About the Book

Islam developed over the course of its history one of the most innovative and interesting scientific and medical traditions in the world. In this context, the term Islam should not simply be understood as referring to the religion of the prophet Muhammad, but rather to a civilisation which was surprisingly open to foreign influences, and eager to engage with the proverbial Other. Yet Islam is often perceived as being opposed to (Western) science and methodology.

Islamic Medical and Scientific Tradition presents a selection of articles that illustrate the intellectual curiosity and theoretical vigour with which Arabs and non-Arabs living in the medieval Muslim world pursued scientific endeavours. The focus is firmly on articles published during the last twenty years, during which the discipline has enjoyed a new bloom, with a significant number having been published in the new millennium.

Starting with the theoretical framework of the sciences in Islamic philosophy and theology, this new Major Work from Routledge elucidates the position of mathematics, physics, and medicine within the hierarchy of the sciences. Another topic discussed is Ancient (or Greek) versus traditional (or Muslim) sciences; and Islamic theological views on the pure pursuit of knowledge. The Life Sciences of Biology, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine are examined, as are those of the Physical Sciences: Physics and Astronomy (this includes the nature of the universe, the building blocks of life, and the eternal movement of the spheres.) The Occult Sciences of Astrology, Alchemy, and Geomancy are also discussed. Close attention is paid to the Mathematical Sciences of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Optics (including the introduction of zero, the invention of algebra, the squaring of the circle, conics, and the nature of vision.) The Practical Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering, and Horticulture, are also examined in detail.

Fully indexed, and with a comprehensive introduction newly-written by the editors, that places the collected material in its historical and intellectual context, this is an essential work destined to be valued by scholars, students, and researchers as a vital one-stop reference resource.