2021-09-01 Wed

On August 27, 854, the celebrated alchemist, physician, Philosopher, and polymath Muhammad ibnZakariya al-Raziwas born in Ray, Iran. He is considered to have been the greatest doctor in the world during the middle ages.

A comprehensive thinker, Razi made fundamental and enduring contributions to various fields, which he recorded in over 200 manuscripts, and is particularly remembered for numerous advances in medicine through his observations and discoveries. An early proponent of experimental medicine, he became a successful doctor, and served as chief physician of Baghdad and Ray hospitals. As a teacher of medicine, he attracted students of all backgrounds and interests and was said to be compassionate and devoted to the service of his patients, whether rich or poor.

He was among the first to use humoral theory to distinguish one contagious disease from another, and wrote a pioneering book about smallpox and measles providing clinical characterization of the diseases.

Al-Razi is also credited with being the first to recognize the reaction of the eye's pupil to light. He wrote more than 224 books on various subjects. His most important work is the medical encyclopedia known as Al-Hawi fi al-Tibb, known in Europe as Liber Continens. His books in medicine, philosophy, and alchemy had greatly influenced human civilization, especially in Europe.

To honour him many countries have issued a stamp featuring his portrait.

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