A panoramic view of the life of Al-Rhazes, the polymath pioneer of psychopharmacology and psychiatry

Patrick Ashinze; Winner  Unwaba Owoicho; Nelson Mafua; Ekene Nnagha; Eniola Akande; Innocent  Bonu; Abdullaah  Idris-Agbabiaka; Olasemo Ayodeji; Lukman Abiodun Musa; Michael  Olanite; Tunde Kolawole; Oluwatosin Oluwafisoye-Oragbade

doi:10.51496/jogm.v5.323

Authors

Patrick Ashinze Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Winner Unwaba Owoicho Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
Nelson Mafua Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Madonna University, Ogene, Nigeria
Ekene Nnagha Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Eniola Akande Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Innocent Bonu Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abdullaah Idris-Agbabiaka Texila American University, Georgetown, Guyana
Olasemo Ayodeji Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Lukman Abiodun Musa Emergency Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland
Michael Olanite University Hospital, Dorset NHS Trust, United Kingdom
Tunde Kolawole Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Oluwatosin Oluwafisoye-Oragbade Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51496/jogm.v5.323

Keywords:

Abū Bakr al-Rāzī, Rhazes, history of medicine, Persian polymath

Abstract

This work examines the life and contributions of Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyyā al-Rāzī (865–925 AD), also known as Rhazes, a renowned Persian polymath and physician. Being famous as the father of psychiatry, psychology and pharmacology, Rhazes made significant advancements in medicine, philosophy, ethics and alchemy. His works, including influential treatises and translations of Greek medical texts, laid the groundwork for modern medical practices. As a physician and medical director in Baghdad, his humanitarian efforts were particularly aimed at aiding the poor. This biography examines Rhazes’s achievements, highlighting his interdisciplinary impact on various medical fields and natural sciences. By studying and marvelling at his contributions, we gain valuable insights into the historical evolution of medical knowledge and the foundational concepts that continue to influence contemporary medical practices.

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