The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Sciences (Part 15)
Science of Anatomy
One of the important and fundamental sciences in the field of medicine that Muslims have paid special attention to is the science of “dissection” and “anatomy.” This knowledge enables the Muslim physician to achieve sufficient skill and accuracy in this field before performing surgery or commenting on treatment methods.
However, many Western scholars believe that Muslims did not play a significant role in this domain. They claim that Islam prohibits this science and considers it an insult to the dignity of man and his body. What they overlook is that such work is done under necessity and aims to gain a greater understanding of the human body—a goal that not only does not contradict Islamic teachings but is, in some cases, considered necessary.
Among the most prominent Muslim physicians who contributed to and wrote about this science are Imam Avicenna, Ibn al-Nafis, Abdullatif Baghdadi, Al-Zahrawi, and others. Ibn Sina, in particular, played a crucial role in this field. He wrote a commentary on Galen’s works on anatomy using a scientific and technical approach. In his famous book Al-Qanun, he presented innovations and views that highlight his dedication and mastery of the science of anatomy.
“Amin Khairullah,” an Arab writer, states: “When we reflect on Ibn Sina’s works on anatomy, we inevitably conclude that he was an unparalleled master in this field. Scholars like Ibn Sina, Ibn al-Nafis, Baghdadi, and Al-Zahrawi did not leave any of Galen’s theories on anatomy without analysis and commentary, thereby achieving new scientific results in the fields of anatomy and surgery.”
Regarding the role of Muslims in the science of anatomy and dissection, “Ahmad Shawkat Shatti” writes: “Westerners believe that Muslim expertise in the science of anatomy was very weak, claiming that the prohibition of dissecting bodies in Islam supports this view. However, this claim contradicts reality. As Ibn Rushd, an Andalusian physician, states: Knowing the parts of the human body through the science of anatomy is a means of approaching Allah Almighty.”
The Role and Activities of Muslims in the Science of Anatomy and Dissection
Muslims had three major roles and activities in the science of anatomy and dissection:
1. Writing Books on the Science of Anatomy
Muslims were the first to write independent books on the science of anatomy. One of the most significant of these is Sharh al-Qanun by Ibn Nafis, recognized as the first specialized work in this field. In this work, Ibn Nafis analyzed and summarized Ibn Sina’s views on anatomy and his points of disagreement with Galen.
2. Preservation and Organization of Galen’s Works
Muslims preserved Galen’s texts on anatomy from destruction, categorizing and arranging them logically and fluently for scientific use.
3. Research, Scrutiny, and Innovation in Anatomy
In their writing and compilation of books, Muslims did not merely imitate their predecessors. They critically examined previous works, adding new material and sometimes opposing established opinions to present new scientific theories.
Muslims attached such importance to anatomy that one of the key tests for evaluating physicians was their knowledge of it. Imam Razi said: “Ask a physician about the science of anatomy and the benefits of the human body’s parts, as well as his ability to compare organs and his understanding in studying the works of the past. If he lacks this knowledge, there is no need to test him in treating patients. However, if he is knowledgeable, then test his skill in treating patients.”
Ibn Tufail al-Andalusi, a prominent Islamic philosopher, also specialized in the dissection of living and dead bodies. In one of his experiments, he dissected a deer and opened its heart, concluding that the blood in the heart was similar to that found in other body parts and congealed when removed from the body.
Muslim physicians also dissected the eyes of animals, gaining significant skill and knowledge. Ali ibn Isa al-Kahal, known as “Ibn Isa,” wrote a treatise on the dissection of the eye and its external and internal diseases. This work was later translated into Latin and profoundly influenced European medical terminology during the Middle Ages.
Ibn Nafis, another key figure in the science of dissection, opposed Galen’s and Avicenna’s views. In his writings, he demonstrated a direct connection between breathing and the human pulse, and he accurately explained the process of blood transfer from the lungs to the heart. His findings revealed errors in Galen’s and Avicenna’s explanations regarding the structure and function of the lungs and blood vessels. Ibn Nafis also introduced new theories about capillaries and their connections between arteries and veins, redefining the roles of lung cavities and the veins connecting the lungs and heart.
Even non-Muslim physicians such as Christian Ibn al-Qaf were influenced by the sciences prevalent in the Islamic world and conducted valuable activities in anatomy. He accurately described the structure of the heart’s membranes and their functions, illustrating that the holes in the membranes serve as pathways for blood.
Abdul Latif Baghdadi, another pioneer in the science of anatomy, discovered through his research that the human lower jaw is a single piece rather than two separate pieces. To prove this theory, he examined over two thousand human skulls.
These efforts and findings demonstrate that Muslims were not just innovative in the science of anatomy and dissection but also had a profound impact on the development of medical science worldwide.
