450 years old manuscript testifies medical advancement made by Muslim scholars

Preserved by the Al-Azhar Library Museum, a scientific manuscript more than 450 years old documented the advancement of medical sciences in Islamic civilization, regarding it a rare treasure of intellectual heritage.

Egypt Today reported, the manuscript– Mukhtasar Tadhkirat al-Suwaidi – is considered as one of the most prominent classical references in traditional and alternative Arab medicine.

The manuscript is attributed to Egyptian Imam Abd al-Wahhab ibn Ahmad ibn Ali al-Sha’rani al-Hanafi (d. 973 AH) who is famously known for his efforts in simplifying scientific knowledge and making it accessible to wider audiences.

He condensed the original work, Tadkirat al-Suwaidi which was authored by the distinguished physician Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr al-Suwaidi al-Ansari, a leading medical authority of his era and compiler of major medical encyclopedias.

Al Azhar said, the presentation of this manuscript during the Cairo International Book Fair yesterday underscores the depth of Islamic scientific heritage and its foundational role in establishing sound scientific methodologies. 

“Al-Suwaidi’s abridged treatise stands as a lasting testament to the contributions of Muslim scholars in advancing human health and serving humanity across the ages,” Al Azhar said in a statement.

According to Egypt Today, the manuscript possesses exceptional historical and scientific significance, bearing ownership inscriptions belonging to Al al-Nuri and Muhammad al-Laqqani where its transcriptions date to 987 AH.

Al-Azhar Library Museum, Egypt. (credit photo: EHAF)

The book is a living proof to the circulation and reliability of medical knowledge over more than four and a half centuries, reflecting its enduring status among scholars and physicians.

Divided into three sections, the manuscript portrays a clear and systematic scientific methodology for readers to understand and follow.

The first section addresses simple medicines that are arranged alphabetically, detailing plants, minerals and animal substances along with their properties and therapeutic uses.

The second section underlines compound medicines, outlining methods for preparing drugs, syrups, pastes and ointments following established pharmacological principles. 

The third section centres around treatment of diseases, organized from head to toe including ailments of the eyes, chest, stomach and skin, as well as examples of minor surgical procedures.

Egypt Today elaborates, the scientific value of the manuscript lies in its integration of Prophetic medicine, botanical knowledge and practical medical experience which reflects an early awareness on the importance of systematically organizing medical knowledge.

Moving beyond random or unsystematic approaches, the manuscript remains an invaluable resource for researchers studying the history of medicine and science.