The Canon of Medicine

The Canon of Medicine, written by the Persian physician Avicenna in the 11th century, is a comprehensive medical encyclopedia that organizes medical knowledge of the time. It covers topics such as anatomy, diagnosis, treatments, and herbal medicine. This influential work synthesized Greek, Roman, and Islamic medical theories, establishing principles of observation and clinical examination. Used as a medical textbook in universities for centuries, it significantly shaped Western and Islamic medicine, laying the groundwork for modern medical practices and education. Its systematic approach to medicine emphasized empirical evidence and the importance of understanding the human body.