Al-Razi

Abu Bakr Mohammad Ibn Zakariya al-Razi (???? ?????? ????), according to al-Biruni born in Rayy, Iran in the year 251/865 and died in Rayy, Iran 313/925.

Related Topics:
Rayy - Iran - Rayy

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He was a versatile Persian Philosopher ,who made fundamental and lasting contributions to the fields of medicine, chemistry (alchemy) and philosophy. He is also known as Al-Razi, Ar-Razi, and Ibn Zakaria (Zakariya); or (in Latin) as Rhazes and Rasis.

Related Topics:
Persian - Philosopher - Medicine - Chemistry - Alchemy - Philosophy - Latin

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Al-Razi realized no organized system of philosophy, but taking in account the time he lived in, he must be reckoned as one of the most vigorous and liberal thinkers in Islam and perhaps in the history of human thought. He was a pure rationalist, extremely confident of the power of reason, free from any kind of prejudice, and very bold and daring in expressing his ideas without a qualm. He believed in man, progress and in "God the Wise".

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He is credited with the discovery of sulfuric acid, the "work horse" of modern chemistry and chemical engineering among other things; he also discovered ethanol (and its refinement) and use in medicine.

Related Topics:
Sulfuric acid - Ethanol - Medicine

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Razi was a prolific writer: he wrote 184 books and articles in various fields of science. According to historian Ibn an-Nadim, Razi distinguished himself as the best physician of his time who had fully mastered Greek medical knowledge. He traveled in many lands and rendered service to several princes and rulers. As a teacher in Medicine he attracted a great amount of students of all diciplines and was said to be compassionate, kind, upright, and devoted to the service of his patients, whether rich or poor.

Related Topics:
Ibn an-Nadim - Greek

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The modern Razi Institute near Tehran, Iran was named after him, and Razi Day (Pharmacy Day) is commemorated to him in Iran every August 27.

Related Topics:
Razi Institute - Tehran - Iran - August 27

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