Al-Razi (Rhazes)

Known for

First clear distinction between smallpox and measles; huge medical encyclopedia Al-Hawi

Biography

Persian physician and alchemist from Rey (near today's Tehran) who directed hospitals in Rey and Baghdad.

Contributions

• Wrote the first known clinical account distinguishing smallpox from measles
• Compiled Al-Hawi, a vast record of medical knowledge and his own case notes
• Promoted clinical observation and testing of treatments
• In chemistry, classified substances and described laboratory apparatus; credited with work on distilling alcohol

Major works

• Kitab al-Hawi fi al-Tibb (Continens)
• Kitab al-Mansuri fi al-Tibb
• Kitab al-Judari wa al-Hasba (On Smallpox and Measles)
• Kitab al-Asrar (Book of Secrets, chemistry)