Islamic Science (4)

Page 1: The Genesis of Science

• Introduction to the origins and historical context of scientific development.

Page 2: Arabic Science

• Refers to various scientific activities sponsored by the Abbasid caliphs post-750.

• Scientific fields sponsored included mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and optics.

• Texts were predominantly written in Arabic, establishing Arabic as the key intellectual language.

• Sponsored by Arab-Muslim Caliphs.

Page 3: Influence of Greek Works

• Medieval Arabic science substantially drew from Greco-Hellenistic heritage.

• Translations included significant works:

  • Mathematics: Euclid’s Elements, Archimedes.

  • Astronomy: Ptolemy’s Almagest.

  • Medicine: Galen, Hippocrates, Dioscorides.

Page 4: Contributions of the Sabaeans and Nestorians

• Important roles in Arabic science as translators and authors:

  • Sabaeans:

    • A pagan community from Harran, known for Hellenistic learning.

    • Influenced by Pythagorean teachings, proficient in mathematics.

    • Thābit ibn Qurrā’ translated Archimedes into Arabic and authored original works.

  • Nestorians:

    • Based in Jundi Shapur, acknowledged for their extensive medical knowledge.

    • Employed by Abbasid caliphs, strong knowledge of Greco-Hellenistic medicine.

Page 5: The Nestorians in Medicine

• Nestorian community’s vital role in early medical advancements.

• Received knowledge from various Greek influences, leading to superior medical practices.

Page 6: Mathematics

• Arabic term for arithmetic: hisab or ‘ilm al-a‘dad.

• Developed from:

  • Euclid’s Elements (Books VII-IX)

  • Nicomachus of Gerasa's Science of Numbers (translated by Thabit b. Qurrah).

Page 7: Origins of the Modern Number System

• Modern number system: Hindu-Arabic, recognizing Indian and Arabian contributions.

• Zero, invented by Arab mathematicians, is fundamental to this system.

Page 8: Notable Mathematician

• Ghiyath al-Din Abu’l-Fath ‘Umar al-Khayyām Nishapuri (1048-1131):

  • Polymath and influential figure in various disciplines, authored multiple treatises.

Page 9: Contributions to Algebra

• ‘Umar al-Khayyām wrote crucial works on algebra, including methods for solving cubic equations.

Page 10: Abu Abdullah al-Khawarizmi

• Murad to Ptolemy’s Geographike Hyphegesis.

• Authored the first Arabic handbook on Indian reckoning.

• Known as the “Father of Algebra” and popularized algorithms through Kitab al-Jabr wa al-Muqabala.

Page 11: Advancement of Astronomy

• Driven by religious needs for prayer timings and practical applications.

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

• Instruments developed include:

  • Astrolabe: a computational instrument for time calculation.

  • Al-Zijes: astronomical data tables, with new contributions by astronomers.

Page 12: Notable Astronomers

• Ibrahim al-Fazari:

  • Translated Indian astronomical texts into Arabic for al-Mansur, early astrolabe developer.

Page 13: Nasir al-Din Tusi

• Tusi (1201-1274): Key figure in reviving Islamic sciences through diverse contributions.

Page 14: Tusi and Astronomical Tables

• Persuaded Hulegu Khan to build an observatory for improved astronomical tables.

• His work led to advanced methodologies in trigonometry.

Page 15: Zij-i Ilkhani

• Tusi's Zij-i Ilkhani detailed astronomical calculations and advanced planetary system models.

Page 16: Foundations of Optics

• Influenced by significant texts from Euclid, Ptolemy, Archimedes, and Galen.

• Hunayn Ibn Ishaq’s works based on these theories, wrote about vision.

Page 17: Alhacen's Contributions

• Abū ‘Ali al-Hasan ibn al-Hasan Ibn al-Haytham (965-1040): Made notable advancements in optics, including the scientific method application.

Page 18: Kitab al-Manazir

• His famous work proved light follows straight lines, conducted numerous lens and mirror experiments.

• Pioneered the early analysis of the camera obscura.

Page 19: Development of Medicine

• Baghdad as a prominent medical center, over 800 doctors.

• Strong integration of Greek medical traditions, with early hospitals emerging.

Page 20: Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi

• Renowned for numerous medical firsts, including differentiation of smallpox and measles.

Page 21: Abulcasis

• Prominent surgeon, author of Kitab al-Tasrif, had lasting influence on surgical practices and instruments.

Page 22: Ibn al-Nafis

• First to describe pulmonary circulation, worked in Egypt’s renowned hospitals.

Page 23: Ibn Sina

• Famous for The Canon of Medicine, compiling comprehensive treatments and medicinal knowledge.

Page 24: Ibn al-Jazzar

• Noted medical practitioner specializing in child care with enduring influence through his works.

Page 25: European Renaissance Influence

• 12th century interest in Arabic sciences and philosophy, translation efforts centered in Toledo.

Page 26: Useful Sources

• Jim al-Khalili’s linked videos for further exploration of the subject.