Ibn al Jazzar
895 - 979
Leprosy diagnosis
Ibn-al-Jazzar-al-Quayraweni was a physician and pharmacist who first diagnosed Leprosy. He detailed his findings in his book ‘Provision for the traveller and the present's subsistence’, an iconic medical-pharmaceutical textbook where diseases were classified by their aetiology. It included descriptions of disease physiology, symptoms and treatments, as well as minor surgeries and the use of minerals. This book was frequently used by travellers and poor people who could not afford a doctor. Some of the described pharmaceutical formulations are still in use today.
Ibn al Jazzar’s name got forgotten when his books were translated to Latin by Constantine the African, who purposefully acquired his work without referencing him. However, his considerable volume of scientific work is now recognized for its value.
Written by: Fatma Abdi.