ificant influence on the lives of Ibn al-Khatib, Ibn al-Sakkak and Mustafa Naima.
- Khaldun died in 1406 from natural causes as he was about to contest for the 6thtime for the office of the Maliki qadi (Judge). He was survived by a son.
Just like Ibn Sina, Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī was a Persian polymath who was best known for his works in mathematics and geography. Al-Khwarizm, whose works greatly influenced the prominent Egyptian mathematician Abu Kamil, served as one of the scholars in the House of Wisdom during the Islamic Golden age.
Al-Khwarizmi is credited as the inventor of algebra since he presented the first systematic method for addressing algebraic problems by providing analytical solutions to linear and quadratic equations. Among other things, Al-Khwarizmi distinguished algebra from other mathematical concepts like geometry. Al- Khwrizm’s method for solving linear or quadratic equations involved reducing the equation to one of six standard forms.
Al-Khwarizmi was also one of the earliest scholars to appreciate the Hindu numeral system for its mathematical potential. His significant effort in defining these symbols was a driving force behind the 10-digit system’s rapid growth throughout the Arab world. Due to its widespread adoption and use by Arabs, this 10-digit system is often referred to as the Arabic number system. One of the earliest mathematicians to use zero as a positional base was Al-Khwarizmi.
By introducing the sine function, Al-Khwarizmi helped mathematicians refine their tabulation techniques. As a result, Al-Khwarizmi is generally considered to be the first person to conceptualize an algorithm. A major focus of his work was the use of logical reasoning in solving mathematical problems.
In the same spirit as his contributions to mathematics, Al-Khwarizmi produced significant advancements in astronomy. He established astronomical standards by creating accurate tables that are still relevant in today’s world.
Interesting Facts about ibn Musa al-Khwarizm
- A big lunar crater was named after Al Khwarizmi in honor of his many achievements in the fields of mathematics and astronomy.
- Many people credit him as the inventor of algebra. His book “Hisab Al-Jabr Al-Muqabala” is widely regarded as one of the most important works in the history of mathematics.
- He oversaw the House of Wisdom, a prestigious library in Baghdad, during his time there.
- The Persian mathematician died sometime after 847 of natural causes
al-Zahrawi (also known as Abulcasis)
Abulcasis, or Abu Al-Qasim Khalaf Ibn Al-Abbas Al-Zahrawi, was a famous Muslim surgeon who lived from 936 until 1013 A.D. His expertise in both conventional medical practice and the use of both basic and complicated medicines earned him the title of “Pharmacist Surgeon.”
“Kitab Al-Tasrif”, a thirty-volume encyclopedia of medical practice, is his most important contribution to history. Known in English as “The Method of Medicine”, the most important part of this encyclopedia is made up of three books on surgery: one on cauterization, one on incision, perforation, venesection, and wounds, and one on bone-setting. The book, which covers over 190 descriptions of different surgical instruments, remained a staple in many European universities until the 19th century.
From a medical standpoint, Abulcasis, whose area of specialization was cauterization, pioneered the discovery of what causes paralysis and the identification of the genetic basis for hemophilia. He also discovered and analyzed an abdominal pregnancy, a form of ectopic pregnancy that was lethal in his day. The surgeon also invented tools used in cataract and Caesarean section operations.
Other contributions made by al-Zahrawi
- For a surgeon, his apt description of nearly 200 different surgical instruments was unprecedented. He described in great detail how to use various probes, surgical blades, scalpels, and hooks. The surgical scissors, gripping forceps, and obstetrical forceps were also innovations of his.
- Using animal bones, Abulcasis developed a number of dental tools and prosthetic teeth.