The Book of Optics

"The Book of Optics," written by the 11th-century philosopher and scientist Ibn al-Haytham, explores the nature of light and vision. It challenges previous theories by emphasizing that vision occurs when light reflects off objects and enters the eye. The work delves into the properties of light, the formation of images, and the principles of lenses and mirrors. Ibn al-Haytham's meticulous experiments and systematic approach laid the groundwork for modern optics and significantly influenced later scientists. His contributions helped shift the study of light from philosophical speculation to a more scientific inquiry based on observation and experimentation.