The Contribution of Al-Razi to the Evolution of Modern Science

Abstract

Islam is a religion that has been marked by human civilization. The reality shows the researcher and scientist, that Islamic civilization derived all its components, and elements of its existence, and the reasons for development and prosperity of Islam. This fact coupled with a suitable and favorable culture of seeking knowledge, resulted in the flourish and growth in all disciplines of science. In addition to that, many Caliphs strives to create a conducive environment for scholars and scientists to work, and rewarded innovative scholars generously. This paper will examine the evolution of Al-Razi to the modern science being the first physician in human history who described in details the symptoms and signs of smallpox and measles based on clinical examination, and he was the,first who distinguished between these two diseases by putting what is called now the differential diagnosis. This paper will focus on Al-Razi h Book on Smallpox and Measles (Kitab al-Jadari wa 'I-Hasba), the Scientific Value of the Book, how the smallpox and measles diseases were dealt with by a/-Razi in several of his medical works, as shown in Al-Hawi fi '1-Tibb, A treatise on pediatric diseases (Risala fi amradh al-aftal wa 'I- 'ianaya bhihim), and the effect of al-Razi concepts related to smallpox and measles on the physicians after him. Finally, this paper will show the great impact of Muslim scholars in evolution of Modern science.