An Overview of the Status of Pediatrics in Medical Texts from the Third to the Tenth Century A.H.

Abstract

Pediatrics is one of the most significant and practical disciplines in Medical Sciences. Indeed, the theoretical and clinical approaches of the physicians operating in this sphere have effectively impacted Medicine in Islamic civilization. The knowledge and perspectives of Muslim physicians have been varied depending on their dwelling regions, as each region has specific characteristics in terms of weather and climate. This would trigger the occurrence of some specific diseases or clinical symptoms peculiar to that region. Concerning children’s diseases, as displayed in the writings of Muslim scholars, they encompass either ailments common among adults and children, or those specific to children. These latter ailments include those which are region-specific, infectious/ contagious diseases and non-infectious / non-contagious diseases. Research into different types of children’s diseases is beyond the scope of the present study, and demands further research. However, this study introduces and describes some independent and general treatises concerned with Pediatrics. It is hoped that the findings of the study can pave the ground for further research into this discipline within the scope of the History of Medicine in Islamic civilization.

Keywords

• pediatrics (children’s medicine)
• children’s diseases
• medical writings
• midwifery writings