Al-Razi's treatises on smallpox and measles

Al-Razi, a renowned Persian physician from the 9th century, wrote influential treatises on smallpox and measles, distinguishing between the two diseases. He provided detailed observations on their symptoms, progression, and treatment options, emphasizing the importance of careful diagnosis. Al-Razi's work was pioneering for its systematic approach to medical observation and documentation, focusing on patient care and the contagious nature of these illnesses. His treatises laid the groundwork for future advances in epidemiology and infectious disease understanding, highlighting an early commitment to empirical research in medicine.