Muhammad ibn Zakariya Razi

One of the most notable scientists during the Islamic era was Muhammad ibn Zakariya Razi, also known by his Latinized name Rhazes or Rasis (854 CE – 925 CE). He was a Persian polymath, physician, alchemist, chemist, philosopher, and an important figure in the history of medicine.

He is the discoverer of alcohol and vitriol (sulfuric acid) and is well-known. Razi was possibly the first Persian doctor to deliberately write a home medical manual directed at the general public. He dedicated it to the poor, ordinary citizen who could consult it for treatment of common ailments when a doctor was not available. This book, of course, is of special interest to the history of pharmacy, since similar books were not very popular until the 20th century. In its 36 chapters, Razi described diets and drug components that can be found in either an apothecary, a marketplace, in well-equipped kitchens, or in military camps. Thus, every intelligent person could follow its instructions and prepare the proper recipes with good results (a concept that is currently used in naturopathic medicine). Some of the illnesses treated were headaches, colds, coughing, melancholy, and diseases of the eye, ear, and stomach.

Here are a few examples of treatments:

 Treatment of a feverish headache: “Parts of duhn (oily extract) of rose, to be mixed with 1 part of vinegar, in which a piece of linen cloth is dipped and compressed on the forehead.”

 For a laxative: “7 drams of dried violet flowers with 20 pears, macerated and well mixed, then strained. Add to this filtrate, 20 drams of sugar for a drink.”

 In cases of melancholy, Razi invariably recommended prescriptions which included either poppies or their juice (opium), Cuscuta epithymum (clover dodder), or both.

 For an eye remedy, he advised myrrh, saffron, and frankincense, two drams each, to be mixed with one dram of yellow arsenic formed into tablets. Each tablet was to be dissolved in a sufficient quantity of coriander water and used as eye drops.

As a practicing physician, Razi wrote a pioneering book about smallpox and measles, providing clinical characterization of the diseases, and was said to be compassionate and devoted to the service of his patients, whether rich or poor. On a professional level, Razi introduced many practical, progressive, medical, and psychological ideas. He attacked charlatans and fake doctors who roamed the cities and countryside selling their nostrums and quotes. At the same time, he warned that even highly educated doctors did not have the answers to all medical problems and could not cure all illnesses or heal every disease.