c. 865-c. 923

Persian Physician

Abu Bakr Muhammed ibn Zakariya ar-Razi (who was known as Rhazes in Europe) was an individual of sweeping intellect and broad interests. He is widely regarded as one of the finest physicians who ever lived. A prolific author, his writings on medical science influenced the practice of medicine throughout the West until at least the seventeenth century.

Ar-Razi was born near present-day Tehran, Iran, in what was then Persia. In his early education and experience, he showed interest and ability in a wide range of fields, studying and becoming accomplished in music, alchemy (and chemistry), philosophy, mathematics, and physics. But it was to the field of medicine that he chose to devote his greatest efforts, spending his life not only as a practicing physician, but also compiling accounts of medical treatments from a number of sources, testing them himself, adding...