When it comes to the advancement of ancient methods of medicine and philosophy, Avicenna (the Latin name for Abu Ali Sina and Ibn Sina). Of his time, Avicenna grew to become the leading physician and philosopher of the people. Not only did he make strides in medicine, but he also dabbled in astronomy, chemistry, geology, paleontology, math, physics, poetry, and psychology. In this article, you will encounter a collection of facts regarding the life of Avicenna.
· Prolific Writer , Treatises
· Avicenna penned nearly 450 treatises concerning a range of topics. Sadly, close to 240 have survived over time. The most prized finds of his work include 150 surviving treatises that focus on philosophy and medicine (40).
· Famous Works
· ‘The Book of Healing’ is one of Avicenna’s most famous works. Inside, the pages reveal an extensive philosophical and scientific encyclopedia of information. ‘The Canon of Medicine’ offers a medical text once popular throughout the majority of universities in medieval times.
· A Pioneer
· With the title ‘father of early modern medicine,’ Avicenna is also connected to advancements in physiology, the contagiousness of infectious diseases, climate and environment effects on health, as well as attempts at experimental medicine.
· An Aromatic Invention
· With his invention of steam distillation, Avicenna could very well have earned the title, ‘father of aromatherapy,’ as he also led the way in extracting essential oils from herbs and plants.
· A Geologist, Too?
· In geology, Avicenna established the concept of the law of superposition, which involves sedimentary layers of earth.
· Birthplace and Parentage
· Avicenna was born in 980 to a Persian family, in a village located near Bukhara (called Khurmaithan), which is close to what is now known as Uzbekistan , in the same hometown as his mother. His father was a respected scholar hailing from Balkh, which was a Persian state of Khorasan. At the time of his birth, Avicenna’s father held the position of a governor. Avicenna’s full name was Hussain ibn Abdullah ibn Hassan ibn Ali ibn Sina.
· Education
· Avicenna was educated in Bukhara and was equipped with an impressive capacity for learning and possessed a great memory as well. This would help him advance beyond the progress of his peers. He was considered a child prodigy.
· From Science to Teaching
· Avicenna is known to wear many different hats in his day. At one point in his life, the man was a scientist, soldier, and teacher.
· Memorization Skills
· By the age of ten, Avicenna had memorized the Qur’an. He also learned a hefty chunk of Persian poetry.
· An Early Medical Career
· Avicenna’s career in medicine began when he turned 16 years old. This is the point in his life when he learned medical theory, as well as explored new ways of treating the sick. When he turned 18 years old, he had achieved the full status as a qualified doctor. In no time, he earned the reputation of a great physician. Word soon spread and he started to treat patients, foregoing any payment.