Muhammad
ibn Zakarya Razi known in west as Rhazes (born on 27 August 854,
Rayy[Rey] Persia[now in Iran]-died 925/935, Rayy) is a celebrated Iranian
alchemist and philosopher who is also considered to have been the greatest
physician of the Islamic world.
Razi
was a versatile Persian physician, philosopher, and scholar who made
fundamental and enduring contributions to the field of medicine, alchemy, and
philosophy recorded in over 184 books and articles in various fields of
science.
One tradition holds that Razi was already an
alchemist before he gained his medical knowledge. After serving as chief
physician in Rayy hospital, he held a similar position in Baghdad as well. With
references to his Greek predecessors, Razi viewed himself as the Persian &
Islamic version of Socrates in philosophy and of Hippocrates in medicine.
Undoubtedly,
the most significant medical book of Razi is Kitab al-hawi (Comprehensive
Book) in which he surveyed Greek, Syrian, and early Arabic & Indian
medicine. Throughout his works he added his own considered judgment and his own
medical experience as commentary.
Regarding Razi's Comprehensive Book which is significant medical encyclopedia
in 9 volumes, many scholars consider Razi the greatest medical doctor of the
Middle Ages.
Among his numerous minor medical treatises is the famed treatise in Small pox
and Measles, which was translated into Latin, Byzantine Greek, and various
modern languages.
Razi is also known for identifying "allergic asthma" and was the
first physician ever to write articles on allergy and immunology.
Razi was among the first to use humorism to distinguish one contagious disease
from another and is considered as the father of pediatrics and a pioneered one
in ophthalmology.
Edward Granville Browne (a British Orientalist
whose publications are related to Persia) considers Razi as "probably the
greatest and most original of the all physicians and one of the most prolific
as an author."
He contributed in many
ways to the early practice of pharmacy by compiling texts in which he
introduces the use of "mercurial ointments" and his development of
apparatus such as mortars, flasks, spatulas, and phials which were used in
pharmacies until the early 20 century.
He is well known as the discoverer of ethanol (and its refinement and use in
medicine) and vitriol (sulfuric acid).
Razi
isolated many chemical substances, produced many medications, and described
many laboratory apparatus. He developed several chemical instruments that
remain in use to this day. He is known to have perfect methods of distillation
and extraction.
Razi's
achievements are of exceptional importance in the history of chemistry, since
in his books one can find for the first time a systemic classification of
carefully observed and verified facts regarding chemical substances, reactions
and apparatus, described in a language almost entirely free from mysticism and
ambiguity.
He
compiled his thorough research in alchemy, pharmacy, and chemistry in 2
comprehensive books named: al-asrar (The Secrets) & sir al-asrar
(The Secret of Secrets). In his book "The Secret of Secrets", Razi
divides the subject of "Matter" into three categories as he did in
his previous book:
-Knowledge
and identification of drug components of plants, animal, and mineral origin and
the description of the best type of each for utilization in treatment.
-Knowledge
of equipment and tools of interest to and used by either alchemist or
pharmacist.
-Knowledge
of seven alchemical procedures and techniques: sublimation and condensation of
mercury, precipitation of sulfur and arsenic, calcinations of metals &
minerals.
Regarding
his remarkable contributions to the field of pharmacy, his birthday is
commemorated each year as the National Pharmacist's Day in Iran.
This
day has been set aside to recognize and honor all pharmacists across the
nation.
IRIMC honors pharmacists nationwide and admire their contributions to national
healthcare system.
Dr.
Shima Naghavi, Director of International Affairs