Iran marks Avicenna's birth anniversary
https://parstoday.ir/en/radio/iran-i108780-iran_marks_avicenna's_birth_anniversary
August 23 has been named as the physicians' day, marking the birth anniversary of the famed and acclaimed Iranian physician, Avicenna.
(last modified 2021-04-13T02:52:40+00:00 )
Aug 23, 2019 03:56 UTC

August 23 has been named as the physicians' day, marking the birth anniversary of the famed and acclaimed Iranian physician, Avicenna.

In the history of any given nation, there are major figures, which have brought honor and dignity for their country. Meanwhile, there are also major figures who are praised for their vast knowledge and magnificent skills by the entire international community. Such grand figures, through their vast knowledge, have led to in-depth developments in scientific fields and human civilization, making major breakthroughs in the discovery of the mysteries of nature. One of the well-established scientists who left his mark on a variety of scientific fields, including the science of medicine, is Avicenna.

Today is the birth anniversary of Avicenna, which has been named as the Day of Physicians.

Avicenna was born in a knowledgeable and virtuous family in the year 980 AD. He was a sharp-minded child. Hence, his father made every effort to make Avicenna familiar with the Holy Quran and religious studies as of a young age. Participation in scientific discussions enabled Avicenna to become familiar with a variety of scientific fields of his day and age, at a tender age.

Avicenna noted that under the guidance of his father, he took part in Quranic and literary studies as of his childhood. According to Avicenna, at the age of ten, his profound knowledge in these realms astounded his teachers. Meanwhile, a knowledgeable man, named Abu Abdullah Natelli, who had settled in the city of Bukhara, was recruited by Avicenna's father to teach Avicenna. Avicenna, concurrent with attending the classes of this highly knowledgeable figure, learned the science of jurisprudence under a well-known figure named Ismail-e Zahed.

Natelli taught logic and geometry to Avicenna to a vast extent, while advising Avicenna's father to further invest in his son's sublime talents in acquirement of knowledge. After a while, Avicenna succeeded in mastering the science of logic. After Natelli left Bukhara, Avicenna studied theology and natural sciences, while developing an interest in the science of medicine. He studied the writings of former physicians, making major scientific accomplishments in the science of medicine in the shortest possible time, such that the well-known physicians of his day were eager to attend Avicenna's classes in the field of medicine.

Avicenna developed an interest in the science of medicine at the tender age of 16. He named medicine as one of the simple courses of science, which in turn manifests and proves the sublime talents and high intelligence of this Iranian scientist. In Avicenna's view, sciences such as mathematics are more complicated than the science of medicine.

In addition to learning medical theories, Avicenna discovered numerous medical treatments. He meticulously studied herbal plants, in addition to beneficial animals, such as leeches, and furthered his researches in medical treatments of patients, turning into a highly skilled and seasoned physician at a short period of time. In addition to studying medicine, he acquired knowledge in the fields of logic and philosophy, working on philosophical discussions, including Aristotle's philosophy, for a year and a half.

At the age of 18, Avicenna catapulted into fame, treating the refractory illness of the Samanid King, Mansour, while gaining permission to attend this ruler's library in order to further his studies.

Given the widespread political disputes of his day and age, Avicenna settled in a number of cities. He was honored by some rulers, enabling him to pen scientific books, while at other times, rulers were hard on him. However, despite of all of the hardships he experienced, he persevered and fulfilled his elevated goal. His goal was to continue to make scientific discoveries. He also groomed highly skilled and capable students.

Hardships and woes never disheartened Avicenna. He penned his signature book in medicine, named Qanoun, and his signature book in philosophy and logic, named Shafaa, which brought him global fame. His book, Qanoun, is comprised of seven volumes. In this book, he studies body's physiology, in addition to human health and ailments. Furthermore, in this book, Avicenna has enlisted 800 medicines, based on alphabetic order. He has also mentioned the discovery and production of new medicines in this medical book.

This Iranian scientist has also studied the effectiveness of medical treatments.

The book, Qanoun, was published in 1025 AD in Arabic language. This book led to the development of modern science of medicine and formed the cornerstone of many concepts of modern medicine. This book was translated into English, Greek, German, and Indian languages in 12th and 13th Centuries AD. Moreover, this book was known as a reference book in medicine for several centuries, and was taught in accredited and prestigious universities across the globe, up to 18th Century AD. Avicenna was well-known in the West, as of 14th Century to 16th Century AD.

Avicenna passed away, aged 57. He has left numerous books in the fields of medicine, philosophy, logic, and theology, to this day. Numerous historians have named Avicenna as the greatest scientist of the World of Islam, and he is also among the most influential scientists in the West.

 MR/ME