Islamic Science

The Genesis of Science

Arabic Science

• Arabic science emerged after 750 AD, sponsored by the Abbasid caliphs.

• It encompasses various scientific fields: mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and optics.

• Arabic: the intellectual language of science texts.

• Promoted by Arab-Muslim Caliphs.

Influence of Greek Works

• Medieval Arabic science was significantly influenced by the Greco-Hellenistic legacy.

• Key translations included:

  • Mathematics: Euclid's Elements, works of Archimedes.

  • Astronomy: Ptolemy's Almagest.

  • Medicine: Galen, Hippocrates, and Dioscorides.

Key Contributors to Arabic Science

Sabaeans

• A pagan community from Harran, significant in early Arabic science.

• Influenced by Pythagorean teachings; skilled in mathematics.

• Thābit ibn Qurrā’ translated Archimedes' works into Arabic.

Nestorian Christians

• Based in Jundi Shapur; noted for their comprehensive medical knowledge.

• Provided favored medical expertise to Abbasid caliphs.

Mathematics

• Hisab or ‘ilm al-a‘dad: Arabic term for Arithmetic.

• Influenced by: Euclid’s Elements and Nicomachus's works.

Modern Number System

• Hindu-Arabic numeral system is based on Indian and Arabian origins.

• The concept of zero (0) was developed by Arab mathematicians.

Notable Mathematicians

• ‘Umar al-Khayyām: polymath who contributed to algebra and wrote on mechanics, geography, and music.

• Developed Treatise on Demonstration of Problems of Algebra; focused on cubic equations.

• Al-Khwarizmi: adapted Ptolemy's works, known as the "Father of Algebra"; authored Kitab al-Jabr wa al-Muqabala.

Astronomy

Development Factors

• Practical needs and religious observances (such as prayer times) fueled the growth of astronomy.

• Major research centers: Baghdad, Cairo, Damascus, Maragha.

Instruments and Contributions

• Innovations included:

  • Astrolabe: for determining time of day/night.

  • Al-Zijes: tables with astronomical data.

  • Contributions from astronomers like Ibrahim al-Fazari in translating works and making astrolabes.

Tusi's Contribution

• Nasir al-Din Tusi: played a pivotal role in reviving Islamic sciences; wrote Zij-i Ilkhani, advancing trigonometric understanding.

Optics

Sources and Major Contributions

• Based on writings of Euclid, Ptolemy, Archimedes, and Galen.

• Ibn al-Haytham (Alhacen): major figure in optics, wrote Kitab al-Manazir (Book of Optics), studied light behavior, and early camera obscura.

Medicine

Centers of Learning

• Baghdad: a hub with over 800 doctors; advancements influenced by Greco-Roman knowledge, Nestorian teachings, and Jundishapur's legacy.

• Early hospitals developed, including the famed al-Adudi.

Key Figures

• Al-Razi (Rhazes): differentiated between smallpox and measles; significant contributions in clinical care.

• Abulcasis (Al-Zahrawi): known as the father of modern surgery; authored Kitab al-Tasrif.

• Ibn al-Nafis: discovered pulmonary circulation; influential in Egyptian medical practice.

• Ibn Sina (Avicenna): wrote The Canon of Medicine, compiling medical knowledge and remedies.

Child Care and Popular Works

• Ibn al-Jazzar: specialized in child care; translated works spread to Europe.

The Renaissance of Arabic Science in Europe

• The 12th century saw a resurgence of interest in Arabic science in Europe.

• Toledo became a significant translation center, facilitating the exchange of Arabic scientific texts into Latin.