Canon medicinae - Rare book, public domain, Library of Congress scan

Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, wrote the Canon of Medicine, a comprehensive medical encyclopaedia, during his lifetime from 980 to 1037 AD. This work became a standard textbook in both the Islamic and European worlds for many centuries. The Canon is divided into five books. The first covers basic medical principles, including anatomy, physiology, pathology and health guidelines. The second, 'The Book of Materia Medica', discusses the properties and use of medicinal substances such as herbs and minerals. In the third book, The Book of Diseases, Ibn Sina classifies and describes various diseases and provides detailed insights. The fourth book, "The Book of Special Pathologies", delves deeper into specific diseases and treatments related to different organs and systems. The canon concludes with the fifth book, "The Book of Formulary", which provides a practical guide to the preparation of compound medicines and prescriptions. Drawing on Greek, Roman, Persian and Indian sources, Ibn Sina's work was translated into Latin in the 12th century and influenced medical education in medieval Europe until the Renaissance. Although modern medicine has evolved beyond the canon, it remains a significant historical milestone.