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Reading Response
History is a complex fabric with stories that influence how we perceive the past. However,
history is frequently presented biasedly, with some themes garnering attention and others
needing to be more obscure. The traditional account of how science and modern medicine
developed tends to focus mainly on the Scientific Revolution in Europe and ancient Greece,
ignoring the incredible contributions made by Arab physicians in the Middle Ages. A false
impression of medical history has resulted from this error. This response will examine Middle
Ages approaches to illness, compare and contrast Arab and European views on medicine, explain
the techniques used by Arab doctors, highlight their innovations, and ask why these
developments are not as well known as they should be.
Approaches to Illness in the Middle Ages
Based on the theories of the ancient Greek physician Galen, the Galenic system
significantly impacted European medical practices during the Middle Ages. European doctors
restored equilibrium by emphasizing the four elements and body humors, using techniques like
purging, bloodletting, and herbal medicines. On the other hand, Greek, Roman, and Indian
medical expertise was assimilated by the translation movement that flourished in the Arab world.
Building on this foundation, Arabic doctors like Avicenna advanced medical knowledge by
emphasizing methodical observation and experimentation, which helped to develop a more
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empirical strategy for healing (
Dhingra et al.
). Throughout the Middle Ages, Arab medicine
stood out for its sophisticated synthesis of diverse cultural aspects, contrasting with medieval
Europe's Galenic-centric approach. Scholars like Ibn Sina and Al-Razi contributed significantly
to synthesizing Greek, Roman, Persian, and Indian medical traditions. They encouraged
systematic experimentation, observation, and the production of extensive medical encyclopedias,
which set the stage for the Arab world's transition to a more comprehensive and empirical
knowledge of the human body.
How Did Arab Physicians Develop Their Treatments?
Throughout the Middle Ages, Arab physicians combined methodical observation,
experimentation, and the synthesis of information from various cultural and medical traditions to
develop their therapies. Their methodology was distinguished by a dedication to comprehending
the human anatomy, identifying ailments, and creating efficacious remedies. Direct patient
observation and meticulous symptom documentation were highly valued by Arab doctors
(
Dagenais et al.
). Their understanding of anatomy and this empirical method let them make the
most precise diagnoses. Based on painstaking anatomical studies, medical professionals such as
Ibn al-Nafis made revolutionary advances in understanding pulmonary circulation. Arab doctors
highly value direct patient observation and meticulous symptom documentation. Their
understanding of anatomy and this empirical method let them make the most precise diagnoses.
Based on painstaking anatomical studies, medical professionals such as Ibn al-Nafis made
revolutionary advances in understanding pulmonary circulation.
Innovations They Developed
Throughout the Middle Ages, Arab physicians achieved groundbreaking advances in
surgery and pharmacy. They brought essential oils from plants by distillation methods, which
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served as a model for contemporary pharmacy and perfumes. In addition, modern medications
still employ their inventive use of alcohol as a solvent in medicine (
Santoso et al. 20
). The use of
catgut for sutures was one surgical innovation that demonstrated the Arab world's enduring
influence on medical procedures, with their legacy influencing both conventional and cutting-
edge areas of surgery and pharmacology.
Why Aren't Most Folks Aware of the Advances
There are several reasons why the contributions made by Arabs to medicine have gone
unrecognized, such as historical Eurocentrism, cultural prejudices, and selective knowledge
transfer. Arab achievements were eclipsed by the fall of the Islamic Golden Age and the ensuing
geopolitical upheavals (
Santoso et al. 28
). Furthermore, Arab intellectuals' contributions were
either minimized or appropriated during the Renaissance, a period in Europe that saw a
resurgence of interest in classical writings.
Conclusion
Conclusively, knowing the background of medicine in the Middle Ages reveals a
beautiful tapestry made of many influences. Arab physicians were crucial in influencing the
development of medicine because of their dedication to observation, experimentation, and
knowledge synthesis. The fact that these contributions were overlooked emphasizes how crucial
it is to go back and broaden our historical narratives to recognize the connections between
human achievement throughout civilizations. We are deepening our historical understanding and
laying the groundwork for a more truthful and inclusive history of science and medicine as we
unearth the obscure records of Arab medicine.
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Works Cited
Dagenais, Gilles R., et al. "Variations in common diseases, hospital admissions, and deaths in
middle-aged adults in 21 countries from five continents (PURE)." (2019).
Dhingra, Sameer, et al. "Microbial resistance movements: an overview of global public health
threats posed by antimicrobial resistance, and how best to counter."
Frontiers in Public
Health
8 (2020):
Santoso, Nuke Puji Lestari, et al. "Modern Technology Advances with Benefits for Humanity to
Demonstrate Design with Conventional Sources Islamic."
International Journal of Cyber
and IT Service Management
1.1 (2021): 14–36.