was a devout Muslim throughout the course of his life. It has been recorded that many time, in moments of baffled inquiry, that he would leave his books, go to the mosque and pray until the light of the next day broke on his difficulties. He found early on that his passion was in the world of medicine. Ibn Sina achieved full status as a qualified physician at the youthful age of 18, and quickly became famous as he treated patients without asking for payment.

The most popular work accredited to Ibn Sina is The Cannon of Medicine. Even today it is refered to as the first textbook of modern medicine, and is often on the shelf of many physicians. The Cannon of Medicine defined the standard of medicine in the Islamic and European world up until the 18th century. Greater points of the book include the definition of sexually transmitted diseases, contagiousness, and the classification, diagnosis, and treatments of many diseases. Ibn Sina also hypothesized the existence of microorganisms, stressed the importance of hygiene, and correctly documented the anatomy of the human eye.

Cracking open The Cannon of Medicine I was immediately impressed. Without technology and scientific advances of today, Ibn Sina was able to observe and prove many things which even today would prove difficult. And his commandery of language is phenomenal. His mastery of learning, researching, and experimenting is in itself worthy of commendation. Ibn Sina lived a life dedicated to self-education and preservation of human life and health. He dedicated himself to the improvement of humanity.

We can all use a dose of giving, and thankfully we have the life of Avicenna as an example of how to live our lives in the service of humanity. The father of Medicine won’t soon be forgotten.