Ibn Sina

Definition

Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, was a Persian polymath who made significant contributions to various fields including medicine and philosophy. His work laid foundational principles for later developments in microbiology and other sciences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ibn Sina wrote 'The Canon of Medicine', which remained a standard medical text for centuries.
2. He proposed that diseases could be spread through water and soil, an early concept linked to germ theory.
3. Ibn Sina's works included detailed descriptions of contagious diseases like tuberculosis.
4. He emphasized the importance of hygiene and quarantine to prevent disease spread.
5. His ideas about the transmission of diseases influenced later scientists during the Renaissance.

Review Questions

• What is one major contribution of Ibn Sina to the field of medicine?
• How did Ibn Sina's work relate to the early concepts of germ theory?
• In what ways did Ibn Sina suggest preventing the spread of diseases?

Related terms

The Canon of Medicine: A medical encyclopedia written by Ibn Sina that became a reference for many centuries.

Germ Theory: The scientific theory that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases.

Quarantine: A practice recommended by Ibn Sina to isolate individuals to prevent disease spread.