The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Sciences (Part 17)
Pediatrics and Childcare
One of the fields in which Muslims specialized and offered valuable strategies and recommendations was pediatrics and childcare. In this area, by considering various conditions of women during pregnancy, the characteristics of the fetus, related illnesses, and other topics connected to pediatrics, they introduced significant innovations and achievements to society.
Dr. Raghib al-Sirjani writes about this:
“There is no doubt that Muslims paid special attention to this branch of medicine, to the extent that some of them authored specialized works in this field. Some focused specifically on embryology and genetic diseases. Additionally, a group of Muslim physicians wrote books about premature infants (born at seven months) and how to care for them. Furthermore, comprehensive discussions were presented on topics such as breastfeeding and the characteristics of nursing mothers.”
Muslims paid special attention to the various stages of fetal development. Their categorization of these stages closely aligns with modern scientific discussions. Muslim physicians carefully examined the stages of fetal growth in the womb and how to care for newborns after birth. Moreover, in the context of breastfeeding, they conducted thorough studies on the characteristics of nursing mothers, the quality of their milk, and the appropriate diet for producing nutritious and healthy milk.
Regarding diseases affecting children, such as diarrhea, asthma, bedwetting, seizures, strabismus, wounds, abscesses, fever, and diseases of the ears and eyes, extensive studies were conducted.
Writings on Pediatrics
Many Muslim physicians made valuable contributions to pediatric medicine, some of which include:
1. “Risalah fi Amradh al-Atfal wa al-‘Inayah Bihim” (Treatise on Children’s Diseases and Their Care)
This book, authored by Imam al-Razi, is one of the earliest works on pediatric diseases. In this treatise, al-Razi presented his views on pediatrics with an innovative approach, distinct from previous Greek and Arab physicians. This work generally addressed children’s diseases without categorizing them based on the child’s age, unlike other authors.
The book consists of 24 chapters, as follows:
– Chapter 1: Skin diseases in children, such as vitiligo
– Chapter 2: Baldness in children
– Chapter 3: Enlarged heads in children
– Chapter 4: Abdominal swelling in children
– Chapter 5: Sneezing in children
– Chapter 6: Sleeplessness in children
– Chapter 7: Fainting in children
– Chapter 8: The disease known as “Um al-Subyan”
– Chapter 9: Discharge from children’s ears
– Chapter 10: Poison discharge from children’s ears
– Chapter 11: Eye diseases in children
– Chapter 12: Strabismus in children
– Chapter 13: Dental diseases in children
– Chapter 14: Mouth ulcers in children
– Chapter 15: Vomiting in children
– Chapter 16: Diarrhea in children
– Chapter 17: Principles of child care
– Chapter 18: Yawning in children
– Chapter 19: Body itching and swelling in children
– Chapter 20: Worm infestations in children
– Chapter 21: Protruding navel in children
– Chapter 22: Hernias or intestinal protrusion in children
– Chapter 23: Bladder stones in children
– Chapter 24: Weakness and inability to walk in children
This book is one of the prominent scientific sources in pediatrics and has had a significant impact on the advancement of this field. Imam al-Razi, in his book, introduced numerous discoveries and innovations in pediatric medicine, using his valuable experiences to identify and treat many childhood diseases.
2. “Al-Mawludin” by Hunayn ibn Ishaq
This book, written in a question-and-answer format, is based on Hippocrates’ work concerning infants born in the eighth month. The author attempted to logically explain why eight-month-old infants do not survive. Although his theories are not confirmed by modern scientific findings, the work holds historical importance.
3. “Al-Ma‘alajat – Buqratiyya” by Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tabari
This work, authored by the distinguished Islamic physician Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tabari, includes numerous sections on medicine. One significant section is dedicated to pediatrics.
– Pioneering Pediatric Medicine: This work is among the earliest writings by Muslim physicians in Arabic. Although al-Tabari wrote after Imam al-Razi, he presented and compiled his material independently, without imitating al-Razi.
– Innovative Perspective: Al-Tabari emphasized in the preface that before him, no one had comprehensively and precisely addressed childhood diseases. He also rejected the notion that pediatrics is a minor branch of medicine.
The book comprises 60 chapters covering various topics, including:
– Skin diseases in children
– Fainting in children
– Genetic disorders
– Diseases of the ears, eyes, and nose
– Causes of crying in children
– Snoring in children
– Stomach diseases
– Reasons for a child’s refusal to breastfeed
Other notable works in this field include:
– “Siyasat al-Sibyan wa Tadbiruhum” by Ibn al-Jazzar al-Qayrawani
– “Jawami‘ Kitab Jalinus fi al-Mawludin li Saba‘at Ashhur” by Thabit ibn Qurrah
– “Al-Mawludin li Saba‘at Ashhur” by Hunayn ibn Ishaq
Key Topics in Pediatrics:
In pediatric medicine, several fundamental topics were addressed, including:
1. Fetal Growth and Development in the Womb: This includes discussions on premature infants (born at seven or eight months) and how to care for them.
2. Care for Newborns: This involves actions such as cutting the umbilical cord, cleansing the baby, applying eye drops, cleaning the nose, and placing the infant in a moderately warm environment.
3. Breastfeeding: Studies were conducted on types of breast milk, proper nutrition for improving its quality and quantity, the appropriate time for breastfeeding, and when it should be stopped to prevent illnesses in the child.
4. Weaning: Discussions on factors such as the suitable season for weaning and its effects on the child’s growth and health were explored.
5. Development in Sitting and Walking: Muslim physicians provided recommendations on exercises and care to assist the physical development of children.
These discussions not only reflect the depth of Muslim physicians’ attention to the health and upbringing of children but also highlight the scientific foundations of their contributions to pediatrics.
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