Abu Bakr al-Razi

Abu Bakr al-Razi (865–925), born in Rey, Iran, was a pioneering scientist in the fields of medicine, philosophy, and chemistry. In Western sources, he is known as Rhazes. His works remained one of the foundational texts of medical education for centuries in both the Islamic world and Europe.

Doctor Razi

Razi advanced so far in medicine that he was given the title “the Galen of the Arabs”. Galen was the most renowned physician of antiquity. This title reflects the immense stature Razi achieved in medicine.

Due to his emphasis on child health, Razi is recognized as the “father of pediatrics”. In his work Practica Puerorum, he described childhood illnesses. He was also the first scientist to distinguish smallpox from measles, a discovery that helped thousands of people receive proper treatment.

• The system he introduced for doctors in hospitals was remarkable: students first examined the patient. If they could not diagnose it, the case passed to assistants. If the assistants also failed, Razi himself would intervene. This way, students gained practical experience while Razi focused on the most difficult cases. This system is considered one of the precursors to modern medical education.

(Generated by artificial intelligence.)

Experiment Enthusiast

Actually, Razi’s interest in science began while working as a jeweler. While handling materials in jewelry-making, he became curious about chemistry. He started conducting small experiments, but the fumes caused eye problems that plagued him for the rest of his life.

Yet he did not give up. He continued his experiments and identified many substances, including alcohol, acetic acid, and sulfuric acid. He notably recognized alcohol’s germ-killing properties and recommended its use in sanitation. This discovery laid the foundation for modern disinfectants.

One of Razi’s most important traits was his focus not only on results but also on method during experimentation. He meticulously recorded his trials and noted which methods proved effective. This approach is now one of the fundamental pillars of the scientific method.

(Generated by artificial intelligence.)

Writing Machine

Razi was, in every sense, a book factory. He was not merely a reader but a constant writer. According to tradition, he filled more than 20,000 pages of drafts in a single year.

His most famous work is the massive medical encyclopedia Hawi. This book compiled knowledge from ancient Greek physicians as well as his own observations. Translated into Latin as Continens Liber, it became the standard reference for European physicians for centuries.

• In addition, he wrote hundreds of works on chemistry, philosophy, and ethics. Even today, portions of his writings are preserved in libraries.

(Generated by artificial intelligence.)

Philosopher Razi

Razi was not only a physician but also a freethinking philosopher. He argued that humans must use reason to reach truth.

His claim that prophets were unnecessary sparked intense controversy in his time. Although this view was heavily criticized, Razi refused to retreat. In his view:

“The most intelligent, the most just, and the most compassionate person is the one closest to God.”

Through these ideas, Razi earned his place in history not only as a physician but also as a thinker who encouraged people to reflect.

Final Years

The eye problems that had troubled Razi throughout his life worsened in old age. Due to cataracts, he nearly lost his sight entirely. He spent his final years in his birthplace, Rey, and died there in 925.

But his works and ideas continued to live on for centuries. Even today, physicians and historians of science still remember him.