The Sanskrit, Syriac and Persian Sources in the Comprehensive Book of Rhazes

Islamic Philosophy, Theology

and Science
texts and studies

Edited by

Hans Daiber
Anna Akasoy
Emilie Savage-Smith

volume 93

The titles published in this series are listed at brill.com/ipts

 The Sanskrit, Syriac
and Persian Sources in the
Comprehensive Book
of Rhazes

By

Oliver Kahl

leiden | boston
Cover illustration: Collage of script samples Oliver Kahl, 2015.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Kahl, Oliver.
The Sanskrit, Syriac and Persian sources in the Comprehensive book of Rhazes / by Oliver Kahl.
pages cm. (Islamic philosophy, theology and science texts and studies, ISSN 0169-8729 ; volume 93)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-90-04-29025-9 (hardback : acid-free paper) ISBN 978-90-04-29024-2 (e-book)
1. Razi, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya, 865?-925? Kitab al-Hawi fi al-tibb. 2. Razi, Abu Bakr
Muhammad ibn Zakariya, 865?-925?Sources. 3. Sanskrit languageTexts. 4. Syriac languageTexts. 5.
Persian languageTexts. 6. Medicine, Medieval. 7. Medicine, Arab. 8. PharmacyHistoryTo 1500. I. Title.

R128.3.R313K34 2015
610dc23
2015003087

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Latin, ipa, Greek, and Cyrillic, this typeface is especially suitable for use in the humanities. For more
information, please see www.brill.com/brill-typeface.

issn 0169-8729
isbn 978-90-04-29025-9 (hardback)
isbn 978-90-04-29024-2 (e-book)

Copyright 2015 by Koninklijke Brill nv, Leiden, The Netherlands.

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Contents

Acknowledgements vii
Preface ix

Introduction 1
1 The Sanskrit Sources 7
a treya 12
b Suruta 14
c Caraka 18
d Vgbhaa 21
e Ravigupta 22
f Mdhava 26
g Anonyma 27
2 The Syriac Sources 28
a Sargs of Rain 30
b lmn 31
c Grgis bar Garil bar Btye 34
d Hzy 36
e Iy Urhy 42
f emn 44
g Yannn bar Seryn 47
3 The Persian Sources 48
a Qahramn 52
b Ibn Ab lid al-Fris 57
4 Some General Observations 59
5 Note on Metrological Units 67

Texts and Translations

1 The Sanskrit Sources 71

a treya 71
b Suruta 72
c Caraka 86
d Vgbhaa 130
e Ravigupta 134
f Mdhava 152
g Anonyma 153
vi contents

2 The Syriac Sources 160

a Sargs of Rain 160
b lmn 160
c Grgis bar Garil bar Btye 172
d Hzy 211
e Iy Urhy 276
f emn 317
g Yannn bar Seryn 364

3 The Persian Sources 365

a Qahramn 365
b Ibn Ab lid al-Fris 375

4 Variae Lectiones from r 386

List of Abbreviations and Bibliography 390

Glossaries 402
1 Arabic 403
a EnglishArabic 403
b ArabicEnglish 438
2 Sanskrit 460
a EnglishSanskrit 460
b SanskritEnglish 469
3 Botanical Names 477
a EnglishLatin 477
b LatinEnglish 482
Acknowledgements

This book could not have been written without the material support of the
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (dfg), which provided a generous grant al-
lowing me to engage in full-time research over a period of three years; the same
organization also allocated funds towards the books publication. The work was
carried out at the Philipps University of Marburg, and here my foremost debt is
to Prof. Stefan Weninger, head of the Department of Semitology in the Center
for Near and Middle Eastern Studies (cnms)he not only played a crucial role
in obtaining this grant in the first place, but he subsequently made sure that I
would enjoy the physical space, the peace of mind and the freedom which are
necessary to succeed at all with research of this kind. I am also greatly indebted
to Prof. Jrgen Hanneder, head of the Department of Indology and Tibetology
at Marburg University, who readily sacrificed many hours of his valuable time
to go with me through every detail of the Sanskrit material and thereby weeded
out numerous infelicities and errors; Jrgen moreover wrote a letter in support
of my initial grant application, entirely on good faith at the time. Thanks to
subsidiary funds allocated by the dfg it has been possible to employ for one
year the part-time services of an exceptional postgraduate student, Maximilian
Mehner, who helped tracking down relevant passages in Ayurvedic literature,
collated translations where available, compiled a draft version of the Sanskrit
glossary, and also assisted with proofreading. My learned colleague Dr Grigory
Kessel, church historian at Marburg University, had the great courtesy to read
through the entire Syriac material in Arabic garb and thus notably saved me
from perpetuating an inveterate misconception about the identity and date of
emn, whilst Peter Pormann, professor of Classics and Graeco-Arabic Stud-
ies at Manchester University, freely made an electronic copy of his Arabic raw
edition of Bar Seryns medical compendia accessible to me. As regards the
Persian material, the advice of two Iranian colleagues, Dr Mohsen Zakeri of Gt-
tingen University and Emad al-Din Sheikh al-Hokamaee of Tehran University,
was extremely helpful in my pursuit of identifying the mysterious Qahramn. I
consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to establish close relations
with Prof. Christoph Friedrich, head of the Institute for the History of Phar-
macy at Marburg University, and his colleague Prof. Sabine AnagnostouHerr
Friedrich from the very beginning strongly supported my grant application, and
Sabine has by now become a good friend. Thanks are due to Dr Susanne Saker,
head of the cnms-Library, and her colleague Dr Andreas Herdt (now Mn-
ster University) for their competence, liberality and cordial spirit. Returning
to the Department of Semitology, I am grateful to Dr Michael Waltisberg for
viii acknowledgements

his comradeship and countless entertaining Italian lunches; to our secretary

Frau Rosemarie Richter for her wisdom and a never-ending supply of excellent
coffee; and to Prof. emeritus Walter W. Mller for many an interesting conversa-
tion of which I was, without fail, the beneficiary. I should also like to thank, yet
again, Prof. emeritus Hans Daiber and his co-editors who accepted my work
for publication in this series, and the anonymous reader for his comments.
Special thanks to Gera van Bedaf at Brill who, together with an outstandingly
skilled typesetter, guided the book safely through the crucial stages of produc-
tion. Enfin, je remercie ma femme Karine Nohr pour son soutien inbranlable
tout au long des annes, et pour sa grandeur d me.

O. Kahl
Preface*

The idea to look into the sources of RhazesKitb al-w1 is neither my own nor
is it new. In fact, it goes far back into the 19th century when Moritz Steinschnei-
der, based on the Latin translation of Rhazes work, was already engaged in a
project of that sort2 which, however, remained an unpublished quarry whose
fate is completely unknown. It took nearly 100 years until Albert Dietrich indi-
rectly voiced an intention to tackle on his part the sources of the Kitb al-w,3
now on the basis of the Arabic edition of the work which had become fully avail-
able in the early 1970s; but this plan, too, was never realized. In principle there
has always been among Arabists and historians of medicinefrom Lucien
Leclerc through Edward Granville Browne to Manfred Ullmanna unanimous
acknowledgement of the importance of a source-critical analysis of Rhazes
Kitb al-w,4 but these affirmations are strangely contrasted by a lack of
systematic studies into the problem. We have, to be sure, a small number of
haphazard surveys on select clusters of sources and narrowly demarcated top-
ics, departing still from the Latin translation of the Kitb al-w and therefore
somewhat outdated now;5 and it is also true that in more recent times, based
on the Arabic text, a few scholars have investigated some of its building blocks,
be it in passing or, like their predecessors, with one specific source or one spe-
cific section of the work in mind, and generally focusing on Greek material.6

* The correct Arabic title of the work that forms the basis of the present study is al-Kitb
al-w or The Comprehensive Book. For reasons of style, however, and when preceded
by the English definite article or by a genitive case, I am using throughout this study the
transliteration Kitb al-w, dropping the first Arabic al-: so we write the Kitb al-w
(instead of the al-Kitb al-w) and Rhazes Kitb al-w (instead of Rhazes al-Kitb
al-w).
1 On Rhazes and the compositional history of the Kitb al-w see pp. 17 and 60f. below.
2 SteiTo 468 [] indem ich eine Monographie ber die Quellen des Hawi berhaupt seit
lngerer Zeit vorbereite.
3 So UllMed 130,21ff.
4 LecHMA 1/341,18f. and 36 ff.; BrAM 50,69; UllMed 130,19ff.; and many others, most specif-
ically DiMA 45,19f. Yet perhaps it is the great Italian historian of science Aldo Mieli who
captures best the general consensus by saying that [] ltude approfondie dal-w serait
de la plus haute importance pour l histoire des sciences, see MieSci 91 note 7.
5 DRRuf 453548 (published 1879); PerHo and PerMe passim (both published 1899); TiRha
passim (published 1925).
6 WeiRez passim (published 1991) with WeiZit 286316 (published 1997) on Galens
x preface

But these studies, however meritorious they may be, are merely a drop in the
ocean. The sheer size of the Kitb al-w,7 its breadth and depth, the linguis-
tic diversity implied by its sources, the epistemological problems it raises with
regard to the transmission of its contents as well as its own genesisall these
thorny issues cast a rather daunting shadow on this unique and highly inte-
grated work which, in truth and perhaps paradoxically so, can only be under-
stood by means of analysis, that is to say systematic inquiries into its constituent
elements. The task for us is to defragment and reorganize the components
of a Gesamtkunstwerk which itself is precisely the product of a defragmenta-
tion and reorganization of knowledge, except that our guiding principles will
have to be subordinated to historical rather than practical considerations. My
original plan, it has to be said, was to subject the entire Kitb al-w to a
source-critical analysis, which by definition would have included material of
genetically Arabic, Greek, Sanskrit, Syriac and Persian linguistic provenance.8
Yet already halfway through taking a systematic inventory of authors and titles
quoted in the Kitb al-w I had to abandon these starry-eyed intentions
unless one wanted to produce vast, rather dull and in the end meaningless
lists of decontextualized number entries in the phonebook-style, one had to be
selective and concentrate on well-definable, homogeneous groups of sources,9
not least when operating within a clearly bounded timeframe, and present
the material suchwise acquired in a chronologically organized, philologically
detailed way including, where possible, full source verifications and English
translations throughout. This also means that the user of my book does not
have to recur to the Arabic edition of the Kitb al-w, nor indeed to the

; BryK 325353 (published 2001) on book one of Rhazes work (no attempt to
trace Sanskrit material); PorPA 6492 (published 2004) on Paul of Aeginas (i.q.
); PorRuf 2679 passim (published 2008) on Rufus of Ephesos * *;
further KaFra 292299, KaRem 306309 and KaPT 383389 (published 2004, 2008 and 2011
respectively).
7 The editio princeps of the Arabic text (Hyderabad 19551971) covers 7490 pages in octavo print.
8 I estimate the quantitative distribution of source material according to base languages to be
roughly 10% Arabic, 80 % Greek, 1 % Sanskrit, 4 % Syriac and less than 0.1% Persian, with
the remaining ~5 % covering what appear to be self-citations by Rhazes as well as passages
attributed to hitherto unidentified authors or titles.
9 Cf. also Jennifer Brysons assessment who in 2001, with regard to the Greek material, wrote
that it may, for now, be more sensible to engage in w research not volume by volume, but
rather working across the volumes focusing on individual sources, adding that a high priority
in w research should be to make the source-texts of the w accessible to scholars
(BryK 309 and 310 respectively).
preface xi

verified source texts (mainly Sanskrit) from which I am amply quoting. What is
thus offered on the following pages is a complete collection of three strands
of sources in the Kitb al-w, namely those that originate from Sanskrit,
Syriac and Persian prototypes, regardless of whether or not these prototypes are
still preserved in their original linguistic formsthe fact that this anthology,
though fairly comprehensive in itself, only covers some 5 % of the total material
is, if nothing else, a testimony to the gargantuan proportions of Rhazes work
and a proof, if further proof were needed, of its intrinsic scientific, historical
and literary values. It is to be hoped that my criteria of selection and choice of
sources will be considered reasonable, and that my own works lack of breadth
may be compensated for by a heightened sense of depth.
Remains to say a few words about the textual basis for our presentation of
the Arabic text(s). For a long time historians of medicine, Arabists included,
had to get by with one or another Renaissance print of the Latin translation of
the Kitb al-w, which latter was made in the years 12781279ce at the behest
of king Charles of Anjou by the Jewish physician Fara ibn Slim (latinized
Faragut et al.), and which circulated under the title Liber Continens (or Compre-
hensor)10an Arabic edition of the text did not exist. It was only in the middle
of the last century that an editorial committee at the Osmania University of
Hyderabad (Deccan) began, under the auspices of the Indian government, to
tackle the overdue edition of the original Arabic text of Rhazes Kitb al-w:
a collective effort that was sustained for nearly two decades gradually led to
the publication of the whole work in 25 volumes, between the years 1955 and
1971.11 The Hyderabad-edition (hereafter also referred to as r) has often been
criticized for its lack of philological rigour,12 but in my view these judgements
are far too harsh and seem to result from a reiteration of received wisdom as
much as from a close familiarity with the actual text.13 As this edition soon
went completely out of print and as even second-hand copies of it are now vir-
tually impossible to obtain, some enterprising Arab publishers have produced
various reissues of the Kitb al-w from the 1990s onwards; unfortunately
though these productions are entirely useless because they basically consist

10 For a brief but detailed history of this translation see BryK 9298.
11 A freak decision on the part of the editorial committee led to an isolated second edition
of the first volume in 1974, with a different pagination and extremely limited circulation.
12 See e.g. DiMA 46,2; UllMed 130,15f.; BryK 308,13ff. and 309,20; RBw 6,14f.
13 There is no doubt that the Hyderabad-edition leaves room for improvementto wit an
(enhanced) apparatus to volumes 19 or indeed an index of proper names and book
titlesbut considering the magnitude and difficulty of their task, the Indian Arabists have
done a very good job.
xii preface

of a newly set Arabic text (teeming with newly introduced errors whilst lack-
ing the pagination of the Hyderabad-edition), no apparatus whatsoever and,
in most cases, no index either.14 It was therefore with no small measure of
anticipation that I awaited the eventual appearance of a new edition of the
Kitb al-w, whose forthcoming publication had been announced intermit-
tently since 2007 by its editor, the Egyptian scholar Khalid Harbi of Alexandria
Universitywhen Harbis production (hereafter also referred to as r) finally
came out in late 2012, landing on my desk in June 2013, my disappointment,
alas, could hardly have been greater. Here is not the place for a detailed book
review, so I will confine myself in the following to a few descriptive remarks and
general observations, and otherwise ask the reader to simply trust my judge-
ment in this matter, having worked with the Kitb al-w, off and on, for many
years and more or less continuously in recent times. The Hyderabad-edition
r is divided into 23 parts (az), with parts 21 and 23 each split into two sec-
tions (aqsm), making 25 volumes; the Alexandria-edition r in 10 volumes is
divided into 60 parts (az), with part 1 being the editorial introduction. The
sequential arrangement of the material is roughly the same in both editions;
however, for some parts of the work the sequence differs and/or overlaps: a dif-
ferent sequence is found notably in the parts on internal medicine (r vols 710
= r 4/pts 20 then 19 then 3/pts 18 then 17 then 45/pts 2426 [1st ch.] then
4/pts 2123), overlapping chapters are found notably in the parts on fevers (r
vols 1416 = r 6/pts 3236). As it is unlikely that such organizational devia-
tions in r are the result of manuscript evidencemost manuscripts differ in
sequenceone can only assume that they are due to (unexplained) editorial
preferences; the decision of the editor of r not to incorporate the pagina-
tion of r is unfortunate also for this reason. In a nearly 200-page introductory
study, Khalid Harbi dedicates six lines to the Hyderabad-edition, culminating
in the bold statement that he was prompted to his task because this [Indian]
print does not provide a scholarly, critical edition15a claim which, in the
face of his own achievement, can only be called a joke. Let us compare the
manuscript basis of both editions. Fuat Sezgin, writing in the late 1960s, already
then registered some 45 Arabic manuscripts of the Kitb al-w.16 None of

14 For a representative example see list of abbreviations and bibliography s.v. r. It escapes,
by the way, my understanding why the Arab entrepreneurs did not simply produce a
photomechanic (or scanned) reprint of the Hyderabad-editionthis would surely have
been just as cheap and still so much more useful.
15 ill anna hihi -aba lam tuaqqiq taqqan ilmyan daqqan (r 1/68,13).
16 See GaS 3/279f.
preface xiii

these manuscripts is complete and, as mentioned above, they almost invariably

differ in the sequence of individual parts; however, the fragments Madrid Esco-
rial 806816 and 854856, taken together, more or less cover the whole text,17
which is why they were chosen by the Indian editors as the textual backbone
of their edition, supplemented by another five (fragmentary) manuscripts.18
Khalid Harbi for his edition used only three of these fourteen Escorial frag-
ments, plus another six (fragmentary) manuscripts, five of which are different
from the ones employed by the Indians.19 r is therefore based on a total of
nineteen, r on a total of nine manuscripts. The need for a definitive index
of proper names and book titles has not been addressed by Harbi; the material
he presents in the apparatus to his edition is on the whole meagre and feeble
whilst at the same time containing many entries that are irrelevant, meaning-
less or simply wrongthis is particularly obvious in the case of complicated
non-Arabic words which are additionally corrupted by the editors tendency
to furnish originally undotted graphemes with random dots as he sees fit; the
main text is full of errors and printing mistakes and provides no additional mat-
ter whatsoever. My impression even is that Harbis manner of proceeding was
to first copy the entire text of the Kitb al-w directly from the Hyderabad-
edition, discarding simultaneously large portions of its apparatus, and then
collating the text thus produced unsystematically and inadequately with the
manuscripts he had at his disposal. I have, to be sure, scrupulously checked the
new edition against all Arabic fragments presented here but was hardly ever
rewarded with a better reading, never mind improved understanding of diffi-
cult passagesmy short list of variants obtained from r may therefore be

17 Cf. DiMA 45 bottom.

18 The Indian editors register the respective manuscripts separately on the front-page of each
individual volume, namely: Madrid Escorial 807 (vols 46), 810 (vols 69), 812 (vol. 20),
813 (vols 912), 814 (vols 1921), 815 (vol. 22), 816 (vols 23), 817 [?] (vols 1419) and
856 (vols 1317); further Aligarh Lytton [now Maulana Azad] Library (vols 1011), New
Delhi National Museum (vols 1011), Hakeem Ashufta [formerly private, then Hyderabad]
(vols 1419 and 23), Phulwari Sharif [formerly Patna, then Hyderabad] (vols 1819 and
23) and, finally, a certain Turkish manuscript (vol. 22), presumably Istanbul Saray
Ahmed iii 2125/12 [cf. DiMA 48]; for the volumes 13 they used the unique Escurial and
other manuscripts, which can only refer to one, to several or to all of the remaining
Escorial fragments 806, 808, 809, 811, 854 and 855.
19 Khalid Harbi registers (and describes) his manuscripts as follows: Madrid Escorial 806, 816
and 854; Istanbul Saray Ahmed iii 2125, ehid Ali Paa 2081/2 [not in Iran, cf. DiMA 49]
and Sleymaniye 850; Cairo Dr al-Kutub ibb 1519 and 1718; London British Museum 9790
(see r 1/7397, numerous plates pp. 102187).
xiv preface

considered a recognition of Harbis efforts as much as an illustration of his

editions inferiority.20 Khalid Harbi says that he began to work on a new edition
of the Kitb al-w in 1995;21 he was, in other words, occupied with this task
for 17 years, which seems a long time but is not. Yet sadly the only positive thing
one can say about this new edition is that the old one is no longer available and
that it does, no question, constitute an improvement upon the utterly pointless
reissues of the 1990s mentioned above. The real tragedy with Khalid Harbis
edition, however, is that after its appearance nobody in the foreseeable future
will be motivated to spend some 20-odd years on establishing anotherwhich
means that an adequate edition of this important text will continue to remain a
desideratum for a long time to come. The Hyderabad-edition, despite its flaws,
has yet to be replaced, and it is the text provided by this edition to which we
refer exclusively throughout.

20 See pp. 386389 below.

21 So r 1/69,12 f.
Introduction

Un ouvrage peut tre une source

de renseignements exacts,
tout en ntant quune compilation22

With these words the Belgian scholar Herman Janssens characterized the in-
trinsic value of a famous Arabic work titled ar-Rila The Journey, an extensive
travel account composed by the 14th century Moroccan explorer Ibn Baa,
and though the Kitb al-w of Rhazes belongs to a very different literary
genre, its epistemic importance, too, could quite fittingly be described such-
wise. And yet, Rhazes Kitb al-w is an entirely unique text, not only within
the framework of Arabic medico-pharmaceutical literature but in scientific
history full stop. Before turning to the compositional formation and inner struc-
ture of the Kitb al-w, it may however be instructive to summarize briefly
what few biographical data about Rhazes we possess.
Considering the deep impact Rhazes made notably on Islamic medicine, and
considering moreover the huge significance he is accordingly credited with in
secondary literature,23 the old Arabic sources themselves do in fact provide
us with relatively little, and often anecdotal, information about his life.24 Ab
Bakr Muammad ibn Zakary ar-Rz (latinized and in this book always called
Rhazes) was a true polymath who ranks among the most versatile and most
authoritative thinkers in the history of Islam. Born in the ancient Iranian city
of Rayy on 1 abn 251 / 28 August 86525 and having in his youth studied

22 JanIB 109.
23 For relevant titles see UllMed 128 note 4, GaS 3/278, and GooR 477ab.
24 The key passages for the biography of Rhazes are NadFih 1/299,111; BFih 4,85,10;
ZauMu 271,13272,8 then 272,14273,8; and iau 1/309,16315,13all else follows from
there. Rhazes essay titled as-Sra al-falsafya The Philosophical Way of Life, which is of-
ten (and somewhat misleadingly) referred to in secondary literature as his autobiography,
is in reality an apologetic justification of his philosophical ideals and scientific achieve-
ments and contains virtually nothing we would today expect to find in an autobiograph-
ical account, cf. KrCP 303 with 309321 (Arabic text) and 322334 (French translation).
25 This date according to BFih 4,8 f.

koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2015 | doi: 10.1163/9789004290242_002

2 introduction

philosophy, alchemy, literature and music, he later took up medicine and was
soon appointed head of the large hospital of his hometown; in his early thir-
ties (naiyif wa-aln),26 that is around the year 284/897, he went to Baghdad
and there, too, became director of a hospital,27 surrounding himself with a hier-
archized circle of medical students; in those years he also undertook several
journeys in the eastern realms of the Islamic world; towards the end of his life
he went blind, left Baghdad and retreated to his birthplace Rayy where he died
on 5 abn 313 / 26 October 925,28 aged 62 lunar (or 60 solar) years. Rhazes,
who is said to have never parted from his scrolls and manuscripts, was himself
a prolific writer, always either drafting or making fair copies;29 the list of his own
works (mainly medical, alchemical and philosophical) is long30 and proves, if
nothing else, his wide-ranging intellectual interests and scientific originality.
Ironically, Rhazes most distinguished and in many ways most important work,
so-called al-Kitb al-w f -ibb or The Comprehensive Book on Medicine,
is a compilation of enormous proportions which he himself did not publish
during his lifetime nor, perhaps, ever intend for publication. What do we know
about it?

26 So iau 1/309,17.
27 When Rhazes came to Baghdad, in the late 890s ce, there existed, for all we know, only
one hospital, which had been founded nearly a century earlier, during the caliphate of
Hrn ar-Rad, by the Barmakids and accordingly named Barmika hospital, later simply
old hospital; a second hospital, known as Mutaid, was however being built around
900ce under the patronage of a page (ulm) of the caliph al-Mutaid, followed by
the foundation of another four hospitals in the city of Baghdad between the years 914
and 925ce, see DuBm 1223ab. The question arises which of these hospitals Rhazes was
directing, and here it seems almost certain that he is to be associated with either the
Barmika hospital (cf. DuBm 1223a bottom) or else the Mutaid hospital whose most
propitious location he helped to determine (cf. SSMed 914 [and accordingly amend the
reports iau 1/309,31310,10 to read mutaid instead of aud]), perhaps even with both;
this conclusion is supported by the fact that three of the four hospitals founded between
914 and 925ce appear to have had other directors (see DuBm loc.cit.), and that in any case
their foundation is rather late to be reconciled easily with the course of Rhazes career and
his age at the time(s).
28 This date according to BFih 5,7 f.; for different, less probable dates of Rhazes demise cf.
ZauMu 272,1 (close to the year 320[/932]) and iau 1/314,11ff. (in the early 290s[/around
905] or just after 300[/913] or in the year 320[/932]).
29 lam yakun yufriqu l-madri wan-nusa [] imm yusauwidu au yubaiyiu, see NadFih
1/299,9f.
30 NadFih 1/299,21302,19 and 358,813: 173 titles; BFih 5,1218,5: 184 titles; ZauMu 272,814
and 273,9277,7: 133 titles; iau 1/315,14321,20: 225 titles. Cf. also the discussion in RusQu
26f. and 49f.
introduction 3

The Arab medical historian Ibn Ab Uaibia (d. 668/1270) has the following
to say: The foremost and greatest among Rhazes books on the art of medicine
is the Kitb al-wthis is so because in it he gathered together all pieces
of information about diseases and their treatment which he found scattered
in the medical writings of (his) predecessors and up until his own day, linking
everything he relates to its source; however, Rhazes died before he had the time
to redact this book.31 And elsewhere Ibn Ab Uaibia says: Ibn al-Amd32 []
was the reason for the appearance of Rhazes book known as al-wwhen
he happened to be in Rayy after Rhazes death, he inquired with the latters
sister about this (matter) and, having paid her a lot of gold coins, she rendered
him the draft notes (musauwadt) for the book; he then called upon those of
Rhazes (former) pupils who had become doctors and lived in Rayy to put the
work in order and to remove from it any confusion.33 In other words, the Kitb
al-w is the sum of a lifelong process of systematic literary excerption on the
part of Rhazes and a posthumous collective redaction of his material on the
part of some of his erstwhile medical students, who proceeded from what our
only coherent primary source on the issue calls draft notes; considering the
fact that a sister of Rhazes was still alive to sell the raw material, and taking
further into account the period of activity of Ibn al-Amd, the redaction of
the Kitb al-w was carried out most probably in the years around 950 ce.
It is impossible to say which physical shape these draft notes took (paper
slips, card files, jotters?), and it is equally impossible to determine whether
and, if so, to which extent this group of redactors may have interfered with
the existing material beyond its formal (re)organization and declutteringfor
example on the level of contents, expression, syntax or mode of quotation,
perhaps including the elimination of genuine data and the rectification of
presumed mistakes notably with regard to the non-Arabic lexicon.34 Apart
from this already serious hermeneutic problem there is another, no less serious,
that goes even deeper into the books compositional history to involve the
question of how exactly and how consistently Rhazes himself proceeded when
taking his draft notes or, to put it differently, how he dealt with his sources
on the plane of textual representation. And here, fortunately, we possess two
excellent studies on some of the Greek sources (in Arabic translation) which

31 iau 1/315,1417.
32 That is the philosopher-statesman Ab l-Fal Ibn al-Amd (d. 360/970), long-time vizier
(from 328/940 until his death) to Ruknaddaula, the Buyid sultan of northern and central
Iran, cf. CaAm 703aff. and BosBoR 597bff.
33 iau 1/314,1417.
34 And who, on a more trivial note, gave the work its final title?
4 introduction

Rhazes originally incorporated into the body of excerpts that was later to
become the Kitb al-wfirst, Ursula Weissers study of the quotations of
Galens ; and second, Jennifer Brysons study of the Greek
quotations in volume 1 of the Kitb al-w. Having compared the relevant
Arabic text passages in the Kitb al-w with the extant Greek originals,
Weisser and Bryson independently arrive at the same conclusions; as Brysons
classification of genres of citation is more elaborate and at the same time
covers those of Weisser, I will limit myself to a brief rewording of the formers
findings. There are35

direct quotations: literal, or paraphrased, or summarized, or abridged, or

reassembled; indirect quotations: taken from specific secondary source
where primary source may or may not be named, or from secondary com-
pilation into which primary source is already embedded; duplicate/repet-
itive quotations: literal, or near-literal (same text, same author, different
phrasing), or mixed-literal (same text, different authors, different phras-
ing, or different texts, same author, different phrasing), or tailored (same
text, same author, different phrasing due to different Arabic translations),
or mixed-tailored (same text, same author, different phrasing due to vari-
ations already in Greek prototype); clustered quotations: specific primary
sources quoted frequently in same sequence; and various combinations of
any of the above.

Particularly notable is that literal quotations are extremely rare;36 that sum-
maries and abridgements are often radical; and that even in those cases when
the Greek prototypes are extant and thus available for comparison it is not
always easy to determine where in the Arabic text a given quotation ends and
another starts. In fact, already the occasional use of the seemingly uncontrover-
sial siglum l (lit. by me) is highly ambiguous and does not at all necessarily
indicate a personal statement of Rhazes.37 What matters here most is that the

35 BryK 21 (concise table) and 2373 (detailed discussion); further WeiZit 282.
36 Weisser suggests that the rarity of literal quotations in the Kitb al-w may partly reflect
a habit of Rhazes to jot down notes from memory, see WeiZit 281ff. and (after her) RBw
4,13; this proposition, however, is considered highly implausible by Bryson who, whilst
not completely outruling this possibility, strongly believes that in the vast majority of cases
Rhazes was working from texts, see BryK 70 f. for a pretty conclusive reasoning.
37 Bryson identifies six main uses of first-person indicatorsfive involving l, one involving
either pronouns or verbal forms (viz. an/nanu I/we or, for example, aqlu/naqlu
I/we say), see BryK 80. Now and then, especially after disagreeing with the content
introduction 5

findings of Weisser/Bryson regarding some of the Greek sources in the Kitb

al-w ressemble, at least in principle, my own findings regarding the San-
skrit cluster.38 There remain, to be sure, significant differences between the
Greek and the Sanskrit material39 as found in the Kitb al-wfor exam-
ple a great disparity in the occurrence of indirect quotations, or the underlying
absence of multiple Sanskrit-into-Arabic translations, or the textual repercus-
sions of poetry-into-prose renditions; yet on the whole we can clearly see the
same basic epistemological problems emerging from the literary entity that is
the Kitb al-w.
On a broader structural level the Kitb al-w is arranged at first a capite
ad calcem40 before following a more opaque line of arrangement;41 it covers
pathology and therapy (no anatomy), drawing upon five linguistically distinct
and unevenly distributed clusters of sources in Arabic translation.42 From the
beginning the Kitb al-w had a very limited circulation, owing to its size,
price and, it seems, impractical verbosity.43
Remains to address two admittedly rather tricky questionsfirst, where did
Rhazes have access to translations of the non-Arabic works he quotes; and sec-
ond, which languages did he actually know anyway. The first question can be

of a quotation, Rhazes may additionally use phrases such as and this is the opinion of
the (present) writer, not of the (quoted) author (wa-h -ann min al-ktib l min
al-muallif ), see r 22/32,7 f.
38 Syriac and Persian prototypes, that is original-language texts corresponding to the respec-
tive material in the Kitb al-w, are no longer extant.
39 For a detailed discussion of the Sanskrit material see pp. 728 below.
40 Vols 110.
41 Vol. 11: parasitic, inflammatory and varicose diseases; vols 1213: cancers, ulcers and exter-
nal lesions; vols 1416: fevers; vol. 17: epidemic diseases; vol. 18: crises; vol. 19: uroscopy, ani-
mal bites and poisons; vols 2021: pharmacognosy; vol. 22: pharmacology and medico-
pharmaceutical terminology; vols 23: regimen, hereditary diseases, dermatology and
cosmetics. As we do not knowand probably never willhow Rhazes had originally
organized his draft notes, we must assume that the given arrangement is due to decisions
taken by the works redactors.
42 See note 8 above.
43 So already the complaint of the great Persian physician al-Mas (d. late 4th/10th cen-
tury), for which see MaMal 1/5 (partial English translation of the passage pp. 64f. below).
On the notorious and in the end elusive question of whether the Kitb al-w may or may
not be identical with a work whose title is recorded as al-mi al-kabr The Great Compi-
lation see a recent article by Emilie Savage-Smith, who proposes that w was the term
used by others to refer to what Rhazes himself called his mi [], a title he used only
toward the end of his life as he contemplated [?] a final arrangement and editing of the
files for use after his death (SSFil passim, esp. p. 180).
6 introduction

answered to the effect that the Arabic translations of relevant Sanskrit (and
Pahlavi) works were almost certainly kept in the library of the Barmika hospi-
tal in Baghdad, the very institution under whose roof a century earlier probably
all of these translations were made in the first place44 and into which Rhazes
surely had the right of passage, if he was not indeed its director;45 Arabic trans-
lations of relevant Syriac medical books perhaps enjoyed a wider dissemination
but they, too, would have been available in Baghdad, if anywhere. The second
question is, in truth, impossible to answer but nonetheless worth asking, as it
directly bears upon another, even more important question, namely to which
extent Rhazes may have had any control over the content of the material he
used and transmitted. There is no direct author communication in the Kitb
al-w to demonstrate Rhazes language skills beyond the obvious, and we
therefore will have to take a mixed approach based on circumstantial evidence
and common sense. No doubt a native speaker of Persian with a firm grasp on
classical Arabic, Rhazes could probably also read Syriac, a language which in
his days was still widely employed by many scholars to express scientific and
philosophical ideas; the often praised excellence of his medical education and
the eccentricity of some of his quotations seem to suggest that he had direct
access to Greek;46 there is reason to believe that he was familiar at least with
the Devangar alphabet, if not Sanskrit proper;47 and even the basic princi-
ples of the Chinese writing system do not seem to have been completely alien
to him.48 Besides, Rhazes ability to furnish a substantial number of not only
Arabic and Persian but also Greek, Sanskrit and Syriac terms in his pharmaco-
logical tables with sigla indicating their (presumed) etymologies is in itself a

44 Cf. my discussion of the transmission of the works of Suruta, Caraka, Vgbhaa, Ravigupta
and Mdhava pp. 1427 below; the close connection between the translations of Sanskrit
medical texts into Arabic and the Barmika hospital in Baghdad has already been hinted
at in passing by Michael Dols, see DolHo 123 (published 1987).
45 Cf. note 27 above.
46 The famous al-Brn (d. after 442/1050) allegedly went so far as to ascribe to Rhazes
certain translations and abridgements from the Greek and even a poem in the Greek
languagethis, however, is a secondary reference after Lenn Goodman (GooR 474a)
which I have not been able to trace in the original Arabic text of the latters named
source, viz. al-Brns treatise on the writings of Rhazes (for which see list of abbreviations
and bibliography s.v. BFih); in the absence of a better explanation I can only guess that
Goodman grossly misinterpreted in that way the strange title Qada f l-ia al-ynnya
Long-Poem on the Greek Sermon, see BFih 16 no. 150 = RusQu 46 no. 151.
47 See KaPT 371,18372,1 (amended Arabic text of passage r 22/62,59) with 375,31376,3
(English translation).
48 See my proposals to that effect in KaPT 395399.
introduction 7

clear reflection of his knowledge, however varying, of these languages.49 That

said, and allowing for the vague possibility of a direct use of Pahlavi source
material, I think Rhazes in the vast majority of cases was working with Arabic
translations.

1 The Sanskrit Sources

Of all nations, through the ages, India has been a mine of wisdom and a
source of justice and good government; yet because the Indians are far
away from our own countries, we possess but few of their writingsso
it is that merely a fraction of their sciences have reached us and we hear
only little about their scholars
muammad ibn al az-zauzan: Mutaar Tar al-ukam (written in
1249ce)50

Aprs les Grecs, ce sont les Indiens qui apportrent le plus fort contingent
de connaissances mdicales aux Arabes [] Ce qui nous importe ici c est
de constater quavant lducation scientifique des Arabes, les Indiens
possdaient sur la mdecine de nombreux ouvrages que les Arabes ne
crurent pas devoir ngliger alors mme qu ils taient en possession de
ceux des Grecs
lucien leclerc: Histoire de la mdecine arabe (written in the 1870s)51

With the Indian material, remote as it may seem and elusive as it is, we are
nonetheless standing on relatively firm ground, for we find ourselves, theo-
retically at least, in the same position as if we were dealing with the Greek
cluster of sources that form such a great part of Arabic medico-pharmaceutical
literaturein fact, our starting point appears to be even better at first glance,
because all Ayurvedic texts, without exception, which Rhazes quotes in his

49 Cf. r 22/69412 passim with KaPT 383,1 f.

50 See ZauMu 266,912.
51 See LecHMA 1/282f.
8 introduction

Kitb al-w are completely preserved in Sanskrit. These texts belong to a

body of authoritative writings that constitute, to this day, the basis for the teach-
ing and practice of Ayurveda. Yet paradoxically it is precisely this textual avail-
ability, resulting from a chain of more or less uninterrupted indigenous trans-
mission, which poses the biggest obstacle when it comes to tracing and thereby
verifying in the source language the numerous passages quoted by Rhazes from
Indian sources. This is so because these Ayurvedic base texts, living entities as
they are, have never actually been fixed, that is to say systematically stripped
of their considerable variationscommentaries contain passages that deviate
from the presumed original; commentators constantly discuss, and frequently
disagree on questions of textual integrity; later autonomous works often refer
to the classics by citing passages that are inconsistent with the edited texts;
interpolations abound but are hard to pin down; critical text editions are the
exception; crucial questions regarding individual or collective authorship as
well as layered textual composition still need to be answered; and so on and
so forth.52 Moreover, Indian scientific literature, and medicine and pharmacy
in particular, are not the most prominent fields of researcha fact that prob-
ably explains the scarcity of critical text editions, never mind reliable trans-
lations by Western scholars;53 here again, the situation proves quite different
when compared to the sustained efforts that have gone over time into edit-
ing, translating and studying the Greek scientific heritage. Another problem,
one that impacts on the work of the Arabist no less than on that of the San-
skritist, is the literary form which these Ayurvedic base texts generally assume,
namely that of a metrical structurethis means that the passages from Indian
sources which, for example, Rhazes quotes, have not only travelled from San-
skrit (sometimes through Pahlavi) into Arabic but also, in the majority of cases,
from poetry into prose.54 Related to this problem, and no doubt aggravating
it, is the fact that the Indian material, generally speaking, reappears in Ara-
bic medico-pharmaceutical works mostly in the form of free abstracts and
analogous renditions, hardly ever in faithful translation, frequently modified,
altered, adjusted, rearranged or condensed, and subordinated on the whole to
the contextual demands of the Arabic writer rather than the literary integrity

52 A brief look through Jan Meulenbelds momentous A History of Indian Medical Literature
(see list of abbreviations and bibliography s.v. MeuHis) will readily confirm these obser-
vations.
53 Cf. MeuHis 1a/1 (published 1999).
54 Ronald Emmerick, in his edition of Raviguptas Siddhasra, praises the relative clarity of a
9th century ce Tibetan prose translation of this work, as compared to the extreme density
of the original Sanskrit versification, see RavSid 1/3.
introduction 9

of his Sanskrit source, sometimes to the point of near-complete deformation.55

Whether and, if so, to which extent this liberal handling of the base texts already
began at the level of their translation from Sanskrit is impossible to say, as we
do not even possess so much as a single specimen of such a translation, not
in Arabic it seems, and surely not in Pahlavi. Then, we have to bear in mind
that the Sanskrit versions as we know them are almost certainly not the same
as the versions which the old translators had in handcurrent editions, espe-
cially of large Ayurvedic texts, are generally based on redactions that postdate
the era of translation into Arabic; besides, it is more than likely that the old
translators, too, already disposed of different copies, that is versions, of these
texts.56 Finally, unlike some of the translations that were made from Greek
into Arabic, no Sanskrit text, as far as we know, has ever been translated into
Arabic more than once (Pahlavi intermediate renditions are to be considered
part of a single transmission process). This is why we must tame our expecta-
tions regarding the possibilities of identifying a Sanskrit quotation in Arabic
disguise, and not suppose to be able to perform comparative semantic or syn-
tactic exercises like those that in Greco-Arabic studies have by now become the
norm.57
Rhazes, in his Kitb al-w, explicitly quotes from six Indian authors; he
does so by referring either to their names or to the titles of their respective
works. Thus, we find treya, Suruta, Caraka, Vgbhaa, Ravigupta and Md-
hava, as well as a few Anonyma, that is passages which Rhazes clearly labelled
Indian but which I have not been able to link to any relevant Ayurvedic text.58
As we will be dealing with these Sanskrit sources at length in the following sec-
tions, suffice it here to say that with the implicit inclusion of the ubiquitous,
legendary treya (Punarvasu), the works of the Ayurvedic masters quoted by

55 Cf. the judgements of SiggIB 8 (= 1102) and Schab 41.

56 Cf. Schab 46 with note 3.
57 Even the determination of individual Sanskrit words, which may have entered Arabic via
the highly ambiguous Pahlavi script and which, in any case, gave rise to all sorts of clerical
errors, is hampered by difficulties of reconstructing historically valid Sanskrit Arabic
transliteration tables other than those, like al-Brns (d. after 442/1050), that are based on
dialectal spelling pronunciations; see on the problem SaIAS 1046, ChaSa 8994, Schab 17
with note 2 and SchBei 9598. For a reverse Arabic Sanskrit transliteration table, based
on material from the early 18th century (!), see KPAst 12. Authentic data are few and far
between.
58 In those cases where I did manage to establish a link, the anonymous quotation has of
course no longer been treated as such but rather moved to the corresponding group of
identified fragments.
10 introduction

Rhazes were of course available to him in Arabic translations.59 It is also clear

that the old translators and/or their patrons were aiming at a more or less full-
scope transfer from Sanskrit into Arabic of all major medico-pharmaceutical
texts that existed in India at the time. There is a cherished adage, passed around
in Ayurvedic circles:

Mdhava shines at pathology, Vgbhaa at propedeutics;

Suruta shines at anatomy, Caraka at therapy60

Here we find, with the exception of Ravigupta whose chronological proximity

to both Vgbhaa and Mdhava perhaps exempted him from this shortlist, the
quintessential protagonists of classic Ayurveda.61 They first appear, as far as
Arabic literature is concerned, in the so-called Indian books of Al ibn Sahl
Rabban a-abars (d. soon after 240/855) Firdaus al-ikma Paradise of Wis-
dom,62 a work that was completed in 235/850 and thus represents the oldest
fully extant medical compendium originally written in the Arabic language
this fact alone, even if bio-bibliographical literature had nothing to offer on the
subject, would provide us with a sure terminus ante quem for their translation
into Arabic, subtracting moreover a time span of at least one generation for
their dissemination in Arabic-speaking circles.
The majority of references to Indian sources in Arabic literature are found
in medico-pharmaceutical texts, and among those the works of a-abar and
Rhazes represent by far the most precious mines for exploration; yet whilst
a-abar often refers to his Indian sources in a collective manner (e.g. ql they
say), Rhazes almost always, bound by the very purpose and structure of his
undertaking, connects a specific piece of information with a specifically named
source. The Indian material in general, and that which is found in RhazesKitb
al-w in particular, attracted the attention of Western scholarsusually

59 Whether or not Rhazes himself was able to read Sanskrit is therefore a question of
secondary importance and, in any case, impossible to answer; cf., however, pp. 5ff. above
on his presumed language skills.
60 See e.g. CaSa 3/v.
61 Questions bearing on the precarious chronology of these Indian authors and their respec-
tive works will be addressed separately in the following sections.
62 See abFir 557,11f., then (implicitly) passim.
introduction 11

from Arabist rather than Sanskritist quarterseven before a full Arabic edi-
tion of his work became first available in the early 1970s. Because the Latin
translation of the Kitb al-w, under the title Liber Continens (or Compre-
hensor), had become widely accessible in Europe with the first Renaissance
prints, the Indian material was in principle recognized, as were on the other
hand the enormous problems with regard to identifying proper namesnever
mind whole passagesthat had travelled from Sanskrit (sometimes through
Pahlavi) into Arabic and thence into Latin. In the second half of the 19th cen-
tury, a few well-known Orientalists and one rather outlandish Indologist pub-
lished a number of articles in the German periodical Zeitschrift der Deutschen
Morgenlndischen Gesellschaft which show, if nothing else, that the question
of translations from Sanskrit into Arabic very much occupied some learned
minds at the time.63 Among those, August Mller was the first to extract refer-
ences to Indian physicians from a printed Latin text (Venice 1509) of the Kitb
al-w, and to draw some farsighted preliminary conclusions.64 This vein of
inquiry was not pursued again any seriously65 until Alfred Siggel and, in par-
ticular, Werner Schmucker published their works on a-abars Paradise of
Wisdom in 1950 and 1969 respectively;66 later, in 1975, Schmucker also pro-
duced an excellent article on the terminology used in pseudo-Cakyas Kitb
as-Summ Book on Poisons.67 The translations from Sanskrit medical litera-
ture into Arabic, to be sure, always also played a role, however minor, in West-

63 Cf. FlUe, FlUeA, SteBei, SteiUe, HaUrs, HaHipp, MAQ. The views of the Indologist
Ernst Haas (see HaUrs and HaHipp passim) are particularly interesting, if only for their
eccentricityHaas was an inveterate philhellenist who, despite being a Sanskrit scholar,
professed a deep disdain for Indian medical literature which he characterized as lacking in
ideas, inner logic and scientific methodology, crammed with superstition, second-hand
knowledge and shadowy regurgitations; the pinnacle of his theories is the assertion
that Ayurvedic medicine in all its inferiority is nothing but a faint reflection of Greek
natural philosophy which had gradually made its way towards the East in the form of
successive, mystified adaptations at the hands of Syrians and Mohammedans; needless
to say that according to Haas there was no such thing as translations from Sanskrit into
Arabic; in sum, his articles are a good lesson in intellectual blindness and still worth a
read.
64 See MAQ 545551 and 552556.
65 Max Meyerhof and Muammad Zubair a-iddq touched upon the subject in two brief
articles from the 1930s and 1950s respectively, cf. MeyTra and SiddSc; harmless repetitions
of wisdom thus received have been published sporadically up until very recent times, see
e.g. AliLeg 224228.
66 See SiggIB and Schab, especially the latters introductory remarks pp. 4050.
67 See SchBei.
12 introduction

ern bio-bibliographical and/or historical surveys relevant to this subject in its

broadest sense;68 but a detailed, philology-based investigation of at least one
cluster of sources has, to my knowledge, not been conducted so far. All theories
about the nature of this transfer will remain shaky without the gradual provi-
sion of a solid textual foundation. In the following sections, and notably in the
chapter on texts and translations, I will try to make a start.

a treya
treya is a highly elusive, ambiguous and, in the final count, all but fictitious
personage who in the indigenous Indian canon prominently features as the
archetypical teacher of Agnivea (fl. about 1000 bce?) and other early pupils.
Jan Meulenbeld, in the first volume of his chef-d uvre A History of Indian
Medical Literature, dedicated a whole subchapter to the various sages who in
the Vedic and Ayurvedic traditions are associated with the name treya; the
conclusion to be drawn from Meulenbelds meticulous inquiries, cutting a long
story short, is that the home-grown accounts on treyahis presumed indi-
viduality, biographical filiation and chronological placementare extremely
incoherent and contradictory, so much so as to negate the historicity of this
foggy figure altogether.69 The treya (Punarvasu) of our context therefore be-
longs to the realm of myth.
The Arabic-writing scholars must have come across treya through the
translations of the medical compendia of Caraka, Vgbhaa and Ravigupta70
we will return to these authors and their respective writings in the sections
that follow. However, these mediated encounters, despite their potential fre-

68 Cf. LecHMA 1/282290 (1876), SiddLi 3043 (1959), UllMed 103107 and GaS 3/187202
(both 1970)to name but some important ones.
69 Meulenbelds judgement can be summarized in his own words as follows: Several sages
called treya are known in Indian literature from the earliest times onwards [] The
identity of the treya of the medical tradition is a much discussed problem, complicated
by the fact that at least three, probably even four, different persons of this name are known
[] The treya Punarvasu [of the Carakasahit] need not be regarded as a historical
personality [] In my opinion [] treya (Punarvasu) is clearly a legendary personality,
see MeuHis 1a/120123.
70 Thus, Caraka introduces almost every single chapter of his work by the standard phrase so
said the lord treya, see CaSa 1/9, 63, 74 and passim; 2/3, 34, 43 and passim; 3/3, 26, 40 and
passim; 4/1, 81, 117 and passim; 5/1, 18, 87 and passim; 6/1, 28, 34 and passim. Vgbhaa, too,
regularly commences new chapters by the dictum so said treya and other great sages,
see VgA 1/3, 22, 33 and passim; 2/3, 11, 29 and passim; 3/3, 13, 27 and passim. Ravigupta,
in a final statement concluding his compilation, mentions treya the seer as one of his
chief sources, see RavSid 1/148 = 2/475.
introduction 13

quency,71 appear to have been rather fleeting, such that the name of treya is,
as far as I can see, attested only three times in Arabic medico-pharmaceutical
literaturetwice in the Kitb al-w of Rhazes, and once in the pharma-
cognostic compendium of Ibn al-Bair (d. 646/1248): in the Kitb al-w,
treya is quoted under the arabicized name(s) of Ar72 and Ara the Indian73
respectively, whilst Ibn al-Bair refers to him as Ar the Indian;74 Rhazes,
who had no reason to question the historicity or individuality of treya, more-
over seems to have considered him the author of a book (kitb).75 Apart
from that, only the great al-Brn (d. after 442/1050), albeit in the context of
a completely different literary genre, makes a similar reference to treya as the
implicit source of Carakas metrological expositions.76 This dearth in Arabic
source literature is echoed by the silence of the Arab bio-bibliographers, who
do not even allude to treya; consequently, he hardly makes an appearance in
secondary literature.77
The first passage which in the Kitb al-w is explicitly linked to the name
of treya deals with the administration of an enema and was no doubt brought
to Rhazes attention through one of the aforesaid Ayurvedic classicsmost
probably an earlier recension of Carakas medical compendium, where in the
chapter on enemas78 the respective information may have been connected
more immediately still with treya. The same is true in principle for the second
passage which deals with one of the many therapeutic benefits of milk, an ubiq-
uitous substance in Ayurvedic medicine; the gist of this short passage resur-
faces as part of the more comprehensive reference made by Ibn al-Bair.79 As

71 It is not impossible that the repetitive evocations of treya in some Ayurvedic classics (cf.
note 70 above) were partly suppressed at the level of translation.
72 See fragment 1 ( ).
73 See fragment 2.
74 See IBm 4/98,5 ( ).
75 See fragment 1.
76 See BeInd 1/163.
77 Lucien Leclerc, in his still valuable Histoire de la mdecine arabe (published 1876), devotes
a short paragraph to Athra, whom he already then identified with treya: Cest lauteur
le plus rarement cit [] Nous pensons que cet auteur, qui est gnralement [?] cit avec
lpithte dIndien, nest pas diffrent de l Athreyas [], see LecHMA 1/286; and Manfred
Ullmann of course registers him, though strangely declaring that the identity of Ar
remains to be established, see UllMed 106.
78 Extant recension see CaSa 6/205232.
79 IBm 4/98,58 reads: Milk multiplies sperm, maintains life, nourishes like cheese, im-
proves the memory, wipes out weariness, (is good for) him who suffers from too much
intercourse or (from) jaundice, it is an antidote against poisons, embellishes the complex-
ion, increases the womans milk, quenches thirst, and makes the urine flow.
14 introduction

matters stand, and obviously so, neither passage cited by Rhazes can be traced
directly to treya in the extant Sanskrit texts.

b Suruta
Suruta was an Indian physician whose date is difficult to determine with any
accuracy but who can nonetheless, unlike treya, be considered a historical
person, which is to say that he lived, most probably, in the 6th century bce; he
is credited with having put down, presumably through oral rather than written
communications, the primary conceptual layer of a work which later became
known under the title Sahit Compendium,80 and whose successive aug-
mentation and gradual elaboration seem to have taken place between the
early 3rd and early 6th centuries ce, during which time the text also received
its first complete, albeit preliminary, redaction.81 The Surutasahit, taking
its earliest layers into account, represents the oldest systematic manifesta-
tion of Ayurvedic medicine and is regarded, with good reason, as one of the
most important exponents of that venerable tradition; it is distinguished by a
predilection for surgery and composed largely in verse, with interspersed sec-
tions of prose; a critical edition of the Sanskrit text remains a desideratum.
In Arabic bio-bibliographical literature, scanty and laconic as it generally is
in all matters Indian, the Surutasahit is referred to as the book of Susrud.
The Baghdad stationer an-Nadm (d. 380/990), whose so-called Catalogue rep-
resents our prime source, provides the following brief account: The book of
Susrud; ten discourses;82 Yay ibn lid83 entrusted Mankah the Indian,84

80 Literally, sahit denotes any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses (e.g. []
medical works), see MWDic 1123a.
81 See MeuHis 1a/333 ff. (on Surutas identity); 336342 (on the compositional layers of his
Sahit); and 342 ff. (on the dates of the man and the redactory periods of the work), esp.
p. 343 bottom.
82 The extant Sanskrit text of the Surutasahit consists of six sections and a total of 186
chapters, cf. MeuHis 1a/344.
83 Yay ibn lid al-Barmak, a member of the illustrious Barmakid family, was the former
tutor and later vizier of the fifth Abbasid caliph Hrn ar-Rad (reg. 170/786[d.]193/809),
and the last influential exponent of his line; he died in prison in the year 190/806see
e.g. SouBar 1034ab. Kevin van Bladel, in a seminal study published in 2011, has carved
out the role of the Barmakids, and that of Yay ibn lid in particular, as patrons and
pacemakers, if not initiators, of the transmission of Indian science and literature to the
Arabs; he further argues convincingly that the Barmakids interest in Sanskrit learning
had its roots in their own recent past as Buddhists in Tokharistan (ancient Bactria), see
BlaBB 45f., 74 f., 84 f. and passim.
84 Mankah < Sanskrit Mikya (or Makha?), see MeuHis 1a/116,4f. with 1b/202 note 3.
introduction 15

in the hospital,85 with its rendition; it runs along the lines of a medical com-
pendium.86 The Arab medical historian Ibn Ab Uaibia (d. 668/1270), partly
depending on an-Nadm though omitting the name of Mankah in connec-
tion with the Surutasahit, additionally says about this book that in it are
(found) the symptoms of the diseases, the knowledge of their treatment, and
the drugs to (counter) them.87 Luckily, the Arabic sources are more gener-
ous with information about Mankah, which I would like to summarize before
proceeding to an evaluation of the material. Again, we start with an-Nadm:
Mankah the Indian was in the entourage of Isq ibn Sulaimn ibn Al al-
Him;88 he translated from the Sanskrit language into Arabic.89 Ibn Ab
Uaibia, this time, has a lot to offer in addition: Mankah the Indian was an
experienced physician [] (and) a philosopher []; proficient in the language
of the Indians and the language of the Persians, it was him who translated the
book on poisons of nq the Indian90 from the Sanskrit language into Pahlavi91
[]; in one book I found that Mankah the Indian [] used to translate from
the Sanskrit language into Pahlavi and Arabic []; (when Hrn) ar-Rad fell
seriously ill and could not find relief from this illness (despite) being treated

85 That is the hospital founded by the Barmakids, under the aegis of Hrn ar-Rad, in south-
western Baghdad, see DuBm 1223a and BlaBB 76; it is not, as Sezgin has it (GaS 3/201), the
hospital of Gondpr.
86 kitb Susrud ar maqlt amara Yay ibn lid bi-tafsrihi li-Mankah al-hind f l-bmri-
stn wa-yar mar l-kunn, see NadFih 1/303,6 f.; Susrud also abFir 557,12.
87 fhi almt al-adw wa-marifat ilih wa-adwiyatuh, see iau 2/32,22; further UllMed
105, GaS 3/197f. and MeuHis 1a/352.
88 Isq ibn Sulaimn ibn Al al-Him was the third Arab governor of Sind (today south-
eastern Pakistan) during the caliphate of Hrn ar-Rad, see MacAS 105 note 47; it seems
that Mankah translated for this governor, whilst in Sind (?), a book titled Asm aqqr
al-Hind Drug Names of the Indians, see NadFih 1/303,11f.
89 Mankah al-hind wa-kna f umlat Isq ibn Sulaimn ibn Al al-Him yanqulu min
al-lua al-hindya il l-arabya, see NadFih 1/245,7 f.
90 That is pseudo-Cakyas Kitb as-Summ, whose original Sanskrit version, if there ever
was one, remains to be discovered; on the complicated Arabic tradition of that book see
e.g. UllMed 324f. and GaS 3/193197 with the literature quoted there.
91 Kevin van Bladel, having emphasized the Barmakids patronage over the early translations
from Sanskrit, raises the question whether Pahlavi ( fris/ya) in this context should
perhaps be understood to mean Bactrian, given that familys cultural affiliation (see
BlaBB 76 note 153). This suggestion, intriguing as it sounds, is not very convincing in my
view, for any subsequent translations into Arabic would have been hampered by even
greater linguistic and logistic difficulties; and how would Mankah and the other (Indian,
Persian and Arab) translators involved in this transmission have acquired a knowledge of
Bactrian?
16 introduction

by (his) physicians [], he sent somebody to bring Mankah (to Baghdad), and
he included a gift to help him on his journey; Mankah came, treated ar-Rad,
and thanks to this treatment (the caliph) completely recovered and rewarded
him with a rich income and sufficient possessions [].92 Follows an anecdote
which in our context is of interest only insofar as it throws a somewhat mod-
erating light on Mankahs language skills: as he is walking around one day in
Baghdad, he comes across a charlatan (raul min al-minn), busy trying to
flog an electuary (man) to cure each and everything; Mankah, listening to
the mans proclamations, turns to his interpreter (turumn) and asks What is
he saying?, and when the interpreter translates (tarama) it for him, Mankah
smiles and replies 93
If we take the sum of the information provided by the Arabic sources
allowing for the possibility of literary conventions94as the basis towards
a modest reconstruction of historical events, we can distil the following: an
Indian physician by the presumed name of Mikya travels to Iraq at the
beginning of the reign of the Abbasid caliph Hrn ar-Rad, probably upon
the latters request and perhaps in the company of a delegation dispatched
by the Arab governor of Sind, Isq ibn Sulaimn al-Him; he carries with
him Ayurvedic books; he is admitted to the palace in Baghdad, serves both the
caliph and his vizier, the Barmakid Yay ibn lid, as a physician, and is also
attached to the newly founded Barmika hospital; the vizier commissions him
to undertake the translation of the Surutasahit; Mikya translates from

92 Mankah al-hind kna liman bi-inat a-ibb [] failasfan [] mutqanan li-luat al-
Hind wa-luat al-Furs wa-huwa lla naqala kitb nq al-hind f s-summ min al-lua
al-hindya il l-fris [] wa-waadtu f ba al-kutub anna Mankah al-hind [] kna
yanqulu min al-lua al-hindya il l-frisya wal-arabya [] inna r-Rad italla illatan
abatan fa-laahu l-aibb fa-lam yaid min illatihi ifqatan [] fa-waaha r-Rad
man amalahu wa-waalahu bi-ila tuaiyinuhu al safarihi fa-qadima wa-laa r-Rad
fa-baraa min illatihi bi-ilihi fa-ar alaihi rizqan wsian wa-amwlan kfiyatan, see
iau 2/33,1524.
93 iau 2/33,2434,2the charlatan, it has to be said in Mankahs defense, would no doubt
have expressed himself in some colloquial variety of Arabic. The story about the caliphs
illness, as well as the anecdote about the panacea, are also related by the Arab historian
Ab afar a-abar (d. 310/923), see abTa 3.2/747f.; Mankah is mentioned, too, by the
adab writers al-i (d. 255/869) and Ibn Qutaiba (d. 276/889), see Bay 1/92 (joins
the physicians of Yay ibn lid), ay 7/213 (converts to Islam?) and IQA 1/24f.
(medicates Yay ibn lid and later consoles him in prison). Further UllMed 106 and
GaS 3/200f.
94 Potential topoi: the ailing ruler is saved by an exotic physician; the true physician exposes
a pretender.
introduction 17

Sanskrit into Pahlavi, probably on his own, and/or into Arabic, probably not on
his ownit seems unlikely that he could have tackled single-handedly a direct
translation from Sanskrit into Arabic; in the course of this translatory process
the formal structure of the original work is altered, probably as a result of con-
densing its contents, and metrical structures are dissolved; the translation is
commissioned and accomplished during Yay ibn lids vizierate, namely
between the years 786 and 803ce, though Mikya stays in Baghdad even after
the downfall of the Barmakid, whom he visits in jail; Mikya may or may not
have returned to India.
Rhazes, then, quotes seven passages from the Arabic translation of the Suru-
tasahit. Two of these passages, quite unusually so, are attested only by the
Latin translation of the Kitb al-w,95 which the Jewish physician Fara ibn
Slim (latinized Faragut) completed for king Charles of Anjou in 1279ce96
one passage deals with various kinds of leeches, the other with the signs of
looming death, and whilst they both seem to fall somewhat outside the topical
frame of the Kitb al-w, it is worth remembering that the Latin translation
would have been based on an Arabic manuscript older than and/or different
from the ones that have survived to this day. Two other passages, dealing with
the administration of enemas, belong together,97 as they both are reflections
of one and the same Sanskrit prototypes. The remaining three passages deal,
respectively, with tongue protrusion,98 planned conception and the signs of
pregnancy,99 and how to treat quartan fever.100
The two passages which are only preserved in the Latin version of the Kitb
al-w explicitly refer to Suruta by the name(s) of Sanasrad (fragment 5)
and Sisud (fragment 6), both of which are transliterations of the (misread)
Arabic form Ssrd; his name also appears, again only in the Latin version, as
Sesirid (fragment 2b)a crucial reference that allowed me to amend and
identify this passage which in the Arabic edition is originally (and wrongly)
introduced as a quotation from a Persian [sic] book; the other passages

95 See fragments 5, 6.
96 The Latin edition Venice 1509 s.t. Continens, which I have been using here, is considered
one of the better out of several Renaissance prints; however, even this edition suffers
from major philological problems, such that the great 19th century Orientalist August
Mller could go as far as to call it die miserable Ausgabe einer schlechten lateinischen
Uebersetzung einer arabischen Uebersetzung eines Sanskritbuches, see MAQ 545.
97 See fragments 2a, 2b.
98 See fragment 1.
99 See fragment 3.
100 See fragment 4.
18 introduction

from the Surutasahit (fragments 1, 2a, 3, 4) are all attested in Arabic yet
anonymous, that is to say they have not been fitted by Rhazes with a label but
rather introduced by phrases like from an Indian book, the Indian (scil. says),
and from some book of the Indians.
As already indicated, there is one replicate, modified quotation from Suru-
tas Sahit, found at two different places, though close-by, in the Kitb al-
w:101

(2a)
][

][ (2b)

c Caraka
Caraka was an Indian physician whose identity and date have been subject
to extensive scholarly debates among Indologists and historians of Ayurvedic
medicine. Jan Meulenbeld has summed up the gist of these more or less plau-
sible deliberations in a detailed survey which he concludes with the state-
ment that the extant source material suggests a chronological span from about
100bce to about 200ce for the lifetime of Caraka and hence, for the com-
position of his medical compendium bearing the habitual title of Sahit.102
Among the many important literary manifestations of Ayurvedic medicine, the
Carakasahit is arguably its most comprehensive and most influential expo-
nent; it is distinguished notably for an emphasis on internal medicine and
elaboration of drug-based treatments; like the Surutasahit, it is composed
largely in verse;103 and here, too, a critical edition of the Sanskrit text, highly
desirable, does not yet exist.
In Arabic literature, the Carakasahit is mentioned, with the usual brevity,
by two bio-bibliographical sources, complemented by a medical source which
in our present context is only relevant as it provides a variant reading of
Carakas name. Thus, an-Nadm (d. 380/990) and Ibn Ab Uaibia (d. 668/1270)

101 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.

102 See MeuHis 1a/105115, esp. p. 114,26 f.
103 Meulenbeld estimates the ratio of metrical and non-metrical structures in the Carakasa-
hit to be 9 : 1, see MeuHis 1a/93.
introduction 19

unanimously say that the book of arak (was) rendered from Pahlavi into Ara-
bic by Abdallh ibn Al, because at first it had been translated from Sanskrit
into Pahlavi;104 and a-abar (d. soon after 240/855), in a general statement
regarding the works he used for his expos of the system of Ayurveda, also refers
to the book of arak.105 In other words, the Carakasahit was put from San-
skrit into Pahlavi by an unnamed translator, perhaps but not necessarily the
Indian physician Mikya;106 the work was then, in a second-stage translation,
put from Pahlavi into Arabic by a certain Abdallh ibn Al. The latter, other-
wise unknown scholar would surely have been a Persian (rather than an Arab)
and, if the name is anything to go by, a Muslim at least on paper. As regards
the question of when these translations were made, we have but one explicit
testimony, namely that of the polymath al-Brn (d. after 442/1050) who in his
chef-duvre on India refers to the Carakasahit as having been translated
into Arabic for the princes of the house of the Barmakids,107 a powerful family
of viziers-cum-patrons under the early Abbasid caliphswe already met the
Barmakid Yay ibn lid (d. 190/806) as a sponsor of the translation of the
Surutasahit;108 in addition to al-Brns testimony, we can draw the obvi-
ous conclusion that if the aforesaid a-abar was able to use the Carakasahit
for a book which he completed in 235/850, the Arabic translation must have
been available (and accessible) well before that date. It is therefore reasonable
to assume that the first- and second-stage translations of the Carakasahit
were closely spaced events, whose instigation moreover is to be associated
with the Barmakids. The overall translation of the Carakasahit from San-
skrit through Pahlavi into Arabic can cautiously be dated to the years around
800ce.

104 kitb arak [ed. Syrk var. Srl lege rk] fassarahu Abdallh ibn Al min al-fris il l-arab
li-annahu auwalan nuqila min al-hind il l-fris, see NadFih 1/303,7f. with 2/147,2; kitb
arak al-hind wa-h l-kitb fassarahu , see iau 2/32,20f. Further UllMed 104 and
GaS 3/198.
105 See abFir 557,11.
106 On Mikya, the (named) translator of the Surutasahit, see pp. 16f. above. Jan Meulen-
beld presents Mikyas translatorship over the Carakasahit as a fact (MeuHis 1a/116),
but his claim is not substantiated by the sources nor indeed by the literature he cites.
107 See BeInd 1/159. It is not clear whether al-Brn refers here to the second-stage translation
only (Pahlavi into Arabic), nor even whether he was aware at all that this work underwent
a tiered rendition; in any case, the core information he provides is that the Carakasahit
was put into Arabic during the days of the Barmakids.
108 Cf. p. 14 above with note 83.
20 introduction

In the Kitb al-w, Caraka is always referred to by the arabicized name

of arak,109 occasionally complemented by the epithet the Indian;110 Rhazes
extracted from the Arabic translation of Carakas Sahit111 a total of 70 pas-
sages of varying length112 and a wide topical range, 41 of which proved to be
traceable to the Sanskrit text.113
There are some cases of replicate, slightly modified quotations from Carakas
Sahit, found at different places in the Kitb al-w:114

(2)
][ (33)

(21)
][ (43)

(23)
][ (42)

(32)
(34)

109 With the obvious exception of three originally anonymous quotations, that is passages
which Rhazes introduced simply by an unnamed (piece of information) from the Indians
or the Indian (scil. says), see fragments 25, 26, 32once identified as belonging to the
Carakasahit, I have moved and incorporated these passages accordingly.
110 See fragments 5, 14, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 68.
111 Sometimes broadly referred to as Carakas book (kitb), see fragments 29, 30, 34, 45, 51,
62.
112 A few of these, notably the ones found in Rhazes pharmacological tables (volume 22 of the
Hyderabad-edition), consist, in accordance with the nature of such inventories, of mere
lemmata, see fragments 46 through to 64.
113 Fragments 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42,
43, 46, 47, 51, 52, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 65, 66, 68, 69, 70.
114 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.
introduction 21

d Vgbhaa
With the Indian physician Vgbhaa we are entering relatively well-charted
chronological territory, the emphasis being on relative. Jan Meulenbeld, hav-
ing appraised in magnificent detail all available primary and secondary attes-
tations,115 arrives at the conclusion that Vgbhaa the physician (as distin-
guished from other Sanskrit scholars of that name) authored an Ayurvedic chef-
duvre titled Agahdayasahit Compendium of the Eightfold Essence
(of Medicine),116 and that this Vgbhaa must have lived around 600 ce117
notwithstanding a bewildering variety of more or less informed guesses.118 The
Agahdayasahit constitutes, together with the Surutasahit and the
Carakasahit, the so-called Bhattray or Great Triad of classic Ayurveda;119
it is composed entirely in verse; a critical edition containing the (transliterated)
Sanskrit text is available.120
The Arab bio-bibliographers provide us, here again, only with the scantiest
of information. First, an-Nadm (d. 380/990) says: The compendious book
Astnkar,121 rendition by Ibn Dahn;122 and, at another place, he states: Ibn
Dahn the Indian, to whom was (given charge of) the Barmika hospital,123

115 See MeuHis 1a/597642 (on Vgbhaas identity and the works ascribed to him).
116 For our purposes only marginally relevant is the still unsettled question of Vgbhaas
authorship over a similar work of lesser importance titled (similarly) Agasagraha
The Eightfold Epitome, see for a discussion of this problem MeuHis 1a/651656.
117 So explicitly MeuHis 2a/148,3 f. (based on and in line with Ronald Emmericks reckoning,
for which see e.g. RavSid 1/1).
118 Listed MeuHis 1a/642.
119 See e.g. MeuHis 2b/263 note 16.
120 See list of abbreviations and bibliography s.v. deva.
121 Looking at the recorded manuscript variants in Gustav Flgels edition of an-Nadms cat-
alogue (NadFih 2/146 bottom), one can see how much trouble the Arabs had in transmit-
ting correctly the underlying Sanskrit word, however curtailed already:
, ,
.
122 kitb Astnkar al-mi tafsr Ibn Dahn, see NadFih 1/303,7. The Arabic qualifier al-mi
may be interpreted as belonging to the title or, in other words, as representing a calque
of Sanskrit -sahit. It is, however, a long shot to conclude from this possibility that the
Sanskrit base text in question was the Agasagraha instead (for which cf. note 116
above)all extant Arabic transliterations of the term, including those attested by the
Kitb al-w, end in r or rh, which can only be explained as substitutions of h(daya);
if further proof were needed, consider a-abars (d. soon after 240/855) old, unique and
wonderfully close transliteration of Agahdaya, namely Atnqahrday (abFir 557,12);
the Agasagraha was probably never translated into Arabic, but see nonetheless
Meulenbelds summary of this pointless discussion (MeuHis 1a/618f.).
123 Founded by and named after the Barmakids, this Baghdad hospital was opened most
probably in the last decade of the 8th century ce, cf. note 85 above; the same source,
22 introduction

translated into Arabic from the Sanskrit language.124 Second, there is the truly
terse statement of Ibn Ab Uaibia (d. 668/1270) who, in a list of Indian works
that were once translated into Arabic, also includes the compendious book
Asnkar.125 What little we can draw from these accounts may be summa-
rized as follows: Vgbhaas Agahdayasahit was translated from San-
skrit into Arabic, directly it seems, by an Indian physician called Ibn Dahn126
who directed the Barmika hospital in Baghdad; his association with this hos-
pital where also the Indian translator-physician Mikya worked,127 combined
with the rarified tone and contextual setting of the Arabic sources, points to the
same early Abbasid milieu and hence, to a likely date of around 800 ce for Ibn
Dahns translatory activities.
In his Kitb al-w, Rhazes quotes eight rather short passages from the
Arabic translation of the Agahdayasahit, to which he refers by the (cur-
tailed) arabicized title Astankarh,128 usually accompanied by the qualifier the
Indian; two originally anonymous quotations,129 once identified as belonging
to the Agahdayasahit, have been shifted accordingly; five out of these
eight passages proved to be traceable to the Sanskrit text.130

e Ravigupta
The Indian physician Ravigupta lived around 650 ce and is the author of a med-
ical treatise titled Siddhasra Perfect Quintessence (of Medicine). This work,
which is almost entirely composed in verse and predominantly concerned

in the context of a different translation, explicitly calls Ibn Dahn director (ib) of
that hospital (NadFih 1/303,9)we will return to this passage in the following section.
Incidentally, Sezgin is of course wrong (GaS 3/199) to associate Ibn Dahn with the hospital
of Gondpr.
124 Ibn Dahn al-hind wa-kna ilaihi bmristn al-Barmika naqala il l-arab min al-lisn
al-hind, see NadFih 1/245,8 f.
125 kitb Asnkar al-mi, see iau 2/32,25 f.; further UllMed 105 and GaS 3/198f.
126 The compound name Ibn Dahn may be a partly loan-translated partly transliterated form
of Sanskrit *Dhanaputra* child of wealth, son of a merchant, in which case the second
element could also be read ahn (MeuHis 1a/618f., for reasons not explained, reads
Duhn); cf. MWDic 508bc for dhana as a proper name and various related combinations.
127 Cf. pp. 16f. above.
128 The reading Astankarh is the product of a unified emendation on my part, inferred
from a number of variant transmissions which are registered in the apparatus of the
Hyderabad-edition, see the respective notes to fragments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
129 See fragments 7 (in a certain book of the Indians [the author] says) and 8 (in some book
of the Indians it is reported that).
130 Fragments 1, 2, 4, 7, 8.
introduction 23

with therapy, has been described as a new type of Ayurvedic text for two rea-
sons: first, on the level of poetic conception, Ravigupta wrote himself nearly all
verses of his book, rather than copying and recopying them from his Ayurvedic
predecessors, which constitutes a highly original and thence truly remarkable
contribution to Indian medical literature; second, on the level of formal pre-
sentation, he restructured the traditional material in a more systematic way,
casting it into a smaller number of concise, topically arranged chapters, and
thereby laying down a procedural template that was later to become more or
less standard. The Siddhasra was widely used and amply cited by subsequent
Indian medical writers, even though they largely ignored Raviguptas somewhat
idiosyncratic order of diseases.131 A critical edition containing the (transliter-
ated) Sanskrit text, as well as an English translation of its Tibetan version, is
available.132
Two Arab bio-bibliographersthe usual candidateshave something to
say about the fate of the Siddhasra in the context of Islamic medicine. The sta-
tioner an-Nadm (d. 380/990) notes: The book Sindhar,133 meaning Quintes-
sence of Success; rendition by Ibn Dahn, the director of the hospital.134 And
the medical historian Ibn Ab Uaibia (d. 668/1270), keeping it even briefer,
mentions in his list of Indian works that were once translated into Arabic also
the book Sindhar,135 denoting Image136 of Success ;137 elsewhere, he refers
again to this book as belonging roughly to the time of the Alexandrian physi-
cians,138 vague as it is. Apart from that, we have ten references in Ibn al-Bairs
(d. 646/1248) pharmacognostic compendium139 but, strangely, no mention of
Raviguptas book by a-abar (d. soon after 240/855) who does not seem to have

131 See MeuHis 2a/146 ff.

132 See list of abbreviations and bibliography s.v. RavSid.
133 Gustav Flgels edition of an-Nadms catalogue has (no recorded manuscript
variants), but this graphogram is nonsensical and can easily be amended to read
.
134 kitb Sndstq [cf. note 133 above] manhu kitb afwat an-nu tafsr Ibn Dahn ib
al-bmristn, see NadFih 1/303,8f. On the translator Ibn Dahn and the Barmika hospital
in Baghdad see pp. 21 f. above with notes 123 and 126.
135 August Mllers edition has , which should be amended to read
(found as such also in the passage iau 1/109,22).
136 The reading ra image (instead of afwa quintessence) is an old mistake, cf. also the
variants recorded for
in Flgels edition of an-Nadms catalogue: , / ,
(NadFih 2/147,8 f.); further p. 149 below note 146.
137 kitb Sndhn [cf. note 135 above] wa-tafsruhu kitb rat an-nu, see iau 2/32,23f.
138 See iau 1/109,14f. and 22.
139 See IBm (s.t. Sindhar) 1/18,26; 152,12; 2/21,17; 25,5; 66,30; 3/161,25 and 4/169,3; (s.t.
Sindhasr) 2/147,21 and 4/188,17; (s.t. Sdhasr) 4/126,14.
24 introduction

used it for his expos of the system of Ayurveda.140 The arabicized form(s) of the
title of Raviguptas book have led to certain misinterpretations and thence mis-
attributions, notably but not exclusively in Arabist secondary literature. Thus,
Manfred Ullmann (after the Sanskritist Adolf Stenzler) wants to amend the Ara-
bic graphograms to read Sindhistn which, in turn, is said to be a transliteration
of Sanskrit Siddhisthna;141 and Fuat Sezgin considers the Arabic graphograms
to be representations of Sanskrit Siddhayoga, deducing from his own deduc-
tion that by this title is meant the well-known book on therapeutics of the
Indian physician Vnda (fl. sometime between 800 and 950 ce).142 Clever as
they are, both propositions are untenable: the Indologist Ronald Emmerick has
demonstrated that solely on the basis of the Arabic graphograms and the Arabic
loan-translation of the title, the underlying Sanskrit word can only be Sid-
dhasra; besides, he observes that Siddhisthna is not the name of any Indian
medical work let alone of one famous enough to have been deemed worthy
of being translated into Arabic, and that Siddhayoga can hardly be reconciled
with any of the extant Arabic transliterations; finally Emmerick proves his point
by linking three short passages, as cited by Rhazes s.t. Sindhar, directly to
Raviguptas Siddhasra.143 Returning to what little may be concluded from the
meagre testimony of the Arabic bio-bibliographical sources, it would appear
that the Siddhasra of Ravigupta was translated into Arabic by the same Indian
physician and hospital director Ibn Dahn who, as we have seen,144 is also the
named translator of Vgbhaas Agahdayasahit; this allows us to fur-
ther conclude that the Siddhasra, too, was translated by him directly from
the Sanskrit, in Baghdad, perhaps under the roof of the Barmika hospital, and
most likely around the year 800ce.
In the Kitb al-w, then, we find a total of 48 mostly short passages from
the Arabic translation of the Siddhasra, to which Rhazes usually refers by
the arabicized title Sindhar, occasionally also by one or another variant
form of that title, viz. Sindhasr,145 Sdhar146 or Siddhas/r,147 and once by

140 The Indian sources of a-abar are explicitly named by him at the beginning of his
expos, see abFir 557,11 f.
141 UllMed 105 after SteBei 327 (the latter published in 1857).
142 GaS 3/199f.; on Vnda and his Siddhayoga see MeuHis 2a/7882.
143 EmmRav 29ff.
144 Cf. pp. 21f. above.
145 See fragment 20.
146 See fragment 5.
147 See fragments 1, 2 (the form Siddhasr is by far the best recorded transliteration of the
Sanskrit term).
introduction 25

adding the qualifier the Indian;148 additionally there is one quotation that is
introduced by referring only to the loan-translated title of this Indian book,
viz. afwat an-nu;149 20 out of these 48 passages proved to be traceable to the
Sanskrit text.150
There are several cases of replicate, modified quotations from Raviguptas
Siddhasra, found at different places in the Kitb al-w:151

)(4
)(5
)(6
][ ][ )(39

][ ][ )(7
)(11

)(8
][ ][ )(36

)(9
)(16
)(18
)(22
][ )(25

148 See fragment 25; cf. also fragment 45.

149 See fragment 45.
150 Fragments 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 23, 24, 26, 28, 32, 34, 35, 38, 39, 47, 48.
151 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.
26 introduction

(10)
][ (42)

(12)
][ (35)

(15)
(32)

(19)
][ (29)

f Mdhava
Mdhava152 was an Indian physician who lived around 700ce.153 His foremost
contribution to Ayurvedic literature is a treatise titled Nidna Pathology.154
This work, though in the main a compilation drawn largely from the compendia
of Suruta, Caraka and Vgbhaa, is nonetheless distinguished by the descrip-
tion of several new diseases absent from earlier texts and a more refined
clinical nosology of diseases already recognized; these features, together with
an improved organization of the material, had a considerable impact on the
mindset, and the esteem, of later medical writers.155 The Mdhavanidna con-
stitutes, alongside the much later rgadharasahit (14th century ce) and
the Bhvapraka (16th century ce), the so-called Laghutray or Small Triad
of classic Ayurveda;156 it is composed entirely in verse; numerous, more or less
reliable (Indian) editions of the Sanskrit text exist.157
In Arabic bio-bibliographical literature, only the medical historian Ibn Ab
Uaibia (d. 668/1270) mentions the Nidna at all, namely when listing those

152 Sometimes (and perhaps wrongly) called Mdhavakara, see MeuHis 2a/70 for a brief
discussion of the name.
153 See RavSid 1/1.
154 Also known as Rogavinicaya Diagnosing Disease, cf. MeuHis 2a/61.
155 See MeuHis 2a/61 and 63.
156 See e.g. MeuHis 2b/263 note 16.
157 Jan Meulenbeld counted 57 (!), see MeuHis 2b/71 ff. (published 2000).
introduction 27

Indian works that were once translated into Arabic: The book Nidn,158 includ-
ing the symptoms of 404 diseases159 and their diagnosis (but) excluding ther-
apy.160 Unfortunately, we are given no information about the translator, nor
any clue as to whether or not this translation ran through Pahlavi. Judging
from what we have already learned in the preceding sections about the socio-
cultural milieu and chronological placement of the translations from Sanskrit
into Arabic, it seems likelythough by no means certainthat the Nidna,
too, was translated in Baghdad around the year 800 ce.161
In the Kitb al-w, the Arabic translation of the Nidna is quoted only
once, under the label of the Indian Nidn;162 the passage selected by Rhazes
deals with the presumed cause of a particular skin pigmentation (probably
melanocytic naevi).

g Anonyma
In this section are included 17 passages which Rhazes in his Kitb al-w
explicitly linked to an Indian source,163 but which I have not been able to trace
to any of the Ayurvedic works we positively know were available to him at the
time in Arabic translation.164 This is not to say that Rhazes made a mistake
or handled his sources recklessly, nor does it allow us to draw any disparaging

158 August Mllers edition has , which no doubt is a mistake for

the older geogra-
pher-historian al-Yaqb (d. after 292/905), from whom Ibn Ab Uaibia copied the above
passage word for word, confirms this reading (YaTa 1/94,6f.), and so does a-abar (d. soon
after 240/855), an even older source (abFir 557,12).
159 It is hard to verify this number in the extant editions of the Mdhavanidnaeven if we
foolishly assume that the Sanskrit text has remained static for some 1300 years, we would
still be faced with the question of what exactly constitutes a pathological entity, for us
today and for whichever Arab back then who took the trouble and counted.
160 kitb Bdn [cf. note 158 above] f almt arba mia wa-arbaa adw wa-marifatih bi-air
il, see iau 2/32,23.
161 Manfred Ullmanns statement that the Mdhavanidna soll im Auftrage Hrn ar-Rads
ins Arabische bersetzt worden sein (UllMed 105) concurs with my own estimation,
though I would have loved to see where exactly Ullmann got this information from; cf.
further GaS 3/199.
162 My reading is an emendation of the nonsensical graphogram as registered in
the apparatus of the Hyderabad-edition, cf. p. 152 below note 154.
163 These attributions may take the form of references to the Indian(s) (fragments 2, 6, 8, 9,
10, 13, 15), to one or several book(s) of the Indian(s) (fragments 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 16), or
to an Indian prescription (fragment 17).
164 Namely the compendia of Suruta, Caraka and Vgbhaa, together with Raviguptas Sid-
dhasra and Mdhavas Nidna. There are, to be sure, two other (completely separate)
categories of texts which should at least be mentioned in this connection: on the one hand,
28 introduction

conclusions about the quality of these translations, not least because they were
almost certainly based on Sanskrit texts different from the ones we possess
today. It simply means that our current knowledge base, with regard to the
condition of both Arabic and Sanskrit textual attestations, is neither broad nor
solid enough to support the kind of complex scaffolding which is needed to
reach all areas of however modest linguistic identification. New findings in the
field of Indology, or perhaps just a more diligent and more patient researcher,
may one day cast a clearer light into this dusky corner.

2 The Syriac Sources

Unlike the Indian material, none of the many passages quoted by Rhazes from
Syrian authors can be traced and thereby verified in the source language. The
vast majority of medico-pharmaceutical texts that were once laid down in the
Syriac languagewhether or not themselves modelled on Greek or Pahlavi
precursors or even translations of such prototypesis now regrettably lost
and at best known to us through Arabic renditions;165 the bulk of the latter,
in turn, seems to be preserved in the Kitb al-w.166 The sad fact that hardly
any indigenous Syriac writings on the subject have come down to us167 is, on
a more positive note, compensated precisely by their survival in Arabic garb.
Before taking a closer look at the Syrian authors and their respective works as

the Arab bio-bibliographers give us the titles of a further eight or nine Indian medico-
pharmaceutical books that must also have been available in Arabic translations by the end
of the 10th century ce at the very latest (NadFih 1/303,1013 iau 2/32,2429)these titles,
however, cannot easily be related to any known Ayurvedic works and, even if they could,
the respective translations seem to have vanished without leaving a tangible trace in sub-
sequent Arabic literature; on the other hand, Jan Meulenbeld registers four Ayurvedic
works of lesser prominence that could theoretically have also been translated into Arabic
in time to be used by Rhazes, provided their approximate datings are valid at all (MeuHis
2a/312, 1324, 2541, 4260)here, the problem is that the very existence of such transla-
tions is entirely hypothetical and not supported by any direct or indirect textual evidence
whatsoever.
165 See e.g. UllMed 100.
166 With the exception of Yann ibn Sarbiyns (fl. 870ce) medical compendia which in
any case require a different methodological treatment, see pp. 47f. below.
167 An exceptional instance of the preservation of a presumably autochthonous Syriac med-
ical text, written most probably during the 6th century ce in a strong iatromathematical
vein, is the anonymous Book of Medicines, for which see list of abbreviations and bibliog-
raphy s.v. SyBM.
introduction 29

quoted explicitly by Rhazes in his Kitb al-w, it is perhaps necessary to say

a few words about what, by our definition, constitutes a Syriac source.
In pre-Islamic times and well into the early Islamic period the chief expo-
nents of the medical sciences as represented by the Greek and, to a lesser
extent, Sasanian traditions were Syriac-speaking Nestorians, occasionally also
Jacobites, whose ethnic and thence primary linguistic affiliations may have
varied,168 but who in any case were trained to communicate their scientific,
philosophical and theological ideas in the Syriac language. With the ascension
of the Abbasid caliphs to the throne in Baghdad, with the progressive spread of
the Muslim faith and the institutionalization of the Arabic language as the pre-
vailing medium of literary expression, a large number of Syrian scholars, too,
began to use Arabic at least for non-religious communications, often exclu-
sively or else alongside Syriac, such that the latter retained its importance as
an intermediary between Greek and Arabic but gradually, and in the end dra-
matically, lost its function as a language for the creation of original works.169
Yet there remained a very small number of Syrian scholars who, be it for an
inadequate command of written Arabic or to uphold venerable literary conven-
tions or both, continued to compose their works, even if secular, in the Syriac
language only. These scholars, whose insistence upon written Syriac even in
Abbasid days is more or less unanimously attested by bio-bibliographical lit-
erature, are considered here a circle apart from all those Syrians who by then
had begun to fully adopt written Arabic or, as the rarer case may be, whose lin-
guistic preferences can no longer be identified with any certainty.170 In other

168 The famous translator unain ibn Isq (d. 873 or 877ce) hailed from al-ra in south-
central Iraq and was ethnically an Arab, cf. UllMed 115; the But clan of physicians
(mid 8th to mid 11th centuries ce) hailed from Gondpr in south-western Iran and
were ethnically Persians, cf. UllMed 108111.
169 See e.g. BauGe 227.
170 An early example of the latter kind is a man named in Arabic Tiyq (UllMed 22
[?] or, as that name is not attested in relevant onomastica [PBWr and PreiNB],
perhaps a short form of ); he was, most probably, an ethnic Greek (GaS 3/207
goes as far as to say that he sprach Griechisch als Muttersprache [?]) who lived around
700ce and served the Umayyad governor of Iraq, al-a ibn Ysuf, as a personal
physician. Tiyq is said to have written a medical compendium (kunn), but it is
impossible to make out in which languageArabic, Syriac (then translated into Arabic)
or even Greek (then translated [via Syriac?] into Arabic), cf. UllMed 22f. and GaS 3/207
with the literature quoted there; he is also said to have authored three other works on
medical matters (all Arabic titles, see GaS 3/208 nos. 2, 3 and 4), among them a long-poem
(qada) on the preservation of health which, if the attribution is correct in the first place,
would certainly not have been a translation from Syriac, never mind Greek.
30 introduction

words, I consider a Syriac source to be a text that was originally conceived in

the Syriac language, not the product of a translation whatsoever, and whose
classification as such can either be deduced from chronological evidence or
backed up by positive data obtained from primary or secondary literatureall
other information that appears in the Kitb al-w, even if it seems to imply a
Syrian scholar, is considered Arabic or Greek in origin, depending again on the
drift of non-contextual attestations. In doing so, I am aware that the linguistic
reality behind suchlike classifications may not always be captured as neatly as
the latter suggest; yet here, too, a positivistic approach with a view to histori-
cal approximation should yield, at the current state of affairs, the most likely
results.

a Sargs of Rain
Sargs of Rain, also known as Sergios of Theodosiopolis (Ras al-Ain), was
a Syrian priest and archiater of the Monophysite persuasion; he is credited
with philosophical, medical and even alchemical, astrological and geoponical
writings, and renowned in particular for his translations into Syriac of Greek
works on philosophy (mainly Aristotle) and medicine (mainly Galen); he died
in Constantinople in the year 536ce.171 In the Arabic tradition he is called
Sari/s ar-Rasain, and esteemed in his capacity as a translator, for some of
his Syriac versions of Greek texts became points of comparison, if not starting
points, for subsequent translations into Arabic.172
In the Kitb al-w, Sargs is quoted only once, under the name of Sars ar-
Ras; luckily, Rhazes also provides us with the (Arabic) title of the work from
which he is quoting, viz. Kitb f l-Istisq Book on Dropsy.173 This is, in fact,
the only extant passage from this otherwise completely lost book, whose orig-
inal Syriac title may have been *K Kn-maiy*; moreover, we would not
even know that such a book ever existed were it not for that single reference in

171 BauGe 167173.

172 So BauGe 168,2125; cf., however, Ibn Ab Uaibias (d. 668/1270) judgement (iau 1/204,28)
that he was an average translator (kna mutawassian f n-naql). On Sargs in Arabic
primary literature see NadFih 1/354,19 (read Saris) where he features as the author of
a (pseudepigraphic?) work on alchemy (ana); ZauMu 175,4f.; iau loc.cit. with 1/109,25f.;
BHDuw 87,19f. and 144,24 f. In secondary literature see BauGe loc.cit. with 167 note 6;
UllMed 100; UllNGw 191 (alchemy), 301 (astrology) and 431 (geoponica); GaS 3/177.
Whether or not Sargs of Rain is identical with the scholars whom the Arabs called
Saris the monk (e.g. NadFih 1/354,24) and/or Saris the physician (e.g. iau 1/189,2f.) is
not clear, though in my opinion, at least in case of the latter, very likely.
173 See fragment.
introduction 31

the Kitb al-w. And how fortunate are we if we finally consider that Rhazes
bothered at all to incorporate this passage whose content, by his own estima-
tion, is worthless?174 Be that as it may, the Book on Dropsy must be regarded
an independent medical writing of Sargs, and not a translation from Greek.175
Basing our judgement precariously on the one and only extant quotation, his
work further seems to have been rather theoretical in nature, unless the surviv-
ing passage was extracted from some scholastic prolegomenaeither way, one
would assume that it served Rhazes, more than anything else, as a bad exam-
ple.

b lmn
lmn (scil. Solomon) is an unknown quantity to both Syriac and Arabic bio-
bibliographical literature, which means we have no direct information what-
soever about his lifetime, background, vocation or geographical location.176
Judging from the 19 fragments which run under his name in the Kitb al-w,
he must have been a physician; this fairly obvious conclusion is also supported
by a single mention in the anonymous Syriac Book of Medicines (compiled
most probably in the 6th century ce)177 and a triple mention in Yann ibn
Msawaihs (d. 857ce) ophthalmologic work titled Daal al-ain The Defec-
tiveness of the Eye.178 The reference in the Syriac Book of Medicines is particu-
larly important as it provides us, implicitly, with a terminus ante quem for the
medical activities of lmn, such that we can go along with Sezgins reckoning
and place lmn in the (early) 6th century ce.179

174 Cf. p. 160 below note 2.

175 An only theoretically possible Greek prototype is the pseudo-Galenic * *, of
which there exists nothing but one short (Arabic) fragment, also of course rescued by
Rhazes and quoted s.t. Kitb f l-aban, see r 13/46,11ff.; cf. UllMed 57 no. 89 and GaS 3/131
no. 120.
176 This dearth in primary literature is reflected in secondary literaturethus, Baumstark
registers three Syrian scholars named lmn, one of whom lived in the 13th century ce
whilst the other two are chronologically eligible but feature only as authors of monastic
and ascetic histories respectively (BauGe 205, 214 and 309); Ullmann s.n. Ilmn and
Sezgin s.n. Almun are largely chroniclers of our ignorance (UllMed 100 and GaS 3/176f.).
177 See SyBM 1/306f. = 2/345 f., where a compound drug against gastric pains is attributed to
lmn.
178 See PMAug 250f. with note 5, where three collyria carry the (generic) name of Almna
fact that presupposes a long-standing medical reputation.
179 Cf. GaS 3/176.
32 introduction

Rhazes in his Kitb al-w quotes lmn mostly under the arabicized
name(s) of Is/lmun,180 once as Ilimun;181 the work with whose composi-
tion lmn is credited appears under the title (al-)Kunn (< Syriac Kunn)
The Medical Compendium,182 which no doubt is the same as The Book of
lmn.183 The topical and therapeutical range of these passages is wide, cov-
ering hemiplegic, epileptic and spasmodic diseases, conception, childbirth and
nursing, urology, gout, elephantiasis, and tumours and cancers; combined with
the aforementioned references to diseases of the stomach and the eyes, we get
the clear impression that lmns compendium, whose original Syriac version
is lost, must have been an exhaustive and detailed medico-pharmaceutical pro-
duction.184
There are several cases of replicate, modified quotations from lmns
Medical Compendium, found at different places, though close-by, in the Kitb
al-w:185

(1)




][ (2)
][

180 See fragments 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
181 See fragment 4.
182 See fragments 2, 9, 13, 15.
183 See fragments 5, 7.
184 For the sake of completeness I should like to mention that my learned friend Grigory
Kessel suggested the possibility of lmn being a metathetic corruption of aml, a
physician from the 9th century ce who is quoted a few times by the Nestorian lexicogra-
pher Bar Bahll (fl. second half of 10th century ce), see for a list of such quotations BBLex
3/xxiii; this identification, however, seems highly unlikely to menot so much because
it presupposes a corrupted transmission of the name but because Bar Bahll relied on
aml for a very different kind of information, viz. brief and purely onomastic correlations
of simplicia (GreekSyriacArabic).
185 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.
introduction 33

][ ][

)(4



)(5
][

][

)(6

)(7

][ )(9
)(10

)(14



34 introduction

][ ][ (15)

(17)
][
(18)

c Grgis bar Garil bar Btye
Grgis bar Garil bar Btye, a Syro-Persian Nestorian, was director of the
hospital in Gondpr and already an old man when in the year 765ce the
Abbasid caliph al-Manr, suffering from gastric trouble, summoned him to
come to Baghdad; Grgis stayed for about four years, during which time he
served as court physician and apparently also translated books from Greek into
Arabic at the behest of his master; richly rewarded but seriously ill he returned
to his hometown in 769ce, where he died soon after.186
In the Kitb al-w, where Grgis is always referred to by the arabicized
name of ris, we find a total of 68 passages from his work. The vast major-
ity of these quotations (67 in number) are taken from Grgis chef-d uvre
which bears the habitual title (al-)Kunn (< Syriac Kunn) The Medical
Compendium, and which Rhazes explicitly cites twice;187 this once famous188
source of medico-pharmaceutical information was originally written in Syr-
iac and then, allegedly, translated into Arabic by unain ibn Isq (d. 873 or
877ce);189 the Syriac original of the text is lost, and what has survived in Arabic

186 Primary literature: NadFih 1/296,18 f.; Iab 63 no. 20 (messed up, cf. editorial note on
p. 64); ZauMu 158 ff.; iau 1/123,25125,31; BHDuw 124,1125,1. Secondary literature:
LecHMA 1/96 ff.; GcaL 2/110 no. 1; UllMed 108 no. 1; GaS 3/209f. Grgis incidentally became
the founder of an influential line of physicians whose identity and reputation were linked
to the eponymous name of Btye, see UllMed 109ff. (a family tree p. 111) and RBBo
passim.
187 See fragments 42, 61.
188 NadFih 1/296,19 (marf ); iau 1/125,31 (mahr).
189 So iau 1/125,31.
introduction 35

we owe to Rhazes;190 the latter also, unwittingly, provides us with the interest-
ing detail that Grgis compendium consisted of at least two (possibly more)
volumes (mualladt).191 The other writing from Grgis pen is only known to
us through a single quotation in the Kitb al-win Arabic it was called
Kitb al-Al Book on Humours,192 its original Syriac title may have been
*K le*.193
Whilst it is impossible, on the basis of the existing fragment, to say anything
meaningful about Grgis book on humours, we do can draw a few conclu-
sions regarding the nature of his medical compendium, thanks to a fairly large
number of often substantial quotations made from it by Rhazes. Thus, Grgis
compendium must have been a voluminous piece of work, covering, it seems,
more or less all aspects of medicine (with an emphasis on etiology and ther-
apy), digressing on occasion into the realm of meteorological forecasting of
epidemic diseases,194 and making full use of both the Greco-Syrian and Indo-
Iranian pharmaceutical traditions.195
There is one replicate, modified quotation from Grgis Medical Compen-
dium, found at two different places, though close-by, in the Kitb al-w:196

190 According to Sezgin, a manuscript containing the Arabic translation of Grgis com-
pendium is/was preserved in a private library in Aleppo, see GaS 3/209 no. 3 (referring
to Sbaths catalogue from the late 1930s); whether or not this manuscript, if indeed it still
exists, will survive the Syrian civil war and ongoing destruction of that city at the time of
writing these lines is anybodys guess.
191 See fragment 61.
192 See fragment.
193 The passage r 10/210,1013 (i.q. fragment 35) about diabetes is taken by Sezgin for a
third, independent work of Grgis, see GaS 3/209 no. 2; in my view, it clearly belongs to
the latters compendium, and I have registered it as such.
194 See fragment 48.
195 Greek compounds e.g. fragments 1, 5, 9, 11; Syrian compounds e.g. fragments 5, 57; Persian
compounds see fragment 18; an Indian compound see fragment 5. Further note: two
cases of foreign terms that necessitated an explanation on the part of Rhazes (Persian
in fragment 60, Greek in fragment 61); an etymologically ambiguous generic name of
either Syriac or Sanskrit origin (fragment 37 with note 115); and a highly significant
case of adaptation of an Indian medico-magical concept (fragment 4 with note 43).
Finally witness three secondary quotations: Rhazes quoting Grgis quoting The Old
Dispensatory and Galen respectively (fragments 26, 62), and Rhazes quoting unain
quoting Grgis (fragment 42).
196 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.
36 introduction

][ )(22

:







][ )(23

][ :







d Hzy
Hzy is the Syriac name for the inhabitants of the city of Ahvaz or, by exten-
sion, the province of Khuzestan in south-western Iran;197 in Arabic medico-
pharmaceutical literature the name is generally represented by (al-)z and
denotes, in a narrowed sense, the physicians of Gondpr, a famed hospital
town once situated in the northern region of that province. Even though the
etymology is not entirely clear, it seems certain that the Arabic form hz (plu-

197 See PSThes 1/989; further LoAh 305b with BosAh passim and SavKh 80a.
introduction 37

ral ahwz i.q. Syriac hzy) as well as its variant representations h//z()
all reflect an Old Persian name h(v)ja Elam, Susiana; Elamite, Susian.198 The
collective meaning of the Arabic name (al-)z seems equally certain, and
has in fact long since been recognized as such.199 However, the simultaneous
occurrence in medico-pharmaceutical literature of a singular form (al-)z
simply denoting one of the zhas led some Western scholars to assume
that the singular/plural designations refer to Sahl al-Kausa (d. 833ce) and/or
his son Sbr ibn Sahl (d. 869ce), two physicians who were closely associated
with the hospital in Gondpr;200 moreover, it has been suggested to inter-
pret (al-)z as the proper name of a female physician who may or may not
have had any links with Gondpr.201 The invalidity or, in the latter case,
absurdity of these propositions will be demonstrated en passant in the course
of the following brief survey.
Rhazes in his Kitb al-w quotes the z mostly as a group under the
name of al-z, occasionally he singles one of them out by saying al-z.202
In the latter cases the corresponding verbal form of to say, if there is one at
all, is always qla (3rd masc.sing.perf.), whilst the collective references to the
z may be accompanied by different forms of that verb, namely: qla (3rd
masc.sing.perf.),203 qlat (3rd fem.sing.perf.),204 ql (3rd masc.plur.perf.),205
taqlu (3rd fem.sing.impf.),206 or yaqlna (3rd masc.plur.impf.);207 once, in
conjunction with a second subject, the form ql (3rd masc.dual.perf.) is attes-

198 See KeOP 175ab.

199 LecHMA 1/278 (published 1876) [] la forme dominante El Khouz [et] labsence dindica-
tions caractristiques d un personnage sembleraient autoriser voir dans El Khouz les
doctrines de lcole de Djondisabour; MeyVor 176 (published 1932) Leute von Khuzis-
tan; UllMed 101 (published 1970) rzte in Go[n]dpr.
200 SteiCA 395 (published 1866) and, again, SteiGa 108 (published 1881), both on the basis of
attestations in the Latin Continens; August Mller, too, appears to have held similar views,
see iau 2/index p. 64,1 with 68,26 (published 1884).
201 GaS 3/184f. (published 1970).
202 See fragments 109, 117, 132, 134, 140, 141, 146, 154, 156, 157, 158, 162, 167, 169, 171, 172, 173, 177,
186, 189, 191, 196, 201, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 215.
203 See fragments 5, 59, 75, 91, 193.
204 See fragments 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 21, 37, 60, 77, 93, 94, 98, 103, 104, 106, 107, 111, 112, 113,
114, 115, 116, 118, 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, 126, 128, 129, 130, 131, 133, 135, 136, 137, 139, 144, 145, 147,
148, 151, 159, 182, 183, 197, 199, 208, 216, 217; cf. itamaat in fragment 58.
205 See fragments 45, 200.
206 See fragment 127.
207 See fragment 123.
38 introduction

ted;208 and on three occasions Rhazes explicitly added the adverbial expres-
sion qibatan all without exception to the name al-z,209 presumably in an
(unsystematic) attempt to emphasize a consensus. Whilst it is true that the old
Arabic-writing doctors were no grammarians, it is nonetheless absolutely clear
from the above findings that al-z must have been understood as a collec-
tive noun, not least because only a subject of the latter kind can carry all those
verbal forms.210 In conclusion, the term al-z the z in Arabic medico-
pharmaceutical literature denotes an unspecified and presumably rather small
number of physicians who were all associated with Gondpra more or
less coherent and roughly contemporary group of individuals who, as we shall
see below, must also have formed, at least for a while, some kind of authors
collaborative. In the joint literary productions of this group, individual contri-
butions, like additions to and/or deviations from the consensus,211 may have
been marked originally by a proper name; yet as the respective writing was per-
ceived by later authors as an essentially collective creation, or perhaps treated
as such already at the level of its translation from Syriac into Arabic, these
names were suppressed and replaced simply by the term al-z one of the
z.
In the Kitb al-w, we find a total of 228 passages that are directly linked
to the z. The vast majority of these mostly short quotations (217 in number)
are taken from a chief work which is explicitly mentioned once under the
Arabic title (al-)mi The (Medical) Compendium212 (a translation of Syriac
Kunn);213 the Syriac original of this text is lost, and what has survived in
Arabic we owe largely to Rhazes;214 the compendium of the z, judging from

208 See p. 240 below note 248.

209 See fragments 101, 148, 150.
210 Cf. e.g. WriGAL 2/291 f. 145 and 148. Sezgins allegation (GaS 3/185), namely that the dual
form ql in the phrase al-z wa-abar ql the z and a-abar both say constitutes
a proof of z being an individual (rather than a collective), does not holdin nominal
sentences with two subjects, collective nouns are treated as singularities and hence, the
verb is not put in the plural, see e.g. WriGAL 2/294 150; Sezgins other theory (loc.cit.),
namely that z may be a woman, is rendered impossible by the employment of plural,
never mind masculine, verbal forms.
211 Possible echoes of these proceedings are contradictory statements such as expressed in
fragments 40 and 159 (though in either case introduced collectively).
212 See fragment 181.
213 Syriac kn ~ Arabic m.
214 For a few references to the z in the writings of later Arabic pharmacists see UllMed
101,29f. and GaS 3/185,29 (no work titles and often indirectly after Rhazes, e.g. IBm
1/112,31; 2/3,9 f.; 35,12).
introduction 39

the extant fragments, must have been an intrinsically pharmaceutical piece of

work, that is to say a dispensatory, as the provision of therapeutic information
almost always departs from the medicinal substance, hardly ever from the
diseaseit could have been, who knows, the vademecum of the clinicians in
the hospital of Gondpr; as regards its time of composition or, perhaps,
successive accumulation, Rhazes himself provides us with a sure terminus ante
quem through a secondary quotation after Yann ibn Msawaih (b. around
777, d. 857ce)215which means that the compendium of the z, and their
literary activities in general, would have to be dated to the first half of the 9th
century ce and, in case of a cross-generational enterprise, possibly even further
back into the second half of the 8th century ce.216
Apart from this compendium, Rhazes attributes two other writings to the
z: the first he quotes eight times under the title Buaqimh, which is a
pretty neat Arabic transliteration of the Syriac term Puq-mh Explana-
tion of Names and which I have translated as Glossary;217 the second he
quotes thrice under the (Arabic) title (a-)abat (< Syriac?), translated by me
as Register.218 The Syriac originals of both works are lost, and the Arabic pas-
sages preserved in the Kitb al-w constitute, as far as I can see, the only
existing textual witnesses. Although on the surface these two works seem to
belong to the same genre of texts, they were in fact, judging from the extant
material, quite different literary creations. Thus, the Glossary must have been a
monolingual (Syriac) dictionary, arranged presumably in the form of lists and
serving to explain the medicinal properties and functions of simple drugs, i.e.

215 See p. 227 below note 210.

216 I am not ruling out the possibility of an oral transmission z Ibn Msawaih, but also
in this case we would easily find ourselves in the early decades of the 9th century ce.
That the physicians of Gondpr were held (or held themselves) in high esteem even in
pre-Islamic times, may be seen from the fact that the anonymous Syriac Book of Medicines
(compiled most probably in the 6th century ce) registers a stomachic which bears the
generic name Hzy (sic), see SyBM 1/307 f. = 2/347f.; this compound drug was later
adopted by Sbr ibn Sahl (d. 869 ce) and incorporated into his Small Dispensatory under
the name z (sic) stomachic, see SbAq = SbDis no. 218it is, however, important to
note that generic drug names do not normally evoke a real source but rather a presumed
origin or associative power and hence, that neither reference has anything to do with the
z whom Rhazes quotes as authors of pharmaceutical texts.
217 See pp. 272275 below. Ullmann, who spotted some of these quotations, rightly considers
this glossographical production of the z to have been one of the earliest of its kind in
Islamic history, see UllMed 235f.; on the Puq-mh tradition in later times cf. PiWr
passim.
218 See pp. 275f. below.
40 introduction

some sort of pharmacopoeia; the Register, on the other hand, must originally
have been a bilingual (GreekSyriac), perhaps already then trilingual (Greek
SyriacArabic) lexicon proper, arranged in the form of columns and running
along Greek entries.219
Finally, there are several cases of replicate, modified quotations from the
Compendium of the z, found at different places in the Kitb al-w; it is,
however, quite possible here that some of these topics were already dealt with
repetitively in the base version which formed Rhazes textual template:220

( 16)
( ][ ][ 188)

(17)
(18)

( 19)
( 20)
( 155)

( ][ 204)

( 21)
( 150)

(24)
(27)

219 Compare the exact wording of the three fragments, and notably the use of phrases like
aabtu and bi-i on the part of Rhazes (fragments 2, 3).
220 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.
introduction 41

) (37 ][

) (195 ][ ][

) (38
) (170

) (39
) (119

) [] (42
) [] (67
) (179

) (57 ][
) (173

) (60
) (106

) (62


) (148

42 introduction

) (66
) (73
) (129

) (71
) (158

) (77
) (184

) (79
) (167

)(90


][ )(91

)(92
)(95

e Iy Urhy
Iy Urhy (Aiyb ar-Ruhw), also known as Job of Edessa, was born about
760ce into the Melkite or Jacobite community of that ancient town in Upper
Mesopotamia; he died, a Nestorian, about 832 ce, probably in Baghdad. Iy
introduction 43

is renowned on the one hand for his translations from Greek into Syriac of
numerous writings of Galen, and on the other hand for his authorship over sev-
eral independent works on medicine, philosophy and theology, mainly written
in Syriac but also, it seems, in Arabic; nothing of the latternot even a single
titlehas come down to us, whilst of his nine Syriac productions on record we
still possess only two: the Book of Treasures, a chef-d uvre of natural philoso-
phy, and a treatise On Canine Hydrophobia.221 We are therefore rather fortunate
that Rhazes has preserved for us sections from the Arabic translation of a lost
Syriac book from Iys pen that was concerned with urological matters and
which will be discussed briefly in the following paragraph.
In the Kitb al-w, where Iy is always referred to by the addition of
his Arabic nickname al-Abra the Spotted,222 there are three passages from
a work whose Arabic title, according to Rhazes, was Kitb f l-Baul Book on
Urine;223 thanks to a lucky instance of auto-citation, we know that its original
(and perfectly corresponding) Syriac title was K dTar.224 The first
passage is short and probably belonged to the prefatory chapters of the original
work; the second and third passages are long and dedicated, in great detail, to
the intricacies of uroscopy and the diagnostic conclusions that may be drawn
from suchlike examinations. From two fleeting remarks of his own it would
appear that Iy was a well-practiced doctor225 and, no surprise, familiar with
the ideas of Hippocrates.226 As regards the time of composition of Iys book
on urine, the aforementioned auto-citation gives us a likely terminus ante quem:
the Book of Treasures was, according to Mingana, written about 817ce227 and
hence, the Book on Urine, which is referred to therein, would have had to be
available before that date.

221 It is the merit of the Chaldean priest and polymath Alphonse Mingana (d. 1937) to have
edited and translated the Book of Treasures, and to have prefaced it with a splendid
bio-bibliographical study upon which I am happily relying here, see MinBT xixxxiii; cf.
further UllMed 101 f. and GaS 3/230 f.
222 Mingana has already shown (MinBT xxi,2124) that the distinction made by the Arab
historian Ibn Ab Uaibia (d. 668/1270) between Aiyb of Edessa and Aiyb the Spotted
(iau 1/204,5f. with 30 f., further 1/170,28 ff.) is invalidAiyb of Edessa is the Spotted.
223 See fragment 1.
224 See MinBT 280,1 (tr.) and 459a,21 (ed.). Sezgin is wrong (GaS 3/230 no. 1) to surmise that
Iys book on urine is identical with his treatise on canine hydrophobia.
225 See fragment 1 I have seen many pleurisy sufferers (wa-raaitu akar al-mubarsamna)
and beginning of fragment 3 as we have observed in patients how many times (wa-qad
baiyann lika f l-mar kam marratan).
226 See p. 300 below note 390.
227 MinBT xxiii,17f.
44 introduction

f emn
emn, whom Rhazes always quotes under the arabicized name of imn,
is identified in relevant secondary literature with the Nestorian monk and
physician emn daibh who lived in the late 7th century ce,228 and I admit
that I would probably have gone along with this identification were it not for
the strong objections raised by my learned friend Grigory Kessel, a great expert
in Syriac literature. As we will return to this problem in the following paragraph,
suffice it here to say that as a result of the invalidity of the above identification,
the date of the author called emn also needs to be reconsidered.
In the Kitb al-w, we find a total of 74 passages, many of them sub-
stantial, that are explicitly attributed to emn; there is no work title and
only two vague mentions referring once to emns book (kitb)229 and,
on another occasion, to a revised chapter (bb qad ulia)230 of his book,
whatever that means. From the extant material it would appear that emns
book was a medical compendiumwhether or not its Arabic translation, as
quoted by Rhazes, actually bore the popular title (al-)Kunn (< Syriac Kun-
n) is impossible to say and, perhaps, of lesser importance. The passages
preserved in the Kitb al-w reveal a highly sophisticated, comprehensive
medico-pharmaceutical work which is distinguished moreover by a certain
predilection, relatively speaking, for surgical procedures;231 the author displays
a good knowledge of physiology,232 and there are flashes of sceptical pragma-
tism233 alongside affirmations of a more irrational nature;234 and whilst the
conceptual frame of the work clearly is Greco-Syrian humoralism (including
the adoption of common generic drug names and less common pathological
terms),235 we also encounter references to Indo-Iranian pharmaca.236 emns
compendium, as seen through its Arabic remnants in the Kitb al-w, is in my

228 BauGe 209f., UllMed 100 f., GaS 3/179.

229 See fragment 9.
230 See fragment 74.
231 Fragments 10 (cataract surgery); 15 (tongue surgery); 2, 5, 7, 8, 16, 35, 49, 57 (venesection);
1, 2, 36, 49, 61 (cauterization); 35 (scarification).
232 For example fragment 26 (bile duct).
233 For example fragment 13 (as regards toothworms, evidence remains to be obtained).
234 For example fragments 7 (demonic possession) or 37 (forecasting the sex of an unborn
child).
235 Fragments 14 (the four humours) and passim; 51, 61 (generics) and passim; 59 ()
and 60 ().
236 Fragments 1 with note 421 (the lame hyena decoction) or 23 (the sukk compound < );
cf. also simples such as in 13 (halla myrobalan < ).
introduction 45

view the most fascinating representative of a once glorious but now largely van-
ished medical tradition in the Syriac language.237 But why is the dating of this
text problematic? There is a number of passages that relate to gynaecology and
sexual hygiene in such a way as to suggest a remarkably relaxed attitude on the
part of the author,238 and it is these expositions, together with certain remarks
involving diet and social conduct,239 that arouse suspicion about the identity of
emnto quote from a letter sent to me by Grigory Kessel in February 2013,
after an examination of the extant fragments:

emn daibh. I made a study of the original extant works of that

author [] and, personally, I dont believe that he could have written
the texts that are quoted by ar-Rz and Bar Bahll. Although it is rather
difficult to offer sound evidence, I think that there is a sharp contrast
between the known texts of emn [daibh] and the ones quoted
by ar-Rz and Bar Bahll. The content of the quotations attributed to
emn enables [us] to describe the original text used by ar-Rz as hav-
ing [had] a therapeutical and pharmaceutical character, whereas one of
the characteristics of emn [daibhs] treatment of medical issues, as
provided by extant texts of a medical content, is preponderant attention
to anatomy and physiology [] Moreover, one of the remarkable singular-
ities of emn [daibhs] teaching (as can be found in original works)
is that the medical component does not play in it an independent role;
rather it is subject to the ascetic (or even wider theological) outline of his
teaching. The difference between [the] two groups of texts can be rec-
ognized still more sharply if one pays attention, for instance, to [those]
fragments in the Kitb al-w that deal with melancholy, popular prog-
nostics on the sex of a child, or the provoking of the desire for intercourse

237 It should be noted in passing that the Nestorian lexicographer Bar Bahll (fl. second half
of 10th century ce) cites a few times, in Syriac, emn daibh (sic) to back up the
interpretation of certain medical or botanical terms, see for a list of such quotations BBLex
3/xxiv; none of these short passages, however, correspond to those found in the Kitb
al-w.
238 Fragments 35 (application of cataplasms to womb); 36 (fomentation of womb, investi-
gation of suppressed menstruation and frequency of intercourse, grabbing of woman);
37 (examination of womans feet, breasts and nipples); 43 (manual treatment of unde-
scended testicles); 44 (prevention of premature ejaculation); 45 (remedy to tighten vagina
and induce sexual desire, various aphrodisiacs for women and men).
239 Fragment 3 (prescription of fatty food, recommendation to travel and to socialize over
wine and storytelling).
46 introduction

[] The treatment of such issues can hardly be expected from an East Syr-
ian ascetic of the 7th century. Yes, I am aware that later, in the 9th century
for example, Christian authors (and often monks) could well deal with
[such] subjects but we dont have the same evidence for the 7th century
this is just too early for that. Furthermore, we may possess an additional
hint for dating the text [] as there is another important trait that can be
defined. The issues covered by the passages selected by ar-Rz involve a
wide range of illnesses and give the impression that the original text []
was a kind of encyclopedia that presented a comprehensive treatment of
various diseases [] Comparing the contents of some early Arabic med-
ical treatises from the 9th century with [the] quotations in [the] Kitb
al-w, one immediately gets the impression that the material [] is of
similar nature [] I do acknowledge that my argument is not conclusive
but what I am absolutely sure [about] is that the text quoted by ar-Rz
[] could not have been composed in Syriac in the 7th century

For these reasons, the author whom Rhazes calls imn cannot be identified
with the Syrian cleric nicknamed daibh, and his medical compendium
not be dated to the 7th century ce. The soundness of Grigorys judgement is
confirmed moreover by the fact that emn, according to Rhazes, was not
only able to recur to Indian drugs but also, on occasion, to refer to them
in transliterated Sanskrit240this would not have been within the reach of
emn daibh whose lifetime predated, for all we know, the availability of
any Ayurvedic texts in Semitic (Syriac or Arabic) translation. I am therefore
suggesting the middle of the 9th century ce as a possible date for the literary
activities of Rhazes (and Bar Bahlls?) emn.
There is a single case of a replicate, modified quotation from emns Medi-
cal Compendium, found at two different places in the Kitb al-w but perhaps
split suchwise already in the base version which formed Rhazes textual tem-
plate:241

[]
[] (31)

(46)

240 Cf. note 236 above.

241 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.
introduction 47

g Yannn bar Seryn

Yannn bar Seryn was a Nestorian physician who lived in Iraq around
870ce. An old and reliable source, the so-called Catalogue of the Baghdad
bookdealer an-Nadm (d. 380/990), says about Yannn that all he wrote is
Syriac (am m allafahu suryn),242 before naming the two works that are
generally attributed to him in Arabic bio-bibliographical literature: a Small and
a Large Medical Compendium, the former in seven and the latter in twelve
discourses (maqlt).243 Virtually nothing of the Syriac original(s) has sur-
vived; the Arabic translation(s) are preserved, at least partly, in several hitherto
unedited manuscripts,244 whilst the small version of Yannns medical com-
pendium is available entirely in a Latin translation from the 12th century ce,
titled Breviarium (various Renaissance prints). Questions regarding the life-
time and identity of Yannn bar Seryn aka Serapion (iunior/senior) have,
notably in the West, set many pens in motion ever since John Freind and, in his
wake, Lucien Leclerc raised this ultimately misconceived issue245suffice it to
say that the present-day researcher will get a fairly clear picture of the current
state of affairs by reading the articles of Ullmann, Troupeau and Pormann, to
whom I refer here by default.246
In the Kitb al-w, then, we find a total of 194 passages, many of them of
considerable length, that are explicitly associated with Yannn bar Ser-
yn,247 to whom Rhazes mostly refers by the shortened, arabicized name of
Ibn Sarb/fiyn, occasionally omitting the word ibn.248 Two work titles are
sporadically mentioned, viz. (al-)Kunn (< Syriac Kunn) The Medical
Compendium249 and (al-)Aqrabdn (< Syriac Grpdn < ) The
Dispensatory250which version of Yannns compendium the former title
represents is unclear, whilst the latter title does not even figure in Arabic bio-
bibliographical literature.251 By my own criteria, I should have dealt with the

242 NadFih 1/296,8.

243 Arabic titles: al-Kunn a-ar / al-kabr, see loc.cit. line 9; cf. also ZauMu 380,58 and,
for a slightly less laconic account, iau 1/109,1722.
244 See GaS 3/241 nos. 1 and 2.
245 FreiHi 2/3942 (1727), LecHMA 1/113117 (1876).
246 UllYS (1971), TroYS (1994), PorYS (2004).
247 Covering some 220 pages in the Hyderabad-edition.
248 See variants to r 11/44,15; 12/45,14; 147,1; 19/276,4; 336,11; 23.2/102,9.
249 See r 3/34,16; 14/129,5; 19/119,15cf. also 1/251,4 (Kitb).
250 See r 6/87,6; 282,2; 7/14,7; 170,12; 8/100,4; 9/73,10; 10/331,14; 11/85,1; 16/165,9.
251 Ullmann, based on the Latin translation, claims that the passages cited by Rhazes s.t.
Aqrabdn are taken from the seventh and last discourse of the small Kunn (on com-
pound drugs), see UllMed 103.
48 introduction

passages from Yannns work(s) as preserved by Rhazes, regardless of their

quantitative scope, in exactly the same way as I did with the other sources
that form the subject of this study; however, as Peter Pormann is currently
preparing a critical Arabic edition and English translation of both medical
compendia attributed to Yannn, I decided not to fill hundreds of pages with
the presentation of material that I know would soon become obsolete.252 Let
us hope that Peter continues to make good progress with this mammoth task.

3 The Persian Sources

As is the case with the more ample Syrian material in the Kitb al-w, the few
passages quoted by Rhazes from Iranian authorsthat is scholars likely to have
expressed their ideas in the Persian language253can no longer be tracked
down and substantiated in their original linguistic form; here, too, and in fact
on an even larger scale, most non-religious texts that once existed in Pahlavi are
now lost, and of the scattered remnants of secular literature254 almost nothing
pertains to the medico-pharmaceutical realm.255 I believe to have identified
two Persian sources in the Kitb al-w, meaning texts that were originally
conceived in the Pahlavi language and not products of a translation from Greek,
Syriac or Sanskrit. Yet before looking at these two authors and their respective
works in greater detail, it is necessary to deal briefly with four allegations that
have been made in relevant secondary literature and that bear directly on the
question of what may or may not be classified as a Persian source.

252 In April 2012, upon request, Peter liberally made a pdf containing his raw edition available
to meI am grateful to him for this privilege of a sneak preview.
253 Pahlavi or Middle Persian, a language officially employed by the Iranians for oral as well
as written communications from about the early 3rd century ce, did not lose its currency
after the Arab conquest of Iran in the mid 7th century ceit continued to be used in
a form now called book Pahlavi, and also its vernacular appears to have persisted; the
literary language that arose more than 200 years later (extant poetry from about 860ce,
extant prose from about 960 ce) is generally referred to as New (or Islamic) Persian, see
PeLP 43ff. Any likely Persian quotation in the Kitb al-w, even if it were the result of
an interpolation on the part of the works redactors, is therefore no doubt a reflection of a
(lost) Pahlavi source.
254 See e.g. BoyLit 31 and passim; further CePah passim.
255 Two rare specimen (on copulation, conception and embryogenesis) have recently been
edited and translated, see AdPah 335344 and 345350, also the literature quoted 331
note 1. SiddLi, despite the books promising title, has nothing to offer on the subject.
introduction 49

First, Fuat Sezgin in the third volume of his Geschichte des arabischen Schrift-
tums, having observed that Rhazes rarely relies on Persian sources, registers
a work titled al-Fila al-frisya The Persian Agriculture.256 Whilst this is
indeed an Arabic translation of a lost Pahlavi work titled Warz-nmah Book
on Agriculture, the latter itself is a translation (made no later than the 7th cen-
tury ce) of Cassianos Bassos (fl. 6th century ce) lost (or
simply ), and therefore a Greek rather than a Persian source.257
Second, Manfred Ullmann in his article Die Schrift des Badras ber die
Ersatzdrogen suggested that a treatise on substitute drugs (abdl al-adwiya),
written by a man whose (arabicized) name is Badras, represents an Arabic
translation of a lost Pahlavi base text;258 the backbone of Ullmanns argument
is Badras apparent predilection for Persian (rather than Greek, Syriac or
Arabic) botanical names, combined with a relatively large proportion of plants
indigenous to Iranian geographical zones; en passant the name Badras is
convincingly explained to be a corruption of , through a Pahlavi
intermediate form along the lines of *Para*accordingly Badras, so
Ullmann, is to be considered a physician of Greek descent259 by the true name
of Pythagoras who worked under the Sasanians, probably in Gondpr, and
who therefore quite naturally would have expressed himself in the rulers
tongue, written scientific communications included. Pythagoras, however,
does not seem to have been an iranicized Greek in the umpteenth generation
but rather an immigrant and in any case well-versed in the Greek language
or else he, whose lifetime certainly predated the Greco-Arabic translations,
could not have quoted the Greek-writing and hitherto untranslated Alexan-
drian physician Paulos of Aegina (fl. 7th century ce);260 the Pahlavi interme-
diate form of the name Pythagoras, which led to the unusual Arabic transliter-
ation Badras,261 does not make him a Persian-writing authoron the con-

256 GaS 3/176. Quoted as such by Rhazes seven times, see r 10/185,3f.; 10/331,4ff.; 13/124,10f.;
19/272,8273,1; 19/320,8321,7; 19/332,312; and 23.2/151,3f.
257 There existed also a direct translation (made around 830ce) from Greek into Arabic,
which Rhazes quotes a few times as al-Fila ar-rmya The Byzantine Agriculture,
Fila Qusus (scil. Cassianos), Qusus f (Kitb) al-Fila or simply Qusus (e.g. r 19/
326,1215; 20/156,13; 20/169,16 f.; 20/218,15219,3; 20/336,48). See on the problem (and its
solution) CaGaFu 623 f., 628 f. and 651654; further UllNGw 433436 and GaS 4/317f.
258 UllBad 233236 (repeated breviter UllIM 17f.).
259 So UllBad 235, but also (234) von Haus aus Iraner (?).
260 For the quotation see r 6/193,8f.GaS 3/21 rightly considers Pythagoras to be a con-
temporary of Paulos, as they seem to have mutually referred to each other, cf. note 267
below.
261 Everywhere else in Arabic literature, especially when the pre-Socratic philosopher is
50 introduction

trary, it may very well be explained by the assumption that in the course of a
first-stage translation of his treatise from Greek into Pahlavi his name, too, was
transliterated suchwise;262 the frequent employment of a Persian plant nomen-
clature in Pythagoras treatise may just as well reflect the skill of the Pahlavi
translator and the needs of his target group; lastly, Ullmanns main argument
can easily be inverted, as Pythagoras treatise, in its extant Arabic form, also
contains several Greek plant names in transliteration,263 including some that
are indigenous to Europe or north-western Africa264a fact that is hard to
account for if the base language were Pahlavi.265 In short, I consider Pythago-
ras treatise on substitute drugs, as quoted by Rhazes s.n. Badras,266 to have
been conceived originally in the Greek language before it was translated into
Pahlavi and then into Arabic. Moreover, I am inclined to identify this Pythago-
ras with an Alexandrian physician of the same name who authored a book on
uroscopy and who is quoted twice by Rhazes s.n. Fras (al-Iskandarn);267
this identification is justified precisely by the fact that Rhazes uses two differ-
ent forms to represent the same nameone having entered Arabic through
an intermediate Pahlavi transliteration, the other through a direct translitera-
tion from Greek. This Pythagoras, then, would have studied, alongside Paulos,
in Alexandria and, when the city was captured by the Arabs in 641ce, left for
Gondpr, where Greek learning was certainly appreciated.
Third, Manfred Ullmann in his slim recast Islamic Medicine refers to a work
titled a-ibb al-qadm The Old Medicine as representing originally a Persian
production;268 he maintains, on the basis of some two dozen fragments,269 that

meant, the name Pythagoras appears in (direct) transliteration as Fras, cf. UllBad 235
and GaS 3/21.
262 LevSu 11 considers the treatise to have been translated from Greek; GaS 3/21 reckons it was
originally written in Syriac, perhaps in Persian, but nonetheless registers it under Greek
sources. Ullmann himself, in another publication, gives an excellent example of how a
Pahlavi intermediate translation of a Greek text may impact on the transliteration of its
authors name, see pp. 51 f. below (Xenocrates).
263 Cf. LevSu 1534 (for example: , , , , , , ,
, , , or ).
264 Like bitterwort, hazelwort or resin spurge.
265 Ullmann, by the way, is of course right to dissociate unain ibn Isq (d. 873 or 877ce)
completely from the process of transmission or translation of Pythagoras treatise.
266 For a list of quotations see UllMed 293 note 4 and GaS 3/22 no. 1.
267 See r 19/98,6102,9 (in fact a reverse quotation where Paulos [abbreviated B] cites
Pythagoras!) and 19/234,4237,6; cf. UllMed 82 and GaS 3/22 no. 2.
268 UllIM 18f.
269 For a list of fragments (all from the Kitb al-w) see UllIM 120 note 26.
introduction 51

even though the medical topics and terminology used in this work exactly cor-
respond to Greek patterns, it is neither a Greek text nor indeed to be associated
with the (pseudo-?)Hippocratic ;270 again, the argument
seems to rest on the occurrence of eastern drugs in the extant fragments; after
its translation from Pahlavi into Arabic, so Ullmann, the front page of the book
went missing so that Rhazes could only quote it under the aforesaid provi-
sional title. As already shown in the preceding paragraph, the occurrence of
Persian plant names alone carries little weight in determining the base lan-
guage of a given text, though it may certainly indicate its geographic origin; and
here, too, the argument can be inverted by pointing to the simultaneous occur-
rence of Greek botanical terms.271 More importantly, however, and regardless
of whether or not we wish to follow Ullmann in his (revised) statement that the
old medicine has nothing to do with Hippocrates,272 Rhazes himself, by way
of a remark that must have escaped both Ullmann and Sezgin, says that a-ibb
al-qadm is the same as al-Aqrabdn al-atq The Ancient Dispensatory,273
and hence a pharmacological text; the latter, in turn, is most probably itself a
variation of the title al-Aqrabdn al-qadm The Old Dispensatory, a text that
must have been available, at least in Syriac, around 750ce at the latest,274 and
which is imbued with concepts of Greek humoralism, including weights and
measures.275
Fourth, Manfred Ullmann in that same publication registers, rather oddly,
Xenocrates of Aphrodisias (fl. 70ce) under Per-
sian works, whilst pointing out himself the unquestionably Greek origin of
this text,276 which must have reached the Arabs on two different tracks of
transmissionthrough a direct translation from Greek and through an inter-
mediate Pahlavi translation. The reason why Ullmann mentions Xenocrates
here is presumably to explain the strange (arabicized) name hrusfu/s,277
viz. as the result of an inadequate Pahlavi transliteration of , a

270 It is worth mentioning that Ullmann, in his earlier classic Die Medizin im Islam, actually
considered the Arabic fragments to relate to precisely this Greek text, see UllMed 31 no. 13;
GaS 3/43 no. 24 does the same.
271 For example , or in the quotation r 9/147,311.
272 The Greek text is available for comparison, see HippLi 1/570636.
273 See r 6/246,13.
274 Cf. p. 190 below note 101.
275 Cf. KaFra 292299.
276 UllIM 19.
277 Attested several times in the Kitb al-w, see for a list of quotations GaS 3/57 (adding
r 3/51,6).
52 introduction

man who is otherwise referred to under the (directly transliterated) name

Ksnqris.278 Here again it is interesting to see that Rhazes quotes Xenocrates
mostly as hrusfu/s, but at least once also as Ksnqris,279 which means
he was using two Arabic translationsa direct one from Greek and an indirect
one from Pahlavi.
And now we can finally examine those sources which I believe to have
identified as genuinely Persian, i.e. as originating from a Pahlavi base text that
is not itself a translation.

a Qahramn
The name Qahramn, just as the presumable ethnicity of its bearer, have
been reconstructed or, for that matter, deduced mainly on the basis of primary
attestations and partly in response to certain facts or allegations found in
secondary literature. As neither kind of evidence is conclusive, the resulting
propositions remain to some extent hypothetical; it is, however, to be hoped
that the following survey will nonetheless render them highly plausible.
By far the largest number of primary attestations towards the name Qahra-
mn is found in the Kitb al-w, where 36 pieces of information are explic-
itly said to originate from a man called al-Qlhmn280 or al-Qhlmn281 or al-
Fhlmn,282 including an isolated quotation from a book by one Krhmn283
which almost certainly belongs here, too;284 the metathetic forms Qlhmn and
Qhlmn, as can also be seen from several variant readings,285 are more or less
interchangeable, whilst the form Fhlmn is merely a graphical variation of the
latter () . Apart from these mentions in Rhazes Kitb al-w, the
name is but rarely attested by the sourcesit occurs once, in the form of al-
Fhlmn, in Ibn Sns (d. 428/1037) famed medical encyclopedia;286 seven times,
in the forms of al-Qlhmn and al-lhmn, in Ibn al-Bairs (d. 646/1248) phar-

278 See e.g. iau 1/36,1.

279 See r 17/63,4f.
280 See fragments 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36.
281 See fragments 1, 4, 5.
282 See fragment 2.
283 See fragment 8.
284 The presence, or absence, of the Arabic definite article al- is irrelevant to the argument
as already observed by Manfred Ullmann with regard to the case in point, the Arabs not
rarely prefixed foreign names in this way, see UllIM 18 (notwithstanding MAQ 551 note 1).
285 Cf. apparatus to fragments 5, 13, 14, 15, 33, 34, 36.
286 See ISQ 3/393,1 (as a source for the preparation of a compound pill).
introduction 53

macognostic compendium;287 and in the form of al-Qhlmn the name also

makes a one-off appearance in Arabic bio-bibliographical literature, through
a fleeting reference made by Ibn Ab Uaibia (d. 668/1270) in his medical his-
tory,288 a source to which we will return later.
As regards secondary literature, that is observations which have sporadi-
cally been made by Western scholars, the scanty information gleaned suchwise
can be summarized as follows: Lucien Leclerc in his still valuable Histoire de
la mdecine arabe reads the name in question Quolhoman and considers its
bearer to be a physician from India, without however giving any reason for
this allegation.289 August Mller in his pioneering article Arabische Quellen
zur Geschichte der indischen Medizin refrains from a transliteration of the
name, emphasizing that the Indian connection claimed by Leclerc is doubt-
ful and remains to be verified.290 Max Meyerhof in a short article titled On
the Transmission of Greek and Indian Science to the Arabs, echoing Leclerc,
takes our mans Indian origin for granted.291 Manfred Ullmann in his classic
Die Medizin im Islam cautiously suggests the reading Qulhumn and regards
the preserved passages from the work of this mysterious personage as rep-
resenting a translation of unknown provenance.292 And in his recast Islamic
Medicine, Ullmann a few years later classifies al-Qulhumn or al-Qahlamn
under (authors of) Persian works, resetting the name to the Arabo-Persian
paradigm *falan*.293
The assumption that this unusual namecertainly neither Arabic nor
Greek nor Syriac and transmitted moreover in a variety of forms allowing for
a variety of readingsultimately traces back to a Sanskrit prototype is easy
to understand; and if one digs a little deeper, an Indian origin of the name
becomes, seemingly, even more likely. Thus, there not only exists an Indian
proper name Kalhaa (), but this name is also sometimes spelled meta-
thetically Kahlaa ().294 Besides, the name al-Qlhmn appears, out of the
blue, in the framework of a completely different genre of Arabic literature, that

287 See IBm 1/101,19; 1/120,8; 3/161,25; 4/19,4; 4/79,8; 4/156,20; 4/169,4 (as a source for the
properties of certain simple drugs)again, the form lhmn is merely a graphical variation

of Qlhmn ( ).
288 See iau 1/109,22.
289 LecHMA 1/286 (published 1876).
290 MAQ 551 (published 1880).
291 MeyTra 26 (published 1937).
292 UllMed 107 (published 1970).
293 UllIM 18 (published 1978).
294 See e.g. MWDic 263c.
54 introduction

is in a collection of anecdotes titled am al-awhir and compiled by the North

African littrateur and adab writer al-ur (d. 413/1022); here, in one particu-
lar story and only once, al-Qlhmn figures as an Indian translator-physician and
royal advisor.295 This road, however promising it seems at first, turns soon out
to be an impasse: Kalhaa is recorded, to my knowledge, only twice in Sanskrit
literatureas the name of the poet who wrote the Rjataragi, a famous
history of Kashmir; and as the name of the veterinarian (also called Kilhaa)
who wrote the (Ava)srasamuccaya, a voluminous book on hippiatrics. Apart
from their respective professions, which are equally incompatible with the con-
ceptual frame of Arabic (human) medico-pharmacy, the main and decisive
problem is chronological, as they both lived in the 12th century ce and hence,
cannot possibly be implicated in a text whose composition predates their own
lifetimes by some 200 years.296 How about al-ur? He was spinning a joke off
a powerful ruler; in order to keep it as innocuous as possible, he transported
the setting to India and baptized that king with a made-up exotic name; then,
perhaps as an additional witty twist, he gave the kings wise sidekick the semi-
fictitious (and presumably funny) name of Qlhmn, which he must have fished

295 See ua 89,715 (I owe this reference to my learned friend Mohsen Zakeri). The am
al-awhir, a work that stands in the best tradition of Arabic belles lettres, is an anthology
of stories, bons mots, jokes and tales about fools, written with the aim to teach the art
of conversation in an entertaining way (cf. Bouu 639b); the story featuring al-Qlhmn
forms part of a chapter titled Anecdotes about Kings, Governors and Judges, and it is in
fact amusing enough to merit a translation:
al-Qlhmn was an Indian sage, a philosopher among their physicians, and a translator
of their sciences; he was (also) the interpreter of one of their kings called Ykhr ibn brm
[?], a dimwit though a member of the ruling house.
One day, he said to al-Qlhmn: Which is the greatest science?
The knowledge of medicine
I said (the king) know most of medicine!
What, then, is the remedy for someone who suffers from pleurisy, o king?
Death said (the king) until the heat in his chest is less; then, afterwards, he can be
treated with cold drugs
al-Qlhmn said: O king, who brings him back to life after death?
This said (the king) is not part of medicine, this is another science, one that is found
in the book about stars; but I havent looked at anything in this (book) except the chapter
on life, for this I reckon is better for someone than death
al-Qlhmn said: O king, the fool always benefits!
(Whereupon the king) said: Quite. If a fool were to look into the chapter on death, he
would learn that Im telling the truth!
296 On Kalhaa the poet see e.g. PanRj xiii and passim; on Ka/ilhaa the veterinarian see
MeuHis 2a/567 with 2b/591 note 424.
introduction 55

himself from the Kitb al-w or, more likely, heard from one of his lettered
companions.
The origin of the name in questionand were it for these reasons aloneis
therefore to be sought in the linguistic realm of Iran. As we have already seen,
at least one scholar, Manfred Ullmann, had a flair for the situation, suggesting
moreover that the work whose author appears in the Kitb al-w and else-
where under the name(s) of Qlhmn or Qhlmn represents a (lost) Pahlavi base
text.297 As for the name itself, Ullmanns suggestion can be backed up by pho-
netical, lexical and onomastical evidence. Assuming that the original form of
the name, as it occurs in Arabic sources, is Qhlmn, and considering both the
interchangeability of the dental liquids l / r and the notorious ambiguities of the
Pahlavi script, we easily arrive at Qhrmn; this form is documented, lexically298
and onomastically,299 as Qahramn, the latter being either an Arabo-Persian
hybrid (qahramn < Arabic noun qahr + Persian suffix -mn, lit. he who has
authority)300 or, perhaps, a reflection of the old Persian name Kuhram.301 As
for the work with whose composition Qahramn is credited, judging again
from the testimony of the Arabic sources, it must have been pharmaceutical
in nature, that is to say occupied with both simple and compound drugs.302
The latter aspect of the work can clearly be inferred from three quotations in
the Kitb al-w,303 as well as from the quotation in Ibn Sns medical ency-
clopedia.304 Another noteworthy feature of the work is the interface between
Greek and Indian terms and concepts,305 for example: mlliy / mlinliy
< (fragments 1, 5), the weights dirham < and ral < (frag-
ments 2, 8) and, in particular, statements that presuppose a familiarity with
Galenic ideas about phytotherapeutic degrees (fragments 29, 30, 32); on the
other hand, we find Sanskrit terms such as balur < bhallta (fragment 2),
sukk < uka (fragment 7) and mauz < moca (fragment 31), alongside unusually
dense clusters of exclusively Persian drug names (fragment 30) and references

297 See UllIM 18.

298 See VuLex 2/750ab.
299 See JusNB 151b.
300 Cf. GiP 2/171.
301 Cf. JusNB loc.cit.
302 Ullmann, though based on the same cluster of sources, wrongly considers the work to have
had as its sole subject simple remedies, see UllIM 18.
303 See fragments 8, 33, 36.
304 See ISQ 3/393,14.
305 Greek influence on Qahramns expositions has already been noticed by August Mller,
see MAQ 556,3.
56 introduction

to places like Isfahan (fragment 12). We can therefore be fairly certain that
this work, whose title remains unknown, was conceived in Sasanid Iran, in
Gondpr, at the crossroads of Greek and Indian learning,306 by a Persian
scholar if the name is anything to go by. And we can further concludein the
light of the above findings and in the absence of any record or even indication
that the work could have been a translationthat its original language was
Pahlavi. But when was it written? Apart from all these pieces of internal evi-
dence which may be used as a rough guide, there is only one external clue,
however vague, to contribute to this questionnamely a laconic statement
made by the 13th century ce medical historian Ibn Ab Uaibia who, talking
about the Alexandrians, says that Qahramn, among others, was a contem-
porary, or near contemporary, of those Alexandrian physicians (kna muir
hul al-aibb al-Iskandarnyn wa-qarban min azminatihim).307 Unfortu-
nately, this statement is more a confirmation of what we now already know
than an additional hint, as Alexandrian, in chronological terms, may imply a
very wide span of time indeed. Considering all information currently available,
I would place Qahramn, and hence the composition of his work, in the 7th
century ce.
Cases of replicate, slightly modified quotations from Qahramns work,
found at different places in the Kitb al-w, include:308

][ (1)
(5)

(10)
][ (27)

(14)
(16)
(21)

306 Similarly UllIM 18.

307 See iau 1/109,14 f. and 22.
308 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.
introduction 57

b Ibn Ab lid al-Fris

Ibn Ab lid al-Fris is only known to us through quotations in the Kitb al-
w, and the title of his literary production, too, is recorded exclusively in that
same single source. Thus, Rhazes refers to the man as Ibn Ab lid al-Fris309
or, more often, simply as al-Fris;310 his book is referred to by the full title
al-Kunn al-fris wal-hind The Indo-Persian Medical Compendium311 or,
short, by al-Kunn al-fris The Persian Medical Compendium;312 author and
work are linked in a crucial quotation that explicitly cites The Persian Medical
Compendium of Ibn Ab lid,313 which no doubt is the same as The Book
of [Ibn] Ab lid al-Fris.314 Put together, we therefore possess a total of 30
pieces of information tracing back to this author and his respective work.
What little has been said about the author in secondary literature is, need-
less to say, also based on these quotations, with the sole exception of a highly
ambiguous primary reference in Ibn Ab Uaibias (d. 668/1270) medical his-
tory, to which source we will return below. Lucien Leclerc in his Histoire de la
mdecine arabe has a short section on El Farsy, observing rightly that la tra-
duction latine [du Kitb al-w] a tort de rendre ces mots: Kounnach el Farsy,
par: un livre persan [] ce mot el Farsy doit toujours tre considr comme le
nom de lauteur [qui] a mme t quelquefois rendu par: Priscianus.315 Man-
fred Ullmann in his Die Medizin im Islam merely states that nothing is known
about the life and times of Ibn Ab lid al-Fris.316 And Fuat Sezgin in the
third volume of his Geschichte des arabischen Schrifttums places him tentatively
in the 9th century ce, backing up this informed guess by citing the aforemen-
tioned Ibn Ab Uaibia.317 But what does the latter actually say? In his biog-
raphy of Sahl al-Kausa (d. 833ce), the father of the famous Sbr ibn Sahl
(d. 869ce), Ibn Ab Uaibia, in order to put the clinical abilities of the former
into perspective, lists a number of physicians (mutaabbibn) who, when Sahl
is compared to them (mat tumia maa[hum]), were his superiors in terms
of diagnosis (ibra) but his equals in terms of therapy (il); the story goes on
to affirm that they all were afraid of Sahls loose tongue and malicious gossip

309 See fragment 7.

310 See fragments 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
311 See fragments 3, 14, 15.
312 See fragments 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13.
313 See fragment 12.
314 See fragment 11.
315 LecHMA 1/273.
316 UllMed 124.
317 GaS 3/263.
58 introduction

(wa-kulluhum kna yafu lisnahu li-l kna fhi wa-ba). This list of physi-
cians includes, next to some fairly well-known individuals, also a certain s
ibn Ab lid 318a piece of information which, in theory, could provide us
not only with the first name of our author but with a clue regarding his life-
time as well. Yet chronologically the account is incoherent, for it features, in
one breath and as though they would all have been contemporaries, physicians
like ris Ibn But (alive 760ce), Yann ibn Msawaih (alive 850 ce)
and Yaqb the hospital director (scil. al-Kaskar) (alive 920 ce), to name but a
few. The information provided by Ibn Ab Uaibiaeven if we assume that
s ibn Ab lid is the same physician as the one quoted by Rhazesis
therefore only helpful insofar as it is set, implicitly, in the cultural context of
Gondpr.
As the nisba al-Fris clearly indicates, Ibn Ab lid was of Persian descent;
and if he is indeed to be identified with Ibn Ab Uaibias s, he was probably a
(Nestorian) Christian.319 As for the work which Ibn Ab lid authored, we can
see from the quotations preserved in the Kitb al-w that it was, just like that
of Qahramn, pharmaceutical in naturethus, nineteen quotations are con-
cerned with simple drugs,320 nine quotations are concerned with compound
drugs,321 and the remaining two quotations can be interpreted either way.322
Whilst the title of the work suggests a conceptual origin purely within the realm
of Indo-Iranian medical traditions, there is also, again in line with Qahramns
production, a noteworthy interface between Greek and Indian terms and con-
cepts, for example: maak < (fragment 7), balam < (fragments
17, 20, 26), tiryq < (fragment 27), the weights dirham < and
qya < (fragments 6, 10, 15) and the compound called Filniy < -
(fragment 8); on the other hand, we find Sanskrit terms such as sukk < uka
(fragment 5), abr < tavakra (fragment 6), amla < malak (fragments 9,
16) and wa < vac (fragment 30); further note the employment of a genuinely
Syrian compound called in Arabic l < el (fragment 1). Taking all existing
information into consideration, it seems certain that Ibn Ab lid al-Friss
work, too, was conceived in Sasanid Iran, in Gondpr, at the point where the

318 See iau 1/160,19161,14 for the biography of Sahl al-Kausa, and 160,22f. for the reference
to s ibn Ab lid.
319 The invocation of Allah at the end of fragment 1 is not enough to associate him with the
Muslim faith, as it could well be a later addition to the text by Rhazes or even by the
redactors of the Kitb al-w.
320 See fragments 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
321 See fragments 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15.
322 See fragments 7, 14.
introduction 59

lines of transmission between Greco-Syrian and Indian learning intersected.323

As there is neither any evidence to support the assumption that the work could
have been a translation nor any subsequent record to indicate that it could have
been written in Arabic from the start, we can further conclude that its original
language was Pahlavi. Regarding the lifetime of Ibn Ab lid al-Fris, I pro-
pose, for now, an approximate date of 800ce.
Finally, there is one replicate, slightly modified quotation from Ibn Ab
lids Medical Compendium, found at two different places in the Kitb al-
w:324

(9)
][ (16)

4 Some General Observations

Now that we have completed our survey of the Sanskrit, Syriac and Persian
sources in the Kitb al-w of Rhazes, and examined in fair detail the complex
linguistic, historical and epistemological issues raised by its study, it may be
useful to step back for a moment and consider a few crucial points from a more
overarching perspective. In doing so, and in the near absence of any authorita-
tive preliminary work on this cluster of sources, my judgements will have to be
based largely on my own findings, that is on the very material exposed through-
out the preceding sections; I shall, however, gratefully draw upon the thor-
ough, albeit topically rather restricted analyses of Ursula Weisser and Jennifer
Bryson325 when digressing into precursory comparative statements involving
the Greek cluster of sources in the Kitb al-w. Several basic questions arise.
First, what exactly is a quotation in view of the compositional history of Rhazes
book; what, if any, are the common factors that define a quotation; and what
is the relation between the verifiable clusters of Greek and Sanskrit quotations
in terms of quantity, inner structure and formal representation? Second, what
was the intended function of the foreign material as it appears before us in
Rhazes book; if not mere components of a doxographical enterprise, what then

323 Incidentally, Ibn Ab lids remark that this (in any case) is how our experienced
(practitioners) proceed (wa-h amal yumiluhu al-muabbarn indan) may well be
a reference to the medical milieu of Gondpr, see fragment 1.
324 The numbers refer to the respective fragments.
325 See list of abbreviations and bibliography s.vv. WeiZit and BryK.
60 introduction

authorized the fragments of information transmitted suchwise; and what new,

if anything, emerged from such an amalgam of genetically disparate segments
of medico-pharmaceutical knowledge? Third, what was the target group of a
compilation organized in this manner, and how was it used; what is the books
contribution to Islamic medicine in particular and to our knowledge of the his-
tory of that medical tradition in general? Fourth, what progress can be made
hereon with regard to the reception of notably Ayurvedic medicine among the
Arabs; and what are, in the wider frame of the history of science, the most
promising avenues of inquiry into the Kitb al-w? In the following para-
graphs, I will attempt to answer these important questions successively and
succinctly without, however, laying any claim to final solutions.
The Kitb al-w is an extraordinary and in many ways unique creation
which, in terms of its compositional history and textual formation, has had
no precursors and, for that matter, no successors within the vast body of writ-
ings that constitute Arabic scientific literature; and we can even go one step
further and maintain that this work has no counterpart either in the literary
heritage of classical and post-classical antiquity, nor indeed in the rich medico-
pharmaceutical traditions of the Indians and the Chinese. The single most deci-
sive factor in understanding the nature of the Kitb al-w is its formal genesis
or, put differently, the fact that it is the final product of a long, accumulative and
multilayered process of textual compositionthe first layer is represented by
the traces of numerous and often dissociated acts of medico-pharmaceutical
appropriation through translations from Greek, Sanskrit, Syriac and Persian
into Arabic, translations of extremely varying quality that were made by differ-
ent individuals at the behest of various patrons between, roughly, the late 8th
and the late 9th centuries ce and that form the conceptual backbone of the
Kitb al-w;326 the second layer is represented by a sustained act of textual
recreation on the part of Rhazes that consisted in selecting from this corpus of
translations those passages or quotations which he deemed worthy and signif-
icant enough to be incorporated into a private database of information relevant
to his profession as a practising physician, and here it seems that Rhazes choice
of medico-pharmaceutical material was sufficiently commanding to justify his
authorship and to make the work, in the eyes of posterity, his own; the third
layer is represented by a commissioned editorial act on the part of some of
Rhazes former pupils who, a couple of decades after his death, proceeded to
reorganize their teachers original database and, in the course of this redac-
tion, created an early textual entity of the work that was to become known

326 About 85% of the source material in the Kitb al-w is of non-Arabic origin.
introduction 61

as Kitb al-w; lastly, the fourth layer is represented by more or less faithful
acts of indigenous transmission of this textual entity, often partially and sel-
dom wholly, through the centuries before taking, in yet another incarnation,
the shape of a printed, more or less critically edited book on which all modern
research rests. In the face of these facts it becomes immediately clear that the
Kitb al-w forms a literary genre almost of its own, and that in any case the
questions we posed can only be answered meaningfully by looking at this work
as a production sui generis.
The first question, then, concerns the nature of quotations in the Kitb al-
w, and here we are touching already on the very core of this unusual work.
Generally speaking, and on a purely theoretical level also including the Kitb
al-w, a quotation may be said to be the repetition of a phrase or passage from
a named (written) source; yet whilst in our current understanding such a repe-
tition is commonly considered to be a guarded reference that entails a faithful,
literal representation of the original, this definition hardly ever applies to the
Kitb al-w. The underlying reasons follow straight from that works intricate
textual layering outlined in the preceding paragraph, but the dramatic conse-
quences are tangible for us only in the case of those source texts that are still
available for consultation. Of the five distinct strands of sources which combine
to form the overall fabric of the Kitb al-w, more or less complete original-
language texts are preserved solely among the Arabic, Greek and Sanskrit clus-
ters, and here, still, we have to count our losses;327 of the Syriac and Persian
clusters no native specimen whatsoever have survived. As we do not at this
point in time possess any detailed studies of the Arabic cluster in the Kitb al-
w, we are bound to recur, on the one hand, to the findings of Ursula Weisser
and Jennifer Bryson with regard to the Greek cluster and, on the other hand, to
our own findings with regard to the Sanskrit cluster, and assume for now that
the gist of these findings would most probably also apply to the unverifiable
Syriac and Persian clusters. We already summarized the conclusions of Weisser
and Bryson about the Greek cluster328 which, when compared to the conclu-
sions we may draw from our own investigations into the Sanskrit cluster, yield
the following results: the most staggering common features of the Greek and
Sanskrit clusters as they appear in Arabic translations in the Kitb al-w are
the scarcity of literal quotations and the extent of manipulation of the source
texts, implying an attitude of great liberality in handling the originals and a tacit

327 Not all Arabic and Greek prototypes referred to in the Kitb al-w are extant, whilst a
number of anonymous references to Indian sources cannot be traced to Sanskrit originals
as yet.
328 See pp. 4f. above.
62 introduction

approval to adjust them to specific contextual needs; the most obvious dividing
feature of the Greek and Sanskrit clusters is the relatively high degree of textual
deformation of the Indian originals, whose transmission to the Arabs was sub-
ject to very different historical circumstances.329 On a more formal level, almost
all Greek and Sanskrit passages in the Kitb al-w are identified by refer-
ences to either the name of an author or the title of a book, and occasionally
both. By far the most difficult problem when it comes to analyzing the Kitb
al-w is the impossibility to discern which factors exactly contributed to the
alienation of a given quotationRhazes himself using incongruent versions
of a translation; relying on a secondary source; resorting to memory; deliber-
ately modifying textual templates; or the redactors of his database handling the
bequeathed material with an equal measure of creative freedom. A quotation
in the Kitb al-w is therefore in the vast majority of cases an approximate
representation of the content of a source passage, adjusted moreover to the
editorial framework of the overall composition and to the stylistic preferences
of the quoter. The Greek material, which makes up about 80 % of the Kitb
al-w and thus testifies to the overwhelming influence of Greco-Byzantine
humoral pathology on Arabic medicine, is generally much less distorted than
the Sanskrit material, which contributes to the work only about 1 % and whose
conceptual premisses cannot easily be reconciled with humoralism; here, too,
belongs the fact that each chapter in the Kitb al-w is introduced by often
lengthy statements obtained from one or another pertinent writing of Galen.
The Kitb al-w is not primarily an accumulation of quotations but rather a
supertext, a retrieval system wherein select pieces of sometimes heterogeneous
information are combined into separate groups which reflect and correspond
to logically coherent, topically related and in that sense homogeneous medico-
pharmaceutical categories.
The second question concerns the function and authorization of the mate-
rial found in the Kitb al-w from non-indigenous sources, and whether or
not a body of knowledge constructed suchwise can be considered a novelty.
As already mentioned, the foreign source materialwhich is to say the mate-
rial obtained from originally Greek, Sanskrit, Syriac and Persian (rather than
Arabic) base textsamounts to about 85% of the Kitb al-w. Rhazes was
a clinician, but he was also, and perhaps in the first place, a scientist and a
man of letters with diverse and far-reaching scholarly interests. We know that
he was constantly writing, drafting and excerpting, and that in case of the lat-
ter activity he concentrated mainly on medico-pharmaceutical texts, of which

329 For details see my discussion of the Sanskrit sources in sections 1.ag above.
introduction 63

he did not exclude a single important work he had ever access to.330 In other
words, Rhazes private files, the sum of a lifelong effort of systematic excerption
which later came to be the Kitb al-w, are based virtually on the entirety
of relevant medico-pharmaceutical writings that were available in his days
in Arabic throughout the eastern realm of the Islamic world. The purpose of
this collection, which Rhazes himself allegedly never meant to publish in its
existing state, surely was to create a comprehensive inventory of knowledge
pertinent to the fields of medicine and pharmacy, driven perhaps more by intel-
lectual curiosity than by pragmatic considerations and motivated, no doubt,
not only by the desire to generate a personal aide-mmoire but also by a deeper
philosophical insight into the fragility and perishability of all conserved knowl-
edge. For Rhazes, this material carried authority because it resulted from a
long and venerable chain of careful and detailed inquiries into the workings of
the human body, and from repeated and therefore empirically sound attempts
at understanding its preservation. The great physicians of classical and post-
classical antiquity, the time-honoured Ayurvedic classics, the Syrian epigones
and commentators of the Greek heritage just as well as the early-Islamic Per-
sian pharmacists who were still standing with one foot in the scientific tradi-
tions of ancient Iranthey all were considered by Rhazes as authorities simply
because their ideas had subsisted, and because they themselves had by then
come to represent authoritative knowledge. The fact that Rhazes did not care
about the linguistic or geographical provenance of information is, if nothing
else, a credit to his own embracing spirit, aided by the multicultural milieu of
the society and the remarkable intellectual liberality of the era in which he
happened to live. Pursuing the history of the Kitb al-w one step further,
we may draw the obvious conclusion that for Rhazes former pupils and later
redactors of his database, the material bequeathed by their master was, in turn,
authorized by the very fact of him having deemed it worthy of being recorded.
The Kitb al-w, in its extant form, is a unique and indeed highly innovative
book: it marks the first (and last) attempt, in Arabic as well as in universal sci-
entific history, to produce a complete corpus of authoritative knowledge on a
particular subject in a way which we today would call objectivea fact-based,
non-speculative and largely uncommented string of information whose origin
was irrelevant if only it contributed usable building blocks to an otherwise open
and receptive construction.
The third question concerns the presumed readership of the Kitb al-w,
its usability, and in which way it may have furthered the medico-pharmaceuti-

330 NadFih 1/299,9f. and RBw 3,6 f.

64 introduction

cal sciences in the Islamic world and, then, further our own knowledge of their
history. As regards Rhazes original database, we can safely assume that there
was no intended readership, because for all we know this bulk of medico-
pharmaceutical information served exclusively his own personal needs; and
regarding the posthumous redaction of that database, we can speculate that
it was prompted by a devout, altruistic and perhaps nave wish to save from
oblivion and to preserve for posterity an hitherto unpublished (and huge) part
of the literary legacy of a great mind. It is only when we contemplate the result
of this redaction, namely the Kitb al-w as we know it, that we can recur
to an old indigenous account which is quite revealing in a number of waysit
shows what the actual readership of the Kitb al-w would have been, but it
also casts a daunting verdict on its usability and even, indirectly, on its contri-
bution to Islamic medicine and pharmacy at large. Thus, the Persian physician
al-Mas, writing roughly two generations after Rhazes and one generation
after the redaction of the Kitb al-w, says in the introduction to his famous
medical encyclopedia Kmil a-ina f -ibb The Perfection in the Art of
Medicine that he was compelled to the composition of this work not least by
the impracticability of Rhazes chef-duvre; as al-Mass subsequent discus-
sion of the merits and shortcomings of the Kitb al-w is highly instructive
for our present topic, I will honour it with a partial translation:

As to Rhazes book which is called al-w, I found that he mentions in

it everything physicians need to know about the preservation of health,
the therapy of illnesses and ailments [] as well as the symptoms of dis-
eases [] But he says nothing at all about physiologythat is the ele-
ments, mixtures and humoursnor does he talk about the anatomy of
the organs or surgery; he wrote, moreover, without order and method,
neglected the didactic side of learning, and omitted to divide his book
into discourses, sections and chapters, as could have been expected from
his knowledge and abilities in the medical art and from his talent as a
writerfor I do not deny his excellence nor question his expertise in the
art of medicine and his eminence as an author [] He treated his subject
at too great a length and in too much detail, without being constrained to
do so. This is the reason why most scholars are unable to order or to pur-
chase a copy of the book, except a few wealthy learned men, and so one
hardly ever comes across it. The books volume results from the fact that
for each single disease, its causes, symptoms and treatment, the author
mentioned the statements of each and every ancient and modern physi-
cian about that disease [] without omitting anything that anyone of
them had to say about it, so that the entirety of medical literature merged
introduction 65

into this book. You must know, however, that skilled and experienced
physicians largely agree on the nature of diseases, their causes, symp-
toms and treatments, and that there are no marked differences between
their opinions, except that they deal with the matter more or less exhaus-
tively and that they may do so in different terms, because the rules and
the methods which they observe when determining diseases, causes and
treatments are essentially the same. If this is the case, what use is it then
to record the statements of all ancient and modern physicians and to reit-
erate their sayings since they all repeat the same things anyway [] The
author therefore should have confined himself to quote only some of their
opinions, to limit these quotations to what is strictly necessary, and to
select only those writers who are the most excellent, advanced, skilled and
experienced. In this way his book, relieved of its excessive length and bulk,
would have been easier for scholars to acquire or to copy, it would have
spread among people, and it would have been much more available
whereas now, as far as I know, copies of it are found only in the possession
of a few rich men of letters and science331

Even though al-Mas does not mention explicitly the posthumous redaction
of the Kitb al-w, it seems nonetheless almost certain that he knew about
it, and his complaint regarding the books awkward character may therefore
also be read as a criticism addressed to the redactors who failed to tighten
and condense Rhazes original database. In any case, we can learn from al-
Mass rsum not only that the (potential) readership of the Kitb al-w
were by no means just medical professionals, but also that the very length
and repetitiveness of the book hampered both its circulation and usability
shortcomings which surely must have restricted its reception and thereby
very much limited its contribution to the inner development of the medico-
pharmaceutical sciences in Islam; moreover, al-Mass final complaint about
a lack of accessible copies of the Kitb al-w is, not surprisingly, echoed by
the fact that also today we possess relatively few manuscript witnesses of the
book, none of which offer a complete text.332 The arguably minor influence
of the Kitb al-w on the subsequent course of Islamic medicine and phar-
macy is contrasted, paradoxically, by its major influence on our understanding
of the roots of that scientific tradition: no other work in the history of the
medico-pharmaceutical sciences among the Arabs provides such a vast range

331 MaMal 1/5.

332 Cf. pp. xiif. above.
66 introduction

of sources, many of which are preserved only in this place and some of which,
like the entire Syriac and Persian clusters, are now lost in their original linguis-
tic forms. For us, the Kitb al-w becomes therefore itself a priceless source of
otherwise unattainable historical information, and an indispensable tool when
it comes to reconstructing, not literally but substantially, the evolutionary stage
of the medico-pharmaceutical sciences during the heyday of Islamic civiliza-
tion.
The fourth and last question concerns the priorities of future research into
the transmission of Ayurvedic medicine to the Arabs in general, and work that
could be done in the future on the Kitb al-w in particular. It goes without
saying that in both cases I will be speaking from the point of view of a philol-
ogist, and that other scholars, who come from different walks of academic life,
may well have different ideas on these issues; I will also be brief and selective,
and try not to overstretch the importance of what in the end is just a subjective
assessment. Regarding the first part of the question, I am convinced that the
next logical step in investigating the problem of the transmission of Ayurvedic
medicine to the Arabs is to collect more positive data. As we do not possess even
one single specimen of an original Sanskrit-into-Arabic translation, we have to
continue to search for quotations in later Arabic medico-pharmaceutical liter-
ature, and here focus primarily on those textsand they are fewthat provide
us with explicit and direct references to the sources they are exploiting. With
the Kitb al-w we are already scratching near the historical roots of the inner
processes of transmission, but we could still dig a little deeper by subjecting the
so-called Indian books in a-abars Firdaus al-ikma Paradise of Wisdom
to a similar source-critical analysisthis work, including the Indian sections,
was completed a few years before Rhazes was born, and here, too, we would
be able to trace quite clearly the fate of the earlier translations from Sanskrit
into Arabic, and to substantiate very probably their validity by consulting a-
abars named sources: Suruta, Caraka, Vgbhaa and Mdhava.333 Regarding
the second part of the question, and still speaking as a philologist, I believe
that an investigation into the two remaining source clusters in the Kitb al-
w, namely the Greek and the Arabic, is now a priority task. If we consider
the sheer quantity represented by this material,334 and if we hope to be given
in the end a similarly detailed and comprehensive account as the one we have
tried to give here for the Sanskrit cluster, we can easily imagine that this is a

333 abFir 557624 for the Indian books.

334 The Greek cluster constitutes about 80 %, the Arabic cluster about 10% of the textual body
of the Kitb al-w.
introduction 67

task of colossal proportionsit needs, alas, to be done. The aforementioned

excellent studies of Ursula Weisser and Jennifer Bryson on the Greek cluster
have merely scratched the surface, covering as they do only the first volume of
the Kitb al-w and, for the rest, only one particular writing of Galen. Judging
from my own experience with the Sanskrit cluster, and allowing for philologi-
cally somewhat less demanding prerequisites, I would estimate, for example, a
minimum of 12 years for one scholar to adequately process the Greek cluster in
the Kitb al-w. This may be tough on the audience and tougher still on the
performer, but it is, in my view, absolutely necessary if we want to get past the
stage of unguarded repetitions of received wisdom.

5 Note on Metrological Units335

The weights and measures occurring in the following textual fragments are
mainly Arabic or arabicized terms and may be divided into three categories
(the abbreviation [Sa] signifies a genuine Sanskrit term):

Specific

dniq 0.63g
dirham 3.13g
istr 20g
kara 12g [Sa]
miql 4.46g
pala 48g [Sa]
qr 0.22g
ral 406g
rub 500g
a 4g [Sa]
ass 0.18g
qya 33g

335 For Islamic units, basic conversions and comparative data (largely drawn from non-
medical sources) see HiMG passim; further UllMed 316320 and SbAq 225228 with the
literature quoted in either section (adding KaWM). For Indian units, which on the whole
are no less problematic, see MeuHis 1a/85 with the literature quoted 1b/148 note 120 and
2b/66 note 439.
68 introduction

Semispecific

beakerful (qada)
cupful (kas)
handful (afna or kaff )
mouthful (ura)
saucerful (sukurrua)
spoonful (milaqa)
width of a finger (agula) [Sa]

or when referring to the weight, shape or size of a

barleycorn (ara)
broad bean (bqillh)
chickpea (immaa)
date pit (nawh)
egg (baia)
grain (abba)
hazelnut (bunduqa)
lentil (adasa)
walnut (auza)

Unspecific

amount (qadr or aman or wazn or zina)

dose (qadr or wazn or zina)
number (adad)
part (uz)
quantity (kammya or miqdr or qadr or zina)
quantity, small (irr)
size (miqdr)
weight (aman or wazn or zina)
Texts and Translations

 chapter 1

The Sanskrit Sources

Note that in the English translations of Sanskrit passages I am using italics to

indicate more or less direct textual correspondences with the Arabic.

a treya (legendary)

1
r 8/206,26

:
3 2 1
][
.

From the book of Ar, he says: If you want (to take) an enema, then not on an
empty stomach; lie down on (your) left side, place a cushion under (your) hip,
and stretch out (your) left leg, lifting the right one until it touches the chest;
be careful not to sneeze or cough whilst you have an enema, for it is released
easilyif (this happens), (try to) hold back (the liquid) as soon as it appears;
(but) once it runs it will come out, and you should not (try to) stop it from
emerging.

2
r 10/170,15f.

. :

Ara the Indian: Drinking milk resolves severe urinary retention.

1 : editio .
2 : editio .
3 : editio .

koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2015 | doi: 10.1163/9789004290242_003

72 chapter 1

b Suruta (fl. 6th century bce?)

Sahit (redacted between 200 and 500 ce)

1
r 3/210,1317

:
][

.

From an Indian book: If the tongue hangs out of the mouth, is (too) long and
(too) difficult (to treat) with purgative and vomitive drugs, then take ginger,
pepper, long pepper and white salt, grind these (ingredients) thoroughly, rub
this (powder) over (the patients) tongue and adjacent (areas), and it will
retreat; or take (one of) the popular, tasty fruits that contain acid, a peach or
the like, slice it with a knife, and rub it over his tongue, for this will release a lot
of phlegm from his (body) and shrink his tongue (so that) it retreats.

SuSa 2/323 no. 12

[]

[]

The tongue that protrudes should be rubbed with a powder (made from) long
pepper, black pepper, ginger and salt, or pasted with (a mash of) sesame and
grapes, and (then) pushed back inside; meanwhile others, who sit before the
patient, should eat sour (stuff).4

2a
r 8/205,13206,1

4 The idea is to whet the patients appetite and water his mouth, because increased salivation
was supposed to soften the tongue, see commentary SuSaC 1/920.
the sanskrit sources 73

5
. :

From an Indian book: If you press the shaft of the enema (bag) once with
great force, the liquid goes up into the stomach and (eventually) runs from the
nose; he who squeezes (the bag) repeatedly, opens and blocks (the flow path);
and squeezing (the bag) very gently, (pushing the liquid) slowly upwards, will
not achieve (what is intended) and fail to reach the area that is required. A
small quantity will not achieve what is required; a large quantity will lead to
sluggishness, weariness, bloating and dysentery (on the part of the patient).
The (enema that is) very spicy or very sharp will lead to fainting and a discharge
of blood; the cold (one) will provoke flatulence and obstruct the belly; the
hot (one) will harm the intestines and the bladder, and lead to dysentery;
and the thin (one) is of little use. (The author also) says: And if an enema is
administered whilst (the patient) is on his back, the medicinal (liquid) will not
wash out the guts properly.

2b
r 8/208,15209,2

:[versio latina RaCon 1/147d Sesirid i.q. ]6

8 : 7
10 9][
.

5 : editio .
6 : editio .
7 : editio .
8 : editio .
9 : editio .
10 : editio .
74 chapter 1

From an Indian book (by Sesirid): If the enema (bag) is squeezed (too) hard,
the medicinal (liquid) goes up into the stomach and (eventually) comes out
through the nosein this (case) it is necessary for you to shave off (the pa-
tients) hair so (vigorously) that it causes him pain, to splash cold water over
him, and to make him drink laxative drugs. (The author also) says: Squeezing
(the bag) insufficiently will not achieve what you intend (either). In fact, the
one who receives an enema should lie calmly on a couch, on his left side, and
place his lower parts near his upper body in a comfortable position, pulling
his right leg towards him; then the nozzle is inserted up to the rim-coin, the
bag is squeezed evenly, and (the liquid) is held inside without effort; then it is
released, and (the patient) rests on his back.

SuSa 2/339 nos. 1214

If the bag is squeezed with great force, the enema liquid goes up into the stomach
and then, propelled by wind, comes out through the nose or the mouthin this
case the patients throat should quickly be pressed and (his lifted body) shaken;
strong purgatives and errhines should also be administered, and cold water be
poured over the body. If the enema (bag) is squeezed with lesser force, the liquid
does not reach the intestines and so fails to produce the desired effect. Pressing
(the bag) should therefore be done with well-measured (force).

SuSa 2/340 nos. 1819

the sanskrit sources 75

If these two kinds of enemas (called sneha and nirha) consist of a small
quantity of liquid, they do not act as desired; if they consist of a large quantity of
liquid, they entail dysuria, exhaustion and diarrhoea. If the liquid is very hot and
powerful, it leads to fainting, a burning sensation, diarrhoea and an aggravation
of bile; if the liquid is feeble in power or cold, it leads to an aggravation of wind,
constipation and flatulence.

SuSa 2/341 no. 25

[]

If the patient is lying with his face upwards, the enema liquid does not go inside
(properly) because its pathway is hampered.

SuSa 2/364 no. 3

[]


[]

The body must at first be anointed and fomented, and (the patient) must have
emptied his bowels of (faecal) accumulations (before the enema is adminis-
tered). The administration takes place at midday in a room that is clean and
not draughty(here) he should lie on his left side, on a broad bed with solid legs
and no pillows, his hip elevated, his right leg bent, his left leg stretched, his mind
at ease, his food digested, (his mouth) quiet and (his body) lying comfortable.

3
r 9/126,16127,3

:

11 :

11 : editio .
76 chapter 1

The Indian: The males come from an abundance of sperm (on the part) of
the man, the female(s) from an abundance of sperm (on the part) of the
woman. If (the woman) engages in sexual intercourse on the day she had her
(postmenstrual) ablution, she will carry a boy; on the fifth (day) a girl, on the
sixth a boy, on the seventh a girl, on the eighth a boy, on the ninth a girl, on
the tenth a boy, and on the eleventh a hermaphrodite. (The author also) says:
The signs of pregnancy are that the menstrual blood does not flow, the womb
quivers, she becomes sluggish, sleeps (a lot), and trembles a little; then the voice
weakens, the eyes become hollow, the lashes fall off one by one, and the lips and
nipples turn black.

SuSa 1[sec.3]/35 no. 5

Predominance of semen makes (the foetus) a male, predominance of menstrual

blood a female; and when (both fluids) are equal, it will be a hermaphrodite.12

SuSa 1[sec.3]/3738 nos. 1215

12 Not, as Srikantha Murthy loc.cit. translates, eunuch.

the sanskrit sources 77

Copulation with a woman on even days produces a male child, copulation on odd
days produces a female child 13hence a man who is pure (in body and mind)
and wishes to produce an offspring may indulge in copulation accordingly, dur-
ing the time of (female) fertility. Signs of conception in a woman are fatigue,
exhaustion, thirst, weakness in the thighs, stoppage of (menstrual) blood and
semen, and a throbbing in the vagina; ( further) a blackening of the breast are-
ola, the appearance of hairy lines (on the belly), drooping eyelids in particular,
unintentional vomiting, being repulsed by pleasant smells, (increased) saliva-
tion and (general) feebleness(such) are the signs of pregnancy.

4
r 16/103,8ff.

:
.
From some book of the Indians: Useful (against) quartan fever is that (the
patient) is fumigated with cat excrement, that some people (pretend to) attack
him with swords, that snakes are released whose fangs have been pulled out,14
and that he is stuffed with food and (then) made to vomit.

13 More specific, and somewhat closer to the Arabic wording, is a passage in Raviguptas
Siddhasra (also a source of Rhazes), which however is missing from the Sanskrit original
and only preserved in a Tibetan version of it, running as follows: In that (connection), if
they have intercourse at the time when four, six, eight, ten and twelve days have elapsed
since the occurrence of the menstrual flow, it will be a boy child; if they have intercourse
at the time when five, seven, nine and eleven days have elapsed since the occurrence of
the menstrual flow, it will be a daughter; (and if they have intercourse at the time when)
more than thirteen days have elapsed since the occurrence of the menstrual flow, there
will be no child (translation Emmerick), see RavSid 2/425 no. 29.11.
14 It is highly probable that Rhazes, who moreover does not name his source for the pas-
sage in hand explicitly, copied directly from Al ibn Sahl Rabban a-abars (d. soon
after 240/855) Firdaus al-ikma (completed 235/850), although the ultimate (and again
implicit) source of the latter remains Suruta. Forming part of a-abars expos of the
medical system of the Indians, the passage runs as follows (for the Arabic text see abFir
585,1619; for a German translation cf. SiggIB 45 [= 1139]):

78 chapter 1

SuSa 3/213 nos. 259260

On the day of the fever the patient who suffers from irregular bouts should be
frightened with nonvenomous snakes, tamed elephants and bogus robbers, and
not be given anything to eat. Or he should be made to vomit often by consuming
stuff that is heavy and that promotes secretion;15 he should (also) be given
strong wine or ghee to drink, which are antipyretic.

SuSa 3/213 no. 263

Cat excreta should be used to fumigate (the fever patient) when he is shivering.

5
RaCon 2/352b

Dixit Sanasrad [* *lege ]. Sanguisugarum vna est venenosa que est

nigra vehementer ad modum antimonij: habens caput magnum: et squamas ad
modum piscium quorundam: et habens medium viride: etiam alia super quam
sunt pili habet magnum caput: et colorem diuersum ad modum iris: in cuius
colore sunt linee ad modum lazuli: que quotiens mordet: inde accidet apostema
cum sincopi: febre ebrietate: et laxitudine articulorum: tamen bona ipsarum est
que assimilatur colori aque: in qua erit viriditas: habens super se duas lineas ad

Useful against quartan fever and the fever that grips (the patient) with shivers is to employ
fumes of cat droppings, to send towards the fever sufferer snakes whose fangs have been
torn out, to frighten him with the entry of (fake) enemies carrying swords, and what runs
along those lines

15 For example a mush made from milk, yoghurt, barley and emetic nut, see commentary
SuSaC 2/1283.
the sanskrit sources 79

modum arsenici: sed blonde rotonde et ad colores epatis apte: que veloces sunt
ad attrahendum sanguinem subtilem: et que assimilantur caude muris: habentes
odorem horribilem: et similes coste16 paruule et tenui: et habentes ventrem ruffum
cum nigrore: et dorsum viride: sunt meliores: sed peiores erunt in aqua mala valde
stabili: in qua sunt ranule multe: tamen bone sunt in aqua bona et optima: etiam
quando occupantur atque aucupantur dimittantur dum purgetur totum id quod
in ipsarum ventre erit: etiam non debent superponi nisi in loco doloris et non
sano: etiam illinitio debet fieri per circuitum loci cum pasta quod non tangant
locum sanum: etiam quotiens suspenduntur pone super eas pannum subtilem
infusum: que nisi suspendatur illiniatur locus cum lacte: aut cum sanguine: etiam
nisi suspenditur: loco illius suspendatur alia: quod si volueris quod decidant:
supersparge oribus ipsarum de sale: et retine eas in amphora: ponendo in ea
aquam cum trufula vel tulula vel lenticulis et alijs herbis aque.

Sanasrad says: Among the leeches there is one that is very poisonous and
intensely black, like antimony; it has a large head, scales like certain fishes
and a green middle. Another one has hairs on it, is also large-headed, and
multicoloured like a rainbow with azure stripes in betweenthis one bites
a lot, which may lead to an abscess and fainting, fever delirium and laxity of
the limbs. However, a good one among them assumes the colour of greenish
water and has two circular lines upon it which resemble yellow arsenic, fitting
the colours of the liverthese are quick at drawing subtle blood. Some look
like the tail of a mouse and have a horrible smell. Some resemble a very small,
thin rib and have a red-black underside and a green backthey are the better
ones. The worst ones are those that live in bad, almost stagnant water with
a lot of little frogs, whilst those that live in good, clear water are right. Also,
when leeches are used under observation they should be left aside for the time
it takes to empty out all that is in their bellies; also, they should only be placed
on a painful or diseased spot; also, it is necessary to rub a paste all around the
spot so that they do not touch a healthy area; also, whenever they are attached,
cover them with a thin, wet cloth. If a leech cannot be attached, besmear the
spot with milk or blood; if this fails, attach another one in its place; and if you
want leeches to fall off, sprinkle salt over their mouths. Keep them in a jar filled
with water containing myrobalans or reed tufts or lentils and other aquatic
plants.

16 coste: editio locuste.

80 chapter 1

SuSa 1/8081 nos. 1112

Poisonous leeches are (called) k, karbur, alagard, indryudh, smu-

drik and gocandanamong these, the k leech has a (black) colour sim-
ilar to the powder of antimony and a large head; the karbur leech is elongated
like a varmi-fish17 and its waist is thick and indented; the alagard leech is
hairy, fat, and has a black mouth; the indryudh leech is marked with rainbow-
coloured lines; the smudrik leech is blackish yellow with flowerlike dots all
over its body; and the gocandan leech has a very small mouth and its lower
part is divided in two, like the scrotum of a bull. He who is bitten by any of these
kinds of leeches will develop a profound swelling and an irresistible itch (around

17 The dictionaries are not very helpful regarding the identity of this fish, cf. e.g. BRWr 6/795
s.v. varmi ein best[immter] Fisch or MWDic 926c a kind of fish; Hoernle, however, in
an old translation of the passage in hand, quite plausibly identified the creature with an
eel, see HoeSu 83 with note 199.
the sanskrit sources 81

the area of the bite), then fever accompanied by a burning sensation, drowsi-
ness, vomiting, delirium and loss of consciousnessin this case (the remedy
called) mahgada18 should be administered in the form of a potion, a lotion,
a snuff, and so on; (however) the bite of the indryudh leech is usually fatal.
Such are the poisonous leeches and how to treat their bites. (As regards) non-
poisonous leeches, they are (called) kapil, pigal, akumukh, mik,
puarkamukh and svarikamong these, the kapil leech is coloured
(red) like realgar at the sides, whilst its back is oily and (green) like mung beans;
the pigal leech is reddish brown in colour, round in shape and fast in mov-
ing; the akumukh leech is liver-coloured and sucks blood quickly with its long
and penetrating mouth; the mik leech is similar to (the tail of ) a mouse in
terms of colour and shape, and has a very unpleasant smell; the puarka-
mukh leech is (green) like mung beans and its mouth resembles (an open)
lotus flower; and the svarik leech is oily, coloured (pinkish red) like a lotus
petal, measures the width of eighteen fingers, and should (only) be used on
cattle. Such are the nonpoisonous leeches.

SuSa 1/82 nos. 1415

18 The composition of the mahgada (scil. mah-a-gada), lit. great antidote, is described
SuSa 2/459 nos. 6163 as follows:

A threefold (fatty substance) [trivt], turpeth, liquorice, turmeric, zedoary, Indian madder,
purging cassia, salty drugs and the three spices (ginger, black pepper and long pepper)
[kautrika] are ground thoroughly, mixed with honey, filled into a (receptacle made of)
horn, and storedthis (antitoxic preparation) known as mahgada may be used as a
potion, a lotion, an ointment or a snuff; it breaks down poison and stops it from spreading,
for it is endowed with irresistible strength and great power
82 chapter 1

Those (leeches) which are born from urine and faeces, from the remains of
noxious fish, vermin and frogs, and which live in dirty water are poisonous; those
(leeches) which are born from the remains of plants (like) the padma lotus,
the water lily, the nalina lotus, the white water lily, the fragrant water lily, the
blue water lily, the white lotus19 or from algae, and which live in clean water are
nonpoisonous. These (nonpoisonous leeches) live in places where fresh water is
abundant; they do not feed on rotten food nor dwell in slush.

SuSa 1/82 no. 17

[]

Then (the leeches) should be placed in a big jar filled with water from ponds or
tanks, including the silt. Algae, dried flesh and the tubers of aquatic plants are
made into a powder and thrown into the water to serve (the leeches) as food,
whilst straw and the leaves of aquatic plants serve (them) as a bed to sleep on.

SuSa 1/83 no. 19

19 On the highly intricate nomenclature for lotuses and water lilies in Sanskrit see HaBL 296
301.
the sanskrit sources 83

The patient who is suffering from a disease that may be cured through the
application of leeches should be told to either sit or lie down; the spot (selected
for the leeches), unless it is a wound, should be roughened up by rubbing it with
(dried) mud or finely powdered cow dung; the leeches should be painted all over
their bodies with a paste mixed from mustard and turmeric, and returned into
the water jar for nearly an hour; then, knowing that they are alert, they should be
picked and made to bite the diseased spot; they should be covered (throughout the
period of sucking) with a smooth, moist cloth of white cotton, and their mouths
should repeatedly be wet with (drops of) water; if a leech does not bite, a drop
of milk or blood should be put on its mouth, and even a small incision may be
made on the body of the patient; and if it still does not bite, then another leech
should be applied (instead).

SuSa 1/83 no. 21

[]

If (the leech) does not let go easily, because of (its fondness for) the taste of blood,
then one should sprinkle powdered sea salt over its mouth.

6
RaCon 2/431b

Sisud [* *lege ]. In signis mortis est defectus venustatis faciei: ter-

ror vehemens mortis: etiam quotiens preerit labium inferius superiori labio: et
superius inferiori: et fiet ruffum: et virescent duales post albedinem ipsorum: sol-
ida erit lingua: super eam fiet figura ad modum vnius nauis: et quotiens ammou-
etur ab ea subuertetur ad dispositionem eius: in superabundantia aut inflatione:
an forte restringetur os exinde: et torta erit naris: aut applanata: minorabitur
oculus: aut aperietur: et perseuerabit in operatione absque motu palpebrarum:
dilatabitur: an frequens superueniens erit sincopis: etiam in iacendo insepara-
biliter si inuersatur ad latus redibit super dorsum: extendet pedes et eos expandet:
mordens labium superius cum dentibus: extendendo illud ad inferius: eloquium
celebrauit de mortuis: humectabuntur radices capillorum eius capitis: absque
tactu restringetur venter: febris aderit: et singultus: vomitus erit cum fetore valde
et horribilitate.

Sisud: Among the signs of death is the disappearance of grace from the face;
there is an overwhelming fear of dying; often, too, the lower lip will overhang
the upper lip, or the other way around; he will turn red; the two lips, after hav-
84 chapter 1

ing been white, will become green; the tongue will be stiff, shaped like the
hull of a ship, and whenever this is flattened the tongue returns to its nor-
mal form, but swollen or puffy, so much so that the whole mouth may be
severely restricted; the nose will be bent or flattened; the eyes will be nar-
rowed or flung wide open, and they will continue working without a move-
ment of the eyelids, dilated; frequently fainting ensues; he is also inseparable
from his lying positionwhen turned onto the side, he always reverts to his
back; he stretches out his feet and spreads them apart, chewing with his teeth
on his upper lip and drawing it towards the lower. A famous declaration on
the part of the dying is that the roots of their cranial hairs become wet, the
belly is pulled in without having been touched, fever will come, and a rat-
tling in the throat; there will be vomiting accompanied by a fierce, dreadful
stench.

SuSa 1/225226 nos. 45

He who loses his shyness, his ( facial) lustre, his memory, self-control and appeal,
as well as he who gains all that for no (apparent) reasonthey are both prone to
die, without a doubt. He whose lower lip is drooping whilst his upper lip is raised,
or both (of whose) lips appear (as black as) a Java plumsuch a ones life is
difficult to retain.

SuSa 1/226 nos. 710

the sanskrit sources 85

He whose tongue is black, stiff, furry, swollen and very roughsuch a one is going
to die soon. He whose nose is crooked, cracked, dry, caved in and produces a
(whining nasal) soundsuch a one will not live. He whose eyes are narrowed,
squinty, unmoving, reddish, sunk in and produce copious tearssuch a one
is going to die for sure. He whose (cranial) hair becomes (suddenly) parted,
whose eyebrows are drawn together and drooping, and whose eyelashes are
constantly quiveringsuch a one is going to die soon.

SuSa 1/226227 nos. 1213

A man, whether strong or weak, who keeps blacking out after having been
resuscitated should be considered ripe ( for death) by the physician. He who lies
always face up, vigorously moves his legs or continuously stretches (them)such
a one will not survive.

SuSa 1/227 no. 16

He who constantly sucks on his upper lip, belches (a lot) or talks with the dead
should be considered half a ghost himself.

SuSa 1/227228 nos. 2022

86 chapter 1

A patient who suffers from shortage of breath or coughing, who has diarrhoea,
fever and hiccoughs, who is vomiting, and whose scrotum and penis are swollen
is about to lose his life. Excessive sweating, burning sensations, hiccoughs and
shortage of breath will take the life even of strong men, without a doubt. He
whose tongue turns blue-black, whose left eye sinks in, and whose mouth emits
a foul stench should be rejected ( for treatment).

c Caraka (fl. c. 50ce)

Sahit

1
r 1/28,17f.

20 :
.

arak says: The best treatment for the hemiplegic is to tire him with exercise,
let him walk a lot, and make him starvefor this clears out phlegm and builds
up bile.

2
r 1/90,18

. :

arak: Cold restores the mind and mends the soul.

20 : editio .
the sanskrit sources 87

3
r 1/93,8f.

. 21 ][ :

arak: The black myrobalan improves mind and memory, enhances the senses,
and cancels sleeplessness and absence of mind.

4
r 1/158,15f.

:
.

arak: Spasms can get so bad that they affect the neck, twisting the head and
making the teeth chatter, and sometimes (even) bend and crook the back and
the chest.

CaSa 5/32 nos. 4345

If the wind located in the sternomastoid muscles moves towards the inner
channels of that region, it causes a spastic neck, (also) known as restraint-of-
the-inside(in this condition) the neck is bent forward and the sternomastoid
area becomes exceedingly rigid; there is clenching of the teeth, (increased) saliva-
tion, a contracted back, a stiff head, yawning and lockjaw. Such is the condition
called restraint-of-the-inside.

21 : editio .
88 chapter 1

5
r 1/241,3ff.

][ ][ :
. :

arak the Indian says: Sometimes headache is caused by cranial worms, (in
which case the patients) breath smells rotten and his pain gets worse when he
moves his head.22 (The author also) says: His treatment should be to sneeze,
and to snuff up that which kills the worms.23

CaSa 4/504 no. 118

[]

Worms can cause (cranial) itching, a foul smell, and a pricking, painful sensation
on the head.

CaSa 4/522 no. 183

(Against headache) caused by worms, errhines containing sharp ingredients

should be administered.

CaSa 4/522 no. 185

[]

A sneezing powder (made from) the (aforesaid) drugs,24 blown into the nose, is
also useful (against this type of headache).

22 Since Caraka, as can be seen from the Sanskrit parallel passages cited above, only says
that there is a type of headache which is down to parasitic infestation (and not that these
worms actually invade the skull), the translator(s) clearly misunderstood the original
messagehence also Rhazes skeptical comment, for which see note 23 below.
23 Regarding the (alleged) proposition of cranial worms, lit. worms in the head (dd f
r-ras), Rhazes concludes with the following remark: This is (too) strange to happen
(h bad an yakn), see r 1/241,5.
24 These drugs are cinnamom, wild croton, yellow-berried nightshade, white-flowered em-
the sanskrit sources 89

6
r 2/69,7f.

. 25 :

arak says: The painful eye should not be treated with collyria during (the first)
three days, so as (to let) the pain mature; (only) then (the condition) is treated.

CaSa 4/535 no. 236

(To treat an eye disease) caused by a simultaneous aggravation (of the three
doshas), a paste (made from) the (aforesaid) drugs26 should be painted on
the eyelids, without touching the lashes; after three days, when the disease has
matured, collyria may be applied.

7
r 2/125,1ff.

:
.

arak: A collyrium which is useful for (the treatment of) the watery eye
pepper one part, long pepper two parts, sepiolite half a part, Indian salt one
part, stibium thrice as much; all (this) is pounded (and thereby) turned into a

belia, prickly chaff flower, Indian beech, siris tree, camel foot tree, Bengal quince, turmeric,
asafoetida, needle flower jasmine and origanumsee CaSa 4/523 ad nos. 184185 (trans-
literation only); cf. also PapCa 2/488 (French translation with botanical names).
25
: editio .
26 These drugs are ginger, sea salt and the froth of ghee; or honey, sea salt and haematite; or
lodhra bark, chebulic myrobalans and ghee; or sandalwood, sarsaparilla and madderwort;
or wild Himalayan cherries, liquorice, spikenard and sandalwood; or haematite, sea salt,
nutgrass and cows bezoar; or beauty cherries, realgar and honeysee CaSa 4/534 ad
nos. 232235 (transliteration only); cf. also PapCa 2/493 (French translation with botanical
names).
90 chapter 1

collyrium which is very useful indeed against itching and to stop the (flow of)
tear(s).

CaSa 4/537 nos. 247248

Half a a of black pepper, two a each of long pepper and sepiolite,27 half
a a of sea salt, and nine a of antimony28 are beaten into a fine powder
when the moon is in its fourteenth mansion29this collyrium is very effective
in case of itching, cataract, phlegm-born complaints, and it cleanses (the eye)
of impurities.

8
r 3/22,1923,1

:
.

arak says: Into the ear that hurts from wind and cold drop mustard oil in which
asafoetida resin, ginger and Indian quinces have been cookedthis is most
effective and (truly) marvelous!.

27 The common Sanskrit term for sepiolite is samudraphena sea-foam, the bone of the
cuttle-fish (so light that it floats), see MWDic 1167a; the term used here by Caraka is
aravaphena, lit. foam of the foaming (sea), cf. MWDic 90b and 718c.
28 A common Sanskrit term for antimony is sauvra, whilst a particular variety of it is
called sauvrjana, see MWDic 1255bc; the (neologistic?) term used here by Caraka is
sauvrakjana.
29 The fourteenth lunar mansion is associated with the asterism of Spica ( Virginis), the
brightest star in the constellation Virgo; the star itself as well as the corresponding lunar
mansion are called citr in Sanskrit, see MWDic 396a.
the sanskrit sources 91

CaSa 4/531 nos. 222223

Cook mustard oil together with asafoetida, Nepal pepper and gingerthis is the
best infusion against earache.

9
r 3/69,8f.

. 30 :

arak says: The best treatment for nosebleed is to thoroughly pound and strain
(some) pomegranate flowers, then to snuff up (the powder) in plantain water.

CaSa 3/248 nos. 99100

(Nosebleed caused by bloodbile is treated by) snuffing the juices of the mango,
the touch-me-not or the fire flame bush, (as well as) the exudations of the
plantain or the lodhra; and (also) the juices of the alhagi root, onions or
pomegranate flowers.

10
r 3/211,47

][ :

.

arak: An electuary to release the tongue and remove its heavinesshalf a

miql each of black and Kerman cumin, Indian salt and canella (together with)

30 : editio .
92 chapter 1

one hundred long pepper berries, two hundred (black) pepper (berries and)
eight istr of sugar are (mixed and) swallowed dry; this releases the tongue and
is (also) useful against thickening of the spleen, piles, and other things.

CaSa 3/397 nos. 141144

Pulverize one kara each of bishops weed, tamarinds, dry ginger, bladderdock,
pomegranates and sour jujubes; half a kara each of coriander, sodium salt,
cumin and cinnamom; one hundred long pepper (berries); two hundred black pep-
per (berries); and four pala of sugar. This powder cleanses the tongue, pleases
the heart and restores the taste of food; (furthermore) it cures pains in the
chest, spleen and sides, constipation, dysuria, cough, asthma, malabsorption
syndrome as well as piles.

11
r 5/55,14

:
31
.

arak says: If the food is not digested and the stomach heavy, you must know
that a lot of phlegm has gathered there. (In this case) make (the patient) vomit

31 : editio .
the sanskrit sources 93

by (giving him) a decoction of nux vomica, mustard and long pepper, for the
stomach can only be cleansed through vomiting or diarrhoea; and once you
emptied (the stomach), resort to those hot drugs that warm up and soothe (the
belly).

CaSa 4/34 nos. 7374

When (phlegm-born) morbidity in the duodenum, enforced by half-digested

food, manifests itself through constipation, (increased) salivation, discomfort,
burning sensations, aversion to food and heaviness (of the stomach)then
make (the patient) vomit by (giving him) hot water, or a decoction of the fruits
of the emetic nut tree, long pepper and mustard.

12
r 5/156,20157,4

:

. ][

arak: Splash cold water over him who is troubled by hiccoughs, or frighten
him, or invent something that causes him great sorrow or great joy, in order
to divert his attention. Thick flatulence in the stomach is best treated with
(the induction of) vomiting; if (the wind) is in the nether regions, (induce)
diarrhoea; and if it is in the whole body, induce dry sweating, which is to say
(send the patient to) the dry (sweating room of the) bathhouse.

CaSa 4/151 no. 137

94 chapter 1

Subjecting the patient to sudden splashes of cold water, intimidation, surprise,

fear, anger, joy, or worry about loved ones(all this helps) to stop an attack of
hiccoughs.

13
r 5/182,18183,7

:

33 32


.

arak: Canine appetitein order to calm the heat, feed the patient with fat,
cold, heavy, sweet (or) moist food, for this condition is (caused) by intense
heat in the stomach; give him rice, ghee, sugar, fresh fish, water birds and
barley gruel; let him sleep during the day in order to stifle the heat, and let
him drink (a potion containing) turpeth in order to purge the bile and weaken
the stomach; and bleed him. Geophagy(this condition) is sometimes caused
by indigestion and excessive cupping; clay (however) does not take the same
course as (other) nourishments but rather sinks to the bottom, burdens, and
corrupts the digestive passages so (badly) that it leads to dropsy, (intestinal)
worms, running stools, fading of the colour (of the skin), agitation and nausea;
if (the patient) cannot give up (eating) clay, assemble drugs that prevent the
(worst) damage and cleanse the stomach through (the induction of) vomiting
and diarrhoea.

14
r 7/24,1317

32 : editio + .
33 : editio .
the sanskrit sources 95

. 34

arak the Indian: Symptom(s) of heart failure are fear, tightness and very
painful throbbing in the chest, and emaciation and withering of the body;
sign(s) of a strong (heart) are the opposite. Heart failure is treated by eating
milk rice and thick bouillon(s), (drinking) wine after fatty meals, clinging to
that which makes happy, relocating to the countryside, (visiting) the bath-
house, (consuming) sweet food, (smelling) what is fragrant, walking, (covering
in) a blanket, and (taking) greasy enemas.

15
r 7/36,19f.

. 35:

arak the Indian: Emblics improve the ardency, acuity and strength of the
heart.

16
r 7/198,1

. :

arak the Indian: To him who suffers from dropsy give fresh milk.

17
r 7/206,16f.

:
.

arak: A good remedy for (treating the kind of) dropsy that is not accompanied
by a burning (sensation) as the (dropsical) fluid is secreted through urine on the
occasional daysvisnaga, savin, cumin (and) rock salt are (mixed and) drunk.

34 : editio .
35 : editio .
96 chapter 1

18
r 10/103,15ff.

36: :
.

(From) arak the Indian (comes) a proven remedy for (the treatment of kidney)
stones, which I have put to the test more than once: Musk melon seeds,
safflower, saffron and adulsa.37 (This author also) says: Bladder stones are
broken and expelled by riding a short-stepped, ruggedly galloping horse.

CaSa 4/484 no. 52

To (treat) urinary calculi, gravel and all other kinds of dysuria, the patient should
be given a potion prepared from the seeds of the musk melon, the cucumber and
the safflower, (adding) saffron and adulsa, and (mixing everything into some)
grape juice.

CaSa 4/486 no. 68

36 : editio + .
37 qulb, here translated adulsa, is a somewhat elusive botanical term. The Arabic dictionar-
ies generally identify it as palm pith (i.q. ummr), see e.g. FrLex 3/485a s.v. qa/ilb (var.
qulb) interior medulla palmae, [further] optima pars foliorum palmae, similarly LaLex
7/2554ab s.v. qulb, and it also seems to be used in that sense r 21.1/306,3 (not so 306,2 and
4f.!); on the other hand, DiDi 2/496 f. no. 133 says that qulb (var. qult) denotes a species of
gromwell, probably field gromwell (Lithospermum arvense), which is not far from DoSupp
2/390b s.v. qulb saxifrage and in fact equals the latters translation of qlt (sic) grmil,
see 2/392b. However, I believe that my present translation of qulb is justified by the first
Sanskrit parallel passage cited above, which shows that the Arabic term was clearly meant
to render vaka adulsa (Adhatoda vasica, identified as such PapCa 2/474,2f.); moreover,
Rhazes himself, in a separate list of anti-calcic agents, explicitly states that qulb is the name
for an Indian drug (ad-daw al-hind al-marf bil-qulb), see r 10/151,8.
the sanskrit sources 97

Having drunk (some) nigada wine, the patient should ride on a cart or a horse
at great speedthis expels gravel and settles calculi. If not, a surgeon should
remove them.

19
r 10/131,616

:






.

arak says: You should (only) consider (making) an incision for (such a patient)
who has a vesical stone, and apply warm bandages to his bladder (afterwards).
Insert a finger (into his anus), feel with it for the stone, and force it to emerge
through the left (edge) of a suture. Be careful not to tear the suture, for this
is bad; and take care not to compress the bladder (too much) when pushing
against the stone, or else the incision (you are about to make) will go wide into
the bladder, much wider than into the outer (tissue), and (this) will not heal.
Once you have pushed the stone (far enough) towards the outside, make an
incision, unless you notice (the patients) eyes are lowered, (his) neck hangs
down, and he does neither talk nor moveif this happens, he is going to die
and (there is) no (need for) you to incise. The cleft should be at the left edge of
the suture (and) the size of a barleycorn; it is not so good if (the stone) shows
near the right (edge) of the suture, but it will (still) be alright, provided that
here, too, is (a cleft) the size of a barleycorn. And you must know that suturing is
(potentially) lethal, so make sure nothing is left behindany (piece of thread)
you drop and leave behind, however small, will no doubt cause big trouble.
98 chapter 1

20
r 10/188,19189,1

38: .

arak: We saw a man who was recently suffering from urinary retention and
who, soon after, was struck by dysenteryhe died on the seventh (day).

21
r 10/268,14

: .

arak: Pepper dries up sperm.

CaSa 1/552 no. 298

Black pepper is not very hot, does not increase semen, is light, and adds relish
to food; due to its ability to dislodge and to desiccate, it whets the appetite and
alleviates phlegm and wind.

22
r 10/288,16289,10

: :

:

:

38 (a comment) by me [Rhazes] on Caraka (?). ][ : editio

the sanskrit sources 99

:
. 39

arak the Indian: Abundant sperm (creates) a strong desire for and a preoc-
cupation with sex. (The author also) says: Avoid sexual intercourse whilst you
have an urge to urinate or defecate; (stay away from a woman) who is menstru-
ating, or sick, or (too) young, or (too) old, or sterile; (abstain) if you are hungry,
or thirsty, or sad, or (suffering from) sleeplessness, or an eye inflammation, or
a hangover, or diarrhoea, or vomiting. (The author also) says: Eating regularly
fat sparrows and drinking milk when thirsty will continue (to produce) plenty
of sperm, filling the testicles; fish eggs greatly increase sperm, and cows milk,
too, works wonders; and the meat of a fattened chicken, or any food that is
made from it, flesh out the body. (The author also) says: Take bone marrow,
cook it with ghee and meat, sprinkle on it delicate spices, and eat (that), for it
is extremely helpful in increasing sperm; the same (is true) for the meat of fresh
fish, eaten with salt; asafoetida resin (also) increases sperm; and do drink milk
when thirsty, for this is very effective. (The author also) says: Any food that is
sweet or fat increases sperm, (but) sleeping with adolescent women damages
sexual potency.

CaSa 1/177 no. 22

[] []

One should not have sexual intercourse with a woman who is menstruating, or
sick, or impure, or notorious, or ugly, or ill-mannered, or unsophisticated, or
unable; nor should one engage in suchlike activities without erection, not in a
state of hunger or repletion, not on an uneven bed, not with an urge to urinate
or defecate, not after exertion or exercise, not after having fasted or (otherwise)
fatigued oneself, and not unless in privacy.

39 : editio .
100 chapter 1

23
r 10/304,15f.

. 40:

arak the Indian: Ginger increases sexual potency.

CaSa 1/471 no. 51

(Although) substances that have a pungent taste are not (normally) productive
of semen, long pepper and dry ginger do increase sexual potency.

24
r 10/305,10

. :

arak: Milk strongly increases sexual potency and should be consumed regu-
larly by anyone who has a regular sex life.

CaSa 3/101 no. 38

After sexual intercourse one should take a bath, drink milk or a hearty bouillon,
and go to sleepin doing so, one recovers strength and semen.

25
r 10/330,59

:

.

40 : editio .
the sanskrit sources 101

An unnamed (piece of information) from the Indians: That which is sour and
that which is salty, if (eaten) habitually, will wipe out sexual desire; likewise
oak galls, lean (meat), bread (containing) a lot of (bakers) borax, drinking (too)
much water, recurrent indigestion, approaching (a woman) who menstruates
or girls who have not (yet) reached (puberty), and the woman whose periods
are infrequent and who is therefore affected by wind in the womball this
ruins the testicles and undermines sexual potency.

CaSa 5/171 nos. 162166

[]

Now hear about that kind of impotence which is caused by breakdown-of-the-

organ41(the latter results from) overindulgence in food that is very sour, salty,
alkaline, or composed of incompatible and unwholesome ingredients; drinking
(too) much water; taking meals irregularly; habitual consumption of pastry and
(other) heavy products, as well as yoghurt, milk, or meat from animals living in
marshland; emaciation due to a (previous) sickness; intercourse with underage
girls; nonvaginal penetration; coital relations in a state of delusion with a woman
who is chronically ill, or has not had any sex for a long time, or is menstruating, or
smells offensive, or whose vagina is afflicted with disease, producing a dubious
discharge.

41 dhvajabhaga, that is to say erectile dysfunction.

102 chapter 1

26
r 11/15,16

. 42:

The Indian: Aged (wine) drives out (intestinal) flukes.

CaSa 1/525 no. 191

(The wines called) sauvraka and tuodaka promote digestion43 and appetite;
they are useful against thoracic complaints, anaemia, (intestinal) worms, mal-
absorption syndrome and piles; and they stimulate the bowels.

27
r 11/58,3f.

. 44:

arak: Black myrobalans are good for (the treatment of) piles; fenugreek is
(also) useful, (and) so is Indian bdellium.

28
r 11/148,1116

:
:
45: :
.

42
: editio [ ] [ ] .
43 Since jaraa may mean digestion as well as old [scil. aged] (see MWDic 413c), it has
probably been misunderstood by the translator(s).
44 : editio .
45
: editio + .
the sanskrit sources 103

arak the Indian says: He who is bent down by rheumatism and cannot stand
straight (anymore) should take the skin of a sheep that has just been flayed
and wear it upon him; he should cook fresh cows milk and rose oil, spatter this
(on the inner side of the skin), and wrap himself into it several timesthis is
useful. (The author also) says: Gout befalls him who stops drinking purgative
and vomitive (potions). He (further) says: It is during the daytime that gout
attacks. (And) he says: Purge the gout sufferer with myrobalans preserved in
their own water, or with turpeth cooked in cows milk.

CaSa 5/108 no. 84

Someone (who suffers from gout) should drink a decoction of chebulic myrobal-
ans that have been fried in ghee, or (take) turpeth powder dissolved in grape
juice, and finish with a drink of milk.

29
r 12/72,473,3

:
:
:
46
:
.

46 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
104 chapter 1

arak the Indian says: Furuncles come from indulging in food and drink par-
ticularly, (but also) from constipation and diminished urination, from sorrow,
excessive sleeping, or hard labour, or riding a very rough horse. There are four
areas in particular (where furuncles occur)the loins, the navel, the belly, and
(below) the ribs. And in his book arak (also) says: Abscesses which cover large
areas are bad (and) dangerous; they must not be incised with an iron (blade)
but rather opened with drugs whose prescription, in our opinion,47 is (a much)
better (choice). And arak (further) says: Any abscess on the sides, below the
ribline, inside the throat or near musclesforget the scalpel, especially (when
dealing) with young children and old men, for these are never treated with the
knife.

30
r 14/26,827,3

][ ][ :

:

: 48
. 49

From the book of arak the Indian, he says: Someone who suffers from fever
should not be given a drug that induces vomiting before the seventh (day),
because if he vomits in the height of his fever he will be attacked by stomach
pain, dyspnea, abdominal bloating, and (his) mind will drift offso do remem-
ber to delay (the induction of vomiting), for if he enters (the stage of vomiting
too soon) his humours could combine into a knotty mixture that cannot be dis-
entangled (easily). (The author also) says: The fever sufferer should continue
to gargle and rinse and cleanse his mouth several times when he wishes some-
thing to eat, in order to wash out the bad taste and (to be able) to appreciate the
(good) taste of the food; (here) each fever sufferer may cleanse his mouth with

47 This personal remark actually seems to issue from Caraka himself, because an interpola-
tion on the part of Rhazes already follows immediately after, cf. note 46 above.
48
: editio
, apparatus .
49
: editio .
the sanskrit sources 105

what suits himsome (will use) olive oil, some wine, others tepid water. (The
author also) says: As regards inveterate putrid fevers and shivering fits without
fever, the consumption of garlic on an empty stomach and hot, tender (pieces
of) meat are beneficial.

CaSa 3/153 nos. 147149

The application of vomit therapy in the early stages of a fever, when the doshas
(of the patient) have not (yet) reached the aforesaid state (of maturation), may
entail acute heart complaints, laboured breathing, intestinal cramps and men-
tal confusionjust as it is difficult, if not impossible, to extract juice from an
unripe fruit, it is also (difficult to extract) scattered and immature doshas from
the tissue elements in which they are located without causing serious complica-
tions.

CaSa 3/157 nos. 157160

Before taking (any) food, (the patient) should brush his teeth (with a tooth-stick)
obtained from specific plants whose (pleasant) aroma counters the (bad) taste
in his mouth and (helps him) relish (his food)using (such) a tooth-stick, his
mouth will feel fresh, his appetite will be whetted, and he will be able to appre-
ciate the (good) taste (of the food). After having thus brushed his teeth, (the
patient) should rinse his mouth several times with thin buttermilk, sugarcane
juice, or an alcoholic drink, along with an appropriate diet.
106 chapter 1

CaSa 3/211 nos. 304305

(In case of intermittent fever it is recommended) to eat (some) garlic, accompa-

nied by (sesame) oil, before taking a meal; or (else) fatty meat that heats.

31
r 14/50,3

. :

arak: Black myrobalans are good for (the treatment of) fatigue.

32
r 14/55,6

. :

The Indian: Treat phlegmatic fevers through (the induction of) vomiting and
(the administration of) a laxative drug.

CaSa 3/152 nos. 146147

If a fever is dominated by phlegm, (and if this phlegm) is located in the stomach

and small intestine, having reached the stage of (potential) detachment, then
it should be removed through the induction of vomiting; (however), its state (of
maturation) should carefully be assessed prior to treatment, and vomitives
should only be administered to such (patients) who are eligible (to receive
them).50

50 That is, those who are not suffering from multiple diseases, who are not too old or too
young and, most importantly, who are not pregnant, cf. CaSa 3/153 ad no. 147.
the sanskrit sources 107

33
r 15/222,3f.

. ][ :

arak the Indian says: Cold strengthens and toughens the body, restores the
mind, and mends the soul.

34
r 16/63,1564,2

: :
.

From the book of arak, he says: Phlegmatic fever is treated by (the induction
of) vomiting, for this is the best treatment. (The author also) says: Do not
induce vomiting at the peak of the fever, for fear of rotting (the patients)
stomach, but (rather wait until) after the seventh (day).

CaSa 3/152153 nos. 146148

If a fever is dominated by phlegm, (and if this phlegm) is located in the stomach

and small intestine, having reached the stage of (potential) detachment, then
it should be removed through the induction of vomiting; (however), its state (of
maturation) should carefully be assessed prior to treatment, and vomitives
should only be administered to such (patients) who are eligible (to receive
them).51 The application of vomit therapy in the early stages of a fever, when the
doshas (of the patient) have not (yet) reached the aforesaid state (of maturation),
may entail acute heart complaints, laboured breathing, intestinal cramps and
mental confusion.

51 See note 50 above.

108 chapter 1

35
r 16/231,16232,7

52:
54 53



.

arak: If a fever sufferer, or any other (patient), is overcome by fainting because

he could not or would not eat, wrap him in (sheets) scented with sandalwood,
for this is the most suitable thing (to do); (also) sprinkle water upon him
and refresh him with fans; and prepare for him, (according to the following)
instruction, a hot broth which greatly strengthens those patients who are weak
because they abstained from food or burned it up (too) quicklytake the red
meat of a young goat, (cut from) its ribs, and chop it into small pieces; then fry
it gently in a clean cooking-pot together with a little bit of salt until (the meat)
releases its juice; once this has happened, strain the juice, pour into it half as
much apple water, flavour it all with wine, crumble some bread into it, and let
(the patient) drink this (broth) which will nourish him instantly.

36
r 17/84,59

][ :

.

arak the Indian says: The convalescent should keep away from acrid, tough or
incompatible food, and (avoid) sexual intercourse, desolate and dirty places,

52 : editio .
53 : editio .
54 : editio + .
the sanskrit sources 109

decayed smells, and exertionfor if he approaches (any of) those, the fever
will return to him and, in returning, either kill swiftly or be (much) worse and
(much) longer than before. Against (this kind of) recurring fever (the induction
of) mild diarrhoea is (sometimes) helpful.

CaSa 3/217218 nos. 330335

Someone who suffers from a fever or has just recovered from it should avoid food
and drink that is caustic, heavy, unwholesome or antagonistic, (as well as) sexual
intercourse, the bath, excessive exercise, and overeatingobserving these rules
calms the fever and (prevents it) from attacking again. The convalescent (in
particular), until he has (fully) regained strength, should shun exertion, sex,
bathing, and moving about brisklyignoring these rules means that the fever
will reappear. Also, if the fever subsides whilst the (corrupted) doshas have
not (yet) been eliminated properly, then even a slight deviation from the
(prescribed) regimen may lead to a relapse. Such patients have already suffered
for a long time, they are weakened and deprived of vitality, and (therefore) a
reappearance of the fever would surely and quickly kill them.
110 chapter 1

CaSa 3/218 no. 340

Mild elimination therapies provide purity, and alleviating enemas should be

employed (to treat a fever relapse).

37
r 19/255,6f.

:
.][

arak the Indian says: Scorpion stings are treated by (the induction of) sweat-
ing; (first) rub olive oil and salt (over the wound), then apply warm bandages,
and let (the victim) sip hot stuff so that he sweats.

CaSa 4/367 no. 173

To treat scorpion stings rub the area with ghee and sprinkle salt upon it; (also)
apply warm lotions, and let the victim eat or drink ghee.

38
r 19/282,1117

:
56 55


.

55 : editio .
56 : editio , apparatus .
the sanskrit sources 111

arak says: He who is afraid of poison or vermin bites should hang upon himself
a green gem, a red coral, pearls, or a bezoar stone. He should (also) take to
his house a crane, a peacock, a goose, a pheasant, a crow, or a magpie, for
these (and some other animals) warn against poison with clear signsthus,
the goose becomes confused after having tasted poisonous food and cannot
get up (anymore); the parrot screams; the crane, having swallowed (poison),
overflows with tears; the domestic chicken screeches; the weasel makes water
on the spot; and the peacock spreads its feathers.

CaSa 4/383 nos. 252253

As a protection against poison one may wear upon himself (certain) precious
stones, (such as) the diamond, the green emerald, the opal, the (so-called)
picuka,57 the (so-called) viamik,58 the red ruby, the snake-gem,59 the cats
eye, the elephant-pearl60 and (similar) stones, (as well as) amulets containing
(certain) herbs that possess antidotal properties. (For the same purpose) one
may domesticate (certain) birds, (such as) the hill myna, the crane, the peacock,
the swan or the parrot.

39
r 19/385,5386,8

:[ ]
][

57 Lit. myna tree (see MWDic 624b), but as a mineral not identifiable.
58 Lit. rat poison (see MWDic 827b and 995b), but as a mineral not identifiable.
59 sarpamai is a kind of carbuncle (said to be found in a snakes head and to have the power
of expelling poison), see MWDic 1184b.
60 gajamauktika is [a] pearl supposed to be found in the projections of an elephants
forehead, see MWDic 342b.
112 chapter 1

:
61
:
63 62
:

. 64

arak the Indian about the thorn-apple: One miql of it kills on the spot; it
manifests itself in lethargy, obscurity of the soul, and cold sweat; it is countered
by making (the patient) vomit with (the help of) natron, then by letting him
drink plenty of wine (mixed) with pepper, pellitory, bay laurel seeds, castoreum,
cinnamom, cumin and anise in equal (parts), which he should swallow in sips;
keep his body well warm so as to prevent his blood from freezing, force him
to stay present, and rub him over with the oil from the horseradish tree. (The
author further says:) The marking-nuttwo miql of it are lethal; (in case of
poisoning) induce vomiting and diarrhoea; then (let the patient) eat a lot of
fresh butter, and (make him) snuff up pine cone (oil) and the milk of asses
and goat(s); anoint his head with sweet violet (oil), which he may (also) snuff
up; (let him) sip fat broths, and make him sit in ice water; in general, (the
marking-nut) cools and moistens. Proceed accordingly in the case of spurge
(poisoning). The oleanderit bloats the belly, and stirs up distress and a
blazing heat (in the body); make (the patient) vomit, let him drink a decoction
of fenugreek, dates, marshmallow leaves and the oil of very sour vinegar; and
administer an enema of water and honey, followed by (equally) gentle enemas.
Soapwortit causes sneezing, dries out the throat, and provokes bellyache; let
(the patient) drink milk and the oil made from sesame (seeds). The walnut is
the antidote of the marking-nut, the caper root is the antidote of the Indian
aconite, and asafoetida resin is the antidote of the Armenian poison called
araaqq.65

61 : editio .
62 : editio + .
63 : editio + .
64 : editio .
65 The last part of this sentence poses some problems. For all we know, araaqq (variant
spellings) is an arabicized botanical term denoting chicory, a plant whose root in par-
the sanskrit sources 113

40
r 20/105,16

. :

arak the Indian says: The emblic myrobalan heats, and it is the master of (all)
drugs.

CaSa 1/426,1 no. 40

[] [] []

Of all drugs regarded as beneficial, the chebulic myrobalan is the best.

41
r 20/219,47

][ :
][ ][
.

arak the Indian: Garlic is good for (the treatment of) a hidden furuncle, colic,
and sciatica; if it is intended to open (such) furuncles, cook it in water and
milk until it dissolves, (then) pour the water (through a filter) and take it (as
a potion); garlic is (also) useful (against) fissures, inveterate fevers, ulcers in
the lung, and stomach pain.

CaSa 3/277 nos. 9495

ticular contains (mildly) toxic components; Lw, who was the first to investigate the term
philologically, already hinted at its possible Persian origin (quoting Lagarde, see LwAr
253f. no. 195), which Ciancaglini now regards as certain, with an etymological chain involv-
ing a Syriac intermediate (see CiaILS 184). None of this, however, explains why Caraka (if
he is quoted correctly here at all) would have considered the plant poisonous enough to
merit an antidote, nor indeed why he would designate it as Armenian.
114 chapter 1

Four pala of skinned, dry garlic (cloves) are boiled in (one part of) milk and
eight times as much of water until the liquid is reduced to the (original)
quantity of milkthis is the potion which the patient should drink. It swiftly
cures wind-born lumps, constipation, sciatica, intermittent fever, chest disease,
deep-seated abscesses, and oedemas.

42
r 20/572,11f.

. :

arak says about ginger: Despite its pungency it contains moisture which
increases sperm.

CaSa 1/471 no. 51

(Although) substances that have a pungent taste are not (normally) productive
of semen, long pepper and dry ginger do increase sexual potency.

43
r 21.1/238,18239,1

. : :

arak: Pepper makes thin, and dries up sperm. (The author also) says: And
long pepper, despite its pungency, contains moisture which increases sexual
potency.

CaSa 1/552 no. 298

the sanskrit sources 115

Black pepper is not very hot, does not increase semen, is light, and adds relish
to food; due to its ability to dislodge and to desiccate, it whets the appetite and
alleviates phlegm and wind.

CaSa 1/471 no. 51

(Although) substances that have a pungent taste are not (normally) productive
of semen, long pepper and dry ginger do increase sexual potency.

44
r 21.1/329,12

. :[ ]

arak about the gum-resin resembling opopanax:66 Its special property is

melting and dissolvingit makes urine and menstrual blood descend.

45
r 22/30,1531,1

:
.

arak says in his book: (To obtain) the extract of Indian lycium take barberry
wood, cook it thoroughly until nothing of its strength is left, then strain off the
water and cook it until it jells.

46
r 22/81(column 34),3f.

. 67 :

arak: nadyk68quotidian fever.

66 For kamr see WkaS 1/576b.

67 : editio.
68 nadyk < Sanskrit anyedyu()ka a chronic fever, cf. MWDic 45c.
116 chapter 1

CaSa e.g. 3/130 no. 67a

(Fever that) recurs every day.

47
r 22/81(column 34),5

. 69 :

arak: tirtyak70tertian fever.

CaSa e.g. 3/130 no. 67b

(Fever that) recurs every third day.

48
r 22/81(column 34),6

. 71 :

arak: bk72pleurisy.

49
r 22/115(column 12),3

. 73 :

arak: rakt warah74pomegranate flowers.

69 : editio .
70 tirtyak < Sanskrit ttyaka tertian ague, cf. MWDic 453c.
71 : editio .
72 bk (transliterated visarga!) < Sanskrit *(kloma-)pka[]* inflammation of the right
lung, see MWDic 324b and 614a.
73
: editio , apparatus .
74 rakt warah < Sanskrit raktavarga the pomegranate tree, see MWDic 862a.
the sanskrit sources 117

50
r 22/115(column 12),5

. :

arak: zwbr75madder.

51
r 22/150(column 12),9f.

. 76 :

From the book of arak: kisrin77giving plenty of milk.

CaSa e.g. 4/373 no. 199a

(Plant) yielding latex.

52
r 22/150(column 12),12

. 78 :

arak: kadarah79catechu wood.

CaSa e.g. 6/6, ult. no. 8

Catechu (tree).

75 Not identifiable.
76
: editio
, apparatus .
77 kisrin < Sanskrit krin containing milky sap, cf. MWDic 330a.
78
: apparatus .
79 kadarah < Sanskrit kadara the white cutch-tree, cf. MWDic 248a (with the cross-refer-
ence given there).
118 chapter 1

53
r 22/150(column 34),8

. 80 :

arak: krlf 81giant thistle.

54
r 22/167(column 34),9

. 82 :

arak: middah83lethargy.

55
r 22/194(column 34),11

. 84 :

arak: mrih85nux vomica.

56
r 22/232(column 12),4

. 86 :

arak: sifdmar87white pepper.

80
: apparatus .
81 Not identifiable.
82
: editio , apparatus .
83 middah < Sanskrit middha sloth, indolence, see MWDic 817b.
84
: apparatus .
85 mrih < Tamil (!) murimuri nux vomica, see MaTaLex 3278.
86
: editio .
87 sifdmar (through Persian) < Sanskrit vetamarica white pepper, cf. MWDic 1107a.
the sanskrit sources 119

CaSa e.g. 4/537 no. 245a

White pepper.

57
r 22/261(column 12),2

. 88 :

arak: fah89sweet flag.

CaSa e.g. 1/75 no. 5a

Sweet flag.

58
r 22/262(column 12),6

. 90 :

arak: hafs91savin.

CaSa e.g. 1/396 no. 20d

Common juniper.

88
: editio , apparatus .
89 fah < Sanskrit vac sweet flag, cf. MWDic 912c.
90
: editio , apparatus .
91 hafs < Sanskrit hapu juniper berries, cf. (for the lemma only) MWDic 1288b.
120 chapter 1

59
r 22/292(column 34),7

. 92 :

arak: qrl93capers.

CaSa e.g. 1/516 no. 142c

Kair (shrub).

60
r 22/327(column 12),9

. 94 :

arak: faranah95a furuncle.

CaSa e.g. 4/433 no. 4b

An ulcer.

61
r 22/327(column 12),10ff.

. 96 :

arak: fm fasahrr97mange, small ulcers and smallpox.

92
: editio .
93 qrl < Sanskrit karra the fruit of the caper plant, cf. MWDic 255b.
94
: editio .
95 faranah < Sanskrit vraa a boil, cf. MWDic 1042a.
96
: editio
, apparatus .
97 fm fasahrr < Sanskrit *pma-alpaarra* small cutaneous eruptions, see MWDic 95c
and 619a.
the sanskrit sources 121

62
r 22/336(column 12),5f.

. 98 :

From the book of arak: nih99lily of the valley.

63
r 22/336(column 34),5

. 100 :

arak: awdans101caltrop.

64
r 22/362(column 34),7

. 102 :

arak: und103esparto grass.

65
r 23.1/30,1431,3

104 ][ :

.

arak says: If a person eats in the morning and, whilst his food (still) lies idle
and undigested (in the stomach), eats again, then both meals are corrupted.
Therefore one should be kind to the stomach and never eat before the previous

98 : editio , apparatus .
99 nih < Sanskrit nihasa the (white?) water-lily, see MWDic 560c.
100 : editio , apparatus .
101 awdans < Sanskrit vadar devils thorn plant, see MWDic 1105a.
102 : editio .
103 und < Sanskrit gu a kind of reed, see MWDic 358b.
104 : editio , apparatus .
122 chapter 1

meal has passed through (the gastric tract)for if the stomach is healthy, the
whole body is healthy.

CaSa 2/136 no. 12

[]

If someone regularly consumes incompatible food, or overeats, or eats before the

previous meal has been digested, then a corrupting condition arises which physi-
cians call the poison of the uncooked, for its symptoms are similar to those of
poisoning. This condition is incurable(partly) because of its acuteness, but
also because of contradictions regarding the line of treatment to be followed.

66
r 23.1/312,1f.

. :

arak: If you want hair to grow on (healed) ulcers (of the scalp), besmear them
with (a mixture of) sesame oil and the burnt (and ground) hoof of a donkey or
the burnt horns (of some cattle).

CaSa 4/466 no. 118

Burn the skin, hair, hoof, horn or bone of a quadruped (mammal), add oil to the
ashes, apply (this mixture) to the bruised skin (that has formed over a healed
ulcer of the scalp), and all (lost) hair will grow back again.

67
r 23.2/8,14

: :
.
the sanskrit sources 123

arak says: Extract stagnant blood by cutting into the area. (The author also)
says: Take equal (amounts of) white mustard and realgar, pound (that) on a
slabstone with water or milk, and cover the face with this (mixture) for seven
daysit reddens it as if (burnt by) fire.

68
r 23.2/92,293,2

:

: 106 105
:


.

arak the Indian: Costmary, Indian garden cress, pepper, realgar (and) verdigris
are pounded with sour vinegar, put into a copper vessel, and left for a week; then
one treats with it the early stages of vitiligo and lichen by smearing (the mixture
on the patients skin) and make him stand in the sun, for this (procedure)
gets rid of mild vitiligo and any form of lichen. (The author also) says: He
who suffers from vitiligo should drink a strong laxative drug, then stick to the
(remedy called) irfal,107 give up dry fatty food, and drink aged wine. (The

105 : editio , apparatus .

106 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
107 irfal is a straightforward transliteration of Sanskrit triphala, lit. having three fruits, and
specifically denoting the fruits of the three myrobalan trees hartak > Arabic halla or
ihlla (chebulic) myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), vibhtak > Arabic balla beleric
myrobalan (Terminalia bellerica) and malak > Arabic amla emblic myrobalan (Phyl-
lanthus emblica), see MWDic 459c, then 146c, 978b and 1292a. In Ayurvedic pharmacy, as
is also exemplified by the second Sanskrit parallel passage cited below, triphala means
nothing more than the three myrobalans; in Arabic pharmacy, however, the term irfal
soon after its adaptation became a generic drug name, lent to certain compound prepara-
124 chapter 1

author also) says: The (kind of) vitiligo that is stained with redness, subtle,
limited in scope and range, whose colour has (some) yellow, a certain red and
(also some) black, which shows at times and at others hides(this kind) is
quickly cured; (but) any (kind of) vitiligo that is widespread, bloodless, (and)
whose colour is cloudy cannot be cured; and what(ever) appears on the hand
and the foot is very difficult (to treat).

CaSa 3/349 nos. 117118

(Pulverize) costusroot, cinnamom leaves, black pepper, realgar and iron sul-
phate, mix it with oil, and store (the paste) for seven days in a copper vessel;
then apply it to (the skin of ) the patient, who should expose himself to the sun
this (preparation) gets rid of white leprotic patches within a week, and within
a month it (also) cures (other forms of ) recent leukoderma, provided that the
patient, whose body has been purified, avoids bathing (for the duration of treat-
ment).

tions that were considered to be based on myrobalans, and often further split into types
of smaller or larger complexity and strengthalready in the mid 3rd/9th century the
term was used in that way by the likes of a-abar and Sbr ibn Sahl (see abFir 212,20
and 480,23481,8; SbAq = SbDis nos. 223, 224 and 226) and thus established itself as a
pharmacological staple, from al-Kaskar in the early 4th/10th century (see KKunn 206,16
207,5; 207,613 and 210,18211,5 [medium]), through Ibn Sn and the Baghdad hospital
epitome in the 5th/11th century (see ISQ 3/322,313; SbHos nos. 140 and 141), down to Ibn
at-Tilm in the 6th/12th century (see ITDis nos. 106 and 107), and so on. It is therefore in
my opinion almost certain that Rhazes, too, when quoting a passage that involves irfal,
understood by this term a reference to precisely these compounds (rather than the three
myrobalans only). Lastly it should be said that the term irfal is easily confused but has
nothing to do with irful (var. rfullu/n) < , lit. having three leaves, and prob-
ably denoting a species of clover, see LSLex 1824b with DiDi 2/461f. no. 103; occasionally,
one also comes across rather bizarre mishaps, such as Dozy correctly translating irfal
myrobolans [sic] but then proceeding to explain that ce mot vient de (dlicat)
[!], see DoSupp 1/28a; Schmucker, as always, has a good eye for the problem, but he keeps
himself too brief and hesitates to draw the (obvious) conclusion, see Schab 75f. no. 48.
the sanskrit sources 125

CaSa 3/341 no. 82

(Patients) suffering from skin diseases related to (white) leprosy should stick to a
diet of light, wholesome food and bitter potherbs; (also beneficial are) dishes
which have been cooked with ghee, marking-nuts, the three myrobalans, and
neem.

69
r 23.2/196,8199,1

:
][ 108

:
: 109
: :
:
110

: ][ .

arak says about old age: Begin with (inducing) diarrhoea and vomiting, and
)(administer) laxative enemas in order to purify the body; then let (the patient

108 . : editio
109 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
110 . , apparatus : editio
126 chapter 1

regain strength over a few days until he returns to his (natural) state (of health);
then start (giving him) rejuvenating potions which he should take in the morn-
ing and in the evening, without eating (anything) during (the first) half of the
day; proceed by gradually developing this (regimen). One of the drugs (that are
suitable) for him is the nectar (from the fruit) of the marking-nut tree, which
you obtain in exactly the same way as chickpea oil. (The author also) says: Mix
into that (nectar) an amount of one eighth of the purest white honey and about
one fourth of ghee and drink this little by little, just enough to avoid any neg-
ative effect, and follow this course for one up to one and a half years. (The
author also) says: Similar is the (remedy called) irfal 111 (when) made with
iron. arak (goes on to) say: Heat (some) iron to (the point of) glowing, (then)
plunge it in water, collect the particles, combine them with the irfal,112 and
knead (that) with honey. He (also) says: The same is effected by the filings of
all (metal) bodies, in particular gold. And he says (that) this is a good prescrip-
tion: Every day take one black myrobalan before meals, two beleric myrobalans
with your meal, and four emblic myrobalans after mealsalways kneaded with
honey and ghee, for these (fruits) taste (as tart) as large Persian rhubarbs. Or
drink daily, for a whole year, an irfal 113 (made according to) the following
prescription(chebulic) myrobalans, beleric myrobalans, emblic myrobalans
and long pepper are kneaded with honey (and) mixed with ghee, for this is
excellent.

CaSa 3/10 no. 24

[]

Having entered the cottage,114 the patient is purified by evacuative measures;

then, when he feels cheerful and strong (again), rejuvenation therapy may be
applied.

111 On irfal see note 107 above.

112 On irfal see note 107 above.
113 On irfal see note 107 above.
114 According to Caraka, there are two principal types of rejuvenation therapyone that
takes place in a sheltered space (kuprveika), and one that takes place in the open air
(vttapika). The passage in hand forms part of the first type, and it is worth recording the
preparatory measures in greater detail: the patient should have a cottage constructed on
a suitable site that is safe, pleasant and easily accessible, near to where kings, physicians,
the sanskrit sources 127

CaSa 3/36 no. 14

[]

(Take) the fruits of the marking-nut tree, gently crush them, and put them in
a vessel with a hole at the bottom; the (oily) extract (of these fruits), which is
gathered in an (outer) vessel, is (then)115 mixed with an amount of one eighth
of honey and twice as much of gheeif a man takes that (nectar) regularly, he
will live for one hundred years without showing (any) signs of decrepitude. The
other benefits (of this preparation) have already been mentioned.116

CaSa 3/4344 nos. 1520

Brahmans and saints reside; the cottage should face east or north and be spacious and
lofty, with three intersecting, ventilated rooms, thick walls, agreeable in all seasons, clean,
quiet, light, off-limits to women, equipped with all necessary appliances and ready to
welcome physicians and Brahmans; then, when the sun runs its northern course, during a
waxing moon cycle, on an auspicious day when the stars, the signs and the hour seem
right, the patient, after having shaved and performed the appropriate religious rituals,
should enter the cottage in order to commence therapy; this he should do in a state of
concentration and mindfulness, confident, determined, free from evil thoughts, full of
compassion for all living creatures, and carrying on his right shoulder effigies of the gods,
of Brahmans, and of cowscf. CaSa 3/11 ad nos. 1723.
115 The full procedure implies that the holed vessel is placed into a larger, lidded earthen
jar whose inside has been greased with ghee; this is buried in the ground, sealed with
black clay, and a fire of dried cow dung is lit above it; under the impact of the heat, the
liquid essence (svarasa) of the fruits oozes through the first into the second containercf.
CaSa 3/36 ad no. 14.
116 These are: sexual vigour and fertility; a robust physique, solid as a rock; a perfect function-
ing of the sensory organs; invincibility; attractiveness, charm and respectability; happi-
ness; intelligence; strength; a pure complexion; a voice like rolling thunder; and plentiful,
healthy offspringcf. CaSa 3/29 ad nos. 56.
128 chapter 1

(Take some) sheets of keen metal, (about) the length of four (adjacent) fingers
and the thickness of a sesame seed, make them red-hot (in fire), and dip them
successively into a decoction of the three myrobalans, cows urine, and alkaline
water containing salt and the ashes of beach almond wood and bastard teak;
when the colour of these sheets is black like a collyrium, pulverize them; mix
this powder with honey and the juice of emblic myrobalans, (and stir it until)
it becomes like a linctus; (then) put it into an earthen pot whose inside has
been daubed with ghee, and bury the pot under a heap of barley for one year,
stirring (the contents) thoroughly once every month; after a year has passed,
this syrup may be administered every morning, together with honey and ghee, in
a quantity relative to the strength of the patient; when (the remedy) is digested,
an appropriate diet should be taken. The same procedure must be followed with
regard to the preparation of other types of metal.

CaSa 3/44 no. 23

Gold and silver, too, may be administered in accordance with this procedure. Such
is the way to attain longevity and freedom from disease.

CaSa 3/48 no. 41

the sanskrit sources 129

(Every day for a whole year) take one chebulic myrobalan once the digestion
of food is completed; two beleric myrobalans before a meal; and four emblic
myrobalans after a meal(always) together with honey and ghee.

CaSa 3/49 no. 45

A very effective rejuvenation recipe is mixing the three myrobalans with liquorice,
bamboo manna, long pepper, honey, ghee and sugar.

70
r 23.2/217,2

117. :

arak: Black myrobalans grant black (hair).

CaSa 4/544 nos. 280281

Cook (and mash) iron powder, sea salt, sour vinegar and rice; wash the hair to
free it from grease, and (then) apply this paste to the head overnight; in the
morning wash it off with a decoction of the three myrobalansthat way, the
hair becomes black and soft.

117 : editio , apparatus .

130 chapter 1

d Vgbhaa (fl. c. 600ce)

Agahdayasahit

1
r 10/313,4

. : 118

The Indian Astankarh: For him who is afflicted by weakness or illness from
(too) much sexual intercourse, milk is the cure.

VgA 1/58 nos. 2021

(Milk is) of sweet digestion and taste, unctuous, vitalizing, augments the bodily
tissues, mitigates wind and bile, arouses sexual desire, increases phlegm, and is
heavy and cooling.

2
r 11/17,5

. : 119

The Indian Astankarh: Cane molasses generate (intestinal) worms, and (olive)
oil120 kills them.

VgA 1/64 no. 48

118 : editio , apparatus ]![ .

119 : editio , apparatus .
120 Arabic zait, strictly speaking, is oil obtained from olives (zaitn); but as the latter were
the chief source of vegetable oil in the Arab world, meriting moreover several prominent
mentions in the Koran (e.g. 24/35 and 95/1), zait may also be used as a generic term to
denote any oil, see e.g. LaLex 3/1274c.
the sanskrit sources 131

Very productive of (intestinal) worms, bone marrow, blood, fat, flesh and phlegm
are other (than purified molasses).121

VgA 1/66 no. 56

(Sesame oil)122 fattens the thin and thins the fat, constipates, destroys (intesti-
nal) worms, and combined (with other drugs) cures all diseases.

3
r 11/65,1115

124: : : 123
125

.

The Indian Astankarh: Garden peppercress makes piles disappear. (The author
also) says: And olive oil is useful against them. (And he says:) A purgative
remedycaper root, thorn root (by which) I mean camels thorn, colocynth
root, oleander leaves, Indian bdellium and sagapenum are pounded in leek
water, an hour daily for twenty days; then (the mixture) is rolled (into little
balls) the size of such hazelnuts as are (normally) discarded, and that is used

121 The properties of purified molasses (dhauta gua) are specified in the second line of the
preceding verse, for which see HKA 23 and VoA 235ff. ad nos. 4748.
122 Sanskrit taila specifically means oil obtained from sesame seeds (tila), but as these were
the chief source of both culinary and medicated oil in India, taila may also be used
generically to denote any oilVgbhaa himself does so in the preceding verse; on the
term see MWDic 455b sesamum oil, oil [!], on the context in hand cf. HKA 23 and VoA
242f. ad nos. 5556. Note the similarity in terms of semantic widening between Arabic
zaitn > zait (cf. note 120 above) and Sanskrit tila > taila.
123 : editio , apparatus
[ ] .
124
: editio , apparatus .
125
: editio +
, apparatus [ ] .
132 chapter 1

repeatedly to fumigate (the piles), for it is a truly wonderful (preparation)

which makes them drop off or shrink away.

4
r 11/252,3

. : 126

The Indian Astankarh: A special property of castor oil is to be useful against

pain in the hip and back.

VgA 1/67 no. 58

(Castor oil)127 cures pain and cutaneous swellings situated in the hip, pudenda,
viscera and back.

5
r 11/317,14f.

. : : 128

The Indian Astankarh: That which moistens dissolves every tumour. (The
author also) says: And so does the moist rocket, which is the strongest (of
all).

6
r 14/55,69

: 129
.

126 : editio , apparatus

[ ] .
127 For more on castor oil (eraa) according to Vgbhaa see HKA 23f. and VoA 243ff. ad
nos. 5758.
128 : editio , apparatus .
129 : editio , apparatus .
the sanskrit sources 133

Astankarh, (the author) says: Treat putrid fever with a laxative drug. As regards
mixed (fever), which is irregular and hard to tackle in any meaningful way, (this
too) comes under the classes of fevers.

7
r 14/167,12f.

. 130:

In a certain book of the Indians (the author) says: Sometimes fever comes from
evil.

VgA 2/11 no. 1

[]

Fever is the lord of diseases, an evil.

8
r 15/209,714

131

: 132

.

In some book of the Indians it is reported that in summer one should avoid
what is salty and bitter, abstain from physical exercise, eat stuff which is light,
sweet (or) fat, make ones home cool, drink a lot of water at intervals, and wash
with cold waterbecause during this time of year the body is weak and the fire

130 : editio + .
131 : editio , apparatus .
132 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
134 chapter 1

of the stomach low. (The author of this book further) says: A land which is flat,
with little vegetation and water, is salutary; (a land) with plenty of vegetation,
water and rain is a place of death, plague and diseases; and (a land) that is
in-between these (two) is (also) in-between with regard to (health and illness).

VgA 1/38 nos. 2728

In the season (of summer) one should avoid to eat stuff which is salty, bitter and
sour, (and abstain from) physical exercises and exposure to sunlight; (rather)
one should use for food what is sweet, light and fatty, (and seek that which is) cool
and liquid.

e Ravigupta (fl. c. 650ce)

Siddhasra

1
r 1/93,14

133. :

Siddhasr, (the author) says: Ginger sharpens the male (desire for sex).

RavSid 1/32 = 2/59 nos. 3.23.13

Ginger, black pepper and long pepper remove phlegm and wind; among those
(drugs), black pepper does not make virile whilst both (ginger and long pepper)
do make virile.

133
: editio (perhaps the result of a misreadingikr memory instead of akar
male, the former then being replaced by ihn).
the sanskrit sources 135

2
r 2/222,10

. :

Siddhar: Vinegar, if eaten habitually, weakens the sight.

3
r 3/105,17ff.

:
.

Sindhar, (the author) says: You must know that toothaches are mostly
(caused) by wind. In order to (ease) the pain, hold warmed sesame oil or
warmed ghee in (your) mouth; or take one (of those) drugs that calm down
wind, cook it, and hold it in the mouth.

RavSid 1/129 = 2/385 no. 26.84

Aches and stimulations of the teeth arise due to wind. In order to (treat) either
(complaint), warm sesame oil, (warm) ghee and wind-removing (drugs should
be taken) as decoctions or mouthwashes.134

4
r 3/225,11

. :

Sindhar: Hot, boiled water is good for (the treatment of) sore throat and
quinsy.

134 My translation of this passage conforms largely to the one given by Emmerick in the
Festschrift Spuler (see EmmRav 30 f.), which is better than the translation he gives in
RavSid 2/385.
136 chapter 1

5
r 4/17,9

. :

Sdhar, (the author) says: Hot water, when drunk, is good for (the treatment
of) asthma and cough.

RavSid 1/33 = 2/61 no. 3.25.12

Hot water removes fever, uncomfortable breathing, the disease of excess fat, wind
and phlegm.

6
r 5/168,14f.

. :

Sindhar: Hot, salty water is good for (the treatment of) hiccoughs, bloating,
and pain in the side and hip.

7
r 6/31,714

:



.

Sindhar: The sign(s) of good, timely vomiting are that towards the end (the
patient) brings up bile, that his belly, breathing and gullet feel relieved, and
that he desires food; the sign(s) of bad (vomiting) are a heavy (sensation) in
the head and in the bowels, and a lack of appetite. Excessive vomiting leads
to chest pain, a weak voice, tremor, loss of reason, and throwing up of blood.
Vomiting is useful against diseases of phlegm, catarrh, incontinence of urine,
the sanskrit sources 137

leprosy, and against swallowed poison; vomiting is harmful for someone who
is losing his sight, for someone who suffers from dropsy, a furuncle or a colic,
for those who are pregnant, and for someone whose skin is darkening.

RavSid 1/143 = 2/445 nos. 30.69

(If in the course of vomiting) bile has come out and the stomach, heart and head
(of the patient) have become light, the (application of a) vomitive was appropriate;
otherwise the induction of vomiting must be considered a failure. Characteristics
of excessive vomiting are chest pain, throat injury, unconsciousness, shaking of
the body and bringing up of blood. The (application of a) vomitive in case of
phlegmatic disorders, severe catarrh, loose urine, leprosy, compression of the
throat, swallowed poison and choleraic conditions depends on a (good) strength
(of the patient); vomitives should not (be administered) in case of impaired
vision, dropsy, internal tumours, affliction with (excessive) thirst, dry stools,
pregnancy, wind disease and yellow (skin) disorders.

8
r 6/249,11

. :

Sindhar: Sweet almonds fatten, and so do hazelnuts.

138 chapter 1

9
r 8/55,9

. :

indhar: Garlic is bad for (someone who suffers from) dysentery and a loose
belly.

10
r 10/42,16f.

. :

indhar: Coconuts are useful against pains in the bladder.

11
r 10/201,17f.

. :

indhar, (the author) says: Vomiting is useful against incontinence of urine.

RavSid 1/143 = 2/445 no. 30.8

The (application of a) vomitive in case of phlegmatic disorders, severe catarrh,

loose urine, leprosy, compression of the throat, swallowed poison and choleraic
conditions depends on a (good) strength (of the patient).

12
r 10/268,15f.

. :

Sindhar: Palm pith dries up sperm; the sour pomegranate dries up sperm.
the sanskrit sources 139

13
r 10/304,13

. :

Sindhar: Chicken meat increases sexual potency.

RavSid 1/28 = 2/53 no. 3.20.8

The flesh of the cock is greasy, heavy, very hot, removes wind and makes virile.

14
r 10/304,16

. :

Sindhar: Caltrop increases sexual potency.

RavSid 1/137 = 2/419 no. 28.20

The powder of cowage seeds and caltrop rootsor else the powder of jequirity
(seeds), drunk with sugar and milk, makes virile.

15
r 10/305,16

. :

Sindhar: Fresh fish increases sexual potency.135

135 This short Arabic sentence seems to be a contraction of the two (longer) Sanskrit verses
cited further on; note 143 below refers to the same case.
140 chapter 1

RavSid 1/29 = 2/53 nos. 3.20.1617

Fish flesh is greasy, very hot, heavy, removes wind, and promotes the discharge
of (excess) bile and blood; (the flesh of water creatures like) the dolphin, the
tortoise or the crab removes wind and bile, and makes virile.

16
r 10/306,8f.

. :

Sindhar: Garlic is good for him who has little sperm due to lots of sexit
multiplies sperm; clarified butter and milk (also) multiply sperm.

17
r 11/10,6ff.

136 :
.

indhar: The signs of intestinal worms are light, mixed fevers, fading of the
colour (of the skin), and palpitations in the chest; sometimes (the patient) is
(also) struck by epilepsy, has a weak appetite, feels listless, sluggish and dizzy,
vomits, and has loose stools for no (apparent) reason.

RavSid 1/61 = 2/153 no. 6.60

Characteristic of the presence of (intestinal) worms are fever, loss of colour,

pain (in the spine), heart disease, numbness, vertigo, aversion to food and diar-
rhoea.137

136
: editio , apparatus .
137 My translation of this passage conforms largely to the one given by Emmerick in the
the sanskrit sources 141

18
r 11/59,4

. :

Sindhar: Garlic is bad in case of piles.

19
r 11/63,15

. 138 :

Sindhar: Sorrel leaves, when eaten, are useful against piles.139

20
r 11/193,2f.

140:
.

Sindhasr: Indian lignaloes is well-known (and) of unmatched benefit in case

of gout, viscous rheumatism in the back and knee, and the like.

21
r 12/90,13

. :

Sindhar: Garlic, when eaten, opens furuncles.

Festschrift Spuler (see EmmRav 30), which is better than the translation he gives in RavSid
2/153.
138 : editio .
139 Perhaps a mistranslation of yellow wood-sorrel removes phlegm and
wind, for which hemistich see RavSid 1/30 = 2/55 no. 3.21.3.
140 : editio
, apparatus ] []

. [ ] [
142 chapter 1

22
r 12/132,2

. :

Sindhar: He who suffers from scrofula should not eat garlic.

23
r 17/84,10f.

:
.

Sindhar, (the author) says: The convalescent should avoid heavy food, cold
water, sleeping during the day, and exertion until his body is restored and he
stands up (again).

RavSid 1/54 = 2/127 no. 5.139

The fever sufferer or the convalescent should, until strength is restored, carefully
avoid heavy food, cold water, sleeping by day and exhaustion.141

24
r 20/111,13f.

. :

Sindhar, (the author) says: Rice increases sperm and reduces, for him who
eats it, urine, excrement and flatulence.

141 My translation of this passage conforms largely to the one given by Emmerick in the
Festschrift Spuler (see EmmRav 30), which is better than the translation he gives in RavSid
2/127.
the sanskrit sources 143

RavSid 1/2627 = 2/49 no. 3.1

Red-husked rice, the large (variety of) rice and reed rice belong to those (kinds
of food) that are sweet, greasy, multiply semen, produce little wind and make
(only) small amounts of stool.

25
r 20/219,811

:[ ]

.

The Indian Sindhar, (the author) says about garlic: It is good for (the treat-
ment of) flatulences, forgetfulness, asthma, coughing, spleen trouble, (pain in)
the hip, (intestinal) worms, and it multiplies sperm, (which means) it is (also)
good for him who has little sperm due to lots of sex; (but) it is bad in case of
piles, dysentery, a loose belly and scrofula, as well as for those who suffer from
hectic fever, or who are pregnant, or breast-feeding.

26
r 20/298,3f.

. :

Sindhar, (the author) says: Wheat supplies strength, settles flatulence, is

heavy (and) rich, and increases sperm.

RavSid 1/27 = 2/49 no. 3.8

Wheat is cool, heavy, sweet, makes virile and removes wind.

144 chapter 1

27
r 20/319,1f.

. :[ ]

Sindhar, (the author) says about the extract of lycium: It is useful against
pains in the eye, tumours, leprosy, piles, and ulcers.

28
r 20/328,10f.

. :[ ]

Sindhar, (the author) says about caltrop: It is good for (the treatment of) pain
in the bladder, urinary retention, (and) it increases sexual potency.

RavSid 1/24 = 2/41 no. 2.19

[]
[]

Bowstring hemp, asparagus, wild mustard, Indian calosanthes and caltrop

this group (of drugs) removes accumulated urine, retention of urine, (urine)
blocked by calculus and pain from wind disease.

RavSid 1/137 = 2/419 no. 28.20

The powder of cowage seeds and caltrop rootsor else the powder of jequirity
(seeds), drunk with sugar and milk, makes virile.

29
r 20/363,8

. :[ ]

Sindhar, (the author) says about sorrel: It is good for (the treatment of) piles
and hangover.
the sanskrit sources 145

30
r 20/540,6

. :

Sindhar: Persian rhubarb is good for (the treatment of) piles and hangover.

31
r 21.1/9,2f.

. 142 :

Sindhar: The Indian quince is bitter, astringent (and) pungent, it ignites the
fire of the stomach, constipates the belly, and is useful (against) cramps and
vomiting.

32
r 21.1/61,10

. :

Sindhar, (the author) says: Fresh fish increases sexual potency and enhances
(the discharge of) residues.143

RavSid 1/29 = 2/53 nos. 3.20.1617

Fish flesh is greasy, very hot, heavy, removes wind, and promotes the discharge
of (excess) bile and blood; (the flesh of water creatures like) the dolphin, the
tortoise or the crab removes wind and bile, and makes virile.

142
: editio .
143 This rather short Arabic sentence seems to be a contraction of the two (longer) Sanskrit
verses cited further on; note 135 above refers to the same case.
146 chapter 1

33
r 21.1/216,5

. :

Sindhar: Sweet basil oil increases bile (and) is good for (the treatment of)
piles.

34
r 21.1/303,9f.

. :

Sindhar: Partridge meat is good for the stomach and the heart, and equally
light is the meat of the quail and the hawk.

RavSid 1/29 = 2/53 no. 3.20.9

The flesh of the partridge is not at all heavy, not at all hot, not at all sweet, and it
removes any (surplus) humours.

35
r 21.1/306,3

. :[ ]

Sindhar about palm pith: It gets rid of asthma and hiccoughs, is good for (the
treatment of) piles, (but) it diminishes semen.

RavSid 1/32 = 2/57 no. 3.22.11

The fruits of the Asian palmyra palm, the Indian ape-flower tree, the banana
tree, the jack tree and the coconut tree are sweet, greasy and heavy, and they
augment semen and flesh.
the sanskrit sources 147

36
r 21.2/401,8f.

. :[ ]

Sindhar, (the author) says about almonds: They fatten and increase sexual
potency, just like walnuts, hazelnuts and pistachios.

37
r 21.2/470,16471,6

:


.

Sindhar: The meats of predatory animals, claw-bearing birds and (other)

beasts of prey, are good for (the treatment of) inveterate piles, corruption of
the stomach, and consumption; they strengthen the sight, soften the belly, and
heal through their pungency. Superior and most wholesome is any meat that
has been butchered and eaten straightaway. It is not appropriate (however)
to eat (the meat of an animal that is found) dead, or very thin, or very fat, or
(too) old, or younger than a month, or injured by a predator, or drowned, or
sick.

38
r 21.2/509,9

. :

Sindhar: The mung bean calms down the bile, bloats, and decreases sexual
potency.

RavSid 1/27 = 2/49 no. 3.11

148 chapter 1

Green gram144 does not make virile, removes phlegm and bile, and causes to suffer
from wind.

39
r 21.2/552,8ff.

:
. 145

Sindhar, (the author) says: Hot, boiled water is good for (the treatment of)
hiccoughs, bloating, flatulence, thirst, coughing, asthma, catarrh, and pain in
the hip, side, throat and bladder.

RavSid 1/33 = 2/61 no. 3.25.12

Hot water removes fever, uncomfortable breathing, the disease of excess fat, wind
and phlegm.

40
r 21.2/571,8

. :[ ]

Sindhar about bananas: They are good to treat the chest, the bladder and the
kidneys, and they make the urine flow.

144 Emmerick translates the somewhat vague Sanskrit term rjama (whose second element
> Arabic m), lit. royal bean, with white gram, for reasons not explained; on the other
hand, green gram (i.q. mung bean) in Sanskrit is mudga (see MWDic 822b) and occurs as
such also RavSid 1/27 = 2/49 no. 3.9. However, when comparing the Arabic with its Sanskrit
parallel passage, the equation of rjama and m becomes obvious also on a contextual
level.
145
: editio + .
the sanskrit sources 149

41
r 21.2/590,16

. :

Sindhar: Dates increase sperm and flesh, (and) they are good for (the treat-
ment of) cough and consumption.

42
r 21.2/604,12

. :[ ]

Sindhar about coconuts: They sharpen the mind, purge, and are useful
against pain in the bladder.

43
r 21.2/622,14

. :[ ]

Sindhar about sweet flag: It is good for (the treatment of) a heavy tongue.

44
r 21.2/642,2

. :[ ]

Sindhar about red oat: It is a very cold drug, and it is Indian; it is good for
(the treatment of) gout.

45
r 22/96(column 12),812

. 147 : 146

146 : editio .
147 : editio ][ ][ ][ .
150 chapter 1

In the Indian book (titled) Quintessence of Success we found: mahdrun148

which is a kind of mountain mint.

46
r 23.1/312,12313,1

. :

Sindhar: A paint to counter baldingthe juice expressed from marking-nuts

makes the hair grow, and it is extremely useful in this (respect).

47
r 23.2/25,15

. 149:

Sindhar: Constant use of vinegar turns the complexion yellow.

RavSid 1/91 = 2/249 no. 14.1

(Yellow disease develops) as a result of eating too much stuff that is sharp, sour
and salty, (food to which one is) not already accustomed, and earth.150

48
r 23.2/200,8201,4

148 mahdrun < Sanskrit mahdro Malabar catmint, see (for the lemma only) MWDic
796c and (for its identification) PaDaPl s.v. mahdroa (entry no. 414).
149 : editio .
150 Emmerick, for some reason, translates mttik, lit. earth, clay, loam (see MWDic 830a),
with dust; the passage in any case refers to the practice of geophagy.
the sanskrit sources 151

Sindhar, (the author) says: Rejuvenating (drugs) should be (taken) before

the time of senility, ideally in the middle of youth. If a person is intent to (do)
that, he must first purify his body through (induced) vomiting and diarrhoea,
and learn to limit himself to one healthy meal (a day). Then he may start
taking (rejuvenating drugs) for a yearlike the (remedy called) small irfal;151
or he could use black myrobalans, beleric myrobalans, emblic myrobalans and
long pepper; or ginger, myrobalans and long pepper; or cook myrobalans in
water, (then) plunge into it sheets of (glowing) iron, gather the particles, knead
them (and the cooked myrobalans) with honey and clarified butter, and use
(that).

RavSid 1/136 = 2/415 nos. 28.25

(The elixir 152 is to be taken) as a young man, or else at the time of middle age,
and must be preceded by a purification of the outside and inside of the body
by means of vomitives, purgatives, baths, and so on.153 (A mixture made from)
ghee, honey, iron powder and emblic myrobalansput into a bottle, stored away

151 On irfal see note 107 above; for the preparation of the small type of this compound drug
see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 223 and 226.
152 The term for elixir used by Ravigupta in this chapter is rasyana, see RavSid 1/136 = 2/415
no. 28.1.
153 The phrase by means of and so on is missing in the Sanskrit original and has been
reconstructed by Emmerick from the Tibetan version of the Siddhasra.
152 chapter 1

for half a year and (thereafter) eaten regularlywill conquer old age; (or if
one mixes) ghee, sesame oil, ground chebulic myrobalans, long pepper, embelia,
emblic myrobalans, sugar and iron powder, and (then) eats (the mixture), he
will not suffer from (the fact of having reached) old age; and if a man eats the
powder of curcuma, Indian laurel, emblic myrobalans and iron, (mixed with)
honey, ghee and sesame oil, it is no great wonder for him to become young
(again).

f Mdhava (fl. c. 700ce)

Nidna

1
r 23.2/148,5

. : 154

The Indian Nidn, (the author) says: Dark spots (on the skin)155 come from an
abundance of blood.

MNid 181 no. 35

A natural mark (on the skin)painless, round, smooth and slightly raisedis
caused by (an increase of ) phlegm and blood, and (also) known as a mole.

154 : editio , apparatus ; the Latin version of the Kitb al-w reads Badan, see
RaCon 2/508a.
155 kalaf, strictly speaking, denotes a reddish-brown or reddish-black colour (notably of the
skin) and also freckles and pimples, see WkaS 1/323b; in Arabic medical literature the use
of the term is often quite opaque.
the sanskrit sources 153

g Anonyma

1
r 5/179,6f.

:
. ][

From a book of the Indians: For (the treatment of) obstinate hiccoughs
smear castoreum and rose oil over the stomach, and let (the patient) drink one
dirham of rue seeds in one ral wine or one ral water.

2
r 5/244,3

. :

The Indian: Nothing stops vomiting and thirst better than emblics.

3
r 6/30,411

156 :

][:

:
.

From an Indian book: A vomitive drug is cancelled by vomiting. (To evacuate

the body) one should begin with (inducing) diarrhoea, (notably) if the stomach
is very strong, or (if the drug) is to be drunk in a state of great hunger, or (if)
the belly is extremely soft, or (if) the patient is not used to vomiting, or (if) it
belongs to the nature and essence of the drug to be heavy and to descend to

156 : editio .
154 chapter 1

the nether region. (The author also) says: As regards shifting from a laxative
to a vomitive (drug), this (should happen) because the stomach is weak, or
(because) the belly is very hard, or (because the laxative) drug would be too
disgusting (to swallow), or (because) the patient is haunted by indigestion. The
(general) procedure is to administer a potion containing laxative drugs that
are palatable and naturally tend to sink to the bottom. (The author also) says:
And if the purgative (drug) causes nausea, fainting, palpitations in the chest
or (another) difficulty, then the procedure is (to induce) vomiting with tepid
water.

4
r 6/47,1948,1

:
.

From the book of the Indian: Before (the induction of) vomiting, (the patient)
should drink two qya of sesame oil with a similar (quantity) of stiff wine for
three days; he may enter the bathhouse every day and embrocate his body with
oil.

5
r 6/214,6ff.

157 :
.

From a book of the Indians: On loosening the belly of a boylet (him) drink
one and a half dniq of hares rennet in cold water, especially if he has been fast-
ing for a while; or take a mash (made from) bean trefoil, visnaga, pomegranate
seeds and mastic.

6
r 6/254,1015

157 : editio .
the sanskrit sources 155

158
.

A weight gain (recipe) from the Indians: Wash (some) henbane thoroughly
with water, boil it properly, empty out the water, leave the henbane in the shade
to dry, (then) pound it well, put it in the middle of a dough, stick that in a baking
pit or (place it) on a (hot) brick until the dough turns brown like a ripening date,
(then) remove (the loaf), pound it, throw two miql (from it) into one ral wine
boiled down to one third, adding (some) sesame and poppy (seeds) mixed with
oil, and drink three handfuls (of this) in the morning and in the evening; also
you may take a lizard, split it, salt it, let it dry, (then) pound it, and put some of
it in your food. (All) this fattens within a week.

7
r 10/18,12f.

: :
.

From an Indian book: Dysentery departs from phlegm, (too) little waste matter,
or no defecation at all.159 (The author also) says: The retention of faeces and
(abdominal) wind leads to bloody diarrhoea.

158 : editio .
159 This sentence is perhaps the result of a mistranslation of a remark made by Caraka in
his chapter on the classification and treatment of diarrhoeal disease (ati/sra), namely
(CaSa 4/208 no. 7):

[] []

Phlegm-born dysentery is that (the patient) voids stool frequently in small quantities
156 chapter 1

8
r 10/133,13

. :

From the Indian: Myrrh is useful for (the treatment of kidney) stones when
drunk with hot water.

9
r 10/205,17206,3

:


.

From the Indians: For those who wet their bed, especially womena saucerful
of juice (made from) cypress leaves and a saucerful of sesame oil are drunk for
three days in the morning, in the evening, and again before going to sleep; and
(the patient) should not eat any sour or green stuff. (Also) extremely useful in
that (respect) is eating (animal) fats and drinking cold water upon it, for this
helps those who cannot retain urine; and here the fat of the partridge has a
special property when washed down with cold water, Allah willing.

10
r 10/278,13

. :

The Indian: Raisins reduce sperm.

11
r 10/285,15ff.

:
.
the sanskrit sources 157

In a book of the Indians: When the sperm decreases significantly, the complex-
ion is tainted, the testicles hurt, and the patients heart will be lacking vitality.
The green-winged orchid increases sexual potency, and likewise red poppy and
the two (kinds of) sea lavender.

12
r 10/331,2

. 160

In the books of the Indians (it says) that for sex they rely on asafoetida resin.

13
r 11/93,25

:

.

From the Indian: A remedy for (the treatment of) chronic back pain, little
sexual desire, weakness of the kidneys, and (to promote) the excretion of waste
mattera handful of terebinth, a handful of ginger and a handful of rocket
seeds are kneaded with honey; take from this (preparation), before going to
sleep, a walnut-like (quantity), and about the same after (waking up)(this) is
very useful, as it (also) purifies the complexion and strengthens the stomach.

14
r 12/219,12f.

161. :

In a book of the Indians: Something that contracts the blood (vessels) is to

pulverize sepiolite and sprinkle it on (the wound)(this) will seal it up.

160 : editio .
161 : editio , apparatus .
158 chapter 1

15
r 21.2/637,1417

:[ ]

.

The Indian (says) about myrobalans: Heat shelters in the Indian (variety); it
expels what burdens the belly, enhances the senses, improves memory and
mind, is useful against leprosy, colic, absence of mind, piles, constant fatigue,
headache, dropsy and spleen trouble, it draws phlegm and (brings) vomiting.

16
r 23.1/140,1013

:

.

From an Indian book, (the author) says: Sleeping during the day brings phleg-
matic diseases like catarrh, spleen trouble, darkening of the skin, tumours in
the bowels, fever, exhaustion of the nerves, a poor appetite and (a weak) stom-
ach, and it makes the patient sleepy, sluggish (and) slow-moving.162

162 This passage seems to reflect a misinterpretation (and fusion) of certain statements made
by Caraka, namely (CaSa 2/23 no. 25, 3/257 no. 14 and 4/269 no. 33):

Phlegm gets aggravated by an excessive intake of oily, heavy, sweet, slimy, cold, sour or
salty (food), sleep during the daytime, hilarity, and lack of exercise

the sanskrit sources 159

17
r 23.2/114,12115,2

163:][
.

An Indian prescription: Pour the water of extremely sour milk over (some)
whitish sulphur, leave it for a night, and (then) apply this cream to the white
(patches on the skin)it will make them disappear.

The causes of phlegm-born phantom tumours are indulgence in cold, heavy or oily (food),
lack of exercise, gluttony, and sleep during the daytime; all these habits (also) lead to
that (type of) tumour which is associated with a simultaneous aggravation (of the three
doshas)

Phlegm, accumulated by the intake of (food that is) sweet, sour, salty, oily or heavy and by
sleep during the daytime, vitiates the tissue elements and slowly spreads across the body,
giving rise to erysipelas (and similar skin complaints)

163 : editio + , apparatus .

 chapter 2

The Syriac Sources

a Sargs of Rain (d. 536ce)

Kitb f l-Istisq

1
r 7/234,17ff.

: 1
. :

In his Book on Dropsy, Sars ar-Ras says: (Dropsy) cannot develop with-
out coldness of the liver; it always emerges as miasma from the bulk of the
intestines and as a secretion from the body of the liver itself. He (also) says:
(These emissions) are received by the organs because (their) repulsive power
is weak.2

b lmn (fl. 6th century ce)

al-Kunn

1
r 1/31,713

:


3 ][
. ][

1 : editio , apparatus .
2 Here, Rhazes adds the following remark: This is all wrong (h bil kulluhu), see r
7/234,19235,1.
3
: editio + .

koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2015 | doi: 10.1163/9789004290242_004

the syriac sources 161

Ilmun says: The most useful thing towards (the treatment of) hemiplegia is
to let (the patient) drink every day one miql of (the remedy called) iyra
fqr4 together with half a miql of pepper(but) no (added) honey, so that
(the drug) stays longer in the belly, does not leave quickly, and hence carries out
good work; (the patient) should pass the night on (a dose of) one miql each
of castoreum and pepper; (further) place, without making an incision, cupping
glasses on top of the muscles of the (affected) limb, for this heats the muscles
and returns to them their movement; once daily let him drink one miql or
one dirham of long birthwort together with half a dirham of pepper; (also) he
should carry upon him, all day always, a large pine cone, which has a special
property; and put something that reddens (the skin) on (the areas above) the
(vertebral) nerve exits.

2
r 1/40,1841,14

:
5








.

From the Medical Compendium of Islmun, he says: The most useful thing
for (the hemiplegic) is to let him drink every day one miql of (the remedy

4 iyra fqr < , lit. divine bitter, is the name of a famous antidote, both in Greco-
Syriac and Arabic pharmacy, see LSLex 820b and 1403b with UllMed 296; for an Arabic proto-
type of this compound drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 72.
5
: editio + .
162 chapter 2

called) iyra6 together with some pepper in a small, limited (quantity of)
water, (whereby) neither honey nor anything else should accompany (the
potion), and nothing that heats should be drunk upon itthat way (the drug)
remains longer in the belly, for a whole day, and so carries out good work; or
let (the patient) drink one miql (each) of pepper and castoreum; (further)
place, without making an incision, cupping glasses on top of the muscles,
for this heats them and restores their movement; let him drink (from) the
great theriac;7 rub pellitory, spurge, Roman nettle, pepper and the like over the
spotthat is to say over the top of the muscles of the (paralyzed) area, and if
(the condition) affects the whole body, begin by (massaging down) the spine;
(also) administer an enema that draws moisture, let (the patient) drink one
miql each of long birthwort and pepper, as well as castor oil which has been
cooked in seeds water and (boiling) hot spices; one of the best drugs (for this
condition) is white hellebore, mixed with peeled sesame (seeds) or sugar and
drunk, on the first day, (in a quantity of) one dniq, then (gradually) increasing
(the dose) up until one miql, but not beyond that; large pine cones hold a
special property, and so do leek seeds; (also) let (the patient) enter a bathtub
in which wild pennyroyal has been cooked to the point of disintegration, and
embrocate him with the oil(s) of costmary and pellitory; and if you reckon that a
lot of moisture permeated the (vertebral) nerve exit(s) or the top of the muscles,
you must apply dry, desiccating poultices, for example the one that is made
from gum senegal and the like.

3
r 1/147,4

. :

Ilmun: Those afflicted with epilepsy should be given the theriac8 as a snuff.

6 Short for iyra fqr, on which see note 4 above.

7 tiryq kabr (whose first word < ) great theriac, also known as al-frq the one that
makes a difference (between life and death), is the name of an age-old antidote made famous
by Galen (d. c. 216 ce), see GalK 14/8289 (followed by two variant transmissions). For the
preparation of this complicated drug in Arabic pharmacy see e.g. ISQ 3/312,320 (preceded
by its therapeutic properties and followed by two variant transmissions [Arabic only]); cf.
also KaAnt 479ff. and 482490 (with the literature quoted there, esp. WatStu passim).
8 Short for great theriac, on which see note 7 above.
the syriac sources 163

4
r 1/163,18164,2

:


.

Ilimun says: Spasms that occur spontaneously are due to moisture, (while)
after a fever or an evacuation they are due to dryness. Bleed him whose
(spasms) come from moisture, and let him drink castoreum and dried pepper.
(The other one) treat with (plant) macerations, hot water, (animal) fats, henna
oil and, if there is not (too) much heat, lily oil, for (the latter) is extremely soft-
ening; (further) keep fomenting (him) with hot water, and afterwards embro-
cate (him) with oil, so that (any) moisture is preserved for him.

5
r 1/168,19169,6

:

9

.

From the book of Ilmun, he says: If spasms appear in the wake of a fever or
an evacuation, they are due to dryness, and if they appear spontaneously, they
are due to moisture. If (the latter patient) can tolerate bloodletting, bleed him,
let him drink castoreum and pepper, and embrocate him with the oils (that
are used to treat) hemiplegia.10 (As regards) the one whose (spasms) are due to
dryness, soften him with a liniment (made from plant) macerations, (employ)
hot water, further (animal) fats, occasionally lily oil, which has a strong soften-

9
: editio .
10 These are the oils of costmary and pellitory, as specified by lmn himself in fragment 2
above.
164 chapter 2

ing effect, henna oil, and peony oil; very powerful is balm oil and (therefore)
well-suited for the first, (dry) kind (of spasms), as is in particular spurge oil;
and (the skin above) the nerves (of this patient) should be fomented continu-
ously with hot water before embrocating it (with oil), in order to preserve for
him (any) moisture.

6
r 7/5,196,2

:
.

Ilmun says: (Breast) milk (production) is enhanced by drinking goats milk; a

soup (too) is made with (this) milk, into which one adds fennel, dill and black
cumin; and eating salty fish (also) increases (the production of breast) milk.

7
r 7/16,18f.

:
.

From the book of Ilmun: In order to increase (breast) milk (production) drink
goats milk; (also) make a soup from it by adding fennel, dill and black cumin;
and salty fish (too) increases (the production of breast) milk.

8
r 9/108,1519

:
11

.

11 : editio .
the syriac sources 165

Islmun says: Order the woman to fast for a day; when she enters into the
evening, cover her (from the head downwards) with garments and expose
her, using a container and a funnel, to some or other incense that should be
(directed) towards her womb; make sure that absolutely no smoke can escape
through the rim of the container but only through her mouthin which case
she is not pregnant. Or (let) her eat just a little in the morning and nothing for
the rest of that day; then have her carry a garlic clove (in her vagina) throughout
the nightif (on the next day) the odour of the garlic has reached her mouth,
she is not sterile.

9
r 9/134,711

:

:
. :

From the Medical Compendium of Islmun, he says: If (a pregnant woman) puts

birthwort on a piece of wool and holds (it in her vagina), she will deliver on the
spot; if she is given a drink (made with) four miql of dried cucumber rinds, she
will deliver on the spot; and if (childbirth) is difficult, fumigate her with myrrh
and let her drink asafoetida resin and castoreum. (The author also) says: If the
placenta remains (inside), let (the woman) sit in a decoction of hellebore, for
this expels the placenta; and once it is out, she should insert (a tampon soaked
in) rose oil. (The author also) says: And wild caraway, when inserted (into the
vagina), brings out the child.

10
r 9/140,13141,1

:
12
13
12 : editio .
13 : editio .
166 chapter 2

:
. 14

Islmun says: Once the placenta has come out, make the woman insert (a tam-
pon soaked in) rose oil. Things that facilitate childbirthgive to the pregnant
woman who is in her month a daily dose of five dirham of quince seed macera-
tion; she should be nourished with mallow, hollyhock and fat pullets prepared
as a thick bouillon; apart from (visiting) the bathhouse, she should wash in
lukewarm water; prescribe her rest and repose, and embrocate (her) back and
belly with warming, tepid oil. An unmatched electuary for (dealing with) diffi-
cult childbirthmyrrh, castoreum (and) storax one miql of each; cinnamom
half a miql; pepper the same; savin the same; knead these (ingredients) with
honey and let (her) drink two miql from it.

11
r 9/157,11158,5

:





:
15
:
.

Islmun: In order to stimulate childbirth (the woman) should enter the bath-
house and immerse herself in hot water; she should drink and (also) carry (in
her vagina) sticky (plant) macerations; (her) belly, back, thighs and adjacent

14 : editio .
15 : editio , apparatus [!] .
the syriac sources 167

areas should be painted with yellow wax and oil, and likewise all (along) the
dorsal column; and she should hold a magnet in her left hand, for this (works)
wonders. If she puts birthwort on a piece of wool and carries it (in her vagina),
she will deliver instantly. Strangely powerful are the ashes of a (burnt) hoof
from a horse or a donkey or (another) riding animal (when) kneaded (with oil)
and applied as a paste(this) brings out (the child), be it alive or dead! One
also hangs (a piece of) sepiolite on the right thigh. (If the woman) is given a
drink (made with) hot water and four miql of the dried rinds of the serpent
melon, she will give birth. Fumigate her with myrrh. Stronger than this is to let
her drink castoreum or asafoetida resin, or to put upon her a large piece of sepi-
olite, for (then) she will deliver on the spot. A liniment which relieves the belly
and brings out the childcolocynth juice ten (dirham), the milk from (one
or another species of) spurge16 one dirham, scammony the same, colocynth
pulp two dirham, galbanum ten (dirham); dissolve the galbanum in turnip oil,
bring everything together, and rub it on. If the woman sits down in water into
which hellebore has been thrown and thoroughly cooked, the placenta will be
expelled, and once it is out she must carry inside (a tampon soaked in) rose
oil. (The author also) says: Colocynth juice is very powerful when it comes to
bringing out the child, and so are asafoetida resin, galbanum and wild caraway.

12
r 10/207,312

:
18 17

19
20

16 yatt, here translated (one or another species of) spurge, is a very broad botanical term
denoting, in principle, any lactiferous plant and, then, any plant of the genus Euphorbia,
of which Dioscorides (fl. 1st century ce) and after him the Arab botanists distinguished
seven species (anw), see for detailed discussions of the problem Schab 538543 no. 806
and DiDi 2/669f. no. 153.
17
: editio .
18
: editio .
19 : editio + .
20
: editio .
168 chapter 2

][
.

From Ilmun: For (the treatment of) urinary incontinence(a patient) who
is (always) thirsty and urinates a lot, (his problem) is caused by the intensity of
heat in the kidneys, liver and stomach; (here), a potion is given (to wash down)
the tabasheer pastilles,21 and (the patient) should eat the flesh of the cucumber
and the serpent melon; cold dressings are applied to the stomach, the liver
and notably to the kidneys if the thirst is not (too) strong, otherwise dress
(only) the stomach and the liver; administer an enema containing nenuphar
and sweet violet oil together with houseleek and barley water; let him drink
sour buttermilk from cows and gourd water with rose oil, (all of) which (also)
as an enema; to (counter) his heat, apply a dressing to his kidneys, his liver
and his stomach; also administer, in the morning and in the evening, an enema
containing buttermilk from cows and rose oil; continue (to give) the tabasheer
pastilles22 in the morning and in the evening; and put (the patient) on a diet of
cold stuffs. To him (however) who wets the bed, give one miql of galingale in
a drink of cold water, and it will not happen to him again.

13
r 11/207,210

:
:

:

.

The Medical Compendium of Ilmun: For (the treatment of) cold pain in the
knees and gout cook scarabs in olive oil and rub that on the gouty (joints)it is
marvelous! And this is good to (treat) cold gout, cold rheumatism and coldness

21 For the composition of the so-called tabasheer pastilles see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 177
and 178.
22 Cf. note 21 above.
the syriac sources 169

in the limbstake thirty-six miql each of thickened grape wine and marjo-
ram oil, and four miql of castoreum, cook it (all) together until (only) the oil
remains and use that as a lotion. An extremely good pill for (the treatment of)
cold goutopopanax, sagapenum, ammoniacum, Syrian rue, meadow saffron,
white hellebore (and) colocynth pulp in equal (parts); Indian bdellium one
fourth of a part; henna three fourths of a part; (this) is formed into pills with
leek water, (and) a potion (may be made by using) two dirham (of it), (but)
beforehand one must drink one qya of castor oil every day, allegedly for (sev-
eral) days.

14
r 11/284,37

:
23
][ 24
.

Ilmun says: Useful against elephantiasis is to bleed the (small) saphenous

vein in both shanks, and to keep shaking off (matter) by (using) that which
purges the black bile. Clearly useful against this (condition) is to drink daily
half a miql of (the remedy called) iyra fqr;25 or to rub over the (affected)
site regularly olive oil in which dill and cabbage ashes have been cooked; or to
grind dried tamarisk (galls), besmear the leg with olive oil, and sprinkle (the
ground galls) on top (of the oil); or to pour upon (the site) thoroughly cooked
lupine water.

15
r 11/290,211

23 : editio + .
24 : editio , apparatus ]![ .
25 Cf. note 4 above.
170 chapter 2

:

26 :
.

From the Medical Compendium of Ilmun: (To treat elephantiasis) bleed the
(small) saphenous vein, keep (using) the (remedy called) iyra27 as well as that
which shakes off the black bile and loosens without loosening the belly. Greatly
useful against this (condition) is to drink daily half a miql of (the remedy
called) iyra fqr,28 and to rub upon the (affected) area regularly olive oil and
cabbage ashes; or to besmear (it) with olive oil and sprinkle upon it pounded
tamarisk (galls)this is very good; and as regards the lupine, it is good when
rubbed upon (the area). About the black bile (the author) says: Elephantia-
sis? If the black-bilious humour is not excessively rotten, it is admixed to the
blood; then it is discarded by nature, which loves to purify the blood continu-
ously; (otherwise) elephantiasis develops, whose colour (thus) shades into red
(at first) but blackens with time. (The author also) says: Venesection and pur-
gation of the black bile are of the utmost benefit in this (condition).

16
r 12/2,163,2

:
.

Ilmun: Cancer is purged by (using) that which expels the black bile, and (the
patient) should be nourished with that which moistens the body. Useful against
this (condition) is the theriac29 and (also) the (remedy called) Mithradates;30
the milk from asses is good for such (a patient); and paint (on the affected area)
softening liniments that are not hot.

26
: editio + .
27 Short for iyra fqr, on which see note 4 above.
28 Cf. note 4 above.
29 Short for great theriac, on which see note 7 above.
30 Mirds < (remedy) invented by Mithradates king of Pontos (fl. mid 2nd
century bce), see LSLex 1132b, DkP 3/13551358 no. 5 and WatStu passim (the famous
mithridatium of Late Antiquity and the Latin Middle Ages); for an Arabic prototype of
this compound drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 34.
the syriac sources 171

17
r 12/29,1330,5

:
31 :
32
.

Ilmun says: For (the treatment of) a tumour that appears on the feet of
pregnant women and convalescentsvinegar, salt and rose oil are beaten well
together and painted (on the area); or make a dressing with cabbage ashes, olive
oil and borax; or besmear (it) with salt and olive oil. (The author also) says: And
useful against a soft tumour, if it resists, is to burn tamarisk (galls), anoint (the
area) with olive oil, and sprinkle (the ashes) on top (of the oil); or paint (the
area) regularly with olive oil and cabbage ashes; or foment (it) regularly with a
decoction of cabbage(all) this is marvelous!.

18
r 12/39,69

:
.

Ilmun says: For (the treatment of) a soft tumour that is located on the front
of the feet of pregnant women and convalescentsvinegar, salt and rose oil
are beaten well together and painted on (the area); or paint (it) with cabbage
water and olive oil; or with salt and olive oil.

19
r 12/139,4f.

. :

31 : editio , apparatus .
32 : editio .
172 chapter 2

Islmun: To (treat) a hard tumour pound the (dried) droppings of small cattle
with dill oil and apply that as a dressingit (works) wonders in dissolving the
tumour.

c Grgis bar Garil bar Btye (d. after 769ce)

Kitb al-Al

1
r 1/99,11ff.

:
. ][ :

From ris, from (his) Book on Humours, he says: It is possible to evacuate

(redundant) humours from the head by combing, wiping, and besmearing (it)
with hot substances. (The author also) says: Sneezing passes if a person can
suppress itif he tries really hard, he will stop sneezing.

al-Kunn

1
r 1/35,1014

][33 ][ :
34

.

ris: In (the treatment of) hemiplegia rely on discharging (the body) once
a week through the (remedy called) qqy35 and the marking-nut stoma-

33 : editio + .
34 : editio .
35 qqy < Syriac (?) < (dim. of ) little pill, cf. LSLex 971a, DoSupp 2/420a and
Schab 367 no. 604; for an Arabic prototype of this compound drug, which is normally
administered in pilular form, see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 125.
the syriac sources 173

chic,36 and once a day (administer) the divine remedy (called) Hermes37
those for discharging (matter), this for modifying the (humoral) composition;
and before long you will (be able to) proceed to massages with costmary oil.
If, together with the hemiplegia, the senses (of the patient) are obscured, turn
to gargle(s) and snuff(s), anoint (his) cranium with costmary oil, soften (his)
foods, and make honey water and aged wine (his) drink(s).

2
r 1/60,12ff.

:
38.

ris says: The state of bafflement is like the state of someone who rotates
(around his own axis) several timesit cuts him off; also (looking into) the
sun and (hearing) a loud cry can have a baffling effect. Such (a patient) benefits
from an incision into the cephalic vein, from (induced) diarrhoea, from giving
up wine, and from (avoiding) all (potentially) bewildering (situations).

3
r 1/113,1015

39 :
41 40

.

36 For the composition of the so-called marking-nut stomachic see e.g. SbAq = SbDis
no. 235.
37 iyra Hirmis the divine remedy (called) Hermes (Trismegistos) is the name of an
electuary famous in Arabic pharmacy. For a prototype of this compound drug see e.g.
SbAq = SbDis no. 38; iyra < , lit. divine, is also a name for many medicines in the
Greek [and Arabic] pharmacopoeia, see LSLex 820b; on Hermetism in Islam see UllNGw
368378 and passim.
38
: editio .
39
: editio .
40
: editio .
41
: editio .
174 chapter 2

ris says: Sometimes facial paralysis is accompanied by severe migraine. In

this (case) let (the patient) snuff maltha and jasmine oil; particularly useful
against (migraine) is to snuff a quantity of one ass of soapwort, which will
relieve (the patient), or half a dirham of long birthwort with terebinth oil;
(further) pour hot oils deep down into his ear canals, rub these (oils) between
(his) shoulder blades, and anoint (his) entire face and neck (with them); and
keep bending him over a decoction of chamomile, marjoram, Syrian rue and
bay laurel.

4
r 1/138,311

:
42




.

ris says: The illness called mother-of-boys43 is nothing but a convulsion

which appears together with an acute, burning, dry, harsh fever; the urine is
white then; it is mostly the little ones who are affected by this (condition)

42 : editio .
43 The occurrence of an illness called mother-of-boys (umm a-ibyn) in an Arabic version
of a Syriac text from the mid 8th century ce confirms the presence of Indian physicians in
Gondpr, if not already the existence of Syriac (or at least Pahlavi) translations from the
Sanskrit. The Arabic term, which naturally must have gone through an intermediate Syriac
rendition, seems to represent some sort of collective notion for a variety of female demons
who in the Indian medico-magical tradition were believed to take possession of small
children (the original demons are normally referred to as mother [mtk], followed by
their proper names), see FillR 419, 26 f. and passim; it is worth noting that the Arabic
term umm a-ibyn also occurs in Al ibn Sahl Rabban a-abars (d. soon after 240/855)
Firdaus al-ikma (completed 235/850), as part of his expos of the medical system of the
Indians, in a chapter on ghosts (arw/riy) that attack people, see abFir 589,14 (for a
[mediocre] French translation of the whole chapter by Faddegon cf. FillR 156ff.).
the syriac sources 175

because their nerves contain (a lot of) moisture(a child) who has passed
)seven years of age (and) then presents with one or another worrying (symptom
)is not (normally) struck by (that illness). You must (treat the affected child
with the bathtub, with dripping milk over (his) head, and with snuff(s) of rose
)oil, gourd (oil), sweet violet (oil) and maids milk; do not stop (exposing his
cranium to oil and milk, and cover all vertebras of (his) spine, including (those
of) the neck, under a lukewarm dressing (made) from marshmallow, sweet
violet oil and linseed meal; if (the child) is cold, embrocate (him) with the
;lukewarm oil of the sweet violet, and (re)heat the dressing and put it back on
)give (him) to drink, or let the wetnurse give (him) what is given (to children
in acute diseases; and the place where (the child) is (cared for) should have a
cellar, or some (room) that is just as cool and humid.

5
r 1/173,17174,20

:


44


45

46
47

48

44 . : editio
45 . : editio
46 . : editio
47 . : editio
48 . : editio
176 chapter 2

49 ][
.

ris says: The appearance of convulsions in children is preceded by a burn-

ing, constant fever, sleeplessness, dryness of the belly, a yellow complexion,
dried-up saliva, their tongues turn black, their skin is stretched, and in the end
(there is) insufficient urination. Treat this (child) by putting asses milk or goats
milk (mixed) with rose oil and sweet violet (oil) upon (his) head; administer
a snuff containing such (oils), as well as gourd oil; take fleawort maceration,
mix it with sweet violet oil, gently immerse his head in it, (and) do that for
three days; (rub) onto his head and down to his neck a lukewarm mixture of
marshmallow, barley meal and dried sweet violet that has been cooked (and)
blended with a maceration of one of these substances; make him sit in the luke-
warm oil of the sweet violet; try to relax his belly with softening substances; let
him drink barley water, sweet violet oil and white sugar; put macerations on
his tongue and, if he is older and can bear (it), let him swallow these (macer-
ations); purging cassia is useful for him; anoint his body gently with milk; give
him a softening enema; continue oiling (him); and attach to the convulsive area
a fresh fat-tail which you remove only when it (starts to) stink. The dry (kind
of) convulsion emerges slowly, the moist (kind) strikes rapidly. The moist (kind
of) convulsion is treated with the great theriac50 in a potion of tepid water,
and with the (remedy called) l51 in a potion of dill water; make (the child)
sneeze; bind him over a decoction of marjoram, wormwood, bay laurel leaves,
cyperus, citron leaves, dill and melilot; (further) treat him with sharp enemas
and strong pills, with the (remedy called) iyra,52 the oil (called) kalkalna,53

49
: editio .
50 Cf. note 7 above.
51 l < Syriac el (i.q. ) request, demand (for healing) is the name of an old
and genuinely Syrian panacea which is attested already in the anonymous Syriac Book
of Medicines (6th century ce?), see SyBM 1/263,14264,13 (English translation 2/298ff.);
further PSThes 2/4008 and SSob 670. For an Arabic prototype of this elaborate compound
drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 57.
52 Short for iyra fqr, on which see note 4 above.
53 kalkalna < Sanskrit kalka-kalyaka excellent oily paste, see MWDic 262b and 263b.
the syriac sources 177

the (remedy called) Theodoretos,54 with the divine remedy (called) Galen,55
and (with) wild rue and sea savory; anoint him with castoreum oil, olive oil
andclearly the most useful of allcostmary oil. Sometimes also snake fat
and pigeon fat form (part of) the treatment. It is (however) not recommended
to reach for oils that have an astringent (property), even if they are hot, like
nard oil. The greatest benefit for these (children) lies in (the application of) a
hot compress, and a snuff of cranes gall and the like with beet water or (else)
the (remedy called) l56 with dog violet water. Most of these (patients), even
if some of them recover, will later (in life) develop a partial paralysis in that
(same) area.

6
r 1/212,36

:

.

According to LeSoa 870f., the term was introduced into Arabic pharmacy by the Indian
physician Mankah (fl. c. 800 ce); however, its occurrence in an Arabic version of a Syr-
iac text from the mid 8th century ce suggests that the remedy thus called must already
have been known to the physicians of Gondpr, either through oral or indeed written
transmissions, and perhaps influenced by a Pahlavi intermediate form. For Arabic pro-
totypes of this compound drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 54 and 55 (s.n. alkalna,
an electuary) and no. 313 (s.n. kalkalna, an oil). In Ayurvedic pharmacy the remedy
is attested only under the name of kalyaka the excellent, denoting a variably com-
pounded ghee (ghta) to be taken orally and covering an extremely wide range of ther-
apeutic application, see e.g. SuSa 2/465, 3/209 f. and 413; cf. also HKA 374f., 492 and
548 (for good German translations of Vgbhaas versions). It is not impossible, in view of
these findings, that the complicated Arabic forms /kalkalna are actually distortions of
kalyna, a hypothetical but more straightforward transliteration of the attested Sanskrit
term.
54 iyurs < (remedy called) Theodoretos, a somewhat obscure physician
who is mentioned a few times by Aetios of Amida (fl. mid 6th century ce), see pra 5a/1803
no. 9; for Arabic prototypes of this compound drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 67 and
68.
55 iyra lns the divine remedy (called) Galen of Pergamon (d. c. 216ce). For an Arabic
prototype of this compound drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 70; for iyra cf. note 37
above.
56 Cf. note 51 above.
178 chapter 2

ris says: If one does not employ drugs in (the treatment of) mental con-
fusion, one should slap (the patient) hard or lash (him) with whips, for (then)
sometimes (his mind) will clear up and his sense(s) will return to him; if (this)
proves useless, apply to (his) head a cross-shaped cautery. When (treating)
delirium, the most useful thing clearly is (to pour) over (the patients) head
a decoction of (sheeps) heads and trotters.

7
r 1/252,16ff.

:
.

ris: A headache that remains in the wake of acute diseases is treated by

pouring plenty of hot water over (the patients) hand and foot in the morning
and in the evening; then by anointing (his head) with sweet violet (oil), and by
prescribing him food (made) with cold, delicate things.

8
r 1/254,1f.

. 59 58: 57

ris says: Snuffing some maltha (mixed) with a little jasmine oil is useful
against a cold headache.

9
r 1/268,17269,16

57 : editio [!] .
58 : editio .
59 : editio .
the syriac sources 179

60



:

61


.

ris: If a headache waxes and wanes, (if) it increases in the wake of indiges-
tion and (the drinking of) wine, (if) it flares up (even) more so in the mornings
and on cold days, (if it is accompanied by) foul belching, and (if the patient)
vomits phlegm and bilethen the problem originates in the stomach; but if it
is persistent and (accompanied by) an abundant flow (of matter) via the pas-
sageways of the brain, (if) there is dullness of sight or a weeping discharge,
and frequent sleepiness and sluggishnessthen (the problem) is linked to
the brain. The treatment for (almost) all (kinds of headache) is (to adminis-
ter) soothing (remedies), (to induce) diarrhoea with the aloe pill,62 (to let the
patient) snuff cranes gall, the (remedy called) l,63 (or) maltha, to apply to
(his) temples a cataplasm (made from) marjoram, bay laurel leaves, dill and
the like, and to follow this treatment for three days; it is (also) the (standard)
treatment for the (kind of) headache that comes with (sensations of) heav-
iness and coldness, as well as the one that comes with tinnitus and fullness
of the head. (However) if (the headache) comes with (sensations of) burning
and heat, purge (the patients) belly by (administering) myrobalans and scam-
mony, and apply cataplasms made from cold, astringent (drugs) and cold oils.
Occasionally pain affects the head in the wake of sharp chronic fevers, and this
(kind) is due to excessive dryness of the brain; treat it like you would treat sleep-

60 : editio .
61 : editio .
62 For the composition of the so-called aloe pill see e.g. ITDis no. 58.
63 Cf. note 51 above.
180 chapter 2

lessness, for such (a patient will also) be afflicted with that complaint. (The
author also) says: He who suffers from central headache will be helped with
softening mixtures, with snuffing maltha and sweet violet (oil), and most of
all with the musk remedy,64 the (ones called) l65 and Philonium,66 as well
as the pastille which is called kaukab,67 if (only) one prepares these (drugs)
with urgency; (some) such pastilles may (also) be (liquefied and) rubbed over
(the patients) temples; he should (further) be denied all hot and salty foods
and confine himself to (that which is) mild and quickly digested; and if (this)
has no beneficial effect, cautery is performed. Someone who suffers from cen-
tral headache hates the light, likes solitude, believes that he hears roaring and
yelling, and (feels) as if his head is hit with hammers; often he benefits from
drinking purging cassia and almond oil, and (from) the application of (soften-
ing) mixtures to his head.

10
r 1/271,3f.

. :

ris says: Sometimes (migraine) leads to facial paralysis; if this is accom-

panied by fullness in the temples, then bleeding (the temporal veins) is very
useful.

11
r 2/154,9f.

. :

64 For the composition of the so-called musk remedy see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 25 and 58
(the latter an electuary).
65 Cf. note 51 above.
66 Filniy < or (correctly) (remedy) invented by Philo of Tarsos, a poet-
physician and pharmacist of the late Hellenistic period, see LSLex 1942b and DkP 4/776
no. 13. The drug is known under the name of Philonium and comes in a Greek and a Per-
sian variety (the latter referred to by Grgis himself in fragments 24 and 25 below); for
Arabic prototypes of both see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 7 and 8.
67 kaukab, lit. star, is short for kaukab al-ar < Syriac kauka ar (i.q. ) stella
terrae, a synonym of Arabic alq talcum powder, see PSThes 1/1694 and LSLex 261b s.v.
star, [also] name of various remedies; further WkaS 1/440b and esp. 446b447a.
For an Arabic prototype of this compound drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 171.
the syriac sources 181

ris says: Highly useful to (treat) night blindness is the (remedy called)
bsilqn,68 as well as (certain) pastes made with opopanax, and (most) sharp
powder(s).

12
r 2/157,16

. :

ris: Something highly useful for (the treatment of) an itching eye is the
(remedy called) bsilqn.69

13
r 3/241,15242,1

:
70
71
72 : :
.

ris: A tumour in the throat may be due to blood, (in which case) the patient
thinks that his mouth is filled with aged wine; or it may be due to yellow bile,
(in which case) he thinks that sour vinegar is in his throat; or it may be due to
phlegm, (in which case) he thinks that there is salt or borax in his mouth; and
as regards (tumours) that are due to black bile, they do not appear quickly but
rather develop gradually. Treat (the tumours that are due to) yellow bile and

68 bsilqn < royal, kingly is a name given to various collyria, liniments and
other compound drugs, both in Greek and Arabic pharmacy, cf. LSLex 310a; for Arabic
prototypes see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 361 (larger), 362 (smaller) and 363 (Persian).
69 Cf. note 68 above.
70
: editio .
71 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
72 : editio .
182 chapter 2

blood with gargles and cooling sprinkles. (About) the phlegmatic (tumour) he
says: The most useful thing to (treat) it is (human) faeces. (And) he (goes on
to) say: Mixed with honey. The next (best thing) is dog excrement; then the
swallows remedy.73 And (also) administer the aloe infusion.74

14
r 5/112,9f.

75 :
.

ris: If the stomach aches and decays for the slightest reason, without
(having been exposed to) bad food or a bad regimen, then its essence itself is
weak.

15
r 5/232,6f.

76:
.

ris: Treat fever-induced vomiting with the press juice of apples and (with)
bamboo chalk; in the absence of fever (use) pomegranate rob, mint and mas-
tic.

16
r 6/246,610

73 For the composition of the so-called swallows remedy see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 20 (read
swallows [ashes] instead of swallowwort).
74 For the composition of the so-called aloe infusion see e.g. SbHos no. 164; for a short and
a long version of this compound see ITDis nos. 234 and 235.
75
: editio .
76
: editio .
the syriac sources 183

ris: To gain weight drink at the beginning of the day half a ral of butter-
milk and leave it for three hours; then drink (another) half ral, and do not eat
anything until (this) is digested and there is no (more) burping; then, after-
wards, (eat some) tamarisk gallsnothing elsewith chicken meat or (the
meat from) a young goat; drink pure, fine wine; smell fragrant, aromatic plants;
go to the bathhouse if there is no (more) burping; then eat (normally) for (the
rest of the) day; and once a week take a fatty enema.

17
r 7/9,8f.

:
.

ris says: A cataplasm of broad beans stops (breast)milk (from flowing);

equally, a handful of serpent melon seeds or lucerne seeds may be drunk with
a potion of tepid water every day.

18
r 7/41,1218

:

77

.

ris: When heat and blood increase in the heart, (the risk of) fainting
increases (too)treat such (a patient) with bloodletting, (with inducing) diar-
rhoea, (with) delicate (and) smothering foods, and (with) barley water and
the like. If his (humoral) mixture is badly (inclining towards) coldness, then

77 : editio .
184 chapter 2

the pulse is rigidtreat such (a patient) with the musk remedy,78 the remedy
(called) ahriyrn,79 the ambergris stomachic,80 and the stomachic (called)
Khosrov,81 which is very efficient and (in fact) the best (of all); (further use) the
remedy (called) king Kavadh,82 (send the patient to) the bathhouse, (let him
smell) pleasant aromas, and (offer him) fragrant wine. Palpitations and alien-
ation (occur) in conjunction with (excess) heatbleed this (patient), (tell him)
to stick mainly to black myrobalans that have been kneaded with currants, and
(let him also) eat a lot of borage.

19
r 7/82,17f.

83:
.

ris: Sometimes the liver is naturally small, (more) like a kidneythese

(people) should be given a little food several times (a day), delicate (food that
is) quickly processed (by the body).

78 Cf. note 64 above.

79 ahriyrn < Persian ahr-yrn, lit. friends of the city (i.e. princes, kings and emperors),
cf. VuLex 2/486b; at the same time, ahr(i)yr is an Iranian proper name of ancient fame,
see JusNB 174a176a. For an Arabic prototype of this compound stomachic see e.g. SbAq
= SbDis no. 252.
80 For the composition of the so-called ambergris stomachic see e.g. KKunn 204,919 (Arabic
only).
81 Kisr Khosrov i Anushirvan (reg. 531579ce) or ii Parviz (reg. 591628ce), two Sasanian
kings with whom the Arabs early on identified the whole dynasty, transferring the name
Khosrov to all Sasanian emperors, see e.g. MoKis 184b; the connotations of the name,
as understood by the Arabs, are therefore Persian and royal. As regards the drug thus
called, we may be dealing with the so-called Kisr-ambergris stomachic registered SbAq =
SbDis no. 244, which in turn may well be the product of a fusion of two originally separate
compounds, as in the present fragment.
82 Qubd al-malik king Kavadh i (reg. 488496 and 499531ce), a Sasanian emperor on
whom see e.g. MoSs 76b77b; for an Arabic prototype of this complex electuary see e.g.
SbAq = SbDis no. 4.
83 : editio , apparatus [!] .
the syriac sources 185

20
r 7/114,410

:


.

ris: The symptoms of liver weakness are a poor appetite, a change of

the (skin) colour towards green, yellow or white, bilious vomit, dryness and
blackness of the tongue, pain in the right rib cavity and collarbone, combined
with a cough, paleness of the lip(s), a bitter (taste) in the mouth, and puffiness
of the face. If the liver is very cold, the stomachic cataplasm84 is useful; if it is
hot, the two-sandalwoods cataplasm85 (is appropriate). For (the treatment of)
heat (also use) endive, purging cassia and nightshade; for coldness (take) the
roots-water (decoction)86 and the lac remedy,87 (a substance) that is red.

21
r 7/211,313

:
88

][
89

84 For the composition of the so-called stomachic cataplasm see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 263
and 264.
85 For the composition of the so-called two-sandalwoods cataplasm see e.g. KKunn 236,18
237,2 (Arabic only); involved are red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) and white san-
dalwood (Santalum album).
86 For the composition of the so-called roots-water (decoction) see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 78.
87 For the composition of the so-called lac remedy, of which there is a smaller and a larger
variety, see e.g. KKunn 208,10209,4 and 529,1115 (Arabic only).
88 : editio .
89
: editio .
186 chapter 2

:

.

ris says: When (treating) ascites let the patient drink camels milk together
with their urinetwo ral of milk, one qya of urine, and send him for
a little walk before he goes to sleep. Give him more (milk) until he has had
(a total of) eight ralif you see that it purges him, (proceed but) do not
go beyond (that) one qya of urine; and if it does not relieve him, stop this
treatment (altogether), as it (has proven) unsuitable for him. Mix into (the
milk) myrobalans and sugarif he can swallow (this) twice a day, so be it;
otherwise he should eat bread sopped in fine wine or, if he eats meat, chicken
broth. To (counter) his weakness give him francolin on one day, and on the
other day bread with dried mung beans that have been soaked in blended,
thickened grape wine. Once you have fed him (like this) for two weeks and all
the (dropsical) fluid has been shaken off, cauterize him on the belly, (but) do
not delay this (procedure) for more than ten days or else he will (again) gather
water. (The author also) says: Dropsy may be prompted by recent hepatic
jaundice, or (by) long chronic fevers, or by drinking a lot of cold water, or by
frequent indigestion. Cautery is useful against anasarca, and in some cases
(also) against ascites.

22
r 7/221,112

: :

:





.
the syriac sources 187

ris: He who (in case of dropsy) drinks the press juice of the water flag takes
a big risk. (The author also) says: As regards us, if the dropsy is accompanied
by heat, we treat (the patient) with nightshade water, (with) the pulp of the
purging cassia, (with) alkekengi (berries), and (with) goats urine. If this has
no beneficial effect, we let (the patient) drink the milk of pregnant camels,
for that is useful against dropsy when drunk in accordance with the following
instruction: (the patient) should eat (during the first) half of the day (but) not
have a meal in the evening; then, the next morning, he should drink one ral of
freshly drawn milk together with two qya of that (camels) urine and wait for
two hoursif it relieves him, he should take (it) again, increasing (the amount
of milk) every day until he (can) drink three ral in two sessions. If (however) it
leads to acid belching, do not let him have (that milk) a second time, (but rather
tell him) to abstain from food and not to drink cold water; (further) apply a hot
compress to his stomach, and (do) not (let him) eat (anything) until he urinates;
and if his belly distends, administer an enema on the spot. Yet to him who has
been relieved and lightened (by that milk), give (more), adding to it a pill that
(helps) shake off the (dropsical) fluid; warn him against washing himself with
cold water; if he feels heat in his head, put upon it sweet violet oil; and (tell
him) to eat spoon-meat (made from) young chicken or (other kinds of) meat,
and to drink delicate wine.

23
r 7/250,215

: :


:
:


90

.

90 : editio .
188 chapter 2

ris says: He who (in case of dropsy) drinks the press juice of the water flag
takes a big risk. (The author also) says: As regards us, if we see that this (dropsy)
is accompanied by hot manifestations, we treat (the patient) with purging
cassia, nightshade water, alkekengi (berries), and goats urine; and if (this) has
no beneficial effect, we let him drink the milk of pregnant camels with their
urine. If (the dropsy) is not accompanied by heat, we treat (the patient) with
the sagapenum pill,91 the water flag stomachic,92 and the citronella decoction,93
as well as both camels milk and urine, and lastly we cauterize him. ris
(goes on to) say: The milk of pregnant camels is useful against the yellow fluid
(that collects in the abdominal cavity), (and) it is drunk in accordance with
the following instruction: (the patient) should drink one ral of it straight after
milking, together with two qya of that (camels) urine; he should have spent
the night (before) hungry, and should have eaten (only during the first) half
of the previous day; then he should wait for two hoursif it relieves him, he
should take (it) again, increasing (the amount of milk) every day. If (however)
his belly becomes obstructed and heavy, and (if there is) acid belching, treat
him with enemas on the spot, do not give him (any) more milk on that day,
and apply a hot compress to his stomach over night. Yet if he feels relieved
(by drinking that milk) every day, and (if) he experiences a (certain) lightness
coming over him, he should (continue to) take it together with the dropsy pill,94
(gradually) increasing the (amount of) milk and making sure not to drink cold
water or wash himself with it; if he feels heat in his head, put upon it sweet
violet (oil); and (tell him) to eat spoon-meat and to drink delicate, mixed wine,
(but) to avoid (solid) meat.

24
r 8/45,1ff.

95:
.

91 For the composition of the so-called sagapenum pill see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 115.
92 I have found no other record of this generic drug name, nor any details regarding the
composition of the stomachic so called.
93 I have found no other record of this generic drug name, nor any details regarding the
composition of the decoction so called.
94 I have found no other record of this generic drug name, nor any details regarding the
composition of the pill so called.
95
: editio
, apparatus .
the syriac sources 189

ris: Let him who suffers from (intestinal) abrasion drink four miql of
)pounded gum arabic in cold water; (also) let him drink (the remedy called
Persian Philonium96 in cold water, or a decoction of rice and fresh milk with
particles of iron; and let him drink hares rennets in a quantity (equalling) a
date pit.

25
r 8/75,16f.

:
.

ris: When (treating) an ulcer in the guts, (and) if there is no fever, adminis-
ter a potion (containing the remedy called) Persian Philonium;97 (also) let (the
patient) drink some hares rennet in one qya of distilled milk.

26
r 8/138,12139,4

: :
:


98


99
100 ][
.

96 )On Philonium see note 66 above; for an Arabic prototype (in two parallel transmissions
of the Persian variety see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 8 and 66.
97 Cf. note 96 above.
98
: editio .
99
: editio .
100
: editio .
190 chapter 2

ris: If the pain is in the pubic region, then it is (due to) colic; if it is in the
area of the (lower) back, then it is kidney pain. (The author also) says: Use
castor oil in accordance with the following instruction from the Old Dispen-
satory:101 for one week drink two miql (of it) on the first day, add half a miql
on the second, (then drink) three miql on the third, four miql on the fourth,
and the same (amount) on the fifth to the seventh (day); drink the sagapenum
pill102 before (each dose), and afterwards another potion, preferably (the rem-
edy called) iyra,103 in order to ward off the danger (associated with castor oil)
and its (potential) harmfulness to the head and the eye(s). One may (also) drink
(castor oil) in a decoction (made as follows)fennel seeds, celery (seeds), cal-
trop (seeds), fenugreek (seeds) and dill seeds one handful of each; galingale
four miql; (put these ingredients) in three ral water (and) cook that down to
one ral; then take from it four qya, pour the (castor) oil into it, and stir it until
it is (all) mixed up; then let (the patient) drink it; do not (give him anything to)
eat before ten hours have passed and there is no (more) burping; then feed him
thick bouillon(s) and spoon-meat, and let him drink honey water; and every
day, after he has drunk (the decoction), rub salt over his gums so as to protect
them and the teeth from corrupting (side-effects).

27
r 8/154,11f.

:
.

101 The anonymous Old Dispensatory is quoted by Rhazes in the Kitb al-w several times;
the passage in hand, representing a secondary quotation after Grgis, shows that this work
predates the latters literary activities and hence, must have been available around 750ce
at the latest. For a collection and translation of fifteen fragments from the Old Dispensatory
see KaFra 292299 (the opening of fragment 4, which in fact represents a secondary
quotation as well, should be read al-Aqrabdn al-qadm ifat m al-ubn min Sbr The
Old Dispensatory [provides] a prescription for cheese-water [quoted here] after Sbr,
and my dating of the work, as attempted pp. 290f., should be amended accordingly).
Finally it seems worth noting that the old dispensatory (aqrabdn qadm) may well be
identical with the ancient dispensatory (aqrabdn atq) which in turn, according to
Rhazes himself, is the same as the book called old medicine (ibb qadm), see r 6/246,13.
102 Cf. note 91 above.
103 Short for iyra fqr, on which see note 4 above.
the syriac sources 191

ris: Useful against violent colic is (to apply) a cataplasm made from opium,
bread, milk and saffron; and if vomiting turns severe, let (the patient) drink
pomegranate rob with mint.

28
r 8/171,912

: :
: 104
.

ris says (about colic): Before wind is expelled (through the anus) there is
a moist, gluey stool, then no more excretion at all. (The author also) says: The
most distinguished remedy in terms of usefulness against this (condition) is
the pomegranate pill.105 (And) he says: Of great benefit is (also) the cataplasm
which is made from opium and milk, for it quickly eases the pain.

29
r 8/191,1417

:
106
.

ris (about ileus): It may be caused by viscous phlegm that is drying out,
or by a tumour, or by intestinal blisters. The kind that originates in a tumour
is accompanied by severe nausea, anxiety and throbbing (pain); the kind that
originates in phlegm is accompanied by a great deal of heaviness. Treatment for
the phlegmatic (kind) is with a decoction of figs and aloe; (yet) the best remedy
in terms of usefulness against this (condition) are the ileus pastilles.107

104
: editio .
105 For the composition of the so-called pomegranate pill see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 131.
106 : editio .
107 For the composition of the so-called ileus pastilles see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 176.
192 chapter 2

30
r 8/216,13

. :

ris (about colic): (Apply) the cataplasm which is made from bread and
opium.

31
r 9/25,6ff.

108 :
.

ris: A pastille for (the treatment of abnormal uterine) bleedinggum

senegal, pomegranate flowers, oak galls, Bengal quince, pure sumach, frank-
incense, opium (and) myrrh are kneaded with fine, very sour vinegar, formed
into pastilles, (and a quantity of) half a dirham (is drunk with) a potion. And
if the bleeding is excessive, inject an enema containing the(se) drugs into the
front.

32
r 9/72,2ff.

109 :
.

ris: The sign(s) of suffocation (of the womb) are that (the woman) feels
pain in the nape of the neck and in the back, and that her water turns black and
(looks) like the slop that is washed off from fresh meat, mixed with the soot of a
cooking-pot; sometimes she is (also) affected with difficulty urinating, she falls
like an epileptic, and (her) breathing and pulse fade away.

108 : editio + .
109 : editio .
the syriac sources 193

33
r 9/138,613

:
:

][

.

ris: When the woman fumigates (her womb) with white hellebore or with
pigeons droppings or with birthwort, the placenta will drop out instantly. (The
author also) says: And for her whose month has come and who is unable to
release (the child), dissolve (some) myrrh in honey water and (also) let her
drink a decoction of fenugreek and dates. Something that makes the child
drop out is a pill (made from the seeds of the) Syrian rue, carried (inside the
vagina) or drunk. If a large piece of sepiolite is hung around her right thigh, (the
woman) will give birth on the spot. If she fumigates (her womb) with opopanax
and mountain rue sap, foetus and placenta are quickly expelled. If the right foot
of a hyena is hung upon her, she will give birth on the spot. Child and placenta
drop out quickly if (the woman) carries (inside her vagina) white hellebore or
the fresh twigs of the Syrian rue.

34
r 10/198,1114

:

.

ris says: Them who urinate at night without a burning (sensation) forbid
(the consumption of) green stuff, fruit, and all foods and drinks that are cold
(and) moist(rather) these (patients) should incline to that which dries and
heats at the same time; they should eat mustard, pepper and roasted meats,
and (drink) aged wine; very useful for them is iron slag and black myrobal-
ans.
194 chapter 2

35
r 10/210,1013

:

.

ris says about diabetes: Useful against this (condition) are marrows and
;brains when eaten, as well as the meat of a young goat and (its) trotters
(further) serpent melon, cucumber, mallow and lettuce; (yet) the most distin-
guished remedies for it in terms of usefulness are rose oil, fleawort seeds, and
milk; (entering) bathtubs, embrocation with clarified butter, drinking barley
water, and (taking) fatty, cooling enemas (are also helpful).

36
r 10/276,10

: .

ris says: Eating bamboo chalk deprives of sexual potency.

37
r 10/326,11327,3

:
:
110 111
112 113 :
.

110 . , apparatus : editio

111 . ] [ , apparatus : editio
112 . , apparatus : editio
113 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
the syriac sources 195

ris: Food that is prepared from wheat and milk increases the water of the
loin(s); similarly rocket seeds and roots, Roman nettle, roasted squills, poppy
(seeds), the two sea lavenders,114 the green-winged orchid, and parsnip. (The
author goes on to) say: (Also valuable are) sparrows, the tassel hyacinth, the
remedy called maadyn,115 and the one called Isaiah.116 (Yet) most keen in
terms of usefulness arethe meat of the skink, (the meat of) green sparrows,
the testicles of a beast of prey, the testicles of all riding animals, in partic-
ular those of the wild donkey, and a fatty enema. (He further) says: Sexual
intercourse should take place when the body is well-balanced, after an evac-
uation of the bowels and in the absence of any ponderable heaviness in the
belly.

38
r 11/23,1014

117:

118 :
.

ris: Ileus may be caused by (intestinal) worms; it is medicated by drinking

hellebore or white garden peppercress in a pure potion, and wine on its own

114 These are red sea lavender (Limonium vulgare) and white sea lavender (Centaurea behen).
115 maadyn, an emendation (cf. note 110 above) based on abFir 599,6 and discussed at
length Schab 457461 no. 700, is probably < Syriac madyn (i.q. ) that which
gives pleasure, joy, cf. PSThes 1/1201 with Schab 460; yet since the drug thus named
is registered by a-abar in his expos of Indian medicine, Schmucker contemplated
various Sanskrit etymologies as well, all of which requiring different emendations, and
the most convincing being mayy < Sanskrit mahayyya enjoyment, merriment, cf.
MWDic 794c with Schab 458 f.unfortunately this problem cannot be solved unless an
original version (Syriac or Sanskrit) is discovered by miracle. For the composition of the
maadyn drug see abFir 599,618 (Arabic only); here, it is accompanied by the Arabic
designation remedy that renders happy (daw yufarri al-qalb), as well as by the Persian
epithet happy-remedy (andr).
116 Yiay Isaiah, the prophet of the Old Testament (fl. late 8th century bce); for an Arabic
prototype of the pills thus named see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 134.
117
: apparatus .
118
: editio
, apparatus .
196 chapter 2

is (also) very useful to (counter) that pain. As regards the small (worms) which
are (found) in the rectum, (the patient) should carry (a suppository made from)
white naphtha. (The author also) says: The tapeworms which are generated
in the belly provoke chest pain, a lack of appetite, lethargy, mental confusion,
sleeplessness, fever, and gnashing of the teeth.

39
r 11/177,14178,3

:

. 120 119

ris says: When (treating) the pain (associated with gout), bleed the vein
that is close to the small toe of the foot, and extract blood also in the evening; if
this does not root out (the pain), bleed (the patient as though he were suffering
from) sciatica. For him who often experiences that (kind of) pain, nothing is
more suitable than cauteryone on the hip, then another on the thigh, (and)
then on the lower leg.

40
r 11/247,4ff.

:
.

ris says: Anything that is useful against cold rheumatic pain is (also) use-
ful against back pain, namely castor oil, the malodorous pill,121 garden cress,
warm enemas, (visiting) the bathhouse, (entering) the bathtub, and oils which
dissolve (and) melt tough residue(s).

119 : editio , apparatus .

120 : editio , apparatus .
121 For the composition of the so-called malodorous pill see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 114.
the syriac sources 197

41
r 11/270,10ff.

:
.

ris says: To (treat) sciatica administer a decoction of bats as an enema.

(Also) apply two cauteries on the (patients) back, below the kidneys; cauterize
each thigh; cauterize the lower leg longitudinally; (cauterize) the knee, near the
hamstring; and (cauterize) the four small toes of both feet.

42
r 11/293,6f.

:
. 123 122

A glue (made from) fresh aloe: Split a leaf, take out the gluey sap that is (found)
inside, and smear it on (the affected area)(the guinea worm) will die, and all
suffering will pass. (This is) a good, tested (procedure) which was transmitted
to unain from the Medical Compendium of ris.124

43
r 12/4,12f.

125 :
.

122 : editio .
123 : apparatus .
124 The passage in question is a secondary quotation drawn from unain ibn Isq al-Ibds
(d. 260/873 or 264/877) Itiyrt (al-adwiya) (Drugs of) Choice, a lost pharmacological
work which may or may not have been identical with a dispensatory (aqrbn), lost as
well, from that same authors pen, see (for the named source of the passage) r 11/293,3;
the vast majority of fragments from either work of unain are, by the way, preserved in
Rhazes Kitb al-w, see UllMed 299 f. and GaS 3/255 nos. 2 and 6.
125 : editio.
198 chapter 2

ris: Cancer appears in the womb if thin blood flows from it for a long time,
because (then) the thick (blood) stays behind; the same is (true) with regard to
the breast, if thin milk flows from it continuously.

44
r 12/106,3f.

: .

ris says: A furuncle comes from profound sadness and from perpetual
indigestion.

45
r 14/95,710

:
: .

)ris says: If (you treat) a fever (and) you see that the strength (of the patient
supports an evacuation, then evacuate (him); if not, then soften and cool (his
body). (The author also) says: Just as tertian fever is mostly accompanied by
pain in the head and phlegmatic (fever) by pain in the stomach, so is quartan
fever accompanied by pain in the spleen.

46
r 15/84,19

126:
127


128
.

126 . : apparatus
127 . : editio
128 . ] [ , apparatus : editio
the syriac sources 199

According to what I saw (as) coming from ris, and what I approve of: In
the early stages of hot, acute diseases you must hurry (to induce) copious diar-
rhoea before the strength (of the patient) declinesin doing so you will break
the hostility (of the disease) and ward off its furious assault; if you miss that
point, there is no hope of escape for the patient, except (perhaps) to moisten
and to cool him a lot, and to exceed in (the use of) extinguishing (drugs)
in order to drown the fever and to counterbalance, as much as possible, the
(shifted humoral) mixture. The regimen which ris devised (includes) bar-
ley water; softening nature with (the help of) alhagi, cold water and the plum
decoction;129 offering gourd water, fleawort maceration and cucumber flesh;
and cold embrocations and fomentations. (But) confining (the treatment) to
the water of yellow myrobalans, scammony and alhagi is something he (also)
recommends.

47
r 15/129,916

:
130
131


. 132

ris: When (dealing with) tertian fever be on your guard and try hard to
avoid that it turns into an acute fever, for this is what it does if (left) unextin-
guished. If the patient is strong, the best treatment is to administer a potion
(containing) ten dirham of yellow myrobalans together with three dirham
alhagi, three ass scammony, and ten dirham white sugar(that way) you
will sever the matter of the fever and make sure that it does not turn into an

129 For the composition of the so-called plum decoction see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 328; there,
the drug is said to be a rob, i.e. thickened juice, obtained through a process of repeated
decoction and used, just as in the present context, to soften nature.
130
: editio .
131 : editio .
132
: editio .
200 chapter 2

acute condition; (but) if (the patient) is weak, or unable (to go through with)
this (treatment), you must offer (him) a potion of cold water containing plums
and alhagi, (administer) mild enemas, and never let his nature become dry.
In an acute disease you must hurry (to induce) diarrhoea and to bleed (the
patient) before (his) strength declines; in case you miss that early point, seek
to stifle and coax (the disease) untilAllah willingit comes to an end.

48
r 15/224,12225,12

:




133

][
.

ris: If in December and January the east wind blows for several days; (if) the
atmosphere is hazy; and (if) each time you think it is going to rain something
like dust scatters from the skythen, in (this) winter, the composition of the
air is corrupted. If there is little rain and a bitter cold in spring; (if) the south
wind blows for a few days and afterwards the atmosphere clears for about ten
days; (if) it is bitterly cold at night and hot during the day; and (if) the air is
misty and muggythen putridities and smallpox spread. If it rains a lot in
summer; (if) the atmosphere is hazy; (if) the trees are dust-covered; (if) it is
not as hot as usual; and (if) in the middle of autumn you see fires in the sky
from the westthen these are the signs of a massive plague. If the weather
changes several times a day from hot to cold; (if) the sun rises clear on one day
with the wind blowing from the north and it is cold and hazy, and on the next
day (it rises) with the wind blowing from the south and it is hotthen these

133 : editio .
the syriac sources 201

are the signs of a plague. (If any of this happens) one should avoid overeating,
(too) much wine, a lot of exertion, and sex. He (whose natural disposition) is
moist should be bled and purged, made to sweat in the bathhouse, smell that
which is fragrant, and drink spiced wine; he who has a fever should be given
julep and barley gruel, and drink Armenian bole.

49
r 16/73,1574,2

][ :

134
.

ris: If in the early stages of phlegmatic (fever) the strength (of the patient)
rises, take ten miql of aloe, one miql of mastic, four miql of yellow myro-
balans, and one miql of turpeth, (mix and) prepare that in pilular form, and
let him drink two miql from itif you want, you may (also) let him drink the
aloe infusion135 (which) contains fumitory and giant thistle; then, when you
have shaken off (his excess phlegm), prescribe him the rose pastilles136 and,
if (the fever) continues, (also) purge (him), let (him) swallow the agrimony
pastilles,137 and strengthen (his) stomach as much as possible.

50
r 16/89,1215

:
138
.

134 : editio .
135 Cf. note 74 above.
136 For the composition of the so-called rose pastilles see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 179 and 180.
137 For the composition of the so-called agrimony pastilles see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 193.
138
: editio .
202 chapter 2

ris (about phlegmatic fever): If the strength (of the patient) in this (condi-
tion) supports it, cut off the cause that has kindled the fevera superb remedy
to induce purgation is the aloe pill139 with mastic, turpeth and myrobalans,
(also) the aloe infusion140 and the like; then (try) the agrimony pastilles141 and
likewise the rose pastilles,142 and strengthen (his) stomach with nard oil and
other such (oils).

51
r 16/111,7f.

:
.

ris (about quartan fever): In the early stages of this (fever) induce a power-
ful purgation of the black bile; then prescribe the asafoetida resin pastilles;143
then repeat purgation and medication until (the patient) recovers.

52
r 16/125,1317

: :
:
.

ris says: Quartan fever does not begin with strong shivering fits at all. (The
author also) says: After (a fever bout) has come to an end, let (the patient)
drink the Ezra theriac,144 the sulphur remedy,145 and the (ones called) pep-

139 Cf. note 62 above.

140 Cf. note 74 above.
141 Cf. note 137 above.
142 Cf. note 136 above.
143 For the composition of the so-called asafoetida resin pastilles see e.g. SbAq = SbDis
no. 137; there, the drug is made into pills, administered to treat the same condition as
in the present context.
144 Azra Ezra, the Judeo-Persian scribe (fl. mid 5th century bce) after whom one of the books
of the Old Testament is called; for the preparation of the theriac thus named see e.g. ISQ
3/315,31316,18 (followed by a variant transmission [Arabic only]).
145 For the composition of the so-called sulphur remedy (an electuary) see e.g. SbAq = SbDis
no. 10.
the syriac sources 203

pery,146 cuminy147 and asafoetida resiny,148 for these are useful once (a bout) has
ended. (And) he says: If you see that (the patient) is strong enough, evacuate
him with pills once (a bout) has ended; and vomiting after a meal is (also)
useful.

53
r 16/153,6ff.

:
150. 149

ris: Five-day (fever) is due to a black-bilious mixture that has cooled down
a little. Treatment is like (that of) quartan fever, (namely) with fasting and
vomiting after a meal; the great theriac151 is (also) useful; and (visiting) the
bathhouse, without (however) using (any) water but only the heat (of the
steam)(in short), the regimen for quartan and five-day fever is the same.

54
r 17/16,1218,4

][ :


152

146 For the composition of the remedy called peppery ( falfil), a stomachic, see e.g. SbAq =
SbDis no. 216.
147 For the composition of the remedy called cuminy (kammn), a stomachic, see e.g. SbAq
= SbDis no. 217.
148 For the composition of the remedy called asafoetida resiny (iltt), a stomachic, see e.g.
SbAq = SbDis no. 245 (referred to under the synonymous name of anun[]).
149 : editio .
150 : editio, apparatus [
] .
151 Cf. note 7 above.
152 : editio .
204 chapter 2

ris says: Measles are caused by blood into which a lot of yellow bile is
mingled, smallpox are caused by blood that is thick and contains a lot of mois-
ture; therefore smallpox are associated with moisture, (whilst) measles are arid
(and) dry. (Measles) appear mostly in autumn, when there is no northerly
(wind) and no rain(fall)s, (when) the atmosphere is rather hazy, dusty (and)
gloomy, and (when) the south wind (blows) all the time; the symptoms (of
measles) are a continuous fever, headache, back pain, a heavy head, redness
of the eye(s), pain in the throat and chest, dryness of the mouth, viscous saliva,
an itchy and sneezy nose, the face is bloated, breathing is awkward, fainting
occurs, the appetite drops, the body is tense, and sleep is disturbedthe best
that can happen is a crisis and, if it should occur, a releasing nosebleed. Small-
pox that are violet or black, at times visible and held back at others, come with
great distress, hoarseness in the voice, and mental alterationflee from it! Dry
smallpox do not collect moisture (and) rather (resemble) warts which crack
the skin, and that crack is very dry indeed; this is followed by great distress, bad
breathing, mental confusion, and loss of voicea fatal (condition)! Sometimes
smallpox are large and inside there are little ones(this kind) is called dou-
bled. Reed roots, willow wood shavings, and white sand are (the things) that
make the scar(s) disappear.

55
r 17/31,1433,11

:


153

153 : editio , apparatus .

the syriac sources 205

154
][










.

ris says: Smallpox and measles occur when the blood cannot escape, be-
comes corrupt, and burns, and (their occurrence is even) more frequent when
they are supported by a southerly wind; they are preceded by acute fever, severe
pain and heaviness in the head, a reddening of the face, a cough, dryness of
tongue and saliva, inflation of all facial veins, the saliva is viscous (and) sticky,
itching and sneezing befall the nose, redness with itching and a weeping dis-
charge (befall) the eye(s), the face puffs up, breathing is awkward, fainting
arises and nausea and vomiting, (there is) a lack of appetite, and the whole
body (feels) heavy and tightif you see all these (signs), or some of them, then
smallpox or measles will appear. Sometimes (smallpox and measles) break out
with a heavy fever, (in which case the disease itself) will be heavier and more
severe as it is set on fire; sometimes they break out and the fever is light. Measles
are deadlier. Be sure not to treat these (patients) with strong coolants, for this
would (lead to) a great, (potentially) fatal disaster; rather, if it is winter, let them
drink fennel and celery juice and rose honey, and during the hot season the
water(s) of barley, lentils, musk melon, pomegranate, gourd, and the like. (The
patient) should hold in his mouth every day (some) fennel juice (with) saf-

154 : editio , apparatus ] [ .

206 chapter 2

fron and white sugar; or pour over his eyes (some) garum in order to protect
them, and besmear them with stibium and camphor. Deny (the patient) that
which is sour and salty in order not to arouse coughing and thirst, and likewise
julep in order not to loosen his bellyif that should happen (regardless), let
him drink the myrtle rob155 and the quince rob156 with rose water, and (also)
the tabasheer pastilles.157 If he (starts to) bleed from the nose, then this is a
crisis which is good for him. If you see violet and (dark-)green measles that
vanish all of a sudden towards the inside of the body, you must know that this
patient will lose consciousness and (eventually) die. Little, dry, clustered small-
pox are those that do not gather fluid quickly nor become (very) hard; (rather
they) resemble warts which crack and desiccate (the skin); together with them
appear fainting, nausea, and a deadly mental confusion. Let (a patient) whose
(rash) is very moist sleep on a light mattress that is stuffed with rice meal and
millet, and expose him to the smoke of (burning) myrtle leaves and dry olive
leaves. When the lesions have dried out, we scrape a reed root or (some) willow
wood, (mix the shavings) into water, and apply this paste together with (some)
washed litharge, so that there will be no scar(s).

56
r 17/103,14

][ :

.

ris says: A convalescent who is emerging from his illness through an evac-
uation, do not evacuate him (again); and someone whose disease is waning,
or who is emerging from it without an evacuationthe disease having been
acute (and) yellow-bilious, give him a potion of myrobalans, scammony and
alhagi, so that his illness does not return.

155 For the composition of the so-called myrtle rob see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 325.
156 For the composition of the so-called quince (only) rob see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 323 and
(for an undisrupted transmission) SbHos no. 45.
157 Cf. note 21 above.
the syriac sources 207

57
r 19/268,69

158 :
159
.

ris says (about scorpion stings): Let (the victim) drink garlic with thickened
grape wine, (or) the great theriac,160 (or) the Ezra theriac,161 (or) the theriac-of-
the-four,162 (or) the (remedy called) saizny,163 (or) the sulphur electuary,164
or the asafoetida resin remedy;165 (alternatively) let him drink a saucerful of
clarified butter and purified honey; and apply to the painful (area) a hot com-
press made from mountain figs or cooked bran, and tie (a band) above it.

58
r 19/269,2ff.

:
.

ris: The best way to treat (the stings of the scorpions called) arrra166 is
with cupping glasses and intense sucking; then (the victim) should drink the
water of wild endives and rose oil, or else have (some) apple puree; and if his
belly is constipated, administer an enema.

158 : editio , apparatus .

159 : editio .
160 Cf. note 7 above.
161 Cf. note 144 above.
162 For the composition of the so-called theriac-of-the-four (scil. ingredients) see e.g. SbAq =
SbDis no. 2.
163 saizny < Syriac sagg znayy (i.q. ), lit. multiform, is the name of a famous
electuary quod valet successu abundans vel utilitatibus abundans, see PSThes 2/2519; for
an Arabic prototype of this compound drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 6.
164 Cf. note 145 above.
165 This is the same drug as the one registered in note 148 above.
166 The arrra is described LaLex 2/401bc as follows: A small, yellow, female scorpion, like a
piece of straw, that drags its tail (for which reason it is thus called); one of the most deadly
of scorpions to him whom it stings.
208 chapter 2

59
r 19/347,813

:


.

ris says: The (louse-like) scale insect which is (called) qamlat an-nasr.167
Blood comes out of the nose, the mouth, the anus and (also runs) in the urine
of someone who has been bitten (by this creature); the majority (of victims)
will not recover. However, (acting) very soon after the bite, you may let (the
victim) drink warm fresh milk, as the poison of these (creatures) is opposed by
cold (and) fatty things; rub a bezoar (stone) over (the bite); give him the press
juice of lettuce, rose oil, fleawort seeds, barley water, and gourd water; smear
nightshade, wild serpent melon seeds and fresh butter on (the bite), and let
him eat some of this as well.

60
r 22/77(column 34),912

. 168:

ris: barsm169a swelling inside the ribs.

61
r 22/290(column 14),9ff. and 2

. 172 171: 170

167 qamlat an-nasr, lit. eagle-louse, is a creature I cannot identify (recorded DoSupp 2/666b
somewhat idly as sorte d insecte venimeux). Judging from the horrific symptoms caused
by its bite, it seems to be a virus-carrying vector, probably airborne like a mosquito or else
a tick, that transmits some form of haemorrhagic fever.
168
: editio + [!] [ ] .
169 barsm < Persian bar-sm pleurisy, see StDic 174b.
170 : apparatus .
171
: editio
, apparatus .
172
: editio
, apparatus .
the syriac sources 209

This is what I found in the Medical Compendium of ris, in (one of) the
volumes: qnn173Indian aconite.

62
r 23.1/107,5108,2

: ][



.

And ris reports on the authority of Galen who said: A person will stay
healthy as long as he eats in moderation and waste matter is discharged from
his (body) regularly. If (the latter) is impeded, you must induce urination and
purge the belly with those things that are used to preserve health, and which
we mentioned in (the context of) purgativesfor example, turpentine in a
quantity of one hazelnut, together with some salt, drunk before bedtime; also
(certain) foods have purging properties, like a broth of sea snails, beet(roots),
bindweed and polypody (eaten) as a meal, or aloes in a quantity of three
chickpeas taken before bedtime (as a drug).174

63
r 23.2/87,888,2

:
.

ris says: Useful against (tetter) is bloodletting; purgation with myrobalans;

embrocation with oak galls, sumach and vinegar or (just) oak galls and vinegar,
(or) with citron juice and storax resin, and sometimes, at a late stage, (also) with
mustard and vinegarAllah willing.

173 qnn < wolfs bane, see LSLex 52b.

174 Rhazes himself describes the preparation of this drug containing aloes as follows: A pill to
that effecttake half a dirham of aloes, the same (amount) of turpentine and one dniq
of natron; (then make pills) to be used (in the given size and quantity), for this (drug) is a
good one, see r 23.1/108,3 f.
210 chapter 2

64
r 23.2/119,6ff.

:
.

ris says: After (having visited) the bathhouse, besmear leprosy with (a
mixture of) marking-nuts, garden cress, aloe, gum senegal, litharge and vinegar;
useful are (also) henna, mustard and sesame oil.

65
r 23.2/130,12f.

. :

ris says: Useful against (an itchy rash) is vinegar when drunk or used as a
lotion; (also) myrobalans, and bloodlettingAllah willing.

66
r 23.2/170,6f.

. :

ris says: In alopecia the skin stays, in ophiasis it goes together with the hair.

67
r 23.2/184,12185,1

:
.

ris says: (Dry scabies) is excited by (excessive) sweating. Useful against

it is bathing in a decoction of myrtle and dried roses; (also) useful in this
(condition) is to besmear the lesions with (a mixture of) oak galls, vinegar,
turmeric and sun-warmed water, and so it is (with) rose oil.
the syriac sources 211

d Hzy (8th or 9th century ce)

al-mi (scil. al-Kunn)

1
r 1/59,9

176. : 175

The z say: Sweet flag is good for (the treatment of mental) enmeshment.

2
r 1/92,19

. :

The z say: Too many onions corrupt the mind.

3
r 1/93,4ff.

177:
.

The z: The special property of marking-nuts is to dismiss forgetfulness. Yet

for him who swallows them (regularly), one fears melancholy; sometimes they
(also) bequeath vitiligo and leprosy. The (proper) dose is half a dirham.

4
r 1/93,7

. :

The z say: Chicken meat improves the mind.

175 : editio .
176 : editio .
177 : editio .
212 chapter 2

5
r 1/140,11

. :

The z say: Sagapenum is useful against epilepsy when taken as a snuff.

6
r 1/213,12ff.

:
178
.

The z say: Hazelnut oil, swallowed or taken as a snuff, is marvelous for (the
treatment of) lightheadedness. Something that brings sleep and truly quietens
(the mind) is to snuff equal (amounts of) almond oil, hazelnut (oil) and sesame
(oil). Oil is (also) useful for someone who suffers from phrenitis(such as)
almond oil poured into his throat.

7
r 2/82,18f.

. :

The z: Areca, which in the Persian language is called tamza,179 is good to

(counter) heat in the eye; it is (also) useful against ophthalmia and hot tumours
of the eye.

8
r 2/143,18

. :

178
: editio .
179 VuLex 1/447b s.v. tamza forma arabica persicae vocis amzak i.q. (1/579b) granum
nigrum lubricum, quod cum saccharo purissimo subtilissime contritum in oculum in-
dunt; cf. StDic 303b and 395a.
the syriac sources 213

The z: Sagapenum, when pounded and smeared on hordeolum and cha-

lazion, makes them disappear.

9
r 2/144,2

. 180 :

The z: Glass slag and saltpetre are both hot (and) eradicate pterygium.

10
r 2/222,4

. 181:

The z: Too many onions dim the sight.

11
r 2/257,19258,1

:
182.

The z say: The caper root heals fistulas in the inner corners of the eyes. And
according to the Indians one chews mung beans and puts (their mash) on a
lachrymal abscess, for they have a marvelous, special property to cure it.183

12
r 3/27,16f.

. : 184

180 : editio .
181 : editio .
182 : editio .
183 In Ayurvedic medicine, a corrosive paste made from mung beans, mussel shells and honey
is used to treat certain eye diseases, notably those involving the sclera and cornea, see e.g.
HKA 569 no. 46; cf. also imm 1/939 f. no. 1865.
184 : editio .
214 chapter 2

The z say: No remedy is known to be more effective for (the treatment of)
earache than goose fat.

13
r 3/79,916

:

185
186
. 190 189 188 187

The z say: Him who stinks from the nose cauterize once in the middle of
the head, and (then) prepare for him the following (powder)(take) myrtle,
lemon grass, dog roses, (red) roses (and) clove in equal (parts); myrrh (and) oak
galls half (a part) of each; musk one grain; camphor one part for each miql of
the remedy; cadmia (and) white salt one qr for each miql; blow (this) into
(the patients nose) or (sprinkle it) on a plug which you insert. To (treat) chronic
(nasal) scab bleed the vein at the side of the (patients) nose, or lacerate it with
a fingernail after having bled the cephalic vein. To stop (compulsive) sneezing
in an infant briefly fry the kidney of a healthy sheep, (then) press it out, and
make (the infant) snuff (the juice) together with a similar (quantity of) sweet
violet oil, for this arrests his sneezing.

14
r 3/126,3

:
.

The z say: Dried areca (nuts) are good for the teeth.

185 : editio .
186 : editio .
187 : editio .
188 : editio .
189 : editio .
190 : editio .
the syriac sources 215

15
r 3/126,4f.

:
.

The z: Nothing matches sandarac in terms of usefulness against toothache.

The betel leaf is something the Indians chew; it very much strengthens the teeth
and the gums.191

16
r 3/194,14f.

. :

The z: Borage and its leaves, when burned, are useful against aphthous
ulcer(s), rotten gums, and heat in the mouth.

17
r 3/213,10

. :

The z: Sweet flag is good for (the treatment of) heaviness of the tongue.

18
r 3/213,18

. :

The z say: Sweet flag is good for (the treatment of) heaviness of the tongue.

191 On the presumed oral health benefits of chewing betel leaves, an inveterate habit among
the Indians, see imm 1/960964 no. 1925, esp. 963.
216 chapter 2

19
r 4/50,1751,1

][ :

.

The z: (Sealing bole), when pounded and sprinkled on the mouth (of a
wound), stops bleedingno drug whatsoever is better at that; bole from Lem-
nos is very good to (treat) spitting of blood; haematite is useful against spitting
of blood; citronella blades are very useful to (treat) spitting of blood; frankin-
cense, when drunk, is useful against spitting of blood, and (egg)shells are (also)
strong at that; emblic very much represses the spitting of blood; myrtle seeds
are good to (treat) spitting of blood.

20
r 4/51,6

. :

The z: No drug stops bleeding better than pure sealing bole.

21
r 4/112,17

. :

The z say: Liquorice dissolves purulent matter in the chest.

22
r 4/182,12f.

:
.

The z: If the fever breaks off a little, give him who suffers from a swelling
inside the ribs whatever food he likes (but preferably) bread with fresh butter
and white sugar, for that helps to ripen (the disease) and accelerates expecto-
ration.
the syriac sources 217

23
r 4/188,4f.

. :

The z: Very useful to (treat the injury from) a blow struck against the side (of
the chest) is (a mixture of) purging cassia and almond oil with endive water.

24
r 5/84,16

. :

The z: The purging cassia is useful against a tumour in the stomach.

25
r 5/84,1985,1

192 :
.

The z: Garden peppercress, onions and garlic whet the appetite for food, and
likewise (green) olives (preserved in salty) water.193 Drinking iron slag soaked
in wine halfway through a meal strengthens the stomach that is enfeebled by
moistures.

26
r 5/85,8

. :

The z: Ferrous water, which is found in iron mines, is good for (the treatment
of) a moist stomach.

192
: editio .
193 zaitn al-m, here translated (green) olives (preserved in salty) water, is explained
DoSupp 1/617a as follows: olives qui ne sont pas mres et que lon met en saumure, adding
that ces olives ne contiennent pas encore d huile; mais improprement on donne aussi le
[mme] nom [] aux olives cueillies avant leur parfaite maturit qui fournissent lhuile
nomme zait al-m et zait al-unfq (the latter term < ).
218 chapter 2

27
r 5/86,3

. :

The z: The purging cassia is very good for (the treatment of) a tumour in the
stomach.

28
r 5/95,9

. 195 194:

The z: Slag is extremely useful for him who vomits up his food.

29
r 5/97,1014

197 196 :

][
.

The z: To him who vomits up what he eats (give) the musk remedy198 for
a few dayscelery seeds, visnaga, spikenard, mastic, sukk,199 shampoo ginger,
great leopards bane, castoreum, aloe and absinthe in equal (parts); opium one
fourth of a part; (mix these ingredients) adding a grain of musk, and drink one
miql (of it) with (some) wine. If (the patient) is of age (and) strong, let him

194 : editio .
195 : editio .
196 : editio .
197 : editio + .
198 Cf. note 64 above.
199 sukk < Sanskrit uka (cf. MWDic 1079c,4ff.) is the name of a perfumed medicinal prepa-
ration of which there are many different compositions; in the Arabic tradition, the basic
ingredients generally include dates, gallnuts, oil, mace, clove, cardamom and certain other
aromatics mainly of Indian provenance, see e.g. KinAq 294 no. 171 and the very detailed
descriptions given in WiedGS 2/821826.
the syriac sources 219

drink, for a few weeks, castor oil (mixed) into the water (obtained from) celery,
fennel, anise, cumin, sweet flag, ginger and galingale.

30
r 5/169,1

. :

The z (about calming flatulence and gripes): Colophony does that.

31
r 5/178,916

200 :

[ ]
201
.

The z: Litharge is very useful for children whose stomachs are bloated.
Pastilles to (counter) hiccoughs and vomiting up of foodcostmary, myrrh,
aloe, citronella, dried wild thyme, celery seeds, frankincense, dried pennyroyal
(and) asarabacca two dirham of each; opium (and) roses half a dirham of each;
(this) is formed into pastilles with aged wine, (and) a potion (may be made by
using) half a dirham (of it). A pastille to (counter) hiccoughscostmary, aloe,
citronella, dried wild thyme, pennyroyal, rue, celery seeds, asarabacca (and)
frankincense in equal (parts); opium (and) vinegar one fourth of a part of each;
a potion (may be made by using) one dirham (of it).

32
r 5/178,20179,2

:
.

200 : editio .
201 : editio + .
220 chapter 2

The z: For (the treatment of) hiccoughsaloe, absinthe, visnaga, mastic,

spikenard, cinnamom, celery seeds (and) saffron one fourth of a part of each;
castoreum one eighth of a part; musk one grain to the miql; a potion of cold
water (may be drunk with) one miql (of it).

33
r 5/214,16f.

:
.

The z: Shampoo ginger checks vomiting. Bamboo chalk really detains vom-
iting and extinguishes the burning (flame) in the stomach when three dirham
of it are drunk with the water of sour pomegranates.

34
r 5/219,39

][ :
][


.

The z: Usnea settles nausea when soaked in wine and drunk. Useful against
excessive vomiting is to pound cloves as (fine as) kohl and to sprinkle (the
powder) into a soup made from pomegranate water or sumach (water), for
(then the vomiting) settles. And (this is) to (counter) severe nauseaequal
(parts of) cloves, cinnamom, ramie, mastic (and) grains of paradise are (mixed
and) drunk with the water of sourish pomegranates; (or) cook equal (parts of)
quinces, oak galls, mastic, roses (and) myrtle and apply (the mash) as a poultice
to the stomach; similarly, mix one dirham of mastic (and) half (a dirham) of
cloves into the water of a sour pomegranate and drink (that), adding mastic
and cloves to the pomegranate water (as required).
the syriac sources 221

35
r 6/119,5

. :

The z: Indigo seeds are cold (and) dry in the first (degree).

36
r 6/132,4

. :

The z: Indian salt purges the yellow fluid (of ascites), white (salt) purges
phlegm.

37
r 6/132,6ff.

: 203 202 :
.

The z say: The froth (of mezereon) destroys the liver when eaten, and
quickly brings dropsy to its drinker. They (also) say: The special property of
mezereon is to purge the black bile; similarly, all (species of) spurge purge
watery (residues); and sagapenum purges tough phlegm and (excess) water.

38
r 6/132,19

. :

The z: Centaury purges (excess) water, very strongly so.

202 : editio .
203 : editio .
222 chapter 2

39
r 6/133,4

. :

The z: And turpeth purges the viscid, half-cooked humour.

40
r 6/150,11

. :

The z: Radish seeds arouse vomiting.

41
r 6/213,19214,2

:
.

A powder (against diarrhoea) from the z: Cumin soaked in vinegar, caraway

the same, pomegranate flowers, myrtle seeds, babul, Bengal quince, Meccan
bdellium, Nabataean carob (and) dried, roasted coriander in equal (parts); a
potion (may be made by using) five dirham (of it) together with three dirham
of henbane seeds.

42
r 6/249,9f.

:
.

The z: Chickpea meal and broad bean (meal), when mixed together, and
wheat meal (on its own) may be made into a fattening soup using milk; the
orchil fattens; and the Arabian cassia fattens.
the syriac sources 223

43
r 6/249,14

. :

The z: The partridge fattens, very much so.

44
r 7/10,1

. :

The z: Cows milk increases the milk of the woman who breastfeeds.

45
r 7/35,1f.

: 204 :
.

The z: ildra Persian drug which is known under that name205is

good for (the treatment of) palpitations. They (also) say: The walnut is good
for (the treatment of) palpitations, and cinnamom pleases the heart.

46
r 7/35,8

. :

The z: Bamboo chalk is good for (the treatment of) palpitations in conjunc-
tion with intense heat.

204 : editio .
205 ildr var. ldr, lit. remedy from (the Iranian province of) Gilan, is arabica forma
persicae vocis gl-dr i.q. lignum exile nigri coloris, quod in ora maris Caspii reperitur,
see VuLex 1/546b and 2/1065a; cf. StDic 383a and 1109a, where the name is also said to
denote a certain medicinal wood, black without and green within, found on the shores
of the Caspian Sea.
224 chapter 2

47
r 7/35,11

. :

The z: Fresh butter (made) from cows milk is good for (the treatment of)
palpitations of the heart.

48
r 7/87,4

. :

The z: Cheese water is good for (the treatment of) heat in the liver in
conjunction with dryness of nature and jaundice.

49
r 7/158,17

. :

The z: Castoreum is good for (the treatment of) jaundice.

50
r 7/160,25

:
][
.

The z: In order to (treat) jaundice, offer (the patient), if (his) belly is relaxed,
curd with biscuit; otherwise (let him drink) cheese water. A pill to be adminis-
tered daily when nature is arrestedyellow myrobalans one dirham; aloe one
third of a dirham; roses, the press juice of agrimony, absinthe and liquorice rob
one dniq (of each); (this is mixed and drunk) with nightshade water.
the syriac sources 225

51
r 7/226,20

. :

The z: Sagapenum purges (excess) water.

52
r 7/227,4f.

. :

The z: Small centaury strongly purges (excess) water. The flesh of bitterns is
good for (the treatment of) dropsy.

53
r 8/156,16157,3

][ ][ :


:
.

The z: (To treat colic take) one handful of fenugreek, the same of dill, the
same of capers, and the same of cumin; soak this (in water) and (then) cook
it; (now) add to half a ral (of it) between three and five dirham of safflower
oil, depending on how dry (the preparation) is, and use that(safflower oil)
is always suitable and can take the place of castor (oil). (Visiting) the bath-
house is good for (the treatment of) colic; enemas (too), executed two or three
times a month; (also) bay laurel oil, lily (oil), and safflower oil. A powerful
suppositorycolocynth pulp four (parts); myrrh one (part); sarcocolla the
same; sal ammoniac half (a part); honey as (needed) to bind (the ingredients);
(now) condense the honey until it almost congeals, bring (everything) together,
and prepare from it a suppository.
226 chapter 2

54
r 9/26,14f.

. 206:

The z: The special property of great leopards bane is to dissolve tough (gas-
tric) winds, and notably (those) in the wombs (of women)in this (respect) it
is unmatched.

55
r 9/26,16ff.

. 207:

The z: Shampoo ginger dissolves tough (gastric) winds, and especially those
in the wombin this (respect) it has no equal.

56
r 9/27,1114

:
:
.

The z: Nothing is more useful with regard to uterine pain than to drink
castoreum and (generally use) it as a treatment. The water of unripe grapes
checks bleeding. To (counter) excessive menstruation, cook one handful of
sumach and one handful of bread crumbs in water until it stiffens (a little), and
drink (that) for a few days on an empty stomach. Sandarac checks the (flow of)
menstrual blood.

206 : editio .
207 : editio .
the syriac sources 227

57
r 9/144,20145,1

208:
.

The z: (The opopanax-like gum-resin called) kamran Indian drug,209

(classified as) hot in the fourth (degree), applied (in analogy to) spurgeis
unrivalled with regard to aborting a child.

58
r 9/145,8f.

The z are agreed210 that if (the woman) carries a pessary (made) from
elephants dung it will prevent pregnancy always and forever.

59
r 9/146,18147,2

211 :
:
][
.

The z: For her whose belly is (still) swollen after she has given birth, knead
equal (parts of) sagapenum, savory and mastic together with honey and admin-

208
: editio .
209 For kamr see WkaS 1/576b, where the term is rightly considered to be a loan-word from
Persian; however, as the substance was imported from India (cf. VuLex 2/881b), the term
no doubt has a Sanskrit etymology which remains to be established.
210 This is in fact a secondary quotation after Yann ibn Msawaih (d. 243/857) who says:
I have seen several (physicians) and (also) the z are agreed (ahidtu air wid
wa-tamaat al-z ), see r 9/145,8.
211
: editio .
228 chapter 2

ister one miql (of it), which should relieve (the swelling) instantly. They (also)
say: Something that expels the living foetus is to knead a bit of lyciuman
amount (equalling) a broad beaninto (some) honey; the dead (foetus) is
seized and ejected by drinking a decoction of agnus-castus, which is (very)
effective. Useful in such (situations) is (further) to grind (some) rue, (mix it)
with (some) ox-gall, smear (that) all over the belly, and (also) put it into the
mouth of the womb.

60
r 10/132,6ff.

: :
.

The z: Ebony crumbles bladder stones. They (also) say: A proven (remedy)
to (counter a urinary) stonepeeled mahaleb seeds, balm seeds, galingale and
cassia are kneaded with honey, and (a quantity of) one walnut (of it) is drunk
daily with radish water.

61
r 10/241,5f.

. 212:

The z: African bdellium dissolves indurated tumours in the testicles when

applied as a cataplasm.

62
r 10/241,6ff.

214 213:
.

212 : editio .
213 : editio .
214 : editio .
the syriac sources 229

The z: The blood and the urine of the tortoise are highly useful for (the
treatment of) hernia in children when injected into the urethra undiluted,
or dripped into it (after having been) mixed with a very small amount of
musk; alternatively, cook this animal in water and let the child sit in (the
decoction).

63
r 10/304,14

. :

The z: Sweet flag increases sexual potency.

64
r 10/304,15f.

. 215:

The z: Ginger increases sexual potency.

65
r 10/304,16

. :

The z: Fenugreek increases sexual potency.

66
r 10/304,18

. 216 :

The z: The shoots and the seeds of sweet clover incite the desire for sex.

215 : editio .
216 : editio , apparatus .
230 chapter 2

67
r 10/305,25

:

.

The z: One drinks their water and (also) eats chickpeas because they excite
a strong sexual desire; yet that water must be (extracted) slowly and gradu-
ally for it to be powerful, (obtained) from large well-chosen (chickpeas), and
used continuallyevery day a quantity of half a rub. Orchils increase sperm.
Women use wild caraway to heat the pudenda, and it heats so well that one
understands why it is a remedy.

68
r 10/305,11

. :

The z: Common ash increases sexual potency.

69
r 10/305,13

. :

The z: Bananas stimulate sexual desire.

70
r 10/305,16306,2

:
.

The z: He who swallows three miql of that which lies next to the kidneys of
a skink217 will become aroused sexually so much so that he might be in need of

217 During the breeding season, the cranial parts or sexual segments of the kidneys of male
the syriac sources 231

drinking a lentil infusion; (however), if drugs are mixed into (the aphrodisiac),
the edge of its power is blunted. This fish has the special property to (really)
incite the desire for sex.

71
r 10/306,5ff.

:
218
.

The z: Radishes increase sperm and sexual desire all at once. The seed
extract of safflower increases sexual potency. The colocasia increases sexual
potency, especially when mixed with sesame and (sugar) cane juice or cane
molasses. Fresh lobster219 increases sexual potency. Sea crayfish220 incites the
desire for sex.

72
r 10/306,10

. :

The z: Galingale very much increases sexual potency.

skinks and other lizards swell up and contribute to the production of seminal fluidthis,
rather than the more remotely situated testicles, is probably what the z recommend
here for consumption as a philtre.
218
: editio .
219 rbiyn var. irbiyn is an Arabo-Persian word denoting lobster, see LwFM 5 note 3
(amend accordingly VuLex 1/75b and 2/64b locusta marina, as well as StDic 33b a sea-
locust and 591b a shrimp); Dozy says that rbiyn is used dans des livres de mdecine
pour irbiyn, translating the latter homard, grosse crevisse de mer, see DoSupp 1/564b
then 17a.
220 rab < Syriac arb cancer maritimus, see BroLex 45b after LwFM 5 no. 2 Seekrebs
[] [] eine Art irbiyn [Hummer] (amend accordingly VuLex 2/22a genus piscis
parvi and StDic 569a a kind of small fish).
232 chapter 2

73
r 10/312,17313,2

:

.

The z: The shoots and the seeds of sweet clover incite the desire for sex. A
truly marvelous (prescription) for sexual arousalcook equal (parts of) spurge
(and) pellitory, (that is) one qya of each, in three ral water, (then) strain it,
pour oil into it, and boil it until it condenses; then embrocate with it the penis,
which will not cease to be erect.

74
r 10/315,36

:

.

The z: A remedy, suitable in summer, for him whose body is dry and who
misses sexual intercoursealhagi ten dirham; milk forty (dirham); clean the
alhagi (in water), then put it back (into a pot containing the milk), and cook
that down to one half; then sip it in one go, and do this for a few weeks, because
it increases sperm, (augments) the brain, and moistens the body.

75
r 11/15,2f.

. 221 : :

The z: The special property of germander is to expel (intestinal) flukes. They

(also) say: The drug which is called ildr222 is good for the expulsion of
tapeworms.

221 : editio , apparatus .

222 Cf. note 205 above.
the syriac sources 233

76
r 11/15,6ff.

225 224 223:

.

The z: The drug which is called ablat and also hablat226 has a powerful,
(almost) excessive purgative effect, especially on (intestinal) wormsfor these
it is (the drug) of choice, nothing stronger exists.

77
r 11/15,14f.

227:
.

The z say: Administer two dirham of lovage with a potion when (treating)
tapeworms. Mezereon, together with indigo seeds, purges (intestinal) flukes.

78
r 11/15,16

. 228:

The z: Aged (wine) drives out (intestinal) flukes.

79
r 11/15,16f.

. :

The z: Black naphtha is good for (the treatment of) worms in the rectum
when carried (on a suppository).

223 : editio .
224 : editio , apparatus ] [ .
225 : editio , apparatus .
226 h/ablat < Syriac ala nom[en] medicinae purgativae, see PSThes 1/1181.
227 : apparatus .
228 : editio ][ ][.
234 chapter 2

80
r 11/16,17

. :

The z: If one qya of walnut oil is drunk several times every day, it expels
(intestinal) worms.

81
r 11/17,5ff.

:
.

The z: If one drinks a saucerful of the press juice of myrtle (leaves), it

drives out all (intestinal) worms; or soak chickpeas in strong vinegar, using fifty
chickpeas every day on an empty stomach.

82
r 11/17,13

. :

The z: Eating a lot of purslane drives out (intestinal) flukes.

83
r 11/58,3f.

. 229:

The z: Black myrobalans are good for (the treatment of) piles. Fenugreek is
useful for (the treatment of) piles. Indian bdellium is useful for (the treatment
of) piles.

229 : editio .
the syriac sources 235

84
r 11/58,7

. :

The z: Hypericum is useful against haemorrhoidal cramps.

85
r 11/59,3

. ][ :

The z: (The plant called) Solomons basil230 resembles fresh dill stalks (and)
is very useful for (the treatment of) piles.

86
r 11/63,14f.

. 231:

The z: Emblic is good for (the treatment of) piles, it strengthens the anus.

87
r 11/193,2f.

232:
.

The z: Indian lignaloes is (well) known; it has no equal in terms of usefulness

against gout, tough (rheumatic) winds in the back and knee(s), and the like.

230 Schmucker already observed that rain Sulaimn Solomons basil is a calque of Persian
am-isparam (cf. StDic 48b and 369b) and perhaps denotes Ocimum filamentosum, see
Schab 146 no. 205; Dozy translates the (Arabic) term with basilic girofl (?), see DoSupp
1/567a.
231 : editio .
232 : editio .
236 chapter 2

88
r 11/194,8f.

. :

The z: White naphtha, when drunk, is marvelous for (the treatment of) pain
in the back, hip(s), knee(s), and cold joints.

89
r 11/194,9

. :

The z: Turpeth extracts raw matter from the knees.

90
r 11/194,12195,3

233 :

.

According to what I saw (as) coming from the z: A pill which is good
for (the treatment of) pain in the back and knee(s), called invigorator of the
decrepit234colocynth pulp one fourth of a dirham; clean, fresh, smooth tur-
peth (roots) one dirham; small centaury half a dirham; ginger one third of a
dirham; castoreum one fourth of a dirham; sagapenum two dniq; indigo seeds,
peeled ones, two thirds of a dirham; this is a perfect potion.

233 : apparatus .
234 muqm az-zamn, here translated invigorator of the decrepit, is almost certainly a generic
drug name to which, however, I have found no other reference. According to the informa-
tion that can be gathered from Rhazes own accounts, the remedy was administered in
pilular form to treat pelvic and genicular complaints due to gout; for a variant transmis-
sion of the drugs composition see fragment 91 below.
the syriac sources 237

91
r 11/250,16251,15

:
237 236 235
][ ][ 238
239
][
][

:


.

The z: Something that eases gouty pain is to thoroughly grind (some) musk
melon seeds and to rub them, (mixed) with gillyflower oil, on (the affected
area); or to lightly burn (some) linseeds in a frying pan, then knead them
with sesame oil, and apply that as a poultice. The invigorator of the decrepit
pill240 for him whose back and knee(s) have been entwined by (rheumatic)
windcolocynth pulp, centaury, cocculus, turpeth and pith spurge in equal
(parts); garden cress, savin, sweet flag (and) mustard one part of each; ginger,
opopanax, sagapenum (and) ammoniacum two parts of each; white naphtha
one fourth of the total (amount); this is soaked, (then) formed into pills, (and)
a potion (may be made by using) two and a half dirham (of it), or less; it is
drunk before bedtime for a few nights, and (the unformed preparation) may

235 : editio , apparatus .

236 : apparatus ] [ .
237 : editio .
238 : editio .
239 : editio + .
240 Cf. note 234 above; for a variant transmission of the drugs composition see fragment 90
above.
238 chapter 2

also be left (as a poultice) around the waist, until (the patient) feels better;
(for) food (give him) chickpea water. One of the remedies of choice (in this
condition)glossostemon root, marshmallow, white meadow saffron (and)
barley meal in equal (parts); this is kneaded with sesame oil, egg yolk, and
a little vinegar, and stuck upon (the affected area); it is a tested preparation.
Also burn (some) linseeds to the point where they can be pulverized (more
easily), (then) pound them, (mix them) with sweet violet oil, and rub that on
(the affected area). They (also) say: If gout hints at you, drink three dirham,
and never more than that, of the following drug with hot water when you go
to sleepmeadow saffron, mastic and white sugar in equal (parts); if (the
patients humoral) disposition is cold, add cumin and ginger; and for him
(whose humoral disposition) is hot, (mix) equal (parts) of meadow saffron,
green-winged orchid (and) red roses, (and make) a potion (using) one and a
half miql (of it); this will prevent the pain from arising, and ease what has
arisen.

92
r 11/307,3f.

. 241:

The z: Oleander leaves, when cooked and applied as a cataplasm to indu-

rated tumours, dissolve them with great power.

93
r 11/307,5f.

. :

The z say: Moist pitch is the best thing to (treat) the bladder and the womb
that suffer from a hardened swelling,242 especially (when mixed) with fat and
marrows.

241
: editio .
242 siqrs < hardened swelling or tumour, induration, see LSLex 1611b.
the syriac sources 239

94
r 11/317,5

. :

The z say: White mustard melts indurated tumours.

95
r 11/317,12

. 243:

The z: (Oleander) leaves, when cooked and put on an indurated tumour,

dissolve it.

96
r 12/23,12

. 244 :

The z: Chickpea meal is useful when applied as a cataplasm to cancer.

97
r 14/50,8ff.

. 246 245:

The z: Agrimony is very useful for (the treatment of) sharp, continuous,
inveterate feversin this (respect) it has no match.

98
r 16/96,1f.

. :

243 : editio .
244 : editio + .
245 : editio .
246 : editio , apparatus .
240 chapter 2

The z say: The best (drug) that can be thrown into the roots-water (decoc-
tion)247 when (treating) fevers is citronella, for it strengthens the stomach; and
absinthe (too).

99
r 16/238,7

. 248:

The z: Rose water, gulped down repeatedly, is useful for him who (has a
tendency to) faint.

100
r 19/246,15247,9

:



.

The z: Mixing onions, salt and honey with (the tassel hyacinth) is good to
(treat) the bite of a dog or a human. Wheat, when chewed and (then) applied as
a cataplasm, is useful to (treat) the bite of a dog. Vetch meal, when mixed with
wine (and) applied as a cataplasm, is useful against the bite of a human or a dog.
The root of the bitter almond (tree), when applied as a cataplasm together with
honey, is good to (treat) the bite of a dog. Plantain, when applied as a cataplasm
together with salt, is useful against the bite of a dog; and if vetch is added, it
is useful (also) against the bite of a weasel. Garlic, when mixed together with
fig leaves and cumin and applied as a cataplasm, is useful against the bite of a
weasel.

247 Cf. note 86 above.

248 .
: editio
the syriac sources 241

101
r 19/259,12

. 249 :

All z, without exception, (say): Wild anise is good to (treat) scorpion stings
(when) drunk or applied as a cataplasm.

102
r 19/260,3

. 250 :

The z: Sagapenum is very good to (treat) the sting of a scorpion (when)

drunk or smeared upon (the affected area).

103
r 19/287,25

251 :
253 252
.

The z say: A substitute for the theriac254 when (treating) viper bites and the
ingestion of (potentially) lethal poisons is the drug called zedoaryimported
from India (where) it grows among aconite, it (also) neutralizes the latters
(toxic) effect. The animal called salamander is a very (strong) antidote.

249 : editio , apparatus .

250 : editio .
251 : editio , apparatus ] [ .
252 : editio , apparatus ] [ .
253 : editio , apparatus .
254 Short for great theriac, on which see note 7 above.
242 chapter 2

104
r 19/389,5f.

. 255 :

The z say: Ghee prevents viper venom from reaching the heart.

105
r 20/10,9f.

. :[ ] 256

The z about usnea: Soaked in wine (and thus drunk), this (mixture) induces
a deep sleep.

106
r 20/25,10

. :[ ]

The z say about ebony (wood): It crumbles bladder stones.

107
r 20/59,6f.

:[257 ]
.

And the z say about the azederach (tree): Its leaves lengthen the hair and
kill lice, (whilst) its fruit is bad for the stomach, (in fact) it is lethal; its leaves
are (furthermore) useful against ingested poison.

255 : editio + .
256 : editio , apparatus .
257 : editio [ ], apparatus .
the syriac sources 243

108
r 20/62,7

. :[ ]

The z about potash: Vermin flee its vapour, and the green (kind) is (even)
stronger.

109
r 20/68,4

258. :[ ]

One of the z says about the asafoetida root: It lengthens the hair and kills
lice, (whilst) the fruit (of the plant) is a poison.

110
r 20/77,12

. 259 :[ ]

The z about Roman nettle: It is hot in the third (degree); its seeds incite the
desire for sex.

111
r 20/95,10f.

. 261 :[260 ]

The z say about the downy burdock: It is known under the name (of ariqi-
yn);262 it seals fresh wounds quickly.

258 : editio .
259 : apparatus ]![ .
260 : editio [ ], apparatus [!] .
261 : editio .
262 ariqiyn < , see (for the lemma) LSLex 242b and (for its identification as Arctium
tomentosum) DiDi 2/611 ad no. 94.
244 chapter 2

112
r 20/98,11f.

. :[ ]

The z say about the plum: Its water makes the menstrual blood of women
flow whose (humoral disposition) is hot, and its gum makes tetter disappear
(when mixed) with sugar.

113
r 20/128,12f.

:[263 ]
.

The z say about silk: The name (of ibram) is Persian;264 the (mulberry)
tree has something like wool on its branches, and (mulberry syrup) is very
astringent, constricting the belly.

114
r 20/129,1f.

. : 265][

The marking-nut is a Persian drug266 (about which) the z say: Whoever uses
it will have a good memory and a sound mind.

263 : editio [], apparatus .

264 ibram < Persian abra/um sericum, see VuLex 1/67b; likewise StDic 8a silk.
265
: editio [], apparatus
[ ] .
266 The term used here for marking-nut is anqardiyn < ** i.q. , lit.
(shape) of a heart, see LSLex Suppl. 102a (not part of Dioscorides botanical repertoire);
more commonly, it is called balur in Arabic, which term is derived from Sanskrit
bhalltaka, see MWDic 748call denoting Semecarpus anacardium, cf. Schab 95f. no. 80
and 117f. no. 137. The plant itself is of course a native of India.
the syriac sources 245

115
r 20/142,8ff.

267 :
.

The z say: Cattle dung is very useful to (treat) the stings of hornet(s) and
bees when applied as a paste; it is (also) useful for (the treatment of) an aching
kneesmeared upon it, the pain is driven towards the outside.

116
r 20/170,4f.

:[ ]
.

The z say about sweet basil: It is cold (and) moist in the second (degree),
(quite) coarse, and has many seeds; its press juice, (mixed) with camphor, stops
nosebleed.

117
r 20/183,12

. :[ ]

And one of the z says about the fir (tree): (Its) pitch is seriously hot.

118
r 20/190,4

. ][ :[ ]

The z say about alhagi: It is very useful for (the treatment of) obstinate
fever(in this respect) it is unmatched.

267 : editio .
246 chapter 2

119
r 20/211,15

. :[ ] 268

The z about turpeth: It purges the uncooked, tough humour.

120
r 20/222,15

. :[ ]

The z say about dogs grass: It is moderately hot.

121
r 20/298,5

. :[ ]

The z say about wheat: White bread fattens the body.

122
r 20/309,8

. :[ ]

The z say about fenugreek: When fresh it considerably augments the blood
(volume).

123
r 20/309,13ff.

. 269][

Red tree-resin, (which) is cold, damages the nerves and causes (nervous) con-
vulsions; it is useful against a hot tumour when applied as a cataplasmthis
is what the z say.

268 : editio , apparatus .

269 : editio [ ].
the syriac sources 247

124
r 20/313,8f.

:[ ]
.

The z say about the white poplar (tree): Its (bark) is useful (when) hung
upon someone who suffers from hot tumours; this (plant) is cold; it is useful
against palpitations, spitting of blood, and nosebleed.

125
r 20/327,1f.

. :[270 ]

The z say about dogs mercury: It strongly purges, especially (intestinal)

worms; it is hot.

126
r 20/331,2f.

. :

The z say: If one cooks pigeons droppings in water and sits in (the decoc-
tion), it is useful against urinary retention.

127
r 20/333,36

: 271][
][
.

270 : editio [ ].
271 : editio [ ].
248 chapter 2

The (species of spurge called) is a Persian drug272 about which the z

say: It is stronger than (resin) spurge; it is caustic; it causes a lot of vomiting; it
is tasteless; (if) someone who is in severe pain drinks a dose of one dirham of
it, he will vomit something like blood, impure blood, and (then) be free of that
painbut if he goes beyond one dirham it will kill him.

128
r 20/336,13f.

. :

The z say: The artichoke is cold, moist, (and) coarse; it causes obstructions.

129
r 20/340,3

. :[ ]

The z say about sweet clover: (The plant) itself and its seeds incite the desire
for sex.

130
r 20/352,3f.

. :

The z say: Donkey meat, when cooked, is useful for someone who has got
the shivers from too much (inner) dryness.

131
r 20/355,13ff.

:
.

272 DoSupp 1/239a, referring to Richardson, says that is une espce deuphorbe and
also un remde persan dont l essence est une noix qui est plus forte que leuphorbe [et
aussi] un remde armnien.
the syriac sources 249

The z say about houseleek: It is cold in the second (degree); its blades, when
macerated in sweet violet oil and (then) snuffed by someone who suffers from
accumulated heat in the head, are very useful; its root, cooked in water and
poured over gouty (areas), settles (the pain).

132
r 20/382,5

. :[ ]
One of the z says about the castor oil plant: It is the most effective of (all)
laxativesit softens anything that is hard.

133
r 20/392,58

275 : 274 273][

.

About (the shrub) rzad, also called rzard,276 the z say (this): Its root
is similar to that of the walnut (tree), (and) it makes the urine flow; its leaves,
when fresh, seal fresh wounds and lacerations such as (those caused by) the
strike of a stick or (the lash of) a whip, and when cooked in wine they are (also)
useful to (treat) the indurated spleen.

134
r 20/430,11f.

:[ ]
.

One of the z says about hollyhock: It is cold; it purges the belly (and) is good
for (treating) cough; it is softer than orache and rougher than beet.

273 : editio [ ], apparatus .

274 : editio , apparatus .
275 : editio .
276 rza(r)d is a Persian word denoting planta quaedam spinosa, see VuLex 1/637a; likewise
StDic 438a name of a thorny shrub.
250 chapter 2

135
r 20/445,6f.

.
:
The z say: The oil from indigo leaves is hot (and) dry; it is good to (counter)
scurf on the head and dandruff.

136
r 20/504,11f.

. :[277 ]

The z say about the cantharis: It is highly useful for (the treatment of)
scabies and vitiligo when applied as a paste.

137
r 20/506,15

. :[ ]

The z say about (the plant) horsetail: It is cold (and) dry.

138
r 20/521,12

. :[ ]

The z about the Indian hazelnut: It is good for (the treatment of) hemiple-
gia.

139
r 20/525,13ff.

:[ ]
. :

277 : editio [ ].
the syriac sources 251

The z about rhubarb: If one takes an amount of two dirham of it with

diluted, thickened grape wine, it is good against (injuries resulting from) a
punch or a fall, very good indeed. They (also) say: It is thought to be hot
(and) dry in the second (degree); when pounded in vinegar and smeared over
freckles, it makes them disappear.

140
r 20/533,15

. :[ ]

One of the z about the lung: Eating it is useful for him who has fractured
one of his limbs.

141
r 20/533,16

. :[ ] 278

One of the z says about the lung: It is hard to digest.

142
r 20/540,3

. :[ ]

The z about vervain: Its special property is being useful against gout.

143
r 20/553,3f.

:[ ] 279
.

The z about saffron: It does never stir up (any) humour but rather keeps
(all) humours in balance; it is good for (the treatment of) obstructions in the
liver and strengthens it.

278 : editio .
279 : editio , apparatus .
252 chapter 2

144
r 20/593,13594,2

:
.

The z say about lanolin: It is hot in the third (degree); it softens anything
hard in the body, particularly cold, indurated tumours that are (found) in the
womb, the bladder, the kidneys, and the liver.

145
r 20/595,3f.

. 280 :[ ]

The z say about the globe thistle: It is good to (treat) scorpion stings when
drunk, or (when) its decoction is poured over (the affected area).

146
r 20/598,10f.

. :[ ]

One of the z says about mercury: It is useful against mange and bad ulcers,
and its dust kills mice.

147
r 20/609,14

:[ ]
281.

The z say about arsenic: There are three kinds of ita white kind which
is lethal; the yellow (kind) is good to (treat) lacerations (caused by) the strike
of a stick or (the lash of) a whip as well as scratch wounds, and when applied

280 : editio .
281 : editio , apparatus ] [ .
the syriac sources 253

as a paste it makes dead blood282 disappear; the red (kind) is better than blue
vitriol.283

148
r 21.1/45,48

:[ ]
:
.

All z, without exception, say about the tortoise: Its blood and its urine are
highly useful for (the treatment of) hernia in children when mixed with a bit
of musk and dripped into the urethra; and when this animal is cooked in water
and the child is made to sit in (the decoction), (then) it is (equally) useful. And
they also say: Its blood and its urine are both hot, (and) both are useful for
someone who has a hernia when injected into the penis with a urethral syringe.

149
r 21.1/62,7f.

:
.

The z: He who swallows net some of the kidneys of a skink will become
aroused sexually so much so that he might be in need of drinking a medicine
to calm him down; the power (of the aphrodisiac) is only reduced by combining
it with (other) drugs.

150
r 21.1/70,13

. :

All z, without exception, (say): Liquorice dissolves purulent matter in the

chest.

282 That is to say spider naevi.

283 qalqann < solution of blue vitriol (copper sulphate), see LSLex 1972b.
254 chapter 2

151
r 21.1/146,17147,2

:[ ]
.

And the z say about the aloe: Arabian (aloe) is smeared upon tumours, and
in this (respect) it is better than Socotran (aloe)(physicians) never (actually)
use the Socotran (species) as a paste, nor the Arabian as a potion.

152
r 21.1/155,7f.

.
:[ ]
The z about the tamarisk: It is cold, gentle, (and) dry; it is useful for (the
treatment of) cold tumours when they are fumigated with it, (in fact it works)
for most tumours.

153
r 21.1/162,4f.

. 284 :[ ]

The z about chicory: It is useful to (treat) the sting of a scorpion or (the bite
of) a serpent;285 the core (of chicory spears) clears albugo.

154
r 21.1/163,811

:[ ]
286
.

284 : editio .
285 Lit. dragon (tinnn).
286 : editio + .
the syriac sources 255

One of the z about bamboo chalk: It is good for (the treatment of) palpi-
tations in the chest; it is cold (and) dry in the third (degree); it constricts the
belly; it is useful for the mouth and (against) burning bile, and it strengthens
the stomach; it is (also) useful against fainting when some of it is drunk; or,
applied as a paste, it is good to (treat) heat and blisters in the mouths of chil-
dren.

155
r 21.1/178,3f.

:
.

The z: Pure sealing bole, if some of it is spread on the mouth of a wound

oozing blood, stops its (flow)there is no remedy that checks bleeding more
(effectively).

156
r 21.1/202,5ff.

:[ ]
.

Now one of the z says about agaric: Its special property is to purge tough
phlegm and the black bile, (but) I have come across a collective statement
from (all of) them (to the effect) that it purges different humours, and most
(frequently) the yellow bile.

157
r 21.1/217,11f.

. :[ ]

And one of the z says about mice: If someone who suffers from urinary
retention cooks them in water and sits in (the decoction), it is useful for
him.
256 chapter 2

158
r 21.1/222,4

. :[ ]

One of the z (says) about radishes: They increase sexual desire and sperm.

159
r 21.1/222,5

. :[ ]

And (all of) the z say about radishes: Their seeds are useful against vomit-
ing.

160
r 21.1/227,6

. :

The z: Silver slag is good for (the treatment of) mange and the itch.

161
r 21.1/231,8f.

. ][ :

The z: Spurge is so good at closing the mouth of the womb that it prevents
foetuses from falling out, provided their mothers drink (some of it) before the
miscarriage (is on its way).

162
r 21.1/232,5f.

:[ ]
.

One of the z about zedoary: It fights the damage (done) by thorn-apples,

poisons and vermin (venom), and it eases severe pain; it is administered with
a potion of cold water.
the syriac sources 257

163
r 21.1/255,12

. :[ ]

The z about peony: It is very useful against gout.

164
r 21.1/257,6f.

:[ ]
287.

The z about dyers madder: If one dirham of it is drunk together with two
dirham of Chinese rhubarb, (injuries resulting from) a fall or a punch will heal,
but it must be (taken) with a beakerful of wine.

165
r 21.1/260,1

. :

The z: Too many mushrooms entail difficulty urinating.

166
r 21.1/268,7

. :

The z: Lemon grass dissolves tumours, and it heats and soothes.

167
r 21.1/276,3f.

. :

287 : editio + .
258 chapter 2

One of the z: Black naphtha, when carried (inside) on a woolen (plug), is

useful against worms that are generated in the rectum or any (other) part (of
the lower intestinal tract).

168
r 21.1/280,14

. :

The z: Ladanum is cold (and) astringent; it constipates the belly.

169
r 21.1/287,5

. :[ ]

One of the z about the gourd: It is useful for (the treatment of) a sore
throat.

170
r 21.1/299,19

. :[ ]

The z about centaury: It is strong in purging phlegm and likewise (excess)

water.

171
r 21.1/300,3f.

:[ ]
.

One of the z about the bittern: Its flesh is extremely dry but not very hot; it
is good to (treat) abdominal relaxation and dropsy.
the syriac sources 259

172
r 21.1/304,1ff.

: :
.

One of the z: The flesh of the partridge is good to (treat) abdominal reten-
tion and dropsy. He also says: Its flesh is hot, moist, (and) bloating; it increases
sexual potency and fattens, which is why it is eaten to gain weight.

173
r 21.1/329,14

. :[ ]

One of the z about the gum-resin resembling opopanax:288 It is unrivalled

with regard to expelling a child (from the womb) and purging (excess) water.

174
r 21.1/331,10ff.

:
291 290 289
.

The z: The vetch is a crop that is eaten by cattle in the Maghreb; when
applied as a paste, it is useful against scabies and earache; it is (also) useful
against coughing when mixed with sebesten, or else taken together with an
anti-cough linctus;292 its seeds resemble those of the quince.

288 For kamr see WkaS 1/576b.

289
: editio .
290
: editio .
291
: editio .
292 The term used here rather exceptionally for linctus is a straight borrowing from Syriac
mea (i.q. ) res quae lingitur, see PSThes 2/2076; the regular term in Arabic
is laq.
260 chapter 2

175
r 21.1/342,12f.

. :[ ]

The z about coriander: If one drinks the sugared water of dried, macerated
(coriander), it turns off intense sexual excitement and dries up the sperm.

176
r 21.1/343,5f.

:[ ]
.

The z about coriander: It is useful (against) heat and hoarseness of mouth

and uvula; an infusion of its sugared water turns off sexual excitement; it is
(also) useful for (the treatment of) an aching, indurated bladder.

177
r 21.1/349,2

. :[ ]

One of the z about truffles: Too much of them leads to urinary retention and
colic.

178
r 21.1/358,12ff.

:
.

The z: Capers heal fistulas that occur in the inner corner of the eye; they are
(also) useful for the stomach, and they calm down fever and blood; they are hot
(and) dry; their root(s) are good for fumigating piles.
the syriac sources 261

179
r 21.1/361,2

. :[ 293 ]

The z about orchils: They fatten and increase sperm.

180
r 21.1/362,5f.

:[ ]
.

The z about amber: It is useful (when) hung upon someone who suffers
from acute tumours; it is cold; it is (also) useful for (the treatment of) palpita-
tions, spitting of blood, and nosebleed.

181
r 21.1/366,1f.

. :[ ]

About the Arabian cassia it says in the Compendium of the z: It is hot (and)
moist; it is good to (treat) gastric flaccidity, and it fattens.

182
r 21.1/366,3f.

. :[ ]

The z say about myrtle seed: Women use this seed to heat the pudenda.

183
r 21.1/377,10f.

. :[294 ]

293 : editio [ ].
294 : editio [ ].
262 chapter 2

The z say about the bitter vetch: It is hot in the first (degree); it softens, and
it is useful against coughing.

184
r 21.1/391,12f.

][ 295 :[ ]
.

The z about lovage: One dirham of it is administered with mixed wine for
(the treatment of) tapeworms in the belly, and a dose of two dirham (is given)
to dropsy sufferers.

185
r 21.2/412,11

. :

The z: Bindweed is cold; it purges, and it is useful against obstinate fever.

186
r 21.2/453,10454,2

:
:
:
296
:
.

One of the z about cheese water: It is good for (the treatment of) heat
in the liver and jaundice, and it softens the belly. Milk nourishes him who
fasts a lot and (him who has frequent) sexual intercourse. He (also) says: I

295 : editio .
296 : editio .
the syriac sources 263

consider cows (milk) to be useful for someone who suffers from unexplained
(inner) heat; goats milk is useful against spitting of blood, and (so is) their
urine when cooked. About ghee he says: It is hot in the second (and) moist in
the third (degree); it is useful against (excess) moisture that is (present) in the
lung(s) and chest, bringing it out through expectoration; it is (further) useful
to (treat) vermin bites, especially (those of) snakes, for it weakens their venom
and hinders it from reaching the vital organs; it is (also) good to (treat) the sting
of a scorpion, even though it is more useful against snakes. (And) he says: Fresh
butter from cows is good for (the treatment of) palpitations of the heart, and
(for) the stomach; clarified butter astricts the belly.

187
r 21.2/468,8469,4

297 :




.

The z: The flesh of the partridge is hot (and) moist; women use it because it
tightens the stomach and fattens the body well. The flesh of bitterns generates
black bile. The flesh of young chickens is very hot (and) moist; it increases
the (volume of) blood; young chickens are used to treat especially him whose
body is bloodless and cold following a long disease. The flesh of the quail is
as light as (that of) the francolin; it is useful against looseness of the belly
when pickled and cooked in vinegar. The flesh of both the ringdove and the
turtledove is pretty much like pigeon flesh. Bitterns are hot (and) dry; they
are useful for someone who suffers from obstruction, weakness of the liver,
humoral putridity, or dropsy. The flesh of ducks is close to that of sheep in terms
of moistness, but better; it increases the flesh (of its eater) and fattens.

297 : editio .
264 chapter 2

188
r 21.2/477,12ff.

:[ ]
.

The z about borage: It is cold (and) moist in the second (degree); its leaves,
when burned, are useful against flabbiness of tongue and gums, aphthous
ulcers in the mouthespecially the mouths of children, and any heat that
may be (present) in the mouth.

189
r 21.2/491,3f.

. :[ ]

One of the z about mastic: That which shades into black and red is the
Coptic (variety); it is most effective in constipating the belly.

190
r 21.2/499,12f.

:[ ]
.

The z about maltha: This drug is more effective than any other against
spitting of blood; and when dissolved in jasmine oil and carried (inside the
vagina), it helps to bear more patiently (the pains of) urinary retention.

191
r 21.2/508,1

. :[ ]

One of the z about the mahaleb (tree): It is cold (and) dry in the first
(degree).
the syriac sources 265

192
r 21.2/515,15

. :[ ]

The z about apricots: They purge the yellow bile (but) produce a tough
humoral mixture which (in turn) generates fever.

193
r 21.2/518,813

: :[ ]
299 298
.

The z about wild marjoram: It is good for (the treatment of) palpitations;
when soaked in wine and drunk, it is quite intoxicating. They (also) say: The
(kind) that is called Ardashir-remedy300 is hot, dry, and fragrant; the (kind)
that is called master-drug301 is hot and as intoxicating as the Syrian rue, most
strongly so when cooked in wine and drunk; the white (kind of) wild marjoram
is given to children as a snuff so that they sleep. The seeds of wild marjoram are
hot (and) dry.

194
r 21.2/561,26

:
.

298 : editio .
299 : editio .
300 If my emendation of the Arabic text is correct (cf. note 298 above with LwAr 252 ad
no. 193), Ardashir-remedy would be the name of a subspecies of Origanum vulgare (Lw
loc.cit. says: Origanum maru und andere Arten), invoking the Sasanian king and founding
father of that dynasty, Ardashir i (reg. 224241 ce).
301 If my emendation of the Arabic text is correct (cf. note 299 above), master-drug would be
the name of a subspecies of Origanum vulgare, otherwise unattested.
266 chapter 2

The z: Indian salt purges the yellow fluid (of ascites), chases away flatuses,
softens the belly, gets rid of phlegm, sharpens (the acuity of) the heart, is useful
against (chest) pain, and whets the appetite for food. Salt in general is good
to (treat) furuncle(s) and (also) indigestion as it breaks down food; it (further)
removes a yellow paleness from the face.

195
r 21.2/576,16577,1

:
.

The z: The special property of mezereon is to purge the black bile; it is dry
in the fourth (degree); it eats away moisture from the liver and from the whole
body, (but) is quick to bring dropsy to its drinker; it is useful against bad ulcers.

196
r 21.2/579,4f.

. :[ ]

One of the z about wild myrtle: Its power is like that of Greek absinthe; it
strengthens stomach and liver, and it is very astringent.

197
r 21.2/590,14

. :

The z say: Date pits are hot (and) dry; they polish.

198
r 21.2/595,712

:
303 302

302 : editio .
303 : editio .
the syriac sources 267

304
.

The z: The (cultivated) indigo plant is hot (and) astringent, and in particular
the wild (variety) is quite sharp. Both arrest bleeding and dry out (wet) gan-
grenous ulcers when applied as a cataplasm; their leaves, when ground together
with barley meal and applied as a cataplasm, powerfully dissolve tumours. The
wild (variety) has a stronger impact; (yet) from the cultivated (variety) one
obtains a press juice which is proven to be good against vomiting (and), thanks
to its (relative) strength, wonderfully effective when given to children who suf-
fer from a severe cough.

199
r 21.2/609,9f.

:
.

And the z say: The power of the root of the Indian nenuphar is like that of
the mandrake; drinking nenuphars is good for (the treatment of) coughing and
pleurisy, (and) they (also) soften the belly and very well stifle (excess heat).

200
r 21.2/617,912

: :
.

The z: Copper filings are good for the moist, drooping eye in which a lot
of tears (collect). They also say: Oxidized copper is cold (and) dry; it is useful
against pain in the eye, a gush of blood, and (excessive) menstruation.

201
r 21.2/620,10f.

. :[ ]

304 : editio .
268 chapter 2

One of the z about the leopard: Its fat is the most outstanding remedy for
(the treatment of) hemiplegia, (but) its gall bladder is lethal. The gall bladder
of the tiger is (even) more pervasive in this (respect), and so is its fat.

202
r 21.2/629,15ff.

:
.

The z: Rose oil is very bad when (treating) rheumatism and coldness. As
regards the (remedy) called lilyish,305 it is hot (and) dry; and the root (of the
lily) is as caustic as (that of) the pellitory.

203
r 21.2/652,3

. :

One of the z: All species of spurge purge the black bile, tough phlegm, and
(excess) water.

204
r 22/32,1f.

:[ ]
.

One of the z says about sealing bole: The best (kind) is that which smells
like dill, and if some of it is put on the mouth of a bleeding (wound), it stops
(the flow of blood).

305 mais, here translated lilyish, is short for maissan() < Persian may-e ssan, lit. lily
wine, denoting in the present context a compound oil based on lily flowers, for whose
composition see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 305 (where to read lily instead of iris).
the syriac sources 269

205
r 22/33,1f.

. :[ ]

One of the z says about alkekengi: There are two kinds, one of which is
imported from Mh,306 from Isfahan, and (from) the cold countries.

206
r 22/44,3f.

:
.

One of the z says: The meadow saffron (has) a sprouting root; it grows before
the rain(fall)s; it (comes in) two kindswhite and red; the white (kind) is a
remedy, the red (kind) is bad.

207
r 22/54,8f.

307 :[ ]
.

One of the z says about centaury: There are two kindslarge and small;
they both grow at the end of spring; their leaves resemble those of the Oriental
tamarisk.

208
r 22/131(column 3),2ff. and 132(column 2),38

. 308 :

306 Mh is an arabicized name for the ancient country of Media, now northwestern Iran.
307
: editio .
308 Variants for main entry: (app.
), (app. ) and .
270 chapter 2

And the z say: rfulln309 (has) a root with many branches; all its leaves are
three, (and) they resemble (those of) the sweet clover and the hemp.

209
r 23.1/152,10f.

. 310:

The z: Saffron brings sleep and rest when smelled, (but) burdens the head
when eaten.

210
r 23.1/219,11ff.

311:
.

The z: Onions are very good when the (drinking) water turns (bad); they
are (also) good in simoom (winds)(this is so) because (when eaten) they
generate thick moistures in the stomach such that the (wicked) simoom cannot
weave its (harmful) effects into the traveller; and drunk with vinegar or wine
they are useful against a change (in the quality) of the water.

211
r 23.1/318,11

. :

The z: The leaves of the azederach (tree) lengthen the hair.

212
r 23.1/319,2

. :

309 rfulln < trefoil, see LSLex 1824b with DiDi 2/461f. no. 103.
310
: editio .
311 : editio .
the syriac sources 271

The z: The special property of the Persian walnut is to strengthen thinning

hair.

213
r 23.2/25,6

. :

The z: Sweet flag embellishes the complexion.

214
r 23.2/25,8f.

. :

The z: Artichoke gum, smeared over spots, makes them quickly disappear.
The leaves of the mandrake put an end to spots without hurting (the skin).

215
r 23.2/25,11

. :

One of the z: Eating salt in meal(s) removes a yellow paleness (from the
face).

216
r 23.2/25,12f.

:
.

And the z say: The greatest benefit of white litharge is that it polishes away
the marks of ulcers and smallpox very powerfully, without in the least lesioning
(the skin).
272 chapter 2

217
r 23.2/123,12

. 312 :

The z say: Azederach (leaves) kill lice.

Buaqimh

1
r 20/411,10f.

. 313:

The z in (their) Glossary: Opium, due to its extreme coldness, causes con-
vulsions and (eventually) kills.

2
r 20/412,5f.

. : 314

And in the Glossary of the z I found (this): Opium numbs, and it defangs
complete drunkenness.

3
r 20/541,3f.

. 316 315

(The) retem remedy317 is a drug used by village people for (the purpose of)
purgationit says so in the Glossary of the z.

312 : editio , apparatus .

313 : editio .
314 : editio , apparatus .
315 : editio [ ].
316 : editio .
317 The name retem (from Arabic ratam, in English also called broom) represents a some-
what vague botanical entity, comprising various species in the genera Cytisus, Genista and
the syriac sources 273

4
r 21.1/202,3f.

318 : .

And it says in the Glossary of the z: Agaric purges different humours, and
especially the black bile.

5
r 21.1/210,6f.

319 : .

And in the Glossary of the z (it says): Agrimony is not very hot; it is useful
against sharp, inveterate fever.

6
r 21.2/552,11553,5

320:




321 .

Spartium, see e.g. DiDi 2/659 f. no. 143; the passage in hand constitutes an interesting ref-
erence to popular medicine.
318 : editio .
319 : editio .
320 : editio .
321 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
274 chapter 2

The z in (their) Glossary: Fresh water strengthens the body; salty water
opens intestinal obstructions and purges the belly; the (water) that flows
through small village(s) benefits the nerves if one sits in it; sulphurous water
is useful (against) inveterate ulcers, the itch and mange; ferrous water is useful
against gastric flaccidity; hot fresh water opens the pores of (the skin all over)
the body, polishes away any intricate viscidity, and moistens the inner organs;
the water that flows through mountain(s) and (over) pebblestones should not
be gathered instead of anotherit is heavy, indigestible, and leads to pleurisy,
asthma and difficulty breathing; foul water, like that which stagnates in wells
and swamps, makes very bad blood; and as regards muddy, smelly (water), this
is quick in bringing fever, as it heats up the blood.

7
r 21.2/553,10ff.

323: 322
.

And it says in the Glossary of the z: The glossostemon root is good for
(the treatment of) gout when smeared upon it; it softens (rheumatic) knots,
induration of the womb, and nervous convulsions.

8
r 21.2/563,1419

325 : 324
:

.

In the Glossary of the z (it says): The greatest benefit of white litharge is that
it polishes away the marks which are left in the face from ulcers and other such
(lesions); when washed, it is cooling in the second (degree); it is good for (the

322 : editio .
323 : editio .
324 : editio .
325 : editio .
the syriac sources 275

treatment of skin) abrasions and prevents ulceration. And the z (go on to)
say: White litharge is very much dry; it is most frequently used for someone
who wants to get rid of ulcer marks, (such as those) from smallpox and other
(diseases); it (also) puts an end to smelly armpits, and it stops the sweat from
running.

a-abat

1
r 22/264(column 34),15 and 265(column 12),2 ff.

. 328: 327 326

qurr329chamomile; in the Register of the z (it says however) colo-

cynth seeds.

2
r 22/290(column 14),9 and 26

. 333 332: 331 330

qnn334Indian aconite; in the Register of the z, opposite (the Greek

term), I found (the explanation) thorn-apple, which is similarly (poisonous).

3
r 22/303(column 14),9ff. and 5ff.

. : 335

326 : editio .
327 : editio + .
328 : editio + .
329 qurr camomille, see DoSupp 2/328b.
330 : editio + .
331 : editio , apparatus .
332 : editio + .
333 : editio , apparatus .
334 Cf. note 173 above.
335 : editio ][ ] [ ][ .
276 chapter 2

qiriy336carob; (this explanation) I found in the Register of the z,

opposite (the Greek term).

e Iy Urhy (d. c. 832ce)

Kitb f l-Baul

1
r 15/72,28

:

][

.

In his Book on Urine, Aiyb the Spotted says: If bile continuously damages
the brain, the respiratory functions become impeded, and therefore breathing
(eventually) ceases and (the patient) dies. I have seen many pleurisy sufferers
die simply from a lack of breath because taking it became (more and more)
difficult for them. This is (also) what happens in apoplexy, hence you see these
(patients) thrown down to the ground and their throats dried out (completely),
which is very bad because it deprives them of air. (In such cases) it is necessary
to make (the patients) drink (something) immediately and without any delay;
(further) to drop sticky, moistening (fluids) little by little into their throats; and
to embrocate their chests, necks and shoulders in order to facilitate breathing
as much as it can possibly be done.

2
r 19/57,192,13

][:
: 337

336 qiriy < fruit of the carob-tree, see LSLex 941b.
337 Inseruit Rhazes:
the syriac sources 277

: :

:
338
: :
339 340
:

341
342 :

][






.

338 . ] [ , apparatus : editio

339 . : editio
340 . : editio
341 . : editio
342 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
278 chapter 2

343
344

345
346 :


:


347 :

:


:

348 :

343 . : editio +
344 . : editio
345 . : editio
346 . : editio
347 . : editio +
348 Inseruit Rhazes:

][


the syriac sources 279

:


349

:

350 :
351 :

349 . : editio
350 Inseruit Rhazes:

351 Inseruit Rhazes:

. ][
280 chapter 2

:
352
][


353
][

:
:
354 :
][

:
355
][ 356 :

352 Inseruit Rhazes:

353 . : editio
354 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
355 : editio , apparatus . ] [
356 Inseruit Rhazes:

the syriac sources 281

][

][
][ 357

358


359


360

.
357 . : editio
358 Inseruit Rhazes:

359 . , apparatus : editio

360 . : editio
282 chapter 2

361
















362

363

361 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
362 : editio .
363 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
the syriac sources 283

364







365


366
][ 367
368


369

364 . , apparatus : editio

365 . : editio
366 . : editio
367 . : editio
368 . : editio
369 . : editio
284 chapter 2

370
][ 371

370 . : editio +
371 . : editio
the syriac sources 285

][









][



286 chapter 2

372





373

372
: editio .
373 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
the syriac sources 287

374


375

][ 376




377 :

374 . ] [ , apparatus : editio

375 . : editio
376 . : editio
377 Inseruit Rhazes:

:
:
][
:






.
288 chapter 2

378

379
] 380[
381
382 :
:


:
383 : :
384
385

378 . : editio +
379 . : editio +
380 . : editio
381 . : editio
382 Inseruit Rhazes:

383 . : editio +
384 . , apparatus : editio
385 . : editio
the syriac sources 289

:


:
386
:



][

387 ][ 388




][ ][ :


389
.

386 . : editio
387 . , apparatus : editio
388 . : editio
389 . : editio
290 chapter 2

Aiyb the Spotted says: If the dominant (humour) in the body is the yellow
bile, (then) the urine is yellow; if it is blood, then (the urine is) red; if it is the
black bile, then (the urine is) black; and (if it is) phlegm, then (the urine is)
white. Aiyb says: When(ever) one of these four coloursyellow, red, black
or whitedominates in the urine, then this is a sure indication of disease, for
it suggests a predominance of one of the humours. He says: And if none of
them dominates, (then) the colour of the urine is composed of all of them. He
says: So (for example) it may be composed of a diffuse white mixed with a little
black, corresponding to the share that the black bile has of the body; (or it may
be) an impure red mixed with yellow. He says: From all this a citron colour is
produced, a colour which is never truly pure as the black bile (always) blends
in; nor is it purely red, yellow or white, because things are mixed together in
(the urine) according to their relative presence (in the body). He says: The
citron urine is an impure, shimmering white into which some red and yellow
are admixed. He says: White urine may be produced by an accidental, not
essential, predominance of phlegm, (just as it is with) the colour yellow and
the yellow bile, and analogically (with) black and red. He says: Yellowness is a
natural product of the yellow bile, but whiteness may be its accidental (prod-
uct); similarly, whiteness is an essential product of phlegm, but redness may be
(its) accidental (product), as it happens in phlegmatic fever. This is so because
phlegm necessarily creates obstructions which trap heat in the (affected) areas
which (then) become inflamed due to a lack of ventilation which (finally) leads
to the water being stainedwhite entering yellowas (the heat) rises up to
the head. Aiyb says: One distinguishes between these two (scenarios) by tak-
ing the urine into a transparent, even glass flask; (then) the one who holds the
flask in his hand stands in the door to the house or near a window and dangles it
in the light, whilst the physician observes it from (inside) the housethat way,
it will become clear what is (going on). If he finds that the liquid of the urine is
smooth, (its) parts evenly distributed (and) loose; if the dregs that have sunk to
the bottom are in similar condition; and (if) he also finds an impure redness,
a shine and a lustrethen this red is dominated by phlegm, because phlegm,
due to its moistness, necessitates smoothness as well as lustre. But if the cause
of the redness is (inner) heat, you will find neither smoothness nor lustre, not in
the liquid and not in the dregs, because heat sets things in motion, makes them
dry and detaches them one from another, which is why the parts are not evenly
distributedin this (case) the red is fairly pure and deep. He says: If the yellow
bile is the cause of the whiteness of the urine, then the dregs that have sunk to
the bottom are dry (and) quite insubstantial, whilst the parts of the liquid itself
are fleeting and its whiteness is not very purehere, heat has consumed the
moisture of the dregs and made them dry, (so that) they shrink and appear little;
the syriac sources 291

if the cause of the whiteness (of the urine) is phlegm, (then) the dregs are plenty,
smooth, shiny, shimmering, coarse and moist. He says: If the cause of the black-
ness (of the urine) is the black bile, (then) the dregs are slightly clustered, dry,
purely coloured all over, somewhat fluffy (and) not even nor smooth, whilst
the blackness (of the liquid) is impure; if phlegm is the cause of the blackening,
(then) the parts are evenly distributed in the liquid, smooth (and) shimmering,
(though its) blackness is impure (too), resembling (the colour of) thick, moist
mud. Aiyb says: Thinness of urine may come from an obstruction or from a
putrefaction, hence failures in maturation and digestion; or (it may be due) to
drinking large amounts (of fluid), like what happens in diabetes; or (it may be
down) to the predominance of a cold (and) dry (humoral) mixture, like what
happens in old age. He says: The dregs which are present in the (urinary) liquid
may be dispersed throughout the flask, such that they do not occupy a partic-
ular space in the liquid; or they may float on top of the liquid; or they may be
suspended in the middle; or they may sink to the bottom. Aiyb says: Dregs,
which is to say lees, may be present in health as well as in sicknessif they
are plenty in health, then this indicates a sound digestion and wide passage-
ways; if they occur in sickness, then this (reflects an effort) of nature to reject
the pathogenic humour. He says: If the digestion is good, (then) the lees are
smooth, white (and) settle down; if it is not so good, (then) the thing which is
called dregs is in the middle (of the liquid); if it is worse, (then) there is a cloud
on the surface of the liquid; and if it is (even) less good, (then) these dregs are
dispersed throughout the water, which makes the urine opaque. The reason
for this is that completely digested and undisturbed (dregs) will settle down;
(then) there are those (dregs) which have not been digested enough to leave
(their) moistity behind, which is why they are dispersed (in the urine); as for
suspended clouds, these (are dregs that) have (also) not been digested com-
pletely, even though that which is suspended has been digested more (than
that which is dispersed throughout). And he says: In the first stage of hectic
fever something like fog appears on top of the (urinary) water, because the heat
(of the fever) has melted away some (body) fat, albeit (only) a little; the second
(stage) is that an oil floats on top of the (urinary) water, because the heat (of the
fever), once the matter has gone thus far, has melted away an amount of fat that
is perceived, when floating, as a single (layer of) oil; the third stage is the appear-
ance of vetch-like dregs, which in reality are tiny pieces of flesh, because even
though flesh as such does not respond easily to melting, its fringes are melted
away and, during their descent (through the urinary tract), take on a round
shape and (finally), as they emerge with the urine, (sink) to its bottom (and)
become little seeds, like (those of) the vetch. He says: If (the dregs) descend like
white sorghum seeds, then this is (tissue) from the veins, which is indicated by
292 chapter 2

the whiteness of their colour; if something like pale iron filings emerges, then
this is (tissue) from the bones. He says: There is a kind of dregs similar to bar-
ley (seeds), and this is due to coarse matter which is rejected through narrow
passageways and (thereby) elongated. He says: Let us talk about the smell. A
pungent smell indicates that the heat of a fever is intense, which happens most
frequently in acute diseases, with convalescents, and through hot (humoral)
mixturesin short, all that subjects the body to the influence of an intense
heat, (produces) a pungent smell (of the urine); as regards an acid smell, it indi-
cates a predominance of the black bile, a deficiency of innate heat in the body,
(or) a certain accidental heat, witness (the smell of) wine when it turns into
vinegar; as regards the reason for a foul smell, it indicates a lot of putridity in
the body and may be due to pus in the urinary tract; and as regards a sweat-
like smell, (this is caused) by rottenness and viscidity of the (urinary) liquid,
witness (the smell of) fish. He says: As regards a bitter taste (of the urine), this
indicates a predominance of heat and dryness; the reason for saltiness is either
(the presence of) a lot of salty phlegm, or an intense heat in conjunction with
moisture; as regards acridity, it is due to (alterations of) intense and moderate
heat; as regards sourness, (this is caused) by little heat that is influenced by a lot
of moisture, which happens most frequently because of a predominance of the
black bile; as regards sweetness, (this is caused) by heat and moisture but may
(also) be due to a predominance of blood; and as regards tastelessness, (this is
caused) by a predominance of phlegm. Urine that contains white, thick, turbid
dregs, resembling water into which leavened dough has been mixed, indicates
a weakness of stomach and guts as well as a bad digestion, which may have
been caused by (drinking) milk and eating cheese; if (however) there are no
indications of gastric or intestinal weakness nor indigestion, you need to inves-
tigate. One can distinguish between these dregs and those that come from the
kidneys, the bladder and the womb by (noting) that the former are thick, sticky
(and) moist whilst the latter, because they are sinewy bodies, are made much
coarser (and) do not possess a lot of moisture; and one can distinguish between
them and pus by the stench. Aiyb says: A sound digestion in the stomach is
indicated by a thoroughness that is (also) reflected in the components of the
urinary liquid; a sound digestion in the liver (is indicated) by the citron colour
(of the urine); and a sound digestion in the veins (is indicated) by smooth, white
lees. He says: The opposite of all this is an indication of an impaired digestion
in (one of) these places respectively. He says: There are three kinds of lees.
First, raw leesthese occur (for example) as a result of a weak digestion in the
stomach; (second), cooked leesthese occur (for example) as a result of a good
digestion in the veins; and (third), extranatural leesthese are lees that come
(down) from the kidneys, the bladder and other (parts of the urinary tract) as
the syriac sources 293

scales (of tissue), (particles of) renal flesh, and the like. He says: (Gastric) lees
that are (found) at the bottom of the flask are raw and the least matured; (if
found) in the middle (of the flask), they are (fairly) well-cooked; and (if found)
at the top (of the flask), they are extremely well-cooked, (so much so that) any
further (cooking) would have neutralized and (finally) obliterated themhere,
well-cooked venous lees (behave) in precisely the opposite way. Aiyb says:
The difference between the (aforesaid) three (kinds of) lees is (further exem-
plified by the fact) that the lees which are produced by a (weak) digestion in
the veins are thin and translucent, and when stirred they disperse throughout
the urine but do not render it turbid, (staying) separated and not sinking (to
the bottom); the lees (on the other hand) which occur due to a weak digestion
in the stomach are not translucent, (rather) thick, similar to leavened dough
that has been mixed into water, and when you stir them they do not blend into
the urine but (remain) disrupted, quickly (forming) a deposit; as regards pus
(and other extranatural matter), it emulates these lees in some respects, but it
is (even) slower in dispersing through the (urinary) liquid than raw (gastric)
lees, faster in sinking (to the bottom), rarely free of blood, and it smells rotten.
Apropos of the odour, the lees (produced) by the digestion which takes place
in the veins have a pungent smell, because the (inner) heat has completed its
operation upon them; the odour of the lees that are (produced) in the stomach
have no smell at all; and purulent matter stinks. White, thin urine that stays
like that for days in an acute disease is the worst of urines; (it means that) the
patient will get all mixed up (inside), and once he is all mixed up and contin-
ues in that (state of humoral) confusion, death will follow quicklyfor (such
urine) indicates that heat has risen to the head and that the brain will be dam-
aged badly; if that damage occurs and continues (to occur), it means that (the
case) is severe, that the brain is about to be transformed, that the vital func-
tions become impeded, then breathing (itself), and (finally the patient) dies.
White, thin urine in which a yellow, frothy cloud is floating means danger and
(occasions) the worst fear, because that which is frothy points to a great disor-
der in the body whilst the yellow colour of the cloud points to a sharp, green
matter which ascends to the top of the body; and if nosebleed occurs as well,
then the end is nigh, because this nosebleed is but a reaction to bile scorching
the veins of the brain (and has) nothing to do with a crisis. Thin, white urine in
phlegmatic fever indicates obstructions in the stomach. White, thin urine that
persists over several consecutive days in a (seemingly) healthy body without
in the least changing towards thickness whilst the body, despite its (apparent)
health, feels heavy and there is a painful sensation on top of the skin, points
to either one of (these) two options(the formation of) an abscess with irri-
tation of the kidneys; or (the formation of) rashes and abscess(es) that (are
294 chapter 2

bound to) spread all over the surface of the body, such as blisters, ulcers and
smallpox; (this is so) because the froth of the urine, in conjunction with the
heaviness of the (patients) body, suggests that the latter is full of coarse, imma-
ture matter which, if it inclines as it does towards the kidneys, irritates them,
unless nature dissolves (the morbid matter) and pushes it (in the process) to
the surface of the body, where happens what we just mentioned. White, turbid
urine that stays (like that) over several days during the early stages of pleurisy,
combined with coughing and sleeplessness, indicates (looming) mental con-
fusion; if it is (also) accompanied by profound, general sweating or nosebleed,
(then) rescue and recovery may be expected; (this is so) because whiteness of
urine in a hot disease indicates a rising of bile towards the head whilst nose-
bleed indicates salvationsince blood is the matter of that fever and nature
ejects it, (the patient) will be saved. Scarlet urine (with) raw dregs that stays like
that for a few consecutive days, whilst the body (of the patient) feels no pain,
indicates consumption; but if this (kind of) red occurs in conjunction with a
(sensation of) heaviness in the head and the whole body, and (if) it stays like
that for days without undergoing any change or alteration, it indicates that a
fever will arisethe reason being that (this) redness suggests a flaming heat
which (in turn), together with dryness of the lees, suggests that the moisture of
the body is almost completely exhausted. If a fever is accompanied by thick, red
(urine), a (sensation of) heaviness in the head and the whole body and (gen-
eral) emaciation, it indicates that moist residues circulated in the body and
were about to putrefythen nature moved towards dissolving this putridity
and in the process provoked a fever. Red, thick urine in an acute disease, foul
smelling (urine) that emerges little by little at regular intervals, means danger
and (warns of) evil, because the intensity of the fever suggests a flaming heat
and the thickness (of the urine suggests) a great disorder, whilst the successive
emergence of the urine, its paucity in conjunction with a foul smell, indicate
(the presence of) bad, viscid, putrefied matter or (else) ulcers in the bladder
and kidneysbattling against (either of) these two (conditions), there is no
way to tell whether (in the end) nature will be defeated, and whether danger
and scare will (eventually) pass. Red urine is bad when the kidneys are aching
and (even) more fearsome when there is headachea renal tumour (com-
bined with red urine) indicates that (this) tumour is hot (and) inflamed and
that, if not dissolved, it will quickly collect pus; and in (case of) headache, one
cannot be safe from mental confusion. Plenty of red, opaque urine (with) a lot
of dregs in mixed and also in obstinate fevers indicates recuperation. Scarlet,
opaque urine (with) a lot of lees in hot, mixed fevers indicates an inflammation.
Scarlet, opaque urine (with) a lot of lees in acute and mixed fevers indicates
recuperation, but if this urine is subtle in the early stages of such an illness, (if)
the syriac sources 295

it is thin and (contains) little lees, (then) it indicates a relapse of the patient
urine like this suggests (in principle) that the matter of the fever is emerging
with it, but its subtlety means that it is not so and hence, that a second (phase
of) decline will surely be launched. Urine that has the colour of pure blood in
acute fevers indicates an impending death, because it suggests (the presence
of) a lot of blood, its predominance and its sharpnessif this is the case, (the
blood) will either fill up the cavities of the heart and suffocate it or ascend to
the brain and suspend (control over) the voluntary movements as well as can-
cel breathing, (which means) the patient dies. Scarlet urine in fevers which are
generated by fatigue, (urine that) changes from being thin to being thick, that
shows a lot of dregs which do not sink to the bottom, and that is followed by
headache, indicates a long disease and a crisis through sweating; the reason is
that a change in the urine from thinness to thickness suggests a maturation of
the (morbid) matter whilst the refusal of the dregs to sink to the bottom sug-
gests an insufficient digestion, and therefore the illness will last; and as the fever
comes from fatigue, the crisis will come through sweating, because all (other)
resources (of the patients body) have been depleted and so the (morbid) mat-
ter must arrive (as sweat). Scarlet urine of small quantity in dropsy indicates
something bad, but (if) there is (only) a hint of (that) colour (in the urine) it
indicates escapepaucity of urine in dropsy is bad because it suggests that
(the urine) is hindered (somewhere) on its way from the kidneys, arrives at the
peritoneum and adds to the dropsical fluid; as regards the depth of redness (of
the urine), it is a measure of the intensity of heat in the liver and (the extent
to which) its (humoral) mixture is corrupted, or not; and (if this) urine is copi-
ous, it means that the (morbid) matter inclines towards the kidneys and the
bladder and that the liver is not very hot. Scarlet urine shading into black and
(inclining to) thickness and turbidness in the jaundice disease, if the patient
can find some rest, indicates a quick recovery; the reason is that this urine
has travelled past the humours which are responsible for the obstructions, and
has cooked and thereby opened them. Red, thin urine of small quantity in the
jaundice disease, if it stays (like that) for a few consecutive days, makes one
fear for the patient; the reason is that this urine indicates an obstruction in
the liver, a severe one, which threatens to bring dropsy. Red, subtle urine or
black, thin urine (with) little dregs in (conjunction with) a painful or thick-
ened spleen are indicators of something bad, because plain redness suggests a
flaming heat, blackness suggests either an inflammation or an unusually weak
nature, and thinness suggests a severe obstructionall of which is bad. Red,
thick urine shading into black or a certain green indicates the beginning of
jaundice and that the passageways of the liver through which bile flows are
blocked, whence the whole blood is spoiled; this urine stains the clothes green
296 chapter 2

or orange, unless it has nothing to do with jaundice, in which case it leaves no

stains. About the black (urine). Black and verdigrisy urine following a violent
(fit of) expectoration indicates that convulsions will appear, because it suggests
dryness, vanishing of moisture and mastery of heat over the bodyif there is
not too much heat, a verdigrisy colour will turn out; if the heat is excessive, the
colour will be black. Black urine having dregs suspended in the middle, a sharp
smell and a fine texture in acute diseases indicates (looming) headache and
delirium but most frequently (announces) a black bleeding from the nose or
abundant sweatingsuspended black (dregs) mean that the heat is flaming
(and) ascending and that symptoms will therefore appear in the head which
(in turn) will occasion nosebleed; heat that is plenty but does not ascend, will
depart towards the muscles. The occurrence of sweating and trembling after
passing black, fine (urinary) water (with dregs) suspended everywhere, con-
joined in flaming fevers by sleeplessness and deafness, announces nosebleed
because in most (cases) concomitant fevers are due to blood, the blackness
(of the urine) suggests a serious inflammation, and (the dregs which are) sus-
pended in different directions point to a (general) disorder; then heat rises to
the head, deafness and insomnia set in, and if nature creates a crisis it will evac-
uate (the morbid matter from the body) through the nearest orifice. Black urine
with round, suspended dregs (and) no pungent smell, in conjunction with con-
vulsions, sweating and dilatation of the ribcage, indicates deathblackness
(of urine) without pungency of smell suggests that nature is defeated; inap-
propriate sweating is also due to weakness of nature; and if convulsions and
dilatation (appear) as well, (the problem) is of precisely that order, and nature
will be overpowered (by disease). Thin urine whose parts are not homoge-
neous and which is red or orange (in colour), indicates that there has been (a
state of) fatigue and that the body is waningthis is so because fatigue con-
sumes moisture and (thereby) stirs up heat, leading to an uneven texture of
the urine, its (particular) tint, and a wasting away of the body. Copious thin
urine, in conjunction with heaviness of the body and a dwindling desire to eat
or drink, indicates that nature hosts an (overgrown) humour, because heavi-
ness (of body) and decline of appetite suggest repletion whilst a lot of urine
suggests that these (humoral) residues are (in the process of) descending. Thin
urine in which there is a cloud or red (dregs) suspended near the upper spheres
of the liquid in an acute disease indicates (looming) mental confusion; if it stays
like that, it indicates wreckage; and if the thinness (of the urine) shifts towards
thickness and a lot of white dregs appear in it that sink to the bottom, it indi-
cates a dissolution of the diseasea yellow cloud points to an inflammation
and its ascending to the height of the (morbid) humour in the brain, whilst a
white colour (of the dregs) and their sinking to the bottom (point) to a trans-
the syriac sources 297

formation and a complete ripening (of the morbid matter). Thin, black urine
that turns orange and (more) thick whilst (the patient) is restless, indicates an
illness of the liver, (like) jaundice or an abscess(this is so) because a change
from blackness towards yellowness and from thinness towards thickness sug-
gests damage and decline of the (inner) heat; and if (the patient) lacks the nec-
essary rest, it means that in the liver a residue (of morbid matter) is left which
will not descend with the urine and which, if it is coarse, forms an obstruction
or, if it is acrid, an abscess. Urine that is thin (and) orange in the early stages
of acute fever, then changes towards thickness and whiteness, stays muddy like
donkey piss, emerges involuntarily (and) is accompanied by sleeplessness and
agitation, indicates (looming) convulsions in the lateral (chest cavities), fol-
lowed by death(this is so) because the subtlety and the orange colour (of the
urine) point to a predominance of the yellow bile; its acridity and opaqueness
point to the severity of the disease; and its involuntary emergence points to
a corruption of the brain which has obviously been weakened by the ascent of
bile towards it; then a dilatation (of the ribcage) occurs; if (all) these things hap-
pen, barring hidden signs of improvement, death is certain. Thin, black urine
which comes out little by little during long session(s) in acute fevers, combined
with pain in the head and neck, indicates (looming) mental confusion; yet it
is hardly dangerous, especially in women, for headache suggests that bile has
arisen and its subsequent emergence (through urine) instills hope for a dissolu-
tion of the disease, and this is more promising in women because they are used
to being purified from below. Thin urine that stays (like that) for a long time in
the wake of a crisis indicates a relapse because it points to an incomplete diges-
tion (of morbid matter) and an incomplete crisis. Thick urine that stays like
that for a long while (and) contains a lot of sandy dregs, in conjunction with a
heavy (sensation) in the hip and pubic region, indicates the presence of a per-
sistent (urinary) stoneif the (feeling of) heaviness is situated (more) in the
small of the back, the hip and the thighs, then it is a kidney (stone); if the pain
is located (more) in the pubic region, then it is a bladder (stone). Thick urine
which is triggered towards the end of acute diseases is bad; this is so because
it indicates a severe disorder and a diminished activity on the part of nature
which, no doubt, is languishing. Urine which has changed from being thin to
being thick in a concomitant fever indicates a forthcoming crisis with a lot of
sweating; if this urine appears in flaming fevers, it indicates a suffering of the
heart and an illness in the region of the liversuch (a patients) condition is
not considered good, nor is it harmless. Urine which is thick in the early stages
of a disease, or suddenly turns (thick) at the beginning of a disease, yet (then)
clears up prior to the onset of a crisis, is badit means that its clarity is not
(true), because nature may have worked on it but has (actually) been overpow-
298 chapter 2

ered (by morbid matter which now) refuses to leave (the body in the form of
continuously) thick (urine). Plenty of thick urine in hemiplegic pain (means
that) the disease is being dissolved, because it shows that the (morbid) matter
is in the process of emerging with the urine. Thick urine which contains dregs
scattered in places, combined with pain in the spleen and quartan fever, is an
indication of recovery, for it suggests that these dregs are (morbid) matter that
has been rejected by nature, whilst their (occupying) different places (in the
liquid) is relative to different (degrees of) digestion. Thick urine in which there
is a deposit that resembles sorghum (seeds) or scales or pounded oat grains or
tiny sheets of metal or iron filings, in conjunction with low fever and (general)
malaise, indicates a slow, destructive disease; and (as for) the deposit, it comes
from the cardinal organs. Plenty of urine over many days in a row is (as such)
no indication of anything bad; (if) then a heavy (sensation) presents in the
duodenum and the adjacent areas, it indicates the dissolution of a disease
it suggests that nature has ousted an illness towards the kidneys and the guts.
Clear, purely orange urine indicates a predominance of the yellow bile, for the
latter very much favours this colour and tints with it the urine as it travels past.
(If) a person passes an amount of urine larger than the amount (of fluid) he has
drunk, it indicates either a withering or a repletion of his body; in fevers, it is
a reliable indicator of putridity, especially (in the sense that) the body thereby
rids itself (of morbid matter). Less urine than drunk (fluid) is bad, because it
(indicates) abnormal (levels of urinary) absorption, or (looming) diarrhoea, or
a lot of sweating, or a naturally weak digestion. Urine that contains particles
of coagulated blood in acute fevers, (combined with) a dry, verdigris-coloured
tongue, (is bad); and it is worse if the colour (of the tongue) is blackthis is so
because it indicates that (the body) has reached an utmost degree of (exposure
to) sharpness and pungency; that the blood which runs in the urine coagu-
lates due to (excess) heat; and that it runs there (in the first place) because the
bloodstreams are overflowing. Orange, fiery urine containing a bran-like, white
deposit, combined with acute fever, indicates that the latter has been taken to
the cardinal organs. Urine that resembles olive oil, combined with acute fever,
is an indication of (looming) mental confusion and death, for it suggests that
the intensity of the fever has consumed (most of) the moisture (in the body), to
the point of melting the fat, in which case the brain dries out very much. Urine
which flows now a little and then a lot, and which at times desists completely,
is bad in acute fevers; it is a warning of severe mental confusion and (shows)
the fight (against it) on the part of nature, which sometimes wins and some-
times loses; it (further) indicates how coarse the (morbid) matter is and how
difficult to ripen; and if this (urine) presents in subsiding fevers, be warned of a
long disease, as it suggests (the presence of) a tough humour. A lot of urinating
the syriac sources 299

and sweating, without in the least lowering an acute fever, is bad because one
must fear that the body (of the patient) dries out, then convulses or withers
away. Orange urine that shades into (either) white or black in an acute fever is
bad, for it indicates that the illness has become furious or has ascended to the
head. If the urine changes from thin to thick whilst the fever does not decrease
but increase in rigour, then this is bad, for (it indicates) a melting of the car-
dinal organs rather than a digestion (of the morbid matter). Urine containing
pus in an acute fever, whilst (the patient suffers from) tremor, weakness, dull-
ness of sight and sweat that breaks out on and around (his) head, indicates
(looming) convulsionsit suggests that the fever is caused by an abdominal
furuncle some of which, after it burst without bringing relief but rather dulling
the (patients) vision, is (now) moving up to the brain, whence convulsions
will follow. Pungent, stinking urine, combined with a disease in the head or
convulsions, is very bad, as it indicates a high level of (inner) heat and putrid-
ity. Grey or bloody urine that suddenly appears in pleurisy warns of death as
it warns of violent inflammation and thwarted ripening. Viscid, opaque urine
which resembles glue, when occurring in an illness of the kidneys, makes it
worse, because due to its viscidity (this urine itself) becomes (morbid) mat-
ter. Trickling urine in an abating fever indicates nosebleed, which in an acute
fever is bad(nosebleed) in a flaming (fever) points to a deterioration of the
brain, whereas in an abating (fever) it (merely suggests) overmuch repletion.
Urine that shows clouds but no lees in the wake of a crisis warns of a return
(of the disease), for it indicates an incomplete digestion (of morbid matter).
Urine which alternates between praiseworthy and blameworthy characteristics
in acute diseases indicates death(it means) that the strength (of the patient)
is wearing away and that this is due to serious, grave accidents. Stinking urine
(whose stench) suddenly vanishes in an acute disease is a bad sign, because
it indicates that nature is being withheld from acting and that this is not for
the betterif it were for the better, such (a change) would occur (gradually)
from day to day, whilst here (we have) a feature that appears all of a sudden, so
one must suspect (the worst). Urine which (constantly) alters (and) changes
(its) aspects in terms of colour, composition and (general) appearance is bad,
(in fact) devastating; (this is so) because it indicates (the presence of) several
opposing humoral mixtures in the body, whether these (changes happen) on
one and the same day or whether colour and condition (of the urine) change
over (a number of) days(either way) it suggests that the body (is suffering
from) various different diseases. He says: Urine which emerges (looking) sub-
tle and stays subtle indicates an utmost degree of (digestive) immaturity; and
if it also comes continuously (and) there is thirst, then (the patient has) dia-
betes. (Urine) which emerges clear (and) then turns turbid indicates that the
300 chapter 2

digestion (of morbid matter) has begun to work. (Urine) which emerges tur-
bid and stays turbid indicates either a death of strength (on the part of the
patient) or a (major) disorder and a violent uprising (inside the body); (it may
also mean) that the digestion (of morbid matter) is nearly (completed). Turbid
urine is sometimes due to a total loss of strength (on the part of the patient)
or to a lack of innate heat, as urine turns turbid when (the body) turns cold
you can distinguish this (urine from other turbid ones) because it is scanty,
because the condition of the patient worsens after (urination), and (because)
the heat of (his) fever calms down; if (the turbidity results from the aforesaid)
uprising, which may be connected to a (general) disorder or an enhanced activ-
ity (of the body) towards ripening (morbid matter), then (the urine) is plenty,
accompanied by a strong heat, and the condition of the patient improves after
(urination) with each (passing) day. Black lees are less bad than a black emis-
sion, and at worst they are both black. He says: The urines of children are
always full of lees because they eat a lot after having moved about irregularly,
and because no properly maturated nourishment is drawn (from the digestive
tract) into their veins. He says: Likewise the urines of those who suffer from a
fever due to repletion contain plenty of flakes. As for (the urine of) those who
have a fever due to fasting or exertion, there are no lees in it and the colour is
very pronouncedthe complaints of such (patients) disappear in most (cases)
without their urines manifesting (any) lees, and the same is (true) for the urines
of healthy people who labour hard (and) feed on little. He says: And this is
why Hippocrates disapproves of thin, fiery urine, stating that it indicates an
unripened disease.390 (Aiyb goes on to) say: In sum, lees hardly ever occur
in thin urines. He says: Lees that resemble thick bran indicate a melting of the
cardinal organs and an excessive (inner) heat which burns the blood; (lees) that
are like tiny sheets of metal, not thick, indicate that the outside of the organs,
their surface, is being dissolved. Black lees may indicate a death of strength (on
the part of the patient) and a predominance of coldness (in the body), or a vio-
lent burning and (an intense inner) heat; but the most severe (case) possible is
that both urine and lees are black. Black lees are more indicative of doom than
a cloud (in the urine), and so are suspensions (in the liquid). Green lees precede
black (ones), as in fatal diseases black urine follows after vomiting, regurgi-
tation and green urine. He says: As regards sky-coloured lees, they are only
caused by coldness (in the body); as regards a stinking smell, this is caused by

390 HippLi 2/140 f.:

Tant que lurine reste tnue et rouge, c est l indice que la maladie nest pas encore venue
coction (translation Littr).
the syriac sources 301

putridity; as regards dregs that resemble olive oil, they indicate consumption.
The best lees are those that nicely sink to the bottom, followed by those that are
suspended (in the liquid), followed by those that float (on its surface). Watery
or turbid urine indicates an utmost degree of (digestive) immaturity; orange or
fiery urine, when very thin, is immature; thin (urine) in children is very bad.
He says: In phlegmatic and black-bilious diseases it is very bad if the lees sink
straight down to the bottom, and vice versa; as for yellow-bilious diseases, the
lower the lees sink the better, and vice versa. He says: (This is so) because (the
substance of) an unnatural corruption (of the body), to the extent that nature
works on it, assumes a tendency (to move) towards the opposite of its natural
direction. Watery urine indicates either a lack of maturation or obstructions
in the passageways of the kidneys, as it is with someone who suffers from an
indurated renal tumour; as for (watery urine) in an acute disease, it indicates
phrenitis and (looming) mental confusion, and if it stays (like that), then death
(will come). All that is being said about urine, mind you, (first and foremost)
implies obstructions in the urinary tract. Red, thick urine with no lees in con-
comitant fevers indicates an unripened illness. Black urine in acute diseases
indicates death, especially when it stinks and (when) it contains black flakes
that sink to the bottomit is preposterous (to believe) that someone who suf-
fers from an acute disease and passes such urine can be saved. If the black is
preceded by a sky-blue colour of the lees and the (liquid) delivery, then this is
caused by coldness (in the body); if preceded by an orange (colour), then this is
caused by an overwhelming (inner) heat and a (violent) burning. Sometimes in
subsiding quartan fever and (also) in waning black-bilious diseases the urine is
black, (in which case) it is a good (and) praiseworthy (sign). Lees in the urines of
women are bound to be more frequent and less tinted. Laudable lees are those
that form a cloud first, then turn into suspensions, then sink to the bottom. As
for a large amount of lees at the beginning (of a disease), they (tend to be) thick
(and) revolting, the (liquid) delivery is also revolting, and none of it indicates
a maturation; when such urine starts to ripen, suspensions appear in it, then
a cloud, then a deposit, and after that a second cloud, nice and small. He says:
The ignorant (observer) imagines from this (second) cloud that the condition
(of the patient) is getting worse, because it appeared after (the formation of)
a deposit. Yet the situation is not like this, because (the second cloud) follows
upon (some) bad, revolting, immature lees (which themselves) are already the
product of a great uprising (against morbid matter on the part of nature). A
(layer of) oil that (sometimes) emerges on top of the urine is due to a melting
away of fat, either from the kidneys (only) or from the whole bodyif a lot of
it emerges all at once and a great heat is present in the kidneys, then (this fat)
is renal, and vice versa.
302 chapter 2

3
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the syriac sources 303

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304 chapter 2

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the syriac sources 305

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306 chapter 2

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the syriac sources 307

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308 chapter 2

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the syriac sources 309

Aiyb the Spotted says: Red urine occurs when phlegm obstructs the liver,
which happens a lot in alternating fever. The distinction between this (urine)
and the red (urine) that occurs due to blood or yellow bile is (as follows)
if you see that the red urine is smooth, even (and) shines brightly, then you
know that phlegm has made it, because the shine, the smoothness and the
even distribution of its watery parts are down to phlegm, as we have observed
in patients how many times! If the yellow bile is responsible for the occur-
rence of red urine, then you will find neither evenness nor smoothness and
no shine in the urine, and this is so because heat has detached the moist con-
stituents one from another. He says: The colour of the urine may be white
due to heat, in which case you will see (that the texture of the liquid) is very
fine (and) subtle, whilst the white itself is neither clear nor pure. He says: If
the black bile is responsible for the black colour (of the urine), you will see
that the texture (of the liquid) is fine (and) subtle, whilst the colour is very
deep (and) dense; and if there is heat in this (urine), it will be more thick and
less even, whilst the colour itself will be neither clear nor deep. If phlegm is
responsible for the occurrence of the black (colour), then the texture (of the
urine) is smooth, even (and) thick, whilst the colour is neither deep nor clear.
The place of (those) lees (which result) from venous digestion is (like) the
place of faeces (which result) from intestinal digestion.414 He says: Olive-oily
urines are typical for those who suffer from a hectic fever, because this fever
is a melterone (body) withers, another collapses. There are three kinds of
olive-oily urinesif something spidery disengages from the urine, one cannot
yet establish a (general) consumption (because) the (body) fat has only just
begun to melt, which is (an early) sign of hectic fever; as regards (the urine)
that truly looks like olive oil, (this) appears when the watery moisture has been
wasted away from the essence of the organs and (when) the (innate) heat is
being extinguished, which are signs of withering; and if vetch-like or bran-like
lees appear, then (morbid) heat has started to squander the essence of the car-
dinal organs themselves, which is a sign of (looming) collapse. He says: (All)
this is plainly obviousinitially, the fire (inside) melts and exhausts the watery
parts of the flesh, then its oily parts, then its very essence; when (the fire) starts
to squander the very essence of the flesh, it has to cut off many little pieces
(first), because (flesh) as such cannot be dispersed in (bulks of) pliable por-

414 That is to say down below, at the bottom.

310 chapter 2

tions as (can be done with) water and oil, which represent the moisture and the
fat of the body; (then) these fragments (of flesh) are (gradually) melted away,
(beginning with) the edges as they are the weakest, and finally they become
round (lees in a urine sample). Vetch-like lees come from scattered flesh. As
for bran-like (lees), (they appear) once (the fire inside) has begun to work on
the essence of those organs which have been the (ultimate) target (of the dis-
ease), namely the veins and related (structures), eventually operating on them
by deep penetrationat first, (the fire) cuts off bran-like particles from the sur-
face of these (organs); and if this continues and intensifies, larger particles are
cut off from the depth, which are (the ones that resemble) tiny sheets of metal.
Similar extractions (of tissue) from the bladder and the kidneys can hardly hap-
pen, unless an acute and flaming fever takes the lead. About the smell (of the
urine) he says: Pungent smelling urine occurs when the yellow bile burns up
the moisture of the urine, and this happens to adolescents, to convalescents,
and to those who adhere to physical exercise, hot nourishments and all things
that heat; as regards an acid smell, (this) appears as a result of much undigested
moisture and little (inner) heat; as regards a brackish smell, (this) appears as
a result of great putridity in the body, such as it happens when a fever stays
for a while, or (after) the (flow of) urine was blocked for a long time, like in
urinary retention. Bitterness (of taste of the urine) occurs as a result of a pre-
dominance of heat and dryness (in the body), or a severe inflammation; as for
saltiness (of taste), (this) is due to a less (severe) inflammation; as for acridity
(of taste), this happens because of an inflammation that is more severe than
(the one indicated by) bitterness and yet less harsh; as for the sour (tasting
urine), it is due to a weakness of the (inner) heat and (too) much moisture;
sweetness (of taste) is (a sign of humoral) equilibrium. Watery (urine) occurs
from (too) much moisture. And a balanced texture (of the urine) is an indi-
cation of a sound digestion of chyle in the stomach. He says: A citron colour
(of the urine) indicates an excellent digestion in the liver; as for (the colours)
orange, red, scarlet, black and the like, they indicate the opposite. As regards the
dregs, they indicate the state of digestion in the veinstheir settling down to
the bottom, their being smooth and white, indicate an excellent (venous) diges-
tion; their staying in the middle of the (urine) container (indicates) a less (good
digestion); and their being near the top (indicates) an even inferior (digestion).
He says: Thin water occurs as a result of a bad digestion in the stomach, because
it suggests that the chyle is thin (too); thick and turbid (urine) also (results)
from a bad gastric digestion, (meaning) it arrives at the liver before it has been
thoroughly cooked and (therefore) descends (looking) like water charged with
(crumbs of) flatbreada balanced (urinary density) depends on a balance of
these factors. Thick urine may (further) occur on account of the kidneys and
the syriac sources 311

the wombthe difference is that the thickness which is due to gastric chyle
(shows) homogeneous, evenly distributed parts, (whereas thick urine) that is
due to (renal or uterine deficiencies) is to the contrary. He says: One can tell
the difference between lees that are residues of venous nutrition and raw mat-
ter or pus by the look and the smellif you see that the dregs, when stirred, do
not spread out nicely in the (urinary) liquid but rather form separate (clusters)
moving up and down, then they are an uncooked medley; natural dregs are
smooth, brilliantly white, and when stirred do not descend quickly; as for pus,
it is linked to tumours, and it has a stinking smell. Natural dregs smell sharp
due to digestion; the uncooked medley has no smell; and pus smells disgust-
ing. Regarding the colours (of the urine), there are four (basics)white, black,
red and orange. The (latter) two and the others, when mixed, produce (new)
colours(for example) what results from a lot of white and a little red is (the
visual manifestation of) uncooked (matter); scarlet results from a blend of red
and black, and so forth; green results from (various) combinations of black. He
says: These (colours) are (a means of) investigating the urine, and it is not dif-
ficult to have a good guess at how they may have been mixed together. Changes
in the urine from one colour to another or from one texture to another and
so on, indicate health or sickness. Thin urine that shows a milky, frothy cloud
in acute diseases indicates wreckage, and when this is accompanied by blood
running from the nostrils, it suggests total lossit means that the (underly-
ing) cause is the yellow bile, and that the flow of blood is not due to (resistful)
agitation (on the part of nature) but rather the result of waning strength (on
the part of the patient). White, thin urine in acute diseases requires urgent
attention, as it warns of (looming) mental confusion; if (such) urine occurs,
and stays like that, (the patient) is going to diethe reason (for this) is (also)
mentioned in my treatise.415 He says: If this urine occurs in conjunction with
pleurisy, and continues (to occur), it warns (the physician) of (looming) mental
confusion; but as soon as sweating and bleeding set in, the illness is about to
dissolve. White or black urines in an acute disease, combined (on the part of
the patient) with a flaming (sensation), a lack of understanding, mental con-
fusion, loss of (appetite for) food, and pining for breath and strength, indicate
death, because (all) signs of doom are (here) gathered together. In phlegmatic
fever, subtle urine indicates obstructions caused by phlegm. White, subtle urine
which is passed like this over a long time in (a state of) physical health without

415 If my emendation of the Arabic text is valid at all (cf. note 400 above), Iy here refers to
another section of his own work on uroscopya section which Rhazes, however, does not
quote.
312 chapter 2

changing towards thickness indicates that an illness of the kidneys or a tumour

or blisters or an abscess will occur in the body. Very red urine in (a state of)
physical health indicates that the body will soon dissolve and melt (internally);
and if the urine is red (and) thick, and stays like that, combined (on the part of
the patient) with a (sensation of) heaviness in the head and the (whole) body,
it is a warning that the (inner) moisture is in the process of putrefying and that
fever will occur. Red, thick urine that is passed little by little in the early stages
of acute diseases, smelling bad, indicates doom, because the redness points to
a great deal of (inner) heat, the thickness (points) to a serious disorder, the
paucity (points) to a weakening of strength, and the stench (points) to a high
degree of humoral putrefaction. Red urine is bad when there are renal pains
and headachesin renal pains it usually indicates a hot tumour of one or both
kidneys, which is not good at all because (such a tumour) often maturates and
suppurates; and in combination with a disease of the head (this urine is bad)
because one must fear the onset of mental confusion. Scarlet urine that con-
tains a lot of lees in acute and heavily alternating fevers indicates a dissolution
of the illness, but if it turns light (in colour) all at once, it (rather) indicates
a relapsethis is so because (scarlet) urine points to a (forthcoming) evacua-
tion of the humour that is causing these fevers, but if it turns light (in colour), it
means that the (morbid) humour is not going to be evacuated, which inevitably
disposes nature towards another fever in order to carry out the evacuation of
this humour. Urine which has the colour of pure blood in acute diseases indi-
cates imminent death, and this is so because the presence of pure blood in the
urine suggests a sanguine rage which will escalate (either) towards the head,
where it paralyzes the respiratory movements, or towards the heart, which it
suffocates. Red urine which is passed in acute fevers caused by exertion, (urine
which) shifts from being subtle to being thick (and) which contains no dregs
that sink to the bottom, combined with headache, warns of a long disease but
(promises eventual) rescue; this is so because a shift from subtleness to thick-
ness indicates digestive (activities), whilst the absence of a deposit indicates
that the digestion is not yet completed and needs a bit more time; as regards
the reason why the crisis (in this case will come) through sweating, (this is so)
because the whole body is exerted and therefore the evacuation (of morbid
matter) must be (carried out) by the body as a whole. Scarlet, scarce urine in
conjunction with dropsy indicates danger, the opposite (indicates) well-being;
(this is so) because the intensity of redness suggests that the liver is very much
aching, and the paucity suggests that the urine does not evacuate (morbid mat-
ter) but rather has begun to collect watery (residues). A lot of red, thick urine,
resembling sludge, in jaundice indicates that the humour which is responsi-
ble for the illness is in the process of being evacuated, that the liver is being
the syriac sources 313

purified, and that obstructions are being opened. Red, thin urine which con-
tains few residue(s) and stays like this for a long while in the jaundice illness
warns of dropsy, because (it shows that) the liver is not being purified from
the (morbid) humour and that it weakens increasingly (as long as) there is no
(purifying) emission of urine. Red, clear urine and black, subtle (urine) with
little dregs in illnesses of the spleen are bad, because redness and blackness
in this condition indicate heat and inflammation or (another splenic) weak-
ness, whilst the subtleness (of the urine also indicates) obstructions below (the
spleen). If someone all of a sudden urinates impure blood, it indicates the rup-
ture of a renal vein, because there is no vein in the bladder capable of spilling
large (enough) amounts of blood, and if (the blood) came from (further) above,
it would appear (in the urine) gradually, not all at oncethese two clues com-
bined (point) to the kidneys, because they possess veins that carry enough
blood and that are close (enough) in terms of (anatomical) position. The urine
in jaundice is red or orange, its froth is tinted (accordingly), and it stains the
clothes with (this) colour. If black or verdigris-coloured urine appears in the
wake of great exertion, then it warns of impending convulsionsa verdigrisy
colour shows up when most of the moisture of the cardinal organs has been
exhausted through exertion, without there being much heat (involved), whilst
blackness (of the urine) indicates (the involvement of) copious heat and severe
dryness of the nerves. Black (urine) which contains suspended dregs, smells
sharp and has a soft texture in an acute disease announces headache accom-
panied by mental confusion; in most (cases) it (further) indicates that burned
blood will flow from the nose, or (that there will be) profuse sweatingthis
is so because black suspensions suggest an inflammation, and if this inflam-
mation involves the blood, then hot blood will travel upwards (through the
body), the head will not be able to tolerate this heat, and therefore nosebleed
will occur; yet if this sharp (inflammation) is due to the yellow bile, then (the
heat) will arrive, thanks to its lightness, at the surface of the body, and with its
arrival trembling (and sweating) will occur. Black, subtle urine which contains
disconnected suspensions in flaming fevers with sleeplessness and deafness
indicates that blood will flow from the noseas flaming fevers are (usually)
caused by blood, it means that the hot (morbid) humour is going to ascend
towards the head and that nature will evacuate it from there (through nose-
bleed); and the blackness (of the urine) is due to the great effort of the flaming
fever to wear down the (bodys) moisture. Black urine which contains round,
clustered suspensions, not smelling pungent, combined with a dilatation of the
lateral (ribcage), sweating, and a swelling below the ribline, indicates death,
because these are (all) bad signs. Urine which has an uneven texture and a red
colour indicates exertion and physical declineexertion consumes the mois-
314 chapter 2

ture (of the body), whence unevenness occurs; then heat arises, which makes
the urine red; and because of these two (factors) the body declines. Urine which
has a very moist texture, more than is natural, combined (on the part of the
patient) with a lack of appetite for food and a (sensation of) heaviness, indi-
cates that the body is preparing itself for a praiseworthy evacuation, because
a (sensation of) heaviness and a lack of appetite for food suggest a repletion
and (an abundance of) moisture. A (disproportionate) amount of urine indi-
cates that moisture is being evacuated from the body. Subtle, undigested urine
in the early stages of a disease is impossible; but when (the disease is) in the
ascendance, and notably when it comes to an end, it is possible; as regards (the
occurrence of such urine) in (a condition of physical) decline, it indicates a long
disease, for it points to an utmost weakness of strength and a bad chyme. Subtle
urine containing red, upwards drifting suspensions in acute diseases indicates a
(looming) loss of reason; if it stays like that, it indicates wreckage; but if the sub-
tleness (of the urine), that is to say (its) thinness, shifts towards thickness and
the lees (shift from being red) towards being white, then release will descend
(upon the patient)this is so because red suspensions that incline towards
the top indicate the sharpness and the pungency (of the morbid matter) and
its extreme tendency (to move) towards the upper parts of the body, thereby
harming the brain; but if (the lees) turn white and move downwards, a com-
plete ripening (of the morbid matter) is guaranteed. If in acute fevers the urine
is at first orange (and) subtle, then turns thick and whitethickness meaning
(a tendency to) swirl, (if) it stays roily, similar to donkey piss, (if the patient)
urinates involuntarily, and (if) it is accompanied by sleeplessness and agitation,
(then) it indicates a dilatation of the lateral (ribcage) and (eventual) deathfor
its being initially subtle warns of (great inner) heat; its subsequent turbidness
and whiteness point to the severity of the illness; and (the fact that the patient
is in a state of) great unrest and his urine (emerges) involuntarily suggests a
weakening of the brain and the nerves, (further) that the illness is acute, and
that (nature) will (eventually) be crushed under (the influence of intense) heat,
culminating in a dilatation as this heat dries out (the chest cavity), which is
fatal. Subtle, black urine which is passed little by little over a long time in acute
fevers, combined (on the part of the patient) with pain in the head and neck,
indicates a (looming) loss of reason; however, (the fact that the urine is passed)
little by little may suggest that the responsible (morbid) humour is about to be
evacuated (nonetheless); this (form of evacuation) is safer in women, because
they empty themselves via the urinary passageways more (profoundly) than
men. Urine that stays subtle for a long time in the wake of a crisis indicates in
most (cases) a return (of the illness), because it suggests that the crisis occurred
prior to a (thorough) maturation (of the morbid matter), and hence that a rest
the syriac sources 315

of the illness will gather together (and) provoke (a relapse). Thick urine that
stays thick for a long while, (forms) sand(-like) deposits and is accompanied
(on the part of the patient) by a (sensation of) heaviness in the hip and pubic
region, indicates the development of a (urinary) stoneif the heaviness is felt
(more) in the hip and in the lower leg, it points to the occurrence of a kid-
ney stone; if it is felt (more) in the pubic region, then (the stone will occur)
in the bladder. Roily urine in the ascendance of acute fevers indicates ruin,
because roiliness and swirling point to a grave illness; and if (this urine) appears
at a time when the illness (seemed to be) coming to an end, (then it is par-
ticularly) shocking, for (it means that) nature will be defeated. If urine that
has been thickmeaning turbidduring the early stages of a disease clears
up with the onset of the crisis, (then this) is bad, because (here) its clarity is
not due to a purification but rather to (the fact that morbid) humours have
formed a deposit in the body (itself) and will thereby cause a return (of the
disease). Plenty of thick urine in hemiplegia (indicates) a dissolution of the
illness, because raw matter is thus being evacuated. Thick, uneven urine, in
conjunction with fever and pain in the spleen, indicates (something) good
it means that heat is about to dissolve tough residue(s) from the spleen and
to evacuate (them) through the urine; as regards its being uneven, this is so
because (urinary) evenness is relative to the action of the heat upon the (mor-
bid) matter in order to restore (humoral balance) here (in the spleen), (as much
as it exists) in all those areas (of the body) which have (remained) unaffected
(and) unchanged throughout the days (of sickness). Thick urine that shows a
sediment (looking like) bran or pounded oat grains or tiny sheets of metal, com-
bined with fever and pain all over the body, indicates (the onset of) hectic fever;
if there is no (initial) fever nor pain all over the body, (such urine) indicates
that (the problem is linked) to the bladder. Thick urine with olive-oily dregs
indicates a (urinary) stone, whilst the colour (of the urine) is decided by the
colour of the humour from whose residue(s) (the stone) has been produced
(for example) if (the urine) is red, then (this) is due to a residuum of blood.
Thick, dense urine that emerges copiously for a long time, followed by (a sense
of) relief (on the part of the patient), evacuates from the body an uncooked
(morbid) humour. Orange, clear urine indicates a predominance of the yellow
bile and occurs (usually) in young people and those who labour hard or fast
(a lot). A red cloud (in the urine) indicates a long-lasting disease and (even-
tual) well-beingthe appearance of a cloud, albeit red, (means that the disease
will still be) of shorter duration than if there were no cloud at all. Urine that is
more (copious) than the (amount of consumed) fluid, announces, in a state of
health, an (impending) dissolution (of strength); in a state of consumption, it
warns of severe diarrhoea (befalling) the body; and if it occurs together with
316 chapter 2

repletion or (in) repleting diseases, (it means that) the body is being cleansed
and will (finally) benefit. If healthy people urinate less than what they have
drunk, (it may mean) that their bodies collect (this fluid), or (else) that their
bowels will be loosened or that there will be (a lot of) sweating; if that does not
happen, and (if) their urination (remains) poor, then (the fluid) which is left
behind in the body will generate watery humours. Urine with particles resem-
bling blood clots, in fevers that dry out the tongue or coat it with (something)
like verdigris, indicates death, because the verdigris (coating) upon the tongue
points to acrid (accumulations of) heat (in the body); if the urine is black in
addition and meagre, then one might say that these are (actually) particles of
blood which, due to the acridity of the humours, have come down (all the way)
from the liver and, due to the intensity of the heat, have coagulated, whilst
the blackness (of the urine) would suggest (moreover) a serious inflammation
up there. Oily urine sometimes indicates (looming) mental confusionwhen
the moisture of the body dries up, the brain dries up (also). In acute fevers,
urine which emerges at times a little, at times a lot, and (which) sometimes is
blocked completely, indicates (possible) wreckage; if the(se) fevers are benign,
(such urine merely) indicates a long disease; but if they are malign, it is an
indication of how hard nature must struggle against the illnessif it has the
upper hand, (nature) rejects the (morbid) residue(s) via the urine, but if it is
losing (advantage), it cannot reject (anything) and (the flow of urine) is inter-
rupted. If in acute fevers (the urine) assumes a black or white colour after it had
been orange, (this) warns of (looming) mental confusion, because in (case of)
whiteness it suggests that the (fever) heat is ascending towards the head, and
in (case of) blackness (it suggests) that the (whole) body is burning badly. If
there is pus in the urine and (the patient is) trembling, misty-eyed, sweating
on the head and in the neck, it indicates (an existing) or impending dilata-
tion of the lateral (ribcage)it means that not all purulent matter has been
evacuated from below and that a contingent of it ascended in the company of
(morbid) humours towards the head, attaching itself to the brain and drying
it out; this often happens in major abscesses of the pleura and the stomach. If
(such a) dilatation is accompanied by pungent smelling urine, then it is fatal
for someone who (also) suffers from an illness of the brainit points to an
overwhelming (inner) heat and severe putridity, and for this (condition), com-
bined with (likely) convulsions, there is no cure. Grey and bloody, roily, uneven
urine in pleurisy indicates deaththis is so because a grey and bloody colour
suggests a serious inflammation which may well cause violent palpitations;
as there is no (more) time to (achieve) a maturation (of the morbid matter),
the brain will be affected together with the membrane that lines (the cavity
behind) the ribs, and this leads to death because it hinders (the patient) from
the syriac sources 317

breathing. Viscid, gluey urine in diseases of the liver and in diseases of the kid-
neys is bad, as it makes the illness grow (worse). Dribbling urine in flaming but
benign fevers indicates a very hot tumour of the head and an (impending) flow
of blood from the nose; this is (particularly) bad in acute fevers, because (then)
the involvement of the headthat is to say the brainmeans damage to the
voluntary functions. If after a crisis there appears a cloud in the urine but no
deposit, it warns of a return (of the disease) because it implies a remainder of
unripened (morbid matter). Urine that changes all of a sudden from (display-
ing) praiseworthy to blameworthy characteristics in acute diseases indicates
death, because it suggests that the strength (of the patient) has declined to the
extreme and is rendered incapable of resistance. Bloody, pussy, black, disgust-
ingly smelling urine with green or black or hair-like dregs indicates wreckage,
because these characteristics suggest (the presence of) multiple malicious dis-
eases.

f emn (fl. 850ce?)

al-Kunn (?)

1
r 1/29,414

:
][

416 :
: 418 417
419
420
.

416 : editio .
417 : editio .
418 : editio .
419 : editio .
420 : editio .
318 chapter 2

imn: A very effective cataplasm to heat nerves that have lost sensation
thoroughly mix (some) wax and (some) lily oil, throw upon it castoreum, myrrh
and storax, one qya of each ingredient, and apply this paste (to the affected
site); and if sensation remains intact while motion is completely lost, take
cypress cones, myrrh, savin, sweet flag and caper husks, cook it (all) in wine, and
apply (the paste) as a cataplasm to the vertebra through which the (affected)
nerve exits. imn (also) says: A paste which is useful for (the treatment of)
tremor of the handscook lucerne (leaves), grind them until they become like
a liniment, and apply this, twice daily, as a cataplasm to the hands, for it cer-
tainly cures (the problem). (And) he says: In (case of) hemiplegia pour on the
joints which have become flaccid a decoction of stuff that constricts, and rub
them until they turn red. (Also) useful against hemiplegia is rubbing the points
of articulation until they turn red; wiping (them) with costmary oil; sitting in
the lame hyena decoction;421 drinking the sulphur remedy422 after an evacua-
tion; and, as a last resort, mild cauterization between each two vertebras.

2
r 1/56,15ff.

][ :
.

421 The lame hyena decoction is a highly complex pharmacological preparation comprising
some 70 different ingredients of mainly vegetable, but also mineral and animal origin, with
the pice de rsistance being a lame, decrepit, female hyena that is cooked alive into a thick
broth before the other ingredients are admixed (lame and decrepit presumably because
such an animal is easier to hunt). In Arabic pharmacy, where the drug also comes in a
smaller variety, it is specifically dedicated to the treatment of gynaecological disorders
(hence presumably female), but considered lethal if used (orally) prior to six months of
storagefor prototypes see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 48 (larger) and 49 (smaller) [minor
variations e.g. ISQ 3/334,5335,6 and 335,721 respectively]. As regards the label of this
compound which in Rhazes quotation of emn is designated by the Arabic words abua
ar lame hyena, Sbr ibn Sahl (d. 255/869) and after him Ibn Sn (d. 428/1037) refer
to it by the generic name of qafa/ran which, whilst the remedy itself is explicitly said
to be of Indian provenance, is derived from Persian kaftr-agn made with hyena, see
VuLex 2/853b and, for the suffix -(a)gn, GiP 1,2/178; the drug, despite or perhaps because
of its outlandishness, appears to have been popular enough to feature at least twice
among the Genizah documents, see ChLStu passimbut was it ever actually made, never
mind used?
422 Cf. note 145 above.
the syriac sources 319

imn: In order to (treat) vertigo, cut (and bleed) the two prominent veins
which are (situated) in the nape of the neck, and (then) cauterize them down
to the bone. And him, who collapses under the strength of the vertigo, make
vomit; then administer sharp enemas, cause him to sneeze, bleed him, and
apply to his head a cold, well-balanced bandage.

3
r 1/73,26

:
:
.

imn says: The symptoms of melancholia (in a patient) are gloominess,

sadness, fear, irritability, hating people, loving solitude, and being annoyed with
oneself and with others. (The author also) says: Make such (a patient) enter a
(hot) tub in his home, not in the bathhouse; give him moist, fat (and) quickly
digested foods; purge him (from the) black bile; and he should travel, change
localities, and get together with people over wine and storytelling.

4
r 1/107,17108,3

: :
][
:

.

imn says: (To treat facial paralysis) agitate the skin of the face and (upper)
lip (by working downwards) from the muscles that cover the skullcap. And he
says: Anoint (the patients) face and temples with walnut oil, but first rub him
until he turns red and hot; he should dwell in a warm place, and in winter
he should never be deprived of a glowing fire in front of him; and warn him
against wind and cold. (The author also) says: If (someone) feels a pain in
the bones and skin of his face and (in) his cheek(s), he will be struck be facial
paralysistell him not to let (any) cold reach his face, and caution him against
cupping. A frequent twitching of the face indicates the same.
320 chapter 2

5
r 1/133,919

:


424 423 ][

425
. 426

imn says: If an epileptic fit is accompanied (only) by trembling and shak-

ing, then it is (due to) phlegm, because phlegm cannot obstruct the neural
passageways of the (vital) spirit; as regards the kind of epilepsy in which all
(the patients) limbs collapse, this is due to the black bile, and it is worse than
the first (kind) because here is a danger that the routes of the (vital) spirit are
(about to be) blocked completely, which would quickly kill the patient. (In case
of the latter kind) nothing is more effective than evacuation through bloodlet-
ting, purging of the bowels, (using) gargle(s) and sneezing powder(s), and to
drink regularly, every day and every night, a quantity of one hazelnut from the
(remedy called) Theodoretos,427 for many people recover on that (drug); and
(as to) treating the phlegmatic (kind of) epilepsy, shave (the patients) head
and apply to it a bandage containing mustard and drias plant resin, purge him
with colocynth pulp, bleed (the veins) of his forearm and elbow, then make him
sneeze, and prescribe him the (remedy called) Theodoretos,428 just a little every
day in the morning and in the evening. Useful against nightmare(s) is to give
(such patients) peony seeds with a drink of water.

423 : editio .
424 : editio .
425 : editio .
426 : editio .
427 Cf. note 54 above.
428 Cf. note 54 above.
the syriac sources 321

6
r 1/158,17159,5

429 :
430
: 431 ][

432
. ][ 433

imn says: Make for him who suffers from spasms softening bandages, and
after that rub over all vertebras of his (spine) linseed and marshmallow oil;
then continue to apply (those) bandages; (further) put around his neck a large,
smooth, woolen collar and besprinkle it, every hour, with heated oil; anoint
his spine (all the way) down to the small of his back with (melted) wax and
warm oil, which you (also) rub over (the rest of) his body; and ask him to sit
down in a bathtub (filled with) heated olive oil. (The author then) says: And
him, who suffers from spasms (due to) repletion, ask to sit in the dry (chamber
of the) bathhouse, as this is the most effective thing (to do) for him; (further)
rub him over with castoreum that has been blended with jasmine oil; let him
drink castor oil, honey water and asafoetida resin; (also) bend him over the
hot steam of that (resin), having sprinkled (some) wine upon it, and cover his
(head) under a garment so that he sweats.

429 : editio + .
430 : editio .
431 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
432 : editio .
433 : editio .
322 chapter 2

7
r 1/207,711

:
][

.

imn: In order to (treat) delirium and mania combined with shameless

behaviour bathe (the patients) head with a decoction of elecampane and
(sheeps) trotters, pour milk over him, put dung upon him, make him snuff
sweet violet (oil) and breast milk, and feed him anything (that is) cold, fatty,
(and) fills and moistens the brain. Nothing is more effective in (case of) a brain
tumour than to open the veins of the nose and extract from it as much blood
as possible; likewise treat (the kind of) demonic possession that is caused by
drinking and smelling opium.

8
r 1/241,17242,3

:
:
434 :
.

imn says: If a headache sufferer feels a (certain) heaviness and fullness (in
his skull), then nothing is better than to open the veins on both sides of the nose
and to extract from it a lot of blood; (further) bleed the veins of the temples,
purge his belly, and put vinegar and rose oil on his head. (The author also) says:
Among the salves to (treat) hemicrania (the best is made from) saffron and
oak galls, (and) spread on a bandage. (And) he says: Useful against inveterate
headache is to take agnus-castus leaves, press them, and let (the patient) snuff
up (the sap).

434 : editio .
the syriac sources 323

9
r 2/128,39

:
:
:
. :

According to what I saw in imns book for (the treatment of) lice in the
eyelashes: Wet (the area) with hot water, then wash it with alum water or smear
(moistened) alum (powder) on the roots of the lashes. (The author also) says:
Day blindness is what it is because the vision of these (patients) is (adapted to)
little light, shunning, like the bat, from the faintest light (source); therefore they
can see (better) in dim light. (And) he says: In order to (treat) night blindness
paint (the eyelids of the patient) with (a salve made from) pepper and musk,
for this is marvelous; or (use) balm oil; or leek water and childrens urine. In
case of squint imn says: Let (the patient) snuff the juice expressed from the
leaves of the olive tree.

10
r 2/177,1216

:

. 435

imn says: Couching (a cataract) is only indicated if the patient cannot see
by night nor by day, and (if) he does not suffer from a headache or a cough;
once (the cataract) is couched, (the patient) must lie still, like dead, not moving
(at all), and he should avoid anger, sexual intercourse, and wine. In the early
stage(s) of cataract let (the patient) snuff cocks gall or infused saffron, or paint
(his eyelids) with the water of wild pennyroyal or with (a salve made from)
pepper and musk.

435 : editio .
324 chapter 2

11
r 3/23,1524,6

:






.

imn: A treatment which is suitable for all (kinds of) earache(the patient)
should beware of indigestion and not fill himself with food, especially tough
one, (but rather) eat what is most soft, what is quickly digested and what goes
down well, (such that) his belly is always relaxed; he should (further) prevent
coldness and wind from (reaching) his ear, always protect it with a cover, and
apply to it a hot cloth pad whenever cold has struck regardless. In order to
(treat) impaired hearing drop into the (patients) ear, after having cleaned (it),
the press juice of leek and cows gall, or a decoction of colocynth pulp. Or
put into the ear a (cotton) plug (containing) black hellebore and vinegar, or
mustard, borax and fig (juice), and leave it (inside) for three days; then utter
into his ear, with a strong voice, a long, incessant cry; then blow forcefully
through a tube into his ear so that it fills up with air, (if necessary applying
the procedure to) both ears. Or take a grain of castoreum and a scraped bay
laurel seed kneaded with vinegar (and plug that into the ear). You may (also)
drop into it almond oil and mountain myrrh (oil), and (the patients hearing)
will recover. Or insert into the ear, as deep as possible, a tube and suck on it
with (great) force several times, for this is useful to (counter even) obstinate
deafness.

12
r 3/69,1217

:
:
the syriac sources 325

436 437
][ .

imn says: Polypody, once cut off with an iron (knife) and left (alone), sprouts
quickly; therefore, when (treating) nosebleed, it is necessary to sear (the cut
surfaces) with caustic substances (and then) to cover the entire segment thor-
oughly in clay that has been wet with cold waterfor such (a plug) cools down
the blood and blocks (its flow). (The author also) says: A remedy which stim-
ulates nosebleedprepare a paste from wild pennyroyal and put it into the
(patients) nostrils; or prepare a paste from the blades of Roman nettle and stick
)it into the nostril; or take soapwort and spurge (and) prepare a paste (together
with cows gall.

13
r 3/104,17105,16

:
:
438 439
:


:

436 . : editio
437 . : editio
438 . : editio
439 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
326 chapter 2

440
][
.

imn says: No drug is more effective in drawing out phlegm from the roots of
the teeth and more swift in soothing the pain than a decoction of colocynth
pulp with vinegar, and in case of (root) coldness (take) wine; (also) highly
useful against (phlegm) is a decoction of myrobalans with vinegar. (The author
further) says: Useful against tingling teeth is to hold thickened grape wine,
sharp one, in the mouth, and to wipe (the teeth) with rue, pepper and pellitory.
He (also) says: Honey and vinegar, cooked and (used to) rinse (the mouth) a
few days each month, preserve the teeth in their (state of) health. Pellitory,
mulberry barks and capers, (when) pounded thoroughly (and) then cooked in
vinegar, uproot healthy teethmake an incision (into the gums) all around the
molar, besmear it (with this preparation), and wait for (the tooth) to fall out; or
smear arsenic, pickled in vinegar, around (the tooth), for this loosens it. (As
regards) toothworms, evidence remains to be obtained. (And) he says: When
the time has come for the infant to grow teeth, do not give him anything to
chew; (rather) the nursemaid should introduce her finger every hour and nicely
massage the gums of the child so that the vicious moisture, which is the agent
of the pain, flows away; then anoint (the gums) with chicken fat and hares
marrow. If the pain gets worse, rub the area with the press juice of nightshade
and heated rose oil; and when the teeth show a little, wrap around (the childs)
neck, head and jaws a woolen (cloth) that has been steeped in oil, and (also)
drop oil into his ear. If (the child) has loose stools, apply externally a poultice of
constipating drugs, let him drink astringent press juices, and reduce his food;
if his nature is severely hampered, have him carry a purgative suppository, and
feed him bindweed in a broth or give it to him as a snuff.

14
r 3/191,1114

: :

.

440 : editio .
the syriac sources 327

imn: It sometimes happens that powerful miasmata, which rise from the
stomach into the mouth, cause ulcers and nasty blisters. He (also) says: The
pustules which occur in the mouth are of the same colour as the dominant
humourred is sanguine, yellow is choleric, white is phlegmatic, and green or
black is melancholic.

15
r 3/211,811

:
441
.

imn says: If the tip of the tongue is attached lengthwise (to the floor of the
mouth), lift it and hold it up with a lashed hook; then push a needle through
(the membrane) and pull (the threads) so tightly that the connective (tissue)
splitsdo not cut (the membrane) with an iron (blade), as this may entail
profuse bleeding; and put sharp drugs on the site in order to prevent (the
tongue) from relapsing, for it would soon be tethered again.

16
r 3/264,13265,12

:

443 442



][

441 : editio .
442 : editio .
443 : editio .
328 chapter 2

444


445
:
: 446 :
.

imn: If you do not see an obvious tumour (in the throat) and the patient
is agitated and incapable of swallowing water, cup the two jugular veins and
wait a little (before) putting a single cupping glass on (his) head; if he still
remains (unchanged), bleed the vein(s) of the tongue, lips and nostrils to
the best of your abilities, after having (also) bled the cephalic vein, and keep
drawing as much blood (as possible)perhaps (the patient) will be saved;
and he should not stop gargling with (drugs) that dissolve, and certainly do
not let him sleep. Sometimes an excessive tumour of the uvula leads to a
nasty anginauseful in any case against (tumorous) uvula and angina are
purging the belly and bloodletting. A marvelous remedy for (the treatment of)
chokingtwo dirham of swallows ashes, one dirham of saffron (and) half (a
dirham) of nard are combined with honey and applied. And this is an (even)
better (remedy)(take) equal (amounts) of swallows ashes, childrens faeces,
dogs excrement and crabs ashes (and) paint that evenly over the inside of
the throat; then take fat swallow fledglings, slaughter them, sprinkle salt upon
them, put them into a cooking-pot, seal it with clay, place it in a baking pit,
(and leave it) until it becomes possible to pound (the meat). Occasionally
the humour which causes the angina flows from the throat to the lung(s),
the stomach, and the other organs including the heart, (in which case) it
destroys (the patient), especially when it reaches the heartfor this (reason) it
is necessary to look for such (symptoms). If (the humour) flows to the stomach,
pain and vomiting arise; if it flows to the lung(s), a painless cough arises; and
if it flows to the heart, palpitations arise, then death. (The author also) says: If
a vertebra of the neck slips towards the inside, put a finger into the (patients)

444 : editio .
445 : editio .
446 : editio .
the syriac sources 329

throat, push with great force towards the outside, and he will breathe again. He
(further) says: Keep wiping off his saliva, for it is bound to dribble, eager to get
rid of (surplus) residue(s). (And) he says: Blow sal ammoniac into his (throat),
for this quickly relieves the angina sufferer.

17
r 4/101,5f.

. :

imn says: Consumption befalls him whose chest is narrow, whose neck is
long, and whose shoulder blades are connected instead of two-winged.

18
r 4/101,7

. :

imn: If the strength of the consumption sufferer is good, give him asses milk
to drink.

19
r 4/166,19

. :

imn says: If the expectoration of pus (from the lungs) is difficult (for the
patient), apply frequently warm compresses and fomentations.

20
r 5/157,714

][ :

: 447

447 : editio .
330 chapter 2

448 :
449
.

imn: Hiccoughs are (sometimes) caused by moisture; an indication is the

lack of dryness in the mouth and the absence of thirst; this (kind) can be
treated with (the induction of) vomiting and sneezing, (with) the (remedies
called) peppery450 and cuminy,451 and by purging (the patient) with the iyra
pills.452 The (kind of hiccoughs) that are due to dryness are treated by sleeping
and drinking wine. Bandages containing spices are applied to the stomach in
order to (treat) the moist (kind of) hiccoughs, and for the dry kind moist stuff
(should be used). (The author also) says: Cook castoreum, cumin, asafoetida
and the like in oil, and embrocate with this (preparation) the (patients) hypo-
chondria in case of severe pain from flatulence. (And) he says: To (treat) a
bloated belly due to black-bilious pus, mix vinegar and water, add some borax,
and apply that as a warm compress; (further) relieve (the patients belly) with
(drugs) that purge the black bile, and apply bandages to (his) spleen.

21
r 5/183,10f.

:
.

imn: Canine appetite is (due) to either an increased flow of black bile to the
stomach, or an intense heat in the liver; (these organs) and (indeed) the whole
body badly crave (for food) and (are caught up in) its decomposition.

448 : editio .
449 : editio .
450 Cf. note 146 above.
451 Cf. note 147 above.
452 For the composition of the so-called iyra (< divine) pills see e.g. SbAq = SbDis
no. 108.
the syriac sources 331

22
r 5/206,10f.

:
.

imn: Something suitable for (the treatment of) violent gastric flumastic,
frankincense, clove, lignaloes, roses, sandalwood (and) pomegranate flowers
are brought together with iris wine and rubbed over the stomach.

23
r 6/174,10175,16

:
453



454



455
456

457

453 ] .[ , apparatus : editio

454 . : editio
455 . : editio +
456 . : editio +
457 . : editio
332 chapter 2

According to what I saw (as) coming from imn: A powderpomegranate

seeds, visnaga, caraway, anise, fennel seeds, black cumin soaked in vinegar,
carob, myrtle seeds, coriander, raisin kernels, sweet chestnut, safflower (and)
myrrh one dirham of each; acorn (and) sorrel seeds the same; roasted pome-
granate seeds four (dirham); sumach eight (dirham); sorb meal ten (dirham);
(mix these ingredients together and take) one spoonful (with) a potion of
cold water; and if the stomach is corrupted, add mastic, lignaloes, sukk458
and spikenard; sometimes one (also) adds bamboo chalk, poppy, (different)
rennets, bean trefoil, cypress cones, dry coriander, dry bread, oak galls (and)
pomegranate flowers. A pastille that constipates and induces sleepmyrrh,
opium, castoreum (and) visnaga are formed into pills the size of chickpeas and
taken with a potion in the evening, for then (the patient) will sleep and (his
bowel movements) will be held back. A stomachic (to be administered) if there
is no (internal) heat and (if) the stomach is weakvisnaga, celery seeds, gin-
ger (and) pepper two dirham of each; black cumin (and) canella one dirham
of each; oak galls half a dirham; roasted raisin seeds (and) carob three (dirham
of each); spikenard two dirham; this is brought together with raisin honey, and
if one adds frankincense and replaces canella with cinnamom, (the remedy) is
(even) better. (The) cuminy stomachic459cumin preserved in vinegar (and)
roasted afterwards, roasted seeds of the sour pomegranate, lote mash, sumach,
myrtle seeds, coriander (and) carob are brought together and used. A potion
that retains (the bowels)cyperus, spikenard, cumin (and) pomegranate flow-
ers are cooked until their flavour enters the water; (then) one puts lignaloes,
sukk460 and (also) a little sugar into (the decoction), cooks it (all again) until
it gains the consistency of honey, and drinks (that). A cataplasm for (the treat-
ment of) heat, calming it and retaining (the bowels)myrrh, olibanum, mas-
tic, alum, Bengal quince, gum senegal, pomegranate flowers, roses (and) san-
dalwood are brought together with quince water, myrtle (water) or rose (water),
and applied as a paint. A suppository that constipates the belly during the
nightknead myrrh, gum senegal, pomegranate seeds (and) gum arabic with
the press juice of myrtle (seeds) and insert it (into the rectum). And (this is)

458 Cf. note 199 above.

459 Cf. note 147 above.
460 Cf. note 199 above.
the syriac sources 333

useful against gripes, if the pain is caused by flatulence rather than an ulcer
(swallow) anise, visnaga, bay laurel seeds, cinnamom (and) ginger in a potion;
or cook and drink a quantity of one chickpea of (the remedy called) Philo-
nium.461

24
r 7/4,175,5

:
462

:

.

imn: Now and then there is breastmilk without pregnancy or (previous)

intercourse; this mostly happens when the menstruation is disrupted and the
blood is diverted to the breast(s), where it is transformed into milk. If (such) a
woman belongs to those who have reached (the age of) menstrual disruptions,
then there is no harm; (but) if it happens in (the days of) youth, you must
try to get the menses flowing, or else tumours and ulcers are generated in the
breast (and these are) difficult (to treat). (The author also) says: Something
that makes the milk flowtake clarified butter, heat it, and let (the woman)
drink one cupful of this pure potion in the morning; give her, every day with
a potion, turnip seeds and fenugreek that have been kneaded with clarified
butter and honey to (form) the size of an egg; cook (some) radish and bran,
then let her drink this decoction together with honey; order her to eat small
(quantities) of chickpeas that have been soaked in water; and when thirsty she
should drink milk from small cattle.

461 Cf. note 66 above.

462
: editio .
334 chapter 2

25
r 7/24,1825,5

][ :




.

imn (against palpitations): Spikenard, sweet basil oil and sweet basil (seeds)
one dirham of each; musk and camphor one dniq of each; the seeds of Syrian
rue half a dirham; knead this with honey. Or take spikenard, cassia and laurel
one dirham of each; shampoo ginger and great leopards bane two dirham
of each; drink this with thickened grape wine. Or take equal (amounts) of
shampoo ginger, cinnamom, spikenard and sweet basil, (and) drink one miql
(from it) with thickened grape wine in which borage has been soaked. For (the
treatment of) epilepsy and palpitationscassia, spikenard, usnea and laurel
two and a half dirham of each; amber and red corals one dirham of each; gold
and silver filings three qr of each; knead all (these ingredients) with honey
(and take an amount equalling) one broad bean (with) a potion.

26
r 7/150,817

:

: 463

463 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
the syriac sources 335

][

.][

imn (on jaundice): If there is an obstruction of the upper vent, through

which the flow of bile from the liver is conveyed,464 or of the lower (vent),
through which bile is passed to the (first section of the) intestines,465 the stool
(of the patient) turns whiteexcept that when the lower (vent is obstructed),
(the stool) turns white on the same day because the flow of bile is blocked
completely; whereas in (an obstruction of) the upper (vent), (the stool) turns
white in the course of (several) days because the bile which is (stored) in the
gall bladder (continues) to colour (the stools) for days until it is exhausted. (The
author also) says: If the obstruction is in the lower vent, then you must (induce)
diarrhoea with the (remedy called) iyra,466 and (with) agaric and scammony;
if it is in the upper (vent), then (administer) diuretics and, if the blood (of the
patient) is all bilious, (induce) diarrhoea, followed by slaking (of the blood).
Among the things that benefit these (patients) are beef, fish, Roman nettle, and
minced meat cooked in vinegar.

27
r 7/198,6ff.

][ :
. ][

imn says (about dropsy): Give to (the patient) five dirham of dried water flag
or, frequently, small quantities of its water, then besmear him with cows dung
or droppings of small cattle, and use this (also) to strengthen the liver and to
purge the (belly from excess) water.

464 That is the common hepatic duct.

465 That is the common bile duct.
466 Short for iyra fqr, on which see note 4 above.
336 chapter 2

28
r 7/270,17271,9

:
467




:
:
.

imn says: If milk clots in the stomach, let (the patient) drink hot honey water
or radish water, provoke vomiting with a feather that has been steeped in lily
oil, and do not leave him until he vomits, after having broken down the milk in
his belly (also) by (using) drugs which can carry out this (task); then palpate his
hands and his feet and put them in hot water, and do not let him drink (any)
milk on that day, nor on the following day, until he becomes hungry and may be
fed something soft. When you begin allowing milk (again), proceed gradually,
little by little, as you do when you want (the patient) to quit (milk). (Be sure the
patient) does not eat until he is clean of (the clotted milk); then he may eat a
small (amount) of something light, drink (some) mixed wine, perfume himself,
surround himself with aromatic plants, and sleep (a lot). And once he emerges
(healthily) from that (fateful) drink of milk, do not forget to cleanse his stomach
afterwards by (administering) the aloe pill468 and the seeds stomachic,469 in
order to get rid of (all) the moistures that have collected therein, and to prevent
the incitement of other illnesses. (The author also) says: Wash the teat(s) of
the ass with hot water, then put the beaker into (a larger vessel containing)
hot water, (start) milking (but) keep (the beaker) in this position all the way,
and (make sure that) the (milked mares) foal is (at least) four months old.

467
: editio .
468 Cf. note 62 above.
469 For the composition of the so-called seeds stomachic see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 220.
the syriac sources 337

(And) he says: To him whose stomach is weakened from drinking milk give the
rose pastilles,470 the roots-water (decoction)471 and the aloe pill,472 and apply
cataplasms (to his belly).

29
r 7/284,1217

: 473 :

.

imn: To (treat) the spleen administer two dirham of sorrel seeds in a potion
of cold water. (The author also) says: And (here is) a remedy which is stronger
than thatgarden cress two dirham; the peel(s) of caper root(s) (and) long
birthwort one and a half dirham (of each); pound everything and administer
half a dirham of it in a potion of strong wine. Orache seeds are (also) admin-
istered with a potion in order to (treat) the spleen; (likewise) one dirham of
birthwort oraccording to another (tradition)(filings from) a green gem;
and (further) myrobalans with the urine of small cattle.

30
r 8/26,9ff.

: 474 :
.

470 Cf. note 136 above.

471 Cf. note 86 above.
472 Cf. note 62 above.
473 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
474 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
338 chapter 2

imn: If there is an ulcer in the guts, beware of (administering) an enema that

contains anything acid, for this renders (the patients) recovery (more) difficult.
(The author also) says: If you notice the signs of an (intestinal) gangrene,
administer an enema containing white vitriol.

31
r 8/26,12ff.

:
.

imn: For (the treatment of) dysenterylet (the patient) sit in a decoction
of astringent (drugs), and if the rectal pain gets worse, ask him to sit in rose
oil; (also) take ceruse and slaked lime, pound that, and use it as a cataplasm
together with wax and oil; and fumigate (the anus) by (burning) capers and
camels hump.

32
r 8/26,1519

:
:
. :

imn: For (the treatment of) dysenterytwo istr of roasted, whole garden
peppercress (seeds) are cooked in milk down to one half (of the original vol-
ume); (then) drop (some) rose oil into it, and drink this decoction with milk,
for it is marvelous. Anotherfrankincense, visnaga, opium, henbane seeds,
oak galls and castoreum are formed into pills and administered at bedtime.
And (here is) also a suppository which is useful for him who suffers from
gastralgiafrankincense, myrrh, opium (and) pomegranate flowers are made
into a rectal plug.
the syriac sources 339

33
r 8/127,18128,10

:


: :


: 475
.

imn says about ileus: Embrocate or lightly rub all of (the patients) limbs,
massage themand in particular the painful areagently with hot oil, from
top to bottom, and administer strong enemas, followed by a smoothing (drug);
if the pain gets worse, give him cumin and sumach with a potion, and move
him about quickly and briskly from one side to another; if he can (bear it),
and if there is no sharp (pain), then nothing is better for him than castor oil
in addition to dill water. (The author also) says: Let him who suffers from colic
drink ten dirham of white salt. He (further) says: A hot bathtub is one of the
things that are greatly useful for (the treatment of) colicif (the patients)
humoral mixture is cold (and) coarse, begin by firmly rubbing (his) belly with
borax before smearing honey over it, (and) then make him sit in the water of
the bathtub, in which you should have cooked bay laurel leaves, marjoram,
pennyroyal, dill and melilot; done properly, the water should not be allowed
(to reach) the painful area. (And) he says: The difference between renal and
colical pain is that (in) renal pain nature is relieved by the slightest purgative
enema, (but) not (so) in colic.

475 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
340 chapter 2

34
r 8/129,36

:
476
. 477

imn: If a person falls on the small of his back and a vertebra slips inwards,
the stool (of the victim) is retainedan indication of this (condition) is that the
area is tight; treatment is by using a finger and pushing the vertebra outwards
with (great) force. Sometimes the urine is retained as a result of this (condi-
tion). And if pushing (against the spine) proves useless, then a tumour is the
cause.

35
r 9/15,36

478 :

.

imn: A treatment for her whose belly swells up without pregnancyblood-

letting, purging, and swallowing drugs that dissolve flatulences; the (remedy
called) iyra479 is good; (also) apply to the womb cataplasms that contain
castoreum and (certain) grains that can dissolve flatulences, such as (ground)
asafoetida, cumin (seeds), and the like; and put a cupping glass on (the area
above) the womb, scarify (the skin), and draw the blood.

476 : editio .
477 : editio .
478 : editio , apparatus .
479 Short for iyra fqr, on which see note 4 above.
the syriac sources 341

36
r 9/63,964,3

480 :


: 481
482
:



.

imn (on suffocation of the womb): (The woman) should sit in a decoction
of lovage, fenugreek and marshmallow; she should smell what stinks (but)
expose (her) womb to fragrant (fumes); grab her and make her vomit using
a feather, and she will regain consciousness; have her carry a woolen (tampon
containing) stuff that heats and softens, such as lily oil; and keep fomenting
(her) womb hourly. If she faints, induce sneezing and vomiting, grab her, and
if she does not come back to her senses, pour over the top of her head boiled
oil, cauterize the centre of her skull, grab (and pull) her nose, and do not panic,
for she will rewake. (The author also) says: You find the woman like dead; her
limbs are cold; when unconsciousness subsides, she feels pain in the vertex,
nape, back and loin(s); her water (looks) like the slop that is washed off from
meat, and besides it has a sooty, blackish (colour). He (then) says: If you see
(all) these signs, you must investigate whether (this condition) is caused by
suppressed menstruation or by a lack of sexual intercourse. If it is (a case of)

480 : editio .
481 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
482 : editio .
342 chapter 2

suppressed menstruation, turn to that which expels and makes the menstrual
blood flow (even) more so than it drives the flow of spermthese treatment(s)
are closely related to each other, and have her carry (tampons containing)
delicate stuff, (certain) fats and marrows, lily oil, costmary, daffodil, and the
castor oil plant; (further) let (her) drink the sagapenum pill,483 or castor oil
with the water(s) of fenugreek and caltrop.

37
r 9/93,1994,7

:

:
484

.

imn: If the veins of the foot of a pregnant woman are red, she will give birth
to a boy; if they are black, it will be a girl. If (her) right breast is enlarged, it
will be a boy; if the left is enlarged, then a girl. If the nipple(s) of her breasts
are red, it will be a boy; if they are black, then a girl. If milk flows from (her)
right (breast), it will be a boy; from the left, a girl. (The author also) says: Order
her to fast during the day; in the evening take a saucerful of rain water and
half a saucerful of honey, beat that together, and let her drink itif her belly
contracts, she is pregnant; if not, then not. Any woman who has had sex with a
man and feels, from that day on, a throbbing and a pain in her belly, back and
knees, is pregnant.

38
r 9/133,10ff.

:
.

483 Cf. note 91 above.

484 : editio.
the syriac sources 343

imn: A cataplasm which expels foetus and placentacolocynth pulp,

myrrh and rue leaves are kneaded with ox-gall and rubbed over pubes, umbili-
cus, and the surrounding areas.

39
r 9/185,5f.

:
.

imn says: If the rectum bulges and protrudes, and stays swollen and will not
revert, foment it first in order to make the swelling go away; then push it back
(inside), spattering sticky stuff upon it.

40
r 10/24,519

:
485 :
: 486

:



][ : 487
.

485 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
486 . : editio
487 . : editio
344 chapter 2

imn: If what (the patient) drinks is never enough and (if he feels) a strong
burning in (his) bladder, inject a (urethral) enema containing fresh milk and
the white powder,488 or maceration(s) of fleawort and quince seeds. (The au-
thor also) says: (Equally) useful against a strong burning (sensation) in the
bladder is to inject into (the urethra) tepid sesame oil, which relieves the pain
instantly. He (further) says: The most useful thing (to do) when (treating) the
kidneys is to empty them or to disburden them regularly from residues, because
in most cases renal pain is down to entangled and crusty humours; this is why
(such a patient), in order to alter these (humours), constantly requires fatty,
opening drugs and (needs to) supply (his kidneys) with fatty substances in
(all) their grease, like the enemas that (are administered to) increase sexual
potency. He (then) says: Hardly ever does anything appear in the (two) uri-
nary passageways. As urine runs through them all the time, obstructions and
crude, entangled humour(s) (occur) rarely; (but) if it happens, the treatment is
the same as for the kidneys. The most effective thing to relieve pain in (case of)
a vesical tumour is a bathtub in which softening, dissolving (drugs) have been
cooked, and to foment the bladder with boiled rape or cabbage and with marsh-
mallow and bran; (thus) cook caltrop, fenugreek, cabbage and marshmallow in
(the water of) the bathtub, and foment (the patient) with what is moist (and)
has been boiled. (And) he says: To (tackle) inveterate ulcers of the bladder that
have thwarted all (therapeutic) efforts (try) giving asses milk to (the patient)
for twenty-one days, having cleansed his body beforehand with (the induction
of) diarrhoea.

41
r 10/104,16

:
489

. 490 :

488 For the composition of the white powder, otherwise used to treat eye complaints, see e.g.
SbAq = SbDis no. 368 (where the term iyf powder is replaced by arr) and, for a
different transmission, e.g. ITDis no. 263.
489
: editio .
490
: editio .
the syriac sources 345

imn: No known remedy whatsoever is more efficient in crumbling (kidney)

stones than a potion of the (wine called) undqn491 containing two qr of
burnt scorpions. Before drinking this (potion), or (prophylactically) against the
formation of (kidney) stone(s), one may catch the worm(s) which are found
glowing at night, (put them) in a copper vessel, let them dry out under a hot
sun, then throw away their heads, pound the rest of their bodies, and drink
one of them three times (each), for no doubt they melt the (renal) stones. (The
author also) says: These (worms) act similar to cantharides, except that they
are stronger and sharper.

42
r 10/162,16163,6

:

:
492


.

imn says: Rub heated oils over the lower back of him who has difficulty
urinatingfor example lily oil, daffodil oil and jasmine oil; tell him to sit in
the water of (cooked) caltrop, fenugreek, cabbage, marshmallow and turnip;
foment (his) pubes with what is moist (and) has been boiled; administer (ure-
thral) enemas containing maltha; and let him drink diuretics. According to
what I saw (as also) coming from imn: Urinating becomes difficult because
of a (reno-vesical) stone; clotted blood or pus; foul, congealed tissue; a hot
tumour; a cold tumour; an intestinal tumour; or partly paralyzed muscles. A
stone can be recognized by its (usual) symptoms; clotted blood and pus are
(often) preceded by ulcers, and congealed blood (in particular) thickens the
urine, (though) there may be no signs of ulcers nor stone(s) and no pain; a hot

491 undqn < < Latin conditum aromatic [or] spiced wine, see LSLex Suppl. 182a
and LewDic 408a; in Arabic pharmacy, the term undqn is also a generic drug name,
denoting a rob, see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 342.
492 : editio .
346 chapter 2

tumour (comes with) burning (sensations) and (is marked by) a quick onset of
malaise; a cold tumour comes slowly until (it turns into) a violent tumour of the
intestinesI mean the rectum, impeding the (excretion of) waste matter.

43
r 10/231,913

:
493

.

imn says: The reason for a retraction of the testicles upwards is weakness
of the innate heat. Treat such (a patient) by (sending him to) the bathhouse
for a few consecutive weeks; if (his testicles) do not descend, enter a tube into
(his) penis and keep blowing through it with (so much) force that the groins
swell up like a wineskinthen the testicles will descend. For (the treatment
of) mangy and therefore painful testiclesembrocate (the scrotum) with (a
mixture containing) equal (amounts of) raisin honey, cumin, wax and apple
water; or (with) chamomile oil; or (with) ghee.

44
r 10/262,26

: 494:
: : 495
.

imn: Something that prevents premature ejaculation and an (untimely)

flow of spermgive acorn meal in a potion for a few days running, for this is

493 : editio .
494 : editio , apparatus .
495 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
the syriac sources 347

proven (by experience). (The author also) says: Mountain rue and castoreum
prevent an (untimely) flow of sperm. He (further) says: Henbane prevents an
(untimely) flow of sperm. (And) he says: Rub the back (of the patient) with (a
mixture of) gum senegal, myrrh, henbane and opium, and tell him to sleep on
agnus-castus.

45
r 10/289,14290,10

:

496

: 497
499 : 498
501 500
.

imn: A remedy which tightens (the vagina) and fills the woman with a desire
for sexsteep a piece of cloth into Yemenite alum that has been dissolved in
water, then roll (the cloth) around in cyperus, cassia and oak galls that have
been pounded (together) with kohl, and have her carry it (like a tampon)
two hours before sexual intercourse; or thoroughly grind (some) sorrel seeds
and tell her to carry that (inside), for (then) she will be like a virgin; and if

496 : editio .
497 Inseruit Rhazes:

498 : editio .
499 : editio .
500 : editio .
501 : editio .
348 chapter 2

she finds (too much) moisture (in her vagina), pound two parts of oak galls
and one part of stibium, (proceed) pounding it thoroughly in thickened grape
wine, and make her carry it (inside). To tighten (the vagina) and to sweeten
(its) smelllignaloes, elecampane, cyperus, clove, ramie and a little musk;
pound everything, roll around in it a piece of wool that has been steeped into
iris wine, and have (the woman) carry it (inside), for it works wonders. (The
author also) says: (Drinking) a lot of wine, especially sweet one and the (kind
known as) undqn,502 arouse the desire for sex. (And) he says: To excite
sexual desire, (the woman) should carry a vaginal plug (made) from donkey
fatwonder of wonders! Cows milk considerably increases sexual potency.
And when someone whose penis is (always) flaccid drinks the water in which
a glowing iron has been quenched, he will keep an erection all through the
night.

46
r 11/39,5f.

. :

imn says about the treatment for dysentery: If the pain in the rectum is
severe, bathe it in tepid oil; and fumigate (the anus) by (burning) capers and
camels hump.

47
r 11/39,940,8

: :
:

: 503

502 Cf. note 491 above.

503 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
the syriac sources 349

imn says about (anal) perforationthe case is that the rectum turns inside
out and the piles are perforated: Let (the patient) sit in the water of (cooked)
pomegranate rinds, for this stops his rectum from festering as a result of rupture
and perforation; severe pain may be controlled by (applying) heated oil and
warm bandages to the swelling. (The author also) says: And this is good for
(the treatment of) a tumour that occurs in the rectumprepare a decoction
of melilot, mix it with rose oil, and apply that as a dressing; or cook leek in ghee
and make a dressing; or make a dressing from heated egg yolk. He (further)
says: And if there is a violent stinging (pain) in the rectum, apply to it a dressing
from boiled, hot egg yolk. A marvelous remedy for calming rectal painduck
fat, turpentine and melilot that has been boiled in wine are mixed together
and applied as a dressing. A liniment for (the treatment of) pain in a tumorous
rectum or one that is swollen because of ruptured pileslitharge five dirham;
starch eight (dirham); ceruse two dirham; wax three qya; clarified butter
two qya; duck fat the same; sesame oil (in a quantity) corresponding to the
combined (weight); turn this into a liniment, for it (works) extremely (well).
And if you see a badly swollen tumour, cook pomegranate rinds in thickened
grape wine until they are well done; then knead them into and mix them with
rose oil, and apply that as a dressing. And slag is (also) useful for (the treatment
of) piles.

48
r 11/90,11f.

. :

imn: A hunchback runs along the lines of convulsion(it is caused) either

by dryness of the muscles or by (too) much moisture.
350 chapter 2

49
r 11/150,14151,8

: :
:




504 :
.

imn says about sciatica: Put cupping glasses on the area that hurts. (The
author also) says: It is a widening of that vein which fills (either) with bilious
blood when the blood of the (whole) body is bilious, or with phlegm. He
(further) says: If the pain does not settle, cauterize (the patient) at different
points. Apply a cautery to the hip where he feels the pain; (or) to the thigh to
where he feels the pain is radiating; (or) a cautery to the outer side of the lower
leg where he feels the pain; (or) a cautery below the ankle; (or) a subtle, deep
cautery to the tip of the small toethis (patient) should recover. (However)
if (the pain still) does not settle and the matter gets worse, bind him with a
rope tied to a lashed hook, and (then) cut him seriously and cauterize him
by (simultaneously) invading several (spots)this should suppress his pain.
Once you have cauterized (him), do not patch up (the wound) but rather put
upon it ulcerative drugs so that the marks of cautery remain (open) for a long
while. (And about) stiffness he says: To (counter the effect of) draughts that
have entangled (the muscles of) a persons back and (his) joints, let him sit in
a heated hole until he runs with sweatthis is his cure.

504 : editio .
the syriac sources 351

50
r 13/197,812

:


.

imn says: If a person (suffers from) a lot of lumpy neural fissures, give him
a potion of castor oil, garden cress seeds, and the like; (also) treat him with
enemas, (make him) enter the bathhouse, (expose him to) heated water and
oils, put on his (skin) a mixture containing the burnt (seeds of the) castor oil
plant and wax, (likewise) lily oil and fenugreek oil, warn him of indigestion
and eating (late) at night, and if (in the end) some of (his difficulties) remain
(unresolved), affix to (one of his limbs) a leaden die.

51
r 14/27,47

505 :
506
. 507

imn says: To (treat) acute fevers, if they keep recurring, let (the patient)
drink (those) seeds that make the urine flow; for phlegmatic (fever) which
attacks at night (administer the remedy called) saizny508 and pennyroyal;
for quartan and recurrent mixed (fevers) the sulphur remedy509 (is useful); and
for frequently recurrent chronic fevers (take the remedy called) Theodoretos510
and the (one called) Logadios.511

505 : editio .
506 : editio , apparatus [!] .
507 : editio .
508 Cf. note 163 above.
509 Cf. note 145 above.
510 Cf. note 54 above.
511 Liy (influenced by Syriac Legy) < (remedy called) Logadios, another
352 chapter 2

52
r 14/227,16228,3

:


.

imn: Cumin (seeds), when drunk, induce perspiration, and (likewise) the
seeds of bay laurel, anise, agnus-castus, pennyroyal, germander, Cretan dittany,
lovage, black cumin and pistachios; something (else) that makes (the sweat)
run, when applied as an unction, are the oils of lily, chamomile and costmary, as
well as pellitory (roots), slit open (and placed) in (some) oil. And what inhibits
perspiration, when rubbed over the body, is the juice expressed from unripe
grapes, as well as a decoction of oak galls.

53
r 15/27,6f.

. :

imn says (about sanguine fever): Once you have bled (the patient), put upon
his head wine vinegar, rose water and rose oil, and apply cold cataplasms to his
belly.

54
r 15/119,49

physician who, like Theodoretos, is known only because Aetios of Amida (fl. mid 6th
century ce) mentions him, see pra 13/990. For an early Arabic version of this compound
drug (a divine preparation) see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 69; for the Syriac archetype
(I doubt there ever was a full-blown Greek original) see SyBM 1/48,1549,11 (English
translation 2/47 f.).
the syriac sources 353

: 512
.

imn says: Tertian fever is accompanied by little (inner) coldness, much

(inner) heat, thirst, burning (sensations), irritability, trouble talking, love of
solitude, a bitter (taste) in the mouth, headache, and sometimes also coldness
of the limbs; when (the patient) drinks water, a lot of hot vapour rises from his
skin; (there is) vomiting, some hiccoughs, then he is ablaze (again). (The author
also) says: It is necessary that you clean (the patients skin) from whatever
fluids are exuded in this fever, and to prescribe him sour foodstuffs that smother
(the heat).

55
r 15/210,10f.

:
.

imn says: If a plague occurs, sweep the house daily, sprinkle vinegar and
(crushed) asafoetida resin about, and eat bread with vinegar and asafoetida
resin every day.

56
r 16/64,611

:

:

.

imn: Phlegmatic (fever) worsens as the days go by. In the beginning the belly
swells up and the limbs are cold, (then) the coldness gradually (spreads), (the
patient) can hardly be kept warm, and he experiences a prolonged chill rather

512 : editio , apparatus .

354 chapter 2

than violent shiver(s); his face becomes puffy, his stomach aches, he does not
sweat, he babbles, and is beset by coughing(in this condition) it is necessary
to rid him of (redundant) phlegm, then to let him drink a diuretic (drug). A
pastille which is good for (the treatment of) this (fever)anise, asarabacca,
absinthe, celery seeds, spikenard and agrimony one dirham of each; aloe one
and a half dirham; (mix these ingredients together and take) one dirham (of it)
with a lukewarm potion of liquid rose honey.

57
r 16/106,18107,2

:
.

imn says (about quartan fever): Rid these (patients) of (redundant) black
bile by repeatedly (inducing) diarrhoea; bleed the basilic vein of the left (arm)
and if the blood is black, (draw) more; then, after that, evacuate (the patients
body) using purgatives, and do not let him eat anything on the day of the fever.

58
r 16/143,18

:

513 ][

514.

imn (on shivering fits): In this (case) you must (employ) that which destroys
(redundant) phlegm and what is strong in making the urine flow, like aloe
seeds and aloe infusion; and give to (the patient) from time to time the cumin
stomachic.515 A pill which is useful against phlegmatic fever and (also against)
shivering fits without fevercelery seeds eight dirham; pepper seven (dirham);

513 : editio .
514 : editio , apparatus [!] .
515 Cf. note 147 above (i.q. cuminy).
the syriac sources 355

anise four (dirham); castoreum, myrrh (and) opium one part of each; gherkin
(seeds) one dirham; (mix this together and) weigh out half a dirham (which
you administer with) a potion before the time of the fever; and let (the patient)
drink the hyssop decoction516 for a few days, it is marvelous. To (counter)
continual shivering fits and related (manifestations) of inveterate fevers, let
(the patient) drink the sulphur remedy517 and (the one called) saizny.518

59
r 16/184,15ff.

519 :
.

imn says: Useful in case of semi-tertian fever520 is rest, the application

of warm compresses to the (area) below the ribline, mild enemas and mild
purgatives, drugs that split and open and make the urine flow, and vomiting
after food.

60
r 16/304,14305,3

:


521
.

imn says: Ephemeral fever ends after four days (at most); tertian fever (after)
fourteen days; flaming (fever) strikes every three days for seven to twelve hours

516 For different compositions of the so-called hyssop decoction see SbHos nos. 35, 36 and
161; further ITDis nos. 224, 232 and 233.
517 Cf. note 145 above.
518 Cf. note 163 above.
519
: editio .
520 imirus < semi-tertian (fever), see LSLex 774b.
521
: editio .
356 chapter 2

and lasts for a week; pure quartan fever lasts for one of the years seasons;
pure phlegmatic (fever) forty (days); concomitant (fever) lasts for twenty days;
unintermittent fever522 up to fourteen days; hectic fever until death or (else) up
to many months; pure semi-tertian fever523 culminates within forty days; and
tumorous fever (lasts) until (the tumour) is fully formed and (starts to) heal.

61
r 19/269,5270,5

:
525 524

528 527 526
:
529

: :
:
.

imn says about poisons: When treating the (sting of a) scorpion begin by
giving (to the victim), with a potion of tepid water, (a quantity of) one walnut

522 snus < unintermittent (fever), see LSLex 1724a.

523 Cf. note 520 above.
524
: editio , apparatus .
525
: editio , apparatus . Note that dabd electuary is a rare
Persian word, whilst kibrt sulphur appears with its Syriac ending, cf. VuLex 1/810b
and PSThes 1/1673.
526 : editio , apparatus .
527 : editio , apparatus .
528 : editio .
529 : editio .
the syriac sources 357

of the great theriac,530 (or) the theriac-of-the-four,531 (or) the Ezra theriac,532
(or) the (remedy called) saizny,533 (or) the sulphur electuary,534 (or) the
asafoetida resin remedy,535 whichever you prefer; (alternatively) let him drink
lukewarm ghee and honey; feed him garlic kneaded with thickened grape wine;
offer him (plain) wine; or take mountain figs and wheat bran, cook that, and put
it upon the (stung) area; and heat (the remedy called) saizny536 and the
theriac,537 put that upon (the sting), and tie a bandage above it so as to prevent
(the poison) from travelling towards a vital organ. (The author also) says: As
regards the (kind of scorpion called) arrra,538 its poison is hot; (the victim)
feels no great pain at the time when he is stung, but on the following day, and
the day after that, he finds himself in severe pain, and sometimes he urinates
blood; jaundice can also occur as a result of the sting, and the (affected) area
may ulcerate. The treatment of choice is to suck (the wound) using cupping
glasses, or to cauterize (it); or you let (the victim) drink endive water and
rose oil, prepare (for him) a mild enema, and keep him altogether cool and
moist. He (further) says: A decoction of endive is drunk to (counter) the sting
of a scorpion. (And) he says: Likewise a decoction of sweet clover (helps)
when poured over the sting; or a dressing (made) from water in which sweet
clover and chamomile have been cooked. (Another) remedy from him for (the
treatment of) scorpion (sting): Mountain mint, gentian, pepper, opopanax and
asafoetida resin; dissolve the opopanax in wine, knead the (other) ingredients
with it, and let (the victim) drink one miql with thickened grape wine.

62
r 19/345,2ff.

539 :
.

530 Cf. note 7 above.

531 Cf. note 162 above.
532 Cf. note 144 above.
533 Cf. note 163 above.
534 Cf. note 145 above.
535 Cf. note 148 above (i.q. resiny).
536 Cf. note 163 above.
537 Short for great theriac, on which see note 7 above.
538 Cf. note 166 above.
539 : editio + .
358 chapter 2

imn says: A hornet sting swells up immediately, (the poison) is hot (and)
pungent; smear parsley, duckweed and vinegar upon (the area), and let (the
victim) drink lettuce water and other cooling (stuff) against such (a
sting).

63
r 19/348,1f.

. 540 :

imn says (about the louse-like qamlat an-nasr):541 One (almost) has to guess
that these (creatures) have bitten, as (their bite) can hardly be seen; (the victim)
urinates blood, which is (also) unleashed (through other openings of his body);
treat him like you treat (a victim of) the arrra.542

64
r 19/380,8f.

][ :
.

imn: Arsenic (poisoning)(the victim) repeatedly vomits; keep offering

him fatty, sticky foods to protect him from convulsions, and tell him not to
sleep.

65
r 19/381,15382,6

540 : editio .
541 Cf. note 167 above.
542 Cf. note 166 above.
the syriac sources 359

543
.

imn: To (treat) cantharides (poisoning) let (the victim) drink milk, and
(melted) fresh butter or clarified butter; administer mild enemas; feed him
fatty broths (made) from lamb meat; inject an enema containing milk towards
the bladder and, once he urinates, repeat (the procedure), for this spares him
from ulcers (of the bladder). Mandrake (poisoning), which occasionally hap-
pens, (requires that) you make (the victim) vomit with honey water in which
absinthe has been cooked; (further) let him drink pepper and castoreum; and
cause him to sneeze. (Poisoning from) Indian aconitethe best thing for it is to
let (the victim) drink musk and scraped bezoar stone, (also) bezoar water, very
old ghee, and the great theriac,544 (but) begin treating him with (the induction
of) vomiting, (and only) then with these (drugs); if he escapes, he will fall into
a hectic fever.

66
r 19/427,3ff.

:
.

imn says (about the bite of a rabid dog): (In dealing with the victim) pri-
oritize drawing out the poison; then, after that, extract the black bile; keep his
whole body moist; and apply to his liver and stomach cooling, hydrating cata-
plasms.

67
r 19/439,9440,1

543 : editio , apparatus [ ] [ ]

.
544 Cf. note 7 above.
360 chapter 2

545.

imn says about poisons (from rabid dogs): Widen the area of the bite
and treat (the victim) like you would treat someone whose (body) has been
conquered by the black bile, namely (with) purgative drugs; (further) fill a
long-necked jug with water and try your best to trick him into drinking; and
apply to (his) stomach and liver cataplasms containing cold, hydrating stuff.
The signs of a rabid dog are that foam drips from its mouth, its eyes are red,
its tail hangs down, it no (longer) recognizes familiar people, and it attacks
anything at will and bites.

68
r 22/195(column 12),4

. 546 :

imn: marmz547white oregano.

69
r 22/232(column 34),7ff.

. 548 :

imn: sasliys549lovage.

545 : editio , apparatus .

546 : editio .
547 marmz < Persian marw-mhz origanum, see DiDi 2/392,1018 ad no. 42.
548 : editio [ ] [ ][ ]
.
549 sasliys < (gen. of ) hartwort [and] other kinds, see LSLex 1591b and, for
a full discussion, DiDi 2/402 ff. no. 51.
the syriac sources 361

70
r 23.1/213,114

:
550 :

551
:


.

imn says: If you travel in snow and ice, wrap rags around (your) limbs, and
cotton that has been drenched in hot oil, or any oil for that matter. He (further)
says: Someone who is hit by the simoom should not drink (any) water at that
point; he should cover up his nostrils and his mouth with (his) turban, and
hold on; and if he is overcome and overwhelmed by thirst, he should rinse
(his mouth) with water, spill it (upon himself), and hang in there until his
thirst eases off or, if he cannot bear it (any longer), drink from that (water) in
small sipsfor if he gulps it down, he will die on the spot. And he says: How
to treat someone who was struck by the simoompour cold water over his
hands, his feet and his face; tell him to rinse (his mouth) with water, and not
to wash it down (but rather) to swallow it in small mouthfuls; at first, let him
drink water (mixed) with rose oil, (only) then (pure) water; feed him lettuce,
endive, serpent melon and gourd, also salty fish and thick bouillon with fowl;
wash (him) with cold water, and afterwards oil him; put upon his head rose oil
(mixed) together with the press juice of houseleek; apply cold bandages to his
belly; and warn him against sexual intercourse.

71
r 23.1/312,511

550 : editio + .
551 : editio .
362 chapter 2

552
553.

imn: A conditioner that strengthens the scalpcook (some) oak galls that
have been crushed in aged, thickened grape wine until they grow and swell up;
next grind them, mix them with rose oil, shave the head (of the client), smear
(the mixture on his scalp), (and leave it) for three days; then, after that, wash
it off in the bathhouse. A conditioner that counters premature baldingtake
from the herb that is called ribwort and from the roasted penis and spleen of a
donkey half a ral of each; from ladanum twenty dirham; soak the ladanum in
wine, grind the rest, and mix everything together.

72
r 23.2/8,9f.

. :

imn: For (the treatment of) dark spots that appear in the face and look like
lentilsdry (some) leeches, (mix them) with vinegar, and smear (that) on (the
skin).

73
r 23.2/93,994,2

554 :
555
.

552 : editio .
553 : editio , apparatus .
554 : editio , apparatus .
555 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
the syriac sources 363

imn says: Vitiligo is caused by nourishment that contains (too) much water
and (too) little fat and that is transformed into white blood, which (then) coag-
ulates into white flesh, like oyster flesh; treat these (patients) with what erodes
the flesh little by little over a long (period of) time, and with (substances) that
heatand (here) no cream is better than (the one you make by) pounding
cantharides in vinegar, and by smearing this (mixture) on (the skin) until it
ulcerates.

74
r 23.2/199,5200,7

][ :
558 : 557 556
][ ][ ][ [ ]:
559

:
.

imn, according to what is (found) in a revised chapter (of his book), (says):
Cook colocynth pulp in rosy oil again and again; or cook the colocynth (fruits)
in water, (then) cook the oil in that water, (and) afterwards use it. And he
(goes on to) say: This (preparation) truly blackens the hair. Then he says: And
here is (a preparation) which makes the hair really curlyoak galls, tamarisk
galls, needle shavings, cypress leaves and seeds, quince seeds, litharge, traga-
canth, bole from Khuzestan and emblics ten (dirham) of each; quicklime five
(dirham); knead these (ingredients) with beet water, massage the paste thor-
oughly into (your) hair, wrap up (your) head for a day and a night, thereafter
take off (the cover), wash (the hair), and (see how) curly, beautiful and black

556 : editio , apparatus .

557 : editio + .
558 Inseruit Rhazes:

. ][
559 : editio , apparatus .
364 chapter 2

it is! Another very good (preparation)take one part of (quick)lime and two
thirds of a part of Christs thorn, grind the two (ingredients), strain them, knead
them with cold water, and smear that into (your) hair.

g Yannn bar Seryn (fl. 870ce)

al-Aqrabdn (below Aq)
al-Kunn (below Ku)

r 1/32,234,2; 45,7; 50,1018; 57,1858,13; 80,481,8; 91,1892,2; 109,9110,8;

135,17137,20; 160,4161,5; 182,16184,7; 190,6191,2; 208,2209,9; 249,5250,11;
251,412(Kitb [scil. Ku]); 2/77,1478,4; 111,10112,5; 114,1216; 138,15139,1; 146,16
19; 151,28; 155,13156,1; 161,919; 202,16203,5; 269,49; 3/27,1829,11; 34,16
20(Ku); 48,450,18; 86,1987,16; 117,18118,2; 118,1016; 150,15 ff.; 152,1 ff.; 192,14
193,2; 204,614; 206,1216; 212,18ff.; 217,1ff.; 243,20245,11; 246,15 ff.; 279,20
280,12; 4/11,1114,10; 27,1629,4; 32,1835,19; 46,1750,1; 67,1969,18; 103,17104,10;
106,16108,10; 110,1218; 167,13170,4; 219,11220,8; 220,16221,12; 5/71,710; 72,7;
125,14127,6; 161,16163,8; 165,11166,13; 176,5177,9; 186,5187,6; 190,17f.; 191,11
192,6; 192,17193,12; 210,8ff.; 210,14211,4; 212,12214,7; 235,11239,7; 239,15240,3;
245,614; 248,219; 6/87,610(Aq); 115,18f.; 124,10 f.; 148,15 f.; 160,1418; 177,18
179,4; 183,414; 210,15213,3; 282,210(Aq); 7/14,710(Aq); 28,1129,16; 44,1045,7;
78,681,5; 81,610; 134,9141,11; 157,20158,1; 167,15170,11; 170,12ff.(Aq); 194,1f.;
203,9205,19; 206,415; 213,14214,3; 264,1266,16; 287,7289,5; 292,220; 318,6
320,15; 8/35,439,13; 92,798,6; 98,799,8; 100,413(Aq); 132,16134,11; 175,18
177,14; 178,610; 194,1418; 212,1318; 9/22,1424,16; 25,9 ff.; 42,945,5; 49,816;
65,466,17; 73,10f.(Aq); 73,1675,3; 101,1218; 123,13126,9; 137,14; 161,11162,9;
168,20169,19; 172,718; 185,1217; 188,817; 10/28,535,17; 46,8 ff.; 57,763,15;
121,15f.; 121,17122,13; 125,12126,4; 146,3149,6; 149,14153,14; 166,8167,16; 179,6
180,18; 196,1197,9; 211,18214,12; 219,16220,3; 236,7237,13; 250,1251,5; 264,7
265,4; 278,313; 299,7300,13; 331,14ff.(Aq); 332,15333,17; 11/11,1712,11; 24,14
27,7; 44,1547,6; 73,1476,3; 85,110(Aq); 90,1391,2; 91,16; 96,697,4; 166,10
172,13; 229,14235,6; 277,11280,8; 304,4ff.; 316,7317,4; 12/10,511,1; 30,1531,15;
36,11f.; 45,1446,10; 130,14; 147,18; 13/111,14112,18; 125,315; 200,1 ff.; 14/129,5
14(Ku); 170,10171,2; 217,8218,16; 229,17f.; 16/72,110; 94,1295,15; 110,15 ff.; 153,11
154,6; 165,9ff.(Aq); 232,12234,4; 17/10,715; 35,612; 90,1 f.; 103,10ff.; 112,10113,9;
19/119,15120,3(Ku); 258,314; 276,4ff.; 284,6285,9; 319,11320,4; 336,11337,3;
345,5ff.; 391,12392,7; 403,12404,7; 422,47; 445,10446,7; 23.1/288,1 ff.; 23.2/
18,620,9; 78,1180,9; 102,9106,7; 122,12123,8; 127,11128,14; 133,3135,4; 176,8
177,1; 183,58.
 chapter 3

The Persian Sources

a Qahramn (fl. 7th century ce?)

1
r 1/84,1985,6

: 1 :
.

al-Qahlamn says: Aloe is good for (the treatment of) melancholia and delu-
sion because it purges the black bile. (The author goes on to) say: And the
(induction of) diarrhoea by means of black hellebore is (also) useful against
such (conditions).

2
r 1/93,4ff.

2:
.

al-Fahlamn: The special property of marking-nuts is to dismiss forgetfulness.

Yet for him who swallows them (regularly), one fears melancholy; sometimes
they (also) bequeath vitiligo and leprosy. The (proper) dose is half a dirham.

1 Inseruit Rhazes:

] [ ]
[
][
.

2 : editio .

koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2015 | doi: 10.1163/9789004290242_005

366 chapter 3

3
r 5/85,14f.

. ][ 3 :

al-Qalhamn: Visnaga enforces a thorough digestion of nutriment, prevents

singultus, and is useful for him who has lost the taste of food.

4
r 5/214,18

. :

al-Qahlamn: Visnaga settles nausea.

5
r 6/132,18

. 4:

al-Qahlamn: Aloe purges the black bile (and) is good for (the treatment of)
melancholia.

6
r 7/35,13ff.

:
. ][

al-Qalhamn: Musk very much strengthens the heart. Origanum is good for
the heart, and when soaked in wine and (thus) drunk it is useful against
cold palpitations, calming them effectively. The special property of musk is
strengthening the heart.

3 : editio .
4 : apparatus .
the persian sources 367

7
r 7/35,16

. :

al-Qalhamn: The (remedy called) sukk5 is very good for (the treatment of)
palpitations.

8
r 7/210,18211,2

:

.

From the book of Karhamn, he says: In case of dropsy you must let (the
patient) drink, every day for one week, two ral of camels urine (mixed) with
myrobalans, because this will shake (excess) water off him. If all his water is
(thus) shaken off, (then fine). If not, let him who can (bear) it drink oxymel,
as this is the strongest shedder of water; (also) rub (a mixture of) olive oil
and borax on his legs and any swollen (areas) of his (lower body), and wrap
bandages around his (limbs), for this (will do him) good.

9
r 9/26,14f.

. 6:

al-Qalhamn: The special property of great leopards bane is to dissolve tough

(gastric) winds, and notably (those) in the wombs (of women)in this (res-
pect) it is unmatched.

5 sukk < Sanskrit uka (cf. MWDic 1079c,4ff.) is the name of a perfumed medicinal preparation
of which there are many different compositions; in the Arabic tradition, the basic ingredients
generally include dates, gallnuts, oil, mace, clove, cardamom and certain other aromatics
mainly of Indian provenance, see e.g. KinAq 294 no. 171 and the very detailed descriptions
given in WiedGS 2/821826.
6
: editio .
368 chapter 3

10
r 9/145,11

. :

al-Qalhamn: Costmary, when used in a funnel to fumigate (the womb), aborts

the child.

11
r 10/192,19193,1

. :

al-Qalhamn: Lentils decrease and retain urination because they thicken the
blood.

12
r 10/306,3

. :

al-Qalhamn: Sagapenum from Isfahan increases sexual potency.

13
r 11/194,47

: 8 7:
.

al-Qalhamn: The special property of radish seeds is (their) usefulness against

rheumatic pain. And he says: The aloe is a drug which is very good for (the
treatment of) rheumatic pain, (as) it purges the responsible humour.

7
: apparatus ] [ .
8 Inseruit Rhazes:

.
the persian sources 369

14
r 11/307,2

. 9:

al-Qalhamn: The oil of the horseradish tree very much softens indurated
nerves, and so does the press juice (obtained from its leaves).

15
r 11/307,3f.

. 10:

al-Qalhamn: Oleander leaves, when cooked and applied as a cataplasm to

indurated tumours, dissolve them with great power.

16
r 13/228,14

. :

al-Qalhamn says: The oil of the horseradish tree very much softens hardened
nerves.

17
r 19/326,9

. :

And al-Qalhamn (says): If one sprinkles a decoction of oleander (leaves) upon

the (affected) area, it kills fleas.

18
r 20/10,11f.

. :[ ]

9 : apparatus .
10 : editio , apparatus .
370 chapter 3

al-Qalhamn says about usnea: It is cold, astringent, (and does) good when
pasted upon a hot tumour.

19
r 20/133,4f.

11. :

And al-Qalhamn says: Duck meat is hotter and tougher than any (other) meat
(obtained from) domestic birds.

20
r 20/134,5

. :[ ]

al-Qalhamn says about the marking-nut: Its special property is to be useful

against exhaustion of the nerves.

21
r 20/163,15

. :

al-Qalhamn says: The oil of the horseradish tree very much softens hardened
nerves.

22
r 20/336,12

. :[ ]

al-Qalhamn says about the artichoke: It is cold, astricts, and constipates the
belly.

11 : editio , apparatus .
the persian sources 371

23
r 20/521,7

. 12 :[ ]

al-Qalhamn says about the Indian hazelnut: It is good for (the treatment of)
exhaustion of the nerves.

24
r 21.1/6,8

. :[ ]

al-Qalhamn about the laurel: It is like the spikenard in terms of (its) nature,
except that the spikenard is stronger.

25
r 21.1/40,15

. :

al-Qalhamn: White meadow saffron is hot, intensely hot.

26
r 21.1/216,6

. :[ ]

al-Qalhamn about sweet basil oil: It is more balanced than (the oils obtained
from) marjoram or wild thyme, containing not (as much) dryness as these two
(plants).

27
r 21.1/264,1f.

:
.

12 : editio , apparatus .
372 chapter 3

al-Qalhamn: Costmary oil is good for (the treatment of) exhaustion of the
nerves and sciatica; and when (used) in a funnel to fume (the womb), costmary
aborts the child and makes the menstrual blood flow.

28
r 21.1/349,3f.

. :

al-Qalhamn: Truffles are less tough than mushrooms; the best (truffles) are
those that are (found) in sandy, arid places.

29
r 21.2/516,8

. :[ ]

al-Qalhamn about musk: Its heat (lies) in the second (degree), its dryness in
the third.

30
r 21.2/519,813

14 13 :
15
16
.

al-Qalhamn: There are four kinds of wild marjoramone is called master-

drug,17 and it is hot; the second (is called) Ardashir-remedy,18 and it is mildly

13 : editio , apparatus .
14 : editio .
15 : editio .
16 : editio .
17 If my emendation of the Arabic text is correct (cf. note 13 above), master-drug would be
the name of a subspecies of Origanum vulgare, otherwise unattested.
18 If my emendation of the Arabic text is correct (cf. note 14 above with LwAr 252 ad no. 193),
Ardashir-remedy would be the name of a subspecies of Origanum vulgare (Lw loc.cit. says:
the persian sources 373

hot; the third, called drm,19 is white, well-balanced, (and) used (to treat) pal-
pitations; and the fourth is origanum, which is (also known as) marmhyah,20
and which is hot (and) dry in the third (degree). There is (yet) another kind
called mbahr,21 which is cold, (and) useful for (the treatment of) headache
and tumours.

31
r 21.2/571,9

. :[ ]

al-Qalhamn about bananas: They increase semen and phlegm.

32
r 21.2/639,2

. :[ ]

And al-Qalhamn says about the red bryony: It is hot (and) dry in the second
(degree).

33
r 23.2/9,36

22:

. ][

Origanum maru und andere Arten), invoking the Sasanian king and founding father of
that dynasty, Ardashir i (reg. 224241 ce).
19 drm < Persian drmak (cf. StDic 497a) denotes a white subspecies of Origanum vulgare,
see LwAr 252 ad no. 193; further Schab 471 f. ad no. 719.
20 marmhyah, a declared synonym and no doubt variant spelling of marmz < Persian
marw-mhz origanum (cf. DiDi 2/392,1018 ad no. 42), is otherwise unattested.
21 mbahr < Persian hamah-bahr lit. always-in-bloom (cf. StDic 209b and 1513a) may
denote, among others, the species of Teucrium marum, see DiDi 2/342,17f. ad no. 166; in
the present context, however, the term is clearly understood to refer to a subspecies of
Origanum vulgare.
22 : apparatus .
374 chapter 3

al-Qalhamn: Take one rub of gourd seeds, wet them, peel them, and grind
them thoroughly; (further) take one rub of sweet almonds, (having) removed
their shells, and thoroughly grind them (too); and (take) six miql of sarcocolla
and one miql of saffron; now bring it all together, (mix it) into egg white, and
completely cover (your) face with this (paste)it is the best cosmetic there is!.

34
r 23.2/25,1

. 23:

al-Qalhamn: The marking-nut removes tattoos.

35
r 23.2/143,13f.

. 24:

al-Qalhamn: Jasminewhether fresh or driedexterminates freckles when

ground and applied as a poultice, and so does the dog rose.

36
r 23.2/202,7203,4

][ 25:
][ 26
27
28 :
. 30 29

23 : apparatus .
24 : apparatus + [!] .
25 : apparatus .
26 : editio , apparatus .
27 : editio , apparatus .
28 : editio , apparatus .
29 : editio , apparatus .
30 : editio , apparatus .
the persian sources 375

al-Qalhamn: Take a large amount of wild hollyhock leaves, (throw them) in

water, and put that water under the summer sun until it turns red; then strain
off (the water), pour it over another (bunch of hollyhock) leaves, (and do this)
four times; then knead henna (leaves) into it, use that (mixture) as a dye,
and (your hair) will become (as) black as the beak of a crow. If a dye (made)
from swallows droppings is applied to black hair and left for as long as one
leaves henna, it whitens. (The author also) says: If henna (leaves), kneaded
into (a mixture of) vinegar (and) black (shoemakers wax), are applied as a dye,
(the hair) becomes deeply black, except that it smells rotten; henna (leaves)
kneaded into clove water (also) nicely blacken (the hair), and (make) it smell
good.

b Ibn Ab lid al-Fris (fl. 800ce?)

al-Kunn al-fris wal-hind

1
r 1/289,9290,10

:

:
31
33 32 :

34
35 :

31 : editio .
32 : editio .
33 : editio .
34 : editio .
35 : editio .
376 chapter 3

37 36
38
.

From the Persian Medical Compendium: Take three tamarisk (galls) and grind
them; (further) equal (amounts) of refined red sugar, myrrh, peach stones
with their cores and sandarac; (then let the patient) bend over the steaming
(infusion), his eyes firmly covered with a headband, his mouth open and a gown
over his head, so that (the steam) enters his mouth, his nose and his ears. A
snuff which is useful against an oversized headseven savory leaves and seven
seeds of (the) white (kind of) garden peppercress are pounded and snuffed up
with sweet violet oil or with the (remedy called) l39 and the milk of a maid.
Anothertake the gall of a crane, the gall of an eagle, castoreum, mace, saffron
and white sugar, knead it (all) with marjoram water, form (this mixture) into
pills the size of lentils, snuff up (one) on three days each month, and measure
the head to see how it shrinks, for it will (gradually) return to its natural state. A
tumour which emerges on top of the skullcap underneath the skin (and which
is) soft when you feel it can easily be drained, just like everything that is (prone)
to release some kind of fluid mattertake the peels of the pomegranate and
the cones of the cypress, grind them both in vinegar, and affix (this mixture)
firmly (to the tumour), for it will consume the (morbid) moisture and solidify
the spot; this (in any case) is how our experienced (practitioners) proceed. In
order to (treat) widened sutures of the skull it is necessary to cleanse the head
as thoroughly as possible through the nose and the palate, and (then) to apply
contractive drugs to those areas where the sutures are widened, and to affix
(these drugs) firmly; if (however) the problem has gone too far, there is nothing
else but to cauterize the sutures, scratch the bones until they become thinner,
and from here on let (the patient) inhale vapour(that way) the sutures may
not open (again); and bleeding the frontal, temporal and jugular veins is (also)
useful, Allah the Mighty and Magnificent willing.

36 : editio .
37 : editio .
38 : editio .
39 l < Syriac el (i.q. ) request, demand (for healing) is the name of an old
and genuinely Syrian panacea which is attested already in the anonymous Syriac Book
of Medicines (6th century ce?), see SyBM 1/263,14264,13 (English translation 2/298ff.);
further PSThes 2/4008 and SSob 670. For an Arabic prototype of this elaborate compound
drug see e.g. SbAq = SbDis no. 57.
the persian sources 377

2
r 2/256,4f.

:
.

From the Persian Medical Compendium, (the author) says: Something that
heals lachrymal abscess before it festers is to put colocynth pulp on it twice
a day; once there is a discharge of pus, (the pulp) is introduced into (the burst
abscess), and (this patient) will recover (also).

3
r 3/50,1951,4

:

. 41 40 :

From the Indo-Persian Medical Compendium, (the author) says: Take the pulp
of a colocynth, three garlic (cloves) and a saucerful of rue water, pour out
(enough) olive oil to cover it (all), slowly boil it a few times, then strain it and
drop it into the painful ear. A very effective (remedy) to (treat) ulcers in the
eartake a tampon (dipped) in honey, roll it around in pounded sarcocolla,
and insert it (into the ear), for this (patient) will be healed within days.

4
r 3/140,10f.

. :

From the Persian Medical Compendium, (the author) says: To (treat) an aching
molar apply camphor water around its basethis is marvelous!.

40 : editio .
41 : editio .
378 chapter 3

5
r 3/151,27

:
: 42
.

From the Persian Medical Compendium, (the author) says: Something that fixes
loose teeth is to pickle oak galls, realgar and lime for a few days in vinegar, then
to attach (this paste). A royal43 dentifrice which is good for (the treatment of)
loose teethtake (the remedy called) sukk44 and alum in equal (parts), and
apply that to the teeth; and using sukk,45 roses, sandalwood and cyperus makes
a mild dentifrice which is good to (treat) all (kinds of) toothaches.

6
r 3/201,1720

46 :

.

From the Persian Medical Compendium: For (the treatment of) aphthous ulcers
and red blisterssumach, rose seeds, saffron, starch, sugar, bamboo chalk
(and) celery seeds one dirham of each; paint this (powder) over (the patients)
tongue together with the juice squeezed from a sweet pomegranate if the ulcer
is red, or with rose water if it is white; (or) besmear (the tongue) with oxymel
and blow some (of that powder) into (his) throat when there is pain.

42 Inseruit Rhazes:

. ] [
43 The epithet royal (mulk) is most probably a calque of , a name given to various
collyria, liniments and other compound drugs, both in Greek and Arabic pharmacy, cf.
LSLex 310a; for Arabic prototypes (all collyria), running under the transliterated form of
bsilqn, see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 361, 362 and 363.
44 Cf. note 5 above.
45 Cf. note 5 above.
46
: editio + .
the persian sources 379

7
r 6/47,13ff.

:
.

Ibn Ab lid al-Fris: Straight after vomiting give mastic with apple juice
(to the patient), who must not eat on that day nor drink any water; and after
diarrhoea throw mastic into the water from which he drinks.

8
r 6/66,6

. :

From the Persian Medical Compendium: If the diarrhoea is severe, administer

the (remedy called) Philonium.47

9
r 7/36,19f.

. 48:

al-Fris: Emblics improve the ardency, acuity and strength of the heart.

10
r 7/37,2ff.

:
.

al-Fris: For (the treatment of) palpitations, proventwo dirham of dried

marjoram (and) sesame in a drink; from the experience of a skinny man with

47 Filniy < or (correctly) (remedy) invented by Philo of Tarsos, a poet-

physician and pharmacist of the late Hellenistic period, see LSLex 1942b and DkP 4/776
no. 13. The drug is known under the name of Philonium and comes in a Greek and a Per-
sian variety; for Arabic prototypes of both see e.g. SbAq = SbDis nos. 7 and 8.
48
: editio .
380 chapter 3

a hot disposition who was suffering from palpitations (it is also known that)
coriander in a decoction of senna (leaves) calms down (the heart).

11
r 10/133,6ff.

:
.

From the book of Ab lid al-Fris: Terebinth oil, when drunk on an empty
stomach, crumbles (kidney) stones; likewise chickpea water, when drunk and
eaten with bread at all times.

12
r 10/204,512

50 49 :
:
51 :
52

. 53 :

From the Persian Medical Compendium of Ibn Ab lid, he says: Terebinth or

its oil heat the kidneys and prevent frequent urination. One of the best (reme-
dies) to stop the flow of urine is to preserve dried caltrop in more than three
times as much of fresh caltrop water, then to mix it with terebinth oil and work
it into cane molasses. And here is anotherone (part of) frankincense, three
(parts of) acorns (and) three (parts of) myrrh are mixed with henna oil, and
three (of these pills) are taken each in the morning and in the evening; (also)

49 : editio .
50 : editio .
51 : editio .
52 : editio .
53 : editio + .
the persian sources 381

very useful in this (respect) are artichoke scales, which are (first) boiled in milk,
then kneaded with honey, then mixed into clarified butter, left to cool down a
little, and an eggsize from this (mixture) is taken in the morning and in the
evening. To (treat) heat in the kidneys and intestines and (burning) urination
(take) barley water, cucumber seeds, milk and rose oil in equal (parts).

13
r 10/215,9ff.

:
. :

From the Persian Medical Compendium: Among the things used for (the treat-
ment of) trickling urination in old men due to coldness are mahaleb berries,
galingale, savin and elecampane. (The author also) says: And something that
truly detains urine is opium.

14
r 11/77,15f.

. 54 : ][

From the Indo-Persian Medical Compendium: Fumigate piles with oleander

leaves (first), and continue smoking them with bean trefoilthey will shrink.

15
r 11/87,710

: ][
55
.

From the Indo-Persian Medical Compendium: For (the treatment of) piles and
haemorrhoidal crampsadminister an enema containing a quantity of two
qya of melted fat from a sheeps tail and two miql of castoreum; or take a

54 : editio + .
55 : editio .
382 chapter 3

saucerful of leek water and half a saucerful of sesame oil and inject that; and
if (the patient) also complains about (feeling) very cold, put rue water and
castoreum into (the enema).

16
r 20/105,12f.

. :[ ]

al-Fris says about emblics: They quench thirst and improve the strength,
acuity and ardency of the heart.

17
r 20/309,4f.

][ :[ ]
. ][

al-Fris says about fenugreek: It soothes the chest, the throat and the belly,
it increases sexual potency, it is good for (the treatment of) flatulence and
(excess) phlegm, it relieves cough, asthma and difficulty in breathing, (and) it
is good for (the treatment of) piles.

18
r 20/322,10f.

. :[ ]

al-Fris says about garden peppercress: It sucks up purulent matter from the
belly, increases sexual potency, and stimulates the appetite for food.

19
r 20/444,15445,1

56 :[ ]
.

56 : editio + .
the persian sources 383

al-Fris says about the purging cassia: It holds no harm; pregnant women drink
it to have a motion, it cleans out bile, cleanses jaundice, and is useful against
pain in the liver and throat.

20
r 20/572,8f.

:[ ]
.

al-Fris says about ginger: It digests the phlegm which is in the head and the
throat, ignites the fire of the stomach, constipates the belly, and arouses sexual
desire.

21
r 20/592,2

. :[ ]

al-Fris says about birthwort: It purifies the complexion and clears the chest.

22
r 21.1/81,1f.

. :

al-Fris: Sagapenum relieves (the bowels), dissolves (kidney) stones, is useful

against shivering fits, increases sexual potency, and is good for the liver.

23
r 21.1/146,1ff.

:
.

al-Fris: Aloe heats and also fortifies the stomach, drives out flatulences, im-
proves the acuity of the heart and refines it, (and) is good for (the treatment
of) rheumatic pains and gout, pushing (the disease) to the outside and purging
(the patients) humoral mixture.
384 chapter 3

24
r 21.1/221,3f.

:
.

al-Fris: Radish seeds are useful for (the treatment of) throbbing (pain) in
the joints and abdominal bloating, they facilitate the egression of (digested)
food and stimulate (the appetite), (and) they are good for (the treatment of)
rheumatic pain.

25
r 21.1/318,2

. :

al-Fris: Frankincense (helps to) digest the food, drives out flatulences, (and)
is good for (the treatment of) fever.

26
r 21.1/335,14f.

. :[ ]

al-Fris about cumin: It eases flatulences, (helps to) thoroughly process (in-
gested) food, dries up the chest, (and) is good for (the treatment of excess)
phlegm.

27
r 21.1/358,8f.

. :[ ]

al-Fris about capers: They increase sexual potency, are good for (the treat-
ment of) piles, improve (the condition of) the mouth, they have an antidotal
property, and they drive out flatulence.
the persian sources 385

28
r 21.2/559,19560,1

. :

al-Fris: Indian salt has an amazing effect on indigestion and flatulence, and
it facilitates the egression of (digested) food.

29
r 21.2/606,9ff.

:[ ]
. ][

al-Fris about visnaga: It disjoins purulent matter that (has gathered) in the
chest and in the stomach, settles flatulences, (helps to) digest the food, is good
for (the treatment of) cardiac pain, nausea and irregular breathing, and it
benefits him who has lost the taste of food.

30
r 21.2/622,9f.

:
. ][

al-Fris: Sweet flag gets rid of (abdominal) bloating and (arthritic) throbbing,
it is useful against obstruction, dries out moist joints, purifies the complexion,
and increases sexual potency.
 chapter 4

Variae Lectiones from r

As the philological value of the new edition Rzw is extremely limited,

those who intend to consult the following list of variant readings are advised
to consider first my discussion of that edition in the preface to this book. The
list does not include obvious misprints nor entries which are already covered
by my own apparatus.

The Sanskrit Sources. treya 1 : r 3/755,5 2 : r 4/713,2

( fortuito?) Suruta 1 : r 2/362,14 2a : r 3/754,11
| : r 3/754,15 5 et 6 item desunt in r Caraka 13 :
r 3/55,8 15 : r 4/255,1 19 : r 4/649,17 20 : r
4/744,6 22 : r 4/906,1 | : r 4/906,3 25 : r
4/970,5| praeceditur ab in r 4/970,6 29 : r 5/707,3
| : r 5/707,5 30 : r 6/249,15 35 : r 7/295,2
38 : r 8/61,5 39 : r 8/183,13 46 : r 10/98,14
47 : r 10/98,15 48 : r 10/99,2 app. 49
: r 10/150,14 51 : r 10/194,15 56 : r
10/283,7 | : r 10/283,7 , app. 61 : r
10/387,17 , app. 62 : r 10/398,18 64
: r 10/425,16 65 : r 10/523,8 67 : r 10/816,11
68 : r 10/910,6 69 : r 10/1047,3 Ravigupta 2
: r 1/1169,8 3 : r 2/183,2 | : r
2/183,3 5 : r 2/534,8 45 : r 10/124,6
, app. 48 : r 10/1049,9 Anonyma 3 : r
3/195,1 5 : r 3/505,8 6 : r 3/565,12 9
: r 4/770,11 | : r 4/770,16 10 : r 4/885,15

koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2015 | doi: 10.1163/9789004290242_006

variae lectiones from r 387

The Syriac Sources. lmn 1 : r 1/540,1 4 : r 1/271,8

: : r 4/210,7 8 > 6 < : r 1/540,3 |
: | : r 5/135,10 11 : r 5/97,1 9 r 5/57,8
: | : r 4/772,13 12 : r 5/135,15 | r 5/135,13 +
: r 5/582,11 15 : r 5/478,4 13 r 4/772,15
: r | : r 1/411,11Grgis bar Garil bar Btye (Al) 1
: r 1/439,4 | : r 1/439,1 (Kunn) 3 1/411,12
| : r 1/497,3 : r 1/497,2| 4 : r 1/439,4 |
: r | . : r 1/556,12 5 : r 1/497,10
: r 1/610,16 6 : r 1/557,12 | 1/557,9&18
: r | . : r 1/704,10 9 : r 1/682,9f. 8
: r | : r 2/416,14 13 : r 1/705,7 | 1/704,11&705,4
corruptum | quod sequit : r 2/1012,1 14 2/417,6
: r 3/554,9 est per dittographiam in r, vide 2/1012,1ff. et 4 ff. 16
: r | : r 4/368,14 20 : r 4/321,16 19
: | : r 4/52,15 21 : r 4/368,16 | 4/368,14
: | : r 4/106,4 | : r 4/106,2 23 r 4/53,7
| : r 3/665,10 26 : r 3/833,5 24 r 4/106,6
: r 3/685,11 | : r 3/685,11 + 27 : r 3/665,12
: r 4/965,2 | : r 4/965,1 37 : r 5/102,13 33
: 61 : r 7/158,16 55 : r 6/487,12 49
: Hzy (mi) 6 : r 10/350,19 |r 10/350,20
10 : r 1/1034,3 9 : r 1/1033,12 + r 1/612,16 8
: r 2/49,16 : r 1/1226,6 12 11 : r 1/1169,1
: r 14 : r 2/135,10 | : r 2/135,2 13
25 : r 2/683,9 21 : r 2/332,11 2/220,3 16
: r 4/252,16 47 : r 3/46,17 31 : r 2/970,1f.
388 chapter 4

: r | : r 3/688,12 53 : r 4/327,11 48
: r 59 : r 3/689,2 | : r 3/689,1 + | 3/688,14
: 71 : r 4/928,17 | : r 4/928,16 67 5/116,3
| : r 5/531,3 91 : r 5/230,5 75 r 4/936,2
: r 111 : r 8/263,8 : r 5/531,12 105
: in r 8/483,14 120 praeceditur ab 119 8/352,7
: r 8/607,3 125 : r 8/590,11 123 r 8/498,4
: r 162 : r 9/291,5 : r 9/94,7 153 147
: 187 : r 9/519,5 170 deest in r 182 9/368,10
| : r 10/38,5 205 : r 9/761,4 194 r 9/644,6
208 : r 10/60,4 : r 10/50,6 207 206 : r 10/38,6
: r 10/987,10 211 , , : r 10/170,7ff.
: r 9/751,13 6 : r 9/35,8 (Buaqimh) 3
| : r 10/350,21 2 , app. : r 10/321,4 (abat) 1
: r 3 : r 10/350,19 | : r 10/350,21
| : r 6/784,4 Iy Urhy 1 , , 10/363,16ff.
2 et 3 omnes textus variationibus minoribus : r 6/784,7
: r impressi sunt in r 7/940,3976,4 et 1094,141116,16 emn 1
: : r 1/358,4 f. 6 3 : r 1/266,9 | 1/266,3 +
| : r 2/43,10 11 : r 1/997,6 9 r 1/533,8
| : r 2/119,14 | : r 2/119,14 12 : r 2/43,11
: r 2/182,17 | : r 2/181,15 13 : r 2/119,15
: r 16 : r 2/363,14 | : r 2/363,12 15
: 21 : r 3/19,3 | : r 3/18,13 20 2/451,14
: r | : r 3/447,2 | : r 3/447,1 23 r 3/56,2
: r 3/447,9 | : r 3/447,8 | 3/447,4
27 >< : r 4/239,1 | : r 4/238,13 25
variae lectiones from r 389

29 : r 4/133,14 | : r 4/133,12 : r 4/35,8 28

: r 3/811,8 31 : r 4/152,1 | : r 4/152,1
: r 4/1016,3 35 : r 3/811,10 > 32<
: r 39 : r 4/1098,6 | : r 4/1098,5 36
: 47 : r 4/907,11 45 : r 4/610,3 41 5/187,8
: r 6/596,5 58 : r 6/109,13 50 r 5/267,5
: r 8/44,4 | : r 8/43,8 61 : r 7/412,12 60
: r | : r 8/181,9 65 : r 8/146,14 63
: r 70 , + : r 10/283,15f. app. 69 8/181,11
: 74 : r 10/817,5 72 : r 10/704,5 | 10/704,1
The Persian : r 10/1049,2 | )? (talis radix extat r 10/1049,2
6 : r 2/971,4 | : r 2/971,3 Sources. Qahramn 3
: r 5/461,15 13 : r 4/253,5 7 : r 4/253,2
: 36 : r 9/854,1 32 : r 5/462,2 |
| : r 1/732,12 Ibn Ab lid al-Fris 1 r 10/1051,4
: | : r 4/768,8 : r 4/255,1 12 9 : r 1/733,5
: r 5/318,1 15 14 : r 4/783,7 13 r 4/768,9
. : r 5/329,1 | : r 5/329,1
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Delhi (Shipra) 2003, pp. 220231.
BauGe Anton Baumstark, Geschichte der syrischen Literatur mit Ausschlu der
christlich-palstinensischen Texte, Bonn (A. Marcus & E. Webers) 1922.
BBLex Lexicon Syriacum auctore Hassano Bar Bahlule, 13, ed. Rubens Duval,
Parisiis (Ernest Leroux) 1901 (Collection Orientale 1517).
BeInd AlBerunis India. An Account of the Religion, Philosophy, Literature, Geog-
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a.d. 1030, 12, tr. Edward C. Sachau, London (Kegan Paul, Trench, Trbner
& Co.) 1910 (Trbners Oriental Series).
BHDuw Ab l-Fara rriys Ibn al-Ibr (Barhebraeus), Tar mutaar ad-
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BFih Ab r-Rain Muammad ibn Amad al-Brn, Risla f Fihrist kutub
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(Moassasa-ye Entert ve-p Dnegh-e Tehrn) 1366[/1987] (Ente-
rt-e Dnegh-e Tehrn 1406), pp. 142.
BlaBB Kevin van Bladel, The Bactrian Background of the Barmakids, in: Islam
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online.org/articles/ahvaz-a-town-of-southwestern-iran].
BosBoR C[lifford] E[dmund] Bosworth and H[arold] Bowen, Rukn al-Dawla, in:
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Bouu Ch[edly] Bouyahia, al-ur, in: ei [q.v.] 3/639a640a.
BoyLit Mary Boyce, Middle Persian Literature, in: Iranistik: Literatur, Leiden
Kln (E.J. Brill) 1968 (Handbuch der Orientalistik, Erste Abteilung 4,2),
pp. 3166.
BrAM Edward G[ranville] Browne, Arabian Medicine (being the Fitzpatrick lec-
tures delivered at the college of physicians in November 1919 and November
1920), Cambridge (Cambridge University Press) 1921.
BroLex Carl Brockelmann, Lexicon Syriacum, Halis Saxonum (Max Niemeyer)
1928.
list of abbreviations and bibliography 391

BRWr Otto [von] Bhtlingk and Rudolph Roth, Sanskrit-Wrterbuch, 17, Osna-
brckWiesbaden (Otto Zeller & Otto Harrassowitz) 1966 (reprint of the
edition St. Petersburg 18551875).
BryK Jennifer S. Bryson, The Kitb al-w of Rz (ca. 900 ad): Book One of the
w on Brain, Nerve, and Mental Disorders. Studies in the Transmission of
Medical Texts from Greek into Arabic into Latin, Ann Arbor (Bell & Howell)
2001.
CaAm Cl[aude] Cahen, Ibn al-Amd, in: ei [q.v.] 3/703a704b.
CaGaFu Julia M.a Carabaza and Expiracin Garca, Fuentes de la Fila Frisiyya,
in: al-Qanara 30 (2009), pp. 623654.
CaSa Caraka Sahit (with a critical exposition based on Cakrapidattas y-
urvedadpik), 17, ed. and tr. Ram Karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan
Dash, Varanasi (Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office) 20092011 (reprint)
(Chowkhamba Sanskrit Studies 94).
CePah Carlo G. Cereti, Middle Persian Literature: (i) Pahlavi Literature, in: EIr
[q.v.] [online at: iranicaonline.org/articles/middle-persian-literature-1-
pahlavi].
ChaSa Suniti Kumar Chatterji, al-Brn and Sanskrit, in: Al-Brn Commemora-
tion Volume a.h.362a.h.1362, Calcutta (Iran Society) 1951, pp. 83100.
ChLStu Leigh N. Chipman and Efraim Lev, Take a Lame and Decrepit Female Hyena
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Aqrbdhn al-aghr, in: Early Science and Medicine 13 (2008), pp. 361
383.
CiaILS Claudia A. Ciancaglini, Iranian Loanwords in Syriac, Wiesbaden (Ludwig
Reichert) 2008 (Beitrge zur Iranistik 28).
deva Vgbhaas Agahdayasahit (the romanised text accompanied by line
and word indexes), ed. Rahul Peter Das and Ronald Eric Emmerick, Gronin-
gen (Egbert Forsten) 1998 (Groningen Oriental Studies 13).
DiDi Albert Dietrich, Dioscurides Triumphans. Ein anonymer arabischer Kom-
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in Gttingen, Philologisch-Historische Klasse, Dritte Folge 172173).
DiMA Albert Dietrich, Medicinalia Arabica. Studien ber arabische medizinische
Handschriften in trkischen und syrischen Bibliotheken, Gttingen (Vanden-
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ten in Gttingen, Philologisch-Historische Klasse, Dritte Folge 66).
DkP Der kleine Pauly. Lexikon der Antike, 15, ed. Konrat Ziegler, Walther Sont-
heimer and Hans Grtner, StuttgartMnchen (Alfred Druckenmller)
19641975.
DolHo Michael W. Dols, The Origins of the Islamic Hospital. Myth and Reality,
392 list of abbreviations and bibliography

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Studies), 1/109135.
DoSupp R[einhart] Dozy, Supplment aux dictionnaires arabes, 12, LeidenParis
(E.J. Brill & Maisonneuve) 1927 (2nd edition).
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WkaS Manfred Ullmann, Wrterbuch der klassischen arabischen Sprache, 12 [in
5 vols], Wiesbaden (Otto Harrassowitz) 19702009.
WriGAL W[illiam] Wright, A Grammar of the Arabic Language, 12, Cambridge
(Cambridge University Press) 1967 (reprint of the edition 1933).
YaTa Amad ibn Ab Yaqb Ibn Wi al-Yaqb, Tar al-Yaqb, 12, Bairt
(Dr dir & Dr Bairt) 1379/1960.
ZauMu Muammad ibn Al al-ab az-Zauzan, Tar al-ukam wa-huwa mu-
taar az-Zauzan al-musamm bil-Muntaabt al-multaqat min kitb I-
br al-ulam bi-abr al-ukam li-amladdn Ab l-asan Al ibn Ysuf
al-Qif, ed. Julius Lippert auf Grund der Vorarbeiten Aug[ust] Mllers,
Leipzig (Dieterichsche Verlagsbuchhandlung) 1903.
Glossaries

The Arabic and Sanskrit inventories cover words and terms mainly relating to sub-
stances and products, pathology and anatomy, medico-pharmaceutical implements,
therapeutic procedures, applicative categories, and generics. In order to keep these
inventories manageable, pure verbal constructions in the base texts and/or non-sub-
stantive renditions on my part have, with few exceptions, not been registered; for the
same reason, transliterated Arabic lemmata (and their English equivalents) are given,
again with some exceptions, as nomina singularis or collectiva, regardless of the partic-
ular morphological and grammatical form they may assume in the base texts. Needless
to say that the choice of what constitutes a valid entry is not always self-evident and
in some cases entirely subjective, but I nonetheless hope not to have missed anything
relevant nor to have included anything in vainthe user is offered a fair, though for
structural reasons limited range of keys to the objects and concepts he seeks, but here,
too, perfection is a mirage. All numbers in the following inventories refer to fragments
(not pages) as counted individually according to authors in the chapters on texts and
translations. To avoid confusion, it has been necessary to introduce a set of abbrevia-
tions which precede these reference numbers, namely: Sa = Sanskrit with t = treya,
Su = Suruta, Ca = Caraka, V = Vgbhaa, Ra = Ravigupta, M = Mdhava and An =
Anonyma; Sy = Syriac with Sa = Sargs, l = lmn, GA = GrgisAl, GK = Gr-
gisKunn, H = Hzymi, HB = HzyBuaqimh, H = Hzyabat, Iy
= Iy and e = emn; Pe = Persian with Qa = Qahramn and F = al-Fris. As two
fragments from Surutas medical compendium are only preserved in the Latin version
of Rhazes work, the user of the Arabic inventory will sporadically come across Latin
(rather than transliterated Arabic) lemmatathese are preceded for clarity by the
sign . The ArabicEnglish inventory follows the sequence of the Roman alphabet (dia-
critics are not counted). Since the Sanskrit inventory only includes material drawn
directly from original-language fragments, the abbreviation Sa = Sanskrit has in this
case been omitted as unnecessary; the circulus indicates the elision of a member of a
compound construction. The SanskritEnglish inventory follows the sequence of the
Devangar alphabet. The attentive user will further notice that the Sanskrit inven-
tory, relatively speaking, is somewhat more detailed than the Arabic inventorythis
is largely due to considerations of space with regard to the latter. Finally, and perhaps
obviously so, the English entries in the register of Botanical Names are drawn from the
respective sections of either the Arabic or the Sanskrit inventories, but do on occasion
refer to both; taxonomic identifications may in some cases have to be modified as sci-
entific research progresses.
glossaries
1 Arabic
a EnglishArabic
abdomen (ban) SaCa 30; SyH 171,
172; PeF 24
abdomen (auf ) SyIy 2
ablution (usl) SaSu 3
abortion (isq) SyH 57
abrasion (sa) SyGK 24; SyHB 8
abscess (apostema) SaSu 5
abscess (ur) SaCa 29; SyIy 2, 3
abscess, lachrymal (arab) SyH 11;
PeF 2
abscess of pleura (t al-anb) SyIy 3
absinthe (afsantn) SyH 29, 32, 50,
98; Sye 56, 65
accident (ara) SyIy 2
ache (alam) SyIy 2
ache (waa) SaCa 39; SaRa 3; SyH
12, 15, 115, 174, 176; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 11;
PeF 4, 5
acorn (ball) Sye 23, 44; PeF 12
adolescence (ada) SaCa 22
adolescent (bb) SyIy 3
adulsa (qulb) SaCa 18
African bdellium (muql azraq) SyH
61
agaric (rqn) SyH 156; SyHB 4;
Sye 26
agent (mdda) Sye 13
agitation (hayan) SyIy 3
agitation (qalaq) SyIy 2, 3
agitation (tahaiyu) SaCa 13
agnus-castus ( fanankut) SyH 59;
Sye 8, 44, 52
agrimony SyGK 49, 50
agrimony (fit) SyH 50, 97;
SyHB 5; Sye 56
air (haw) SyGK 48
albugo (bay al-ain) SyH 153
403
alhagi (taranubn) SyGK 46, 47, 56;
SyH 74, 118
alienation (tawau) SyGK 18
alkekengi (kkan) SyGK 22, 23
alkekengi from cold countries (kkan
min al-buldn al-brida) SyH
205
alkekengi from Isfahan (kkan min
Ibahn) SyH 205
alkekengi from Mh (kkan min Mh)
SyH 205
almond (lauz) SaRa 36; SyGK 9;
SyH 6, 23; Sye 11
almond, bitter (lauz murr) SyH 100
almond, sweet (lauz ulw) SaRa 8;
PeQa 33
aloe SyGK 9, 13, 49, 50; Sye 28
aloe (abir) SyGK 29, 42, 49, 62, 64;
SyH 29, 31, 32, 50, 151; Sye 56, 58;
PeQa 1, 5, 13; PeF 23
alopecia (d a-alab) SyGK 66
alteration (taaiyur) SyGK 54; SyIy 2
alum (abb) Sye 9; Sye 23; PeF 5
amber (kahrub) SyH 180; Sye 25
ambergris SyGK 18
ammoniacum (uaq) Syl 13; SyH 91
anasarca (aban lam) SyGK 21
anger (aab) Sye 10
angina (nq) Sye 16
animal (aiwn) SyH 62, 103, 148
animal, predatory (sabu) SaRa 37
animal fat (dasam) Sye 73
animal fat (am) SaAn 9; Syl 4, 5;
SyGK 5; SyH 12, 93, 201; Sye 13, 36,
45, 47
animal gall (marra) SyGK 5, 9;
SyH 59; Sye 10, 11, 12, 38; PeF 1
404
animal gall bladder (marra) SyH
201
animal lung (ria) SyH 140, 141
animal testicle (uya) SyGK 37
anise (ansn) SaCa 39; SyH 29; Sye
23, 52, 56, 58
anise, wild (az) SyH 101
ankle (kab) Sye 49
annoyance with oneself (aar bi-nafsihi)
Sye 3
annoyance with others (aar bin-ns)
Sye 3
antidote (bdzahr) SaCa 39
antidote (mudd lis-summ) SyH
103
antimony (antimonium) SaSu 5
anus (maqada) SyGK 59
anus (ar) SyH 86
anxiety (karb) SyGK 29
apoplexy (sakta) SyIy 1
appetite (ahwa) SaRa 7, 17; SaAn 16;
SyGK 20, 38, 54, 55; SyIy 2, 3
appetite, canine (ahwa kalbya) SaCa
13; Sye 21
apple (tuff) SaCa 35; SyGK 15, 58;
Sye 43; PeF 7
apricot (mimi) SyH 192
Arabian aloe (abir arab) SyH 151
Arabian cassia (kasl) SyH 42, 181
Ardashir-remedy SyH 193; PeQa 30
area (locus) SaSu 5
area (maui) SaCa 29, 67; Syl 2, 15;
SyGK 5; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 13, 33, 34, 49,
61, 67; PeQa 17; PeF 1
area below ribline (maraqq) SaCa 29;
Sye 59
areas, adjacent (naw) Syl 11
areas, surrounding (awl) Sye 38
areca ( faufal) SyH 7, 14
Armenian bole (n arman) SyGK 48
glossaries
Armenian poison (samm arman) SaCa
39
armpit (ib) SyHB 8
aroma, pleasant (b) SyGK 18
arousal, sexual (in) SyH 73, 149
arsenic (zirn) SyH 147; Sye 13, 64
arsenic, red (zirn amar) SyH 147
arsenic, white (zirn abya) SyH
147
arsenic, yellow (arsenicum blondum)
SaSu 5
arsenic, yellow (zirn afar) SyH 147
artichoke (araf ) SyH 128; PeQa 22
artichoke (zalm) PeF 12
artichoke gum (kankarza) SyH 214
articulation, point of (wal) Sye 1
asafoetida (anudn) Sye 20, 35
asafoetida resin SyGK 51, 57; Sye 61
asafoetida resin (iltt) SaCa 8, 22, 39;
SaAn 12; Syl 9, 11; Sye 6, 55, 61
asafoetida resiny SyGK 52
asafoetida root (uturz) SyH 109
asarabacca (asrn) SyH 31; Sye 56
ascites (aban ziqq) SyGK 21; SyH
36, 194
ass (atn) Sye 28
asss milk (laban al-utun) SaCa 39;
Syl 16; SyGK 5; Sye 18, 40
assault (aula) SyGK 46
asthma (rabw) SaRa 5, 25, 35, 39;
SyHB 6; PeF 17
atmosphere (auw) SyGK 48
atmosphere (haw) SyGK 48, 54
autumn (arf ) SyGK 48, 54
azederach (azdirat) SyH 107, 211,
217
babul (qara) SyH 41
back (dorsum) SaSu 6
back (qaf) SaSu 2a
glossaries
back (ahr) SaSu 2b; SaCa 4; SaV 4;
SaRa 20; SaAn 13; Syl 10, 11; SyGK 26,
32, 40, 41, 54; SyH 87, 88, 90, 91; Sye
36, 37, 44, 49
back, lower (qaan) Sye 42
back of leech (dorsum) SaSu 5
bafflement (sadar) SyGK 2
bag of enema (ziqq) SaSu 2b
bk SaCa 48
baking pit (tannr) SaAn 6; Sye 16
balding (ala) SaRa 46; Sye 71
balm (balasn) Syl 5; SyH 60; Sye
9 belly (ban) SaSu 2a; SaCa 39; SaRa 7,
bamboo chalk (abr) SyGK 15,
36; SyH 33, 46, 154; Sye 23; PeF
6 SyH 50, 59, 113, 134, 154, 168, 184, 186,
banana (mauz) SaRa 40; SyH 69;
PeQa 31
bandage (imd) Sye 2, 8, 70
bandaging, warm (takmd) SaCa 37;
Sye 47
barberry (zirik) SaCa 45
barley (ar) Syl 12; SyGK 5, 18, 35, 46,
55, 59; SyH 91, 198; SyIy 2; PeF 12
barley gruel ([m] kak a-ar) SaCa Bengal quince (ar) SyGK 31;
13; SyGK 48
barsm SyGK 60
base of tooth (al) PeF 4
bsilqn SyGK 11, 12
bat (uff) SyGK 41; Sye 9
bathhouse (ammm) SaCa 12, 14;
SaAn 4; Syl 10, 11; SyGK 18, 40, 48,
53, 64; SyH 53; Sye 3, 6, 43, 50, 71
bathing (istimm) SyGK 67
bathtub (bzan) Syl 2; SyGK 4, 35, 40;
Sye 3, 6, 33, 40
bay laurel (r) SaCa 39; SyGK 3, 5, 9;
SyH 53; Sye 11, 23, 33, 52
beak (anak) PeQa 36
beaker (qada) Sye 28
405
bean trefoil ( yanbt) SaAn 5; Sye 23;
PeF 14
beast of prey (ria) SaRa 37
beast of prey (sabu) SyGK 37
bed ( fir) SaAn 9; Syl 12
bee sting (lad an-nal) SyH 115
beef (lam al-baqar) Sye 26
beet (silq) SyGK 5, 62; SyH 134; Sye
74
behaviour, shameless (waqat al-wah)
Sye 7
belching (u) SyGK 9, 22, 23
9, 25, 31, 37; SaAn 3, 5, 15; Syl 1, 2, 10,
11; SyGK 5, 21, 22, 23, 38, 55, 58, 62;
187, 189, 194, 199; SyHB 6; Sye 8, 11,
16, 20, 23, 33, 35, 37, 53, 56, 70; PeQa 22;
PeF 17, 20
belly (auf ) SyGK 37; Sye 28; PeF
18
belly (maida) SaCa 29
belly (venter) SaSu 6
belly of leech (venter) SaSu 5
SyH 41; Sye 23
betel leaf (tnbl) SyH 15
bezoar (b[d]zahr) SaCa 38; SyGK 59;
Sye 65
bile (mirra) SaCa 1, 13; SaRa 7, 33, 38;
SyGK 9; SyH 154; SyIy 1, 2; Sye 26;
PeF 19
bile, black ([mirra] saud) Syl 14, 15,
16; SyGK 13, 51; SyH 37, 156, 187,
195, 203; SyHB 4; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 3, 5,
20, 21, 57, 66, 67; PeQa 1, 5
bile, yellow ([mirra] afr) SyGK 13,
54; SyH 156, 192; SyIy 2, 3
bindweed (lablb) SyGK 62; SyH
185; Sye 13
406
bird, claw-bearing (t al-malib min
a-air) SaRa 37
bird, domestic (air ahl) PeQa 19
birthwort (zarwand) Syl 9, 11;
SyGK 33; Sye 29; PeF 21
birthwort, long (zarwand awl)
Syl 1, 2; SyGK 3; Sye 29
biscuit (kak) SyH 50
bite (salm) Sye 63
bittern (qah) SyH 52, 171, 187
blackness (sawd) SaCa 70; SyGK 20
bladder (mana) SaSu 2a; SaCa 18, 19;
SaRa 10, 28, 39, 40, 42; SyH 60, 93,
106, 144, 176; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 40, 65
blanket (dir) SaCa 14
bleeding (dam) SyH 19, 20, 56, 155,
198, 204
bleeding ( fad) Syl 14; SyGK 10, 47;
Sye 16; PeF 1
bleeding (nazf ) SyGK 31
bleeding (sayaln dam) SyIy 3
bleeding, black from nose (ruf aswad)
SyIy 2
bleeding, profuse (inbi ad-dam) Sye
15
blister (bar) SyGK 29; SyH 154;
SyIy 2, 3; Sye 14; PeF 6
bloating (naf) SaSu 2a; SaCa 30; SaRa
6, 39; PeF 24, 30
blood (dam) SaSu 2a; SaCa 39; SaRa
7; SaM 1; SaAn 14; Syl 15; SyGK 13,
18, 39, 43, 54, 55, 59; SyH 19, 122,
124, 127, 155, 178, 180, 186, 187, 190, 200;
SyHB 6; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 7, 8, 12, 16, 24,
35, 49, 61, 63; PeQa 11
blood (sanguis) SaSu 5
blood, bilious (dam mirr) Sye 26, 49
blood, black (dam aswad) Sye 57
blood, congealed (umd ad-dam)
Sye 42
glossaries
blood, dead (dam maiyit) SyH 147
blood, menstrual (ai) SaCa 44; PeQa
27
blood, menstrual (many) SaSu 3
blood, menstrual (am) SyH 56, 112
blood, stagnant (dam maiyit) SaCa 67
blood, white (dam abya) Sye 73
blood clot (alaq ad-dam) Sye 42
blood particles, clotted (qia ad-dam
al-mutaaqqid) SyIy 3
blood particles, coagulated (qia dam
mida) SyIy 2
bloodletting ( fad) Syl 5; SyGK 18,
63, 65; Sye 5
bloodstream (adwal) SyIy 2
blow (arba) SyH 23
body (badan) SaCa 33, 69; SaV 8;
SaRa 48; SaAn 4; Syl 2; SyGK 37,
55; SyH 74, 144, 187; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 6,
40, 52, 66
body (asad) SaCa 39, 65; SyGK 5, 54,
55; SyH 195; SyHB 6; SyIy 2, 3
body (ism) SaCa 12, 14, 22; SaRa 23;
Syl 16; SyH 74, 121, 187; SyIy 2, 3;
Sye 21, 49
body fat (am) SyIy 2, 3
body of insect (asad) Sye 41
body parts, lower (asfil) SaSu 2b; SyIy
3
body parts, upper (al) SaSu 2b; SyIy 3
bone (am) SaCa 22; SyIy 2; Sye 2, 4;
PeF 1
borage (lisn a-aur) SyGK 18; SyH
16, 188; Sye 25
borax (bauraq) SaCa 25; Syl 17;
SyGK 13; Sye 11, 20, 33; PeQa
8
bouillon, thick (isfab) SaCa 14;
Syl 10; SyGK 26; Sye 70
bowel (ban) SyIy 3
glossaries
bowel (aan) SaRa 7; SaAn 16
boy (ulm) SaSu 3; Sye 37
boy (aby) SaAn 5
brain (dim) SyGK 9, 35; SyH 74;
SyIy 1, 2, 3; Sye 7
bran (nula) SyGK 57; SyIy 2, 3; Sye
24, 40
bread (ubz) SaCa 25, 35; SyGK 21, 27,
30; SyH 22; Sye 23, 55; PeF 11
bread, white (ubz awr) SyH 121
bread crumb (kusaira) SyH 56
breast (ady) SyGK 43; Sye 24, 37
breastmilk (laban [an-nis]) Syl 6, 7;
SyGK 17; SyH 44; Sye 7, 24, 37
breath (ria) SaCa 5
breath(ing) (nafas) SaRa 7; SyGK 32,
54, 55; SyHB 6; SyIy 1, 2, 3; PeF 17,
29
brick (ura) SaAn 6
broad bean (bqill) SyGK 17; SyH
42
broth (m) SyGK 21
broth (maraq) SaCa 39; SyGK 62; Sye
13, 65
broth, hot (ab) SaCa 35
bryony, red (hazrun) PeQa 32
burning (arra) SaCa 17
burning (urqa) SyGK 9, 34; Sye 40
burning (itirq) SyH 154; SyIy 2, 3;
Sye 40
burning (iltihb) Sye 54
burning (lahb) SyH 33; Sye 42
burping (u) SyGK 16, 26
butter, clarified (samn) SaRa 16, 48;
SyGK 35, 57; SyH 186; Sye 24, 47,
65; PeF 12
butter, fresh (zubd) SaCa 39; SyGK 59;
SyH 22, 47; Sye 65
butter, fresh from cows (zubd al-baqar)
SyH 186
407
buttermilk (ma) SyGK 16
buttermilk from cows (ma al-baqar)
Syl 12
cabbage (kurunb) Syl 14, 15, 17, 18; Sye
40, 42
cadmia (iqlmiy) SyH 13
caltrop (asak) SaCa 63; SaRa 14,
28; SyGK 26; Sye 36, 40, 42; PeF
12
camel, pregnant (liqa) SyGK 22, 23
camels milk (laban al-ibl) SyGK 21
camels milk (laban al-liq) SyGK 22,
23
camels urine (baul al-ibl) SyGK 21;
PeQa 8
camels urine (baul al-liq) SyGK 22,
23
camels thorn (auk al-iml) SaV 3
camphor (kfr) SyGK 55; SyH 13,
116; Sye 25; PeF 4
cancer (saran) Syl 16; SyGK 43;
SyH 96
cane molasses ( fn) SaV 2; SyH
71; PeF 12
canella (qirfa) SaCa 10; Sye 23
cantharis (urr) SyH 136; Sye 41,
65, 73
caper (aaf ) Sye 13
caper (kabar) SaCa 39, 59; SaV 3;
SyH 11, 53, 178; Sye 1, 29, 31, 46;
PeF 27
caraway (karwiy) SyH 41; Sye 23
caraway, wild (k/qardamn) Syl 9, 11;
SyH 67
carob (urnb) SyH 3; Sye 23
cassia (sala) SyH 60; Sye 25, 45
castor oil plant (irwa) SaV 4; Syl 2,
13; SyGK 26, 40; SyH 29, 53, 132;
Sye 6, 33, 36, 50
408
castoreum (undb/dastar) SaCa 39;
SaAn 1; Syl 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13; SyGK
5; SyH 29, 32, 49, 56, 90; Sye 1,
6, 11, 20, 23, 32, 35, 44, 58, 65; PeF 1,
15
cat excrement (ur as-sannr) SaSu 4
cataplasm (imd) SyGK 9, 17, 20, 27,
28, 30; Sye 1, 23, 38, 53
cataract (m) Sye 10
catarrh (zukm) SaRa 7, 39; SaAn 16
catechu (k) SaCa 52
cattle (baqar) SyH 174
cattle dung (zibl al-baqar) SyH 115
cauterization (kaiy) SyGK 21, 41;
SyH 13; Sye 1; PeF 1
cautery (kaiy) SyGK 9, 39, 41; Sye 49
cautery, cross-shaped (kaiy alb)
SyGK 6
celery (karafs) SyGK 26, 55; SyH 29,
31, 32; Sye 23, 56, 58; PeF 6
cellar (sirdb) SyGK 4
centaury (qanriyn) SyH 38, 91,
170, 207
centaury, large (qanriyn kabr)
SyH 207
centaury, small (qanriyn daqq)
SyH 90
centaury, small (qanriyn ar)
SyH 52, 207
ceruse (isf [ar-ra]) Sye 31, 47
chalazion (barada) SyH 8
chamomile (bbna) SyGK 3; SyH
1; Sye 43, 52, 61
change of localities (intiql f l-manzil)
Sye 3
characteristic (alma) SyIy 2, 3
cheek (add) Sye 4
cheese (ubn) SyIy 2
cheese water (m al-ubn) SyH 48,
50, 186
glossaries
chest ( fud) SaRa 7, 17; SaAn 3;
SyGK 38; SyH 154
chest (adr) Sat 1; SaCa 4, 14; SaRa 40;
SyGK 54; SyH 21, 150, 186; SyIy 1;
Sye 17; PeF 17, 21, 26, 29
chicken (da) SaCa 22; SaRa 13;
SyGK 16, 21; SyH 4; Sye 13
chicken, domestic (da ahl) SaCa 38
chicken, young ( far) SyH 187
chicken, young ( farr) SyGK 22
chickpea (imma) SaCa 69; SyH 42,
67, 81, 91, 96; Sye 24; PeF 11
chicory (araaqq) SyH 153
child (aby) SyGK 5; SyH 31, 62,
148, 154, 188, 193, 198; SyIy 2; Sye 13, 16
child (walad) Syl 9, 11; SyGK 33;
SyH 57, 173; PeQa 10, 27
child, young (ifl) SaCa 29
childbirth (wilda) Syl 10, 11
childrens faeces (airat a-ibyn)
Sye 16
childrens urine (baul a-ibyn) Sye 9
chill (bard) Sye 56
Chinese rhubarb (rwand n) SyH
164
Christs thorn (sidr) Sye 74
chyle (kails) SyIy 3
chyme (kaims) SyIy 3
cinnamom (drn) SaCa 39; Syl 10;
SyH 32, 34, 45; Sye 23, 25
citron (utru) SyGK 5, 63
citronella SyGK 23
citronella (iir) SyH 19, 31, 98
clay (n) SaCa 13; Sye 12
cleft (aqq) SaCa 19
cloth (pannus) SaSu 5
cloth, woolen (f ) Sye 13
clothes (aub) SyIy 2, 3
cloud, urinary (amma) SyIy 2
cloud, urinary (saba) SyIy 2, 3
glossaries
clove (qaranful) SyH 13, 34; Sye 22,
45; PeQa 36
coaxing (mudrh) SyGK 47
cocculus (mhzahrah) SyH 91
cock (dk) Sye 10
coconut (nrl) SaRa 10, 42
cold(ness) (bard) SaCa 2, 8, 33; SySa 1;
SyGK 9, 48; SyHB 1; SyIy 2; Sye 4, 11,
54, 56; PeF 15
coldness (burda) SyGK 20; SyH
202; Sye 13; PeF 13
colic (qaulan) SaCa 41; SaRa 7; SaAn
15; SyGK 26, 27, 28, 30; SyH 53, 177;
Sye 33
collapse (tafattut) SyIy 3
collar, woolen (qilda f ) Sye 6
collarbone (tarquwa) SyGK 20
collyrium (kul) SaCa 6, 7
colocasia (qulqs) SyH 71
colocynth (anal) SaV 3; Syl 11, 13;
SyH 53, 90, 91; SyH 1; Sye 5, 11, 13,
38, 74; PeF 2, 3
colophony (qulufniy) SyH 30
colour (color) SaSu 5
colour (laun) SaCa 13; SaRa 17;
SyGK 20; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 14
column, dorsal ( faqr a-ahr) Syl 11
common ash (lisn al-afr) SyH
68
complaint (mara) SyIy 2
complexion (laun) SaRa 47; SaAn 11, 13;
SyGK 5; SyH 213; PeF 21, 30
composition, atmospherical (miz)
SyGK 48
composition, humoral (miz) SyGK 1
compress, hot (kimd rr) SyGK 5
compressing, warm (takmd) Sye 19,
59
condition (d) SaCa 13
condition (l) SyIy 2, 3
409
condition (mara) SyGK 47
conditioner (il) Sye 71
confusion (itil) SyGK 6, 38, 54, 55;
SyIy 2, 3
constipating (imsk) SyH 189
constipation (abs ar-ra) SaCa 29
consumption (sill) SaRa 37, 41; SyIy 2, 3;
Sye 17, 18
container (ina) Syl 8
container (in) SyIy 3
convalescent (nqih) SaCa 36; SaRa 23;
Syl 17, 18; SyGK 56; SyIy 2, 3
convulsion (taannu) SyGK 4, 5;
SyHB 7; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 48, 63
cooking-pot (qidr) SaCa 35; SyGK 32;
Sye 16
coolant (mabrada) SyGK 55
copper, oxidized (nus muraq)
SyH 200
copper filing (sulat an-nus)
SyH 200
Coptic mastic (maak qib) SyH
189
coral, red (bussad) SaCa 38; Sye 25
coriander (kus/zbara) SyH 41, 175,
176; Sye 23; PeF 10
corruption ( fasd) SaRa 37; SyGK 26;
SyIy 2; Sye 23
cosmetic (amra) PeQa 33
costmary (qus) SaCa 68; Syl 2;
SyGK 1, 5; SyH 31; Sye 1, 36, 52;
PeQa 10, 27
cotton (qun) Sye 70
couch ( fir) SaSu 2b
couching (qad) Sye 10
cough (sula) SyGK 20, 55
cough(ing) (sul) SaRa 5, 25, 39,
41; SyGK 55; SyH 134, 174, 183,
198, 199; SyIy 2; Sye 10, 16, 56; PeF
17
410
countryside (buldn) SaCa 14
cover, protective (wiq) Sye 11
cow dung (iy al-baqar) Sye 27
cows gall (marrat al-baqar) Sye 11, 12
cows milk (laban al-baqar) SaCa 22,
28; SyH 44, 47, 186; Sye 45
crab (saran) Sye 16
crack (aqq) SyGK 54
cramp (r) SaRa 31; SyH 84; PeF 15
crane (kurky) SaCa 38; SyGK 5, 9;
PeF 1
cranium (caput) SaSu 6
cranium (hma) SyGK 1, 4
cranium (ras) SaCa 5
cream (il) Sye 73
Cretan dittany (mikirmar) Sye 52
crisis (burn) SyGK 54, 55; SyIy 2, 3
crop (abb) SyH 174
crow (urb) SaCa 38; PeQa 36
cry (aia) SyGK 2
cry (iy) Sye 11
cucumber (iyr) Syl 9, 12; SyGK 35,
46; PeF 12
cumin Sye 58
cumin (kammn) SaCa 17, 39; SyH
29, 41, 53, 91, 100; Sye 20, 23, 33, 35, 43,
52; PeF 26
cumin, black (kammn aswad) SaCa 10;
Sye 23
cumin, black (nz) Syl 6, 7; Sye 52
cuminy SyGK 52; Sye 20, 23
cupping (ima) SaCa 13; Sye 4
cupping glass (miam) Syl 1, 2;
SyGK 58; Sye 16, 35, 49, 61
curd (rib) SyH 50
cure (bur) SyIy 3; Sye 49
cure (if) SaV 1
currant (qimi) SyGK 18
cushion (mirfaqa) Sat 1
cutting (ar) SaCa 67
glossaries
cyperus (sud) SyGK 5; Sye 23, 45;
PeF 5
cypress (sarw) SaAn 9; Sye 1, 23, 74;
PeF 1
daffodil (naris) Sye 36, 42
damage (fa) SyIy 2
damage (arar) SaCa 13; SyH 162;
SyIy 1
damage (ham) SyIy 2
dandruff (ibrya) SyH 135
danger (ila) SyGK 26
danger (aar) SyIy 2, 3
drm PeQa 30
date (tamr) SaCa 39; SaRa 41; SyGK 33;
SyH 197
date, ripening (busra) SaAn 6
day blindness (rzkr) Sye 9
deafness (amam) SyIy 2, 3; Sye 11
death (maut) SaV 8; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 16,
60
death (mors) SaSu 6
December and January (Knn)
SyGK 48
decline (afan) SyIy 2
decline (ini) SyIy 3
decline (nuqn) SyIy 2, 3
decoction (m qad ubia) Sye 36
decoction (mab) Sye 47
decoction (ab) SaCa 11, 39; Syl 9, 17;
SyGK 3, 5, 6, 23, 24, 26, 29, 33, 41, 46,
67; SyH 59, 145; Sye 1, 7, 11, 13, 24,
31, 32, 52, 58, 61; PeQa 17; PeF 10
decomposition (taallul) Sye 21
defecation (birz) SaAn 7
defecation (ra) SaCa 22
delirium (ebrietas) SaSu 5
delirium (haayn) SyGK 6; SyIy 2;
Sye 7
delusion (ad an-nafs) PeQa 1
glossaries
dentifrice (sann) PeF 5
dentifrice, royal (sann mulk) PeF 5
deposit, urinary (rusb) SyIy 2, 3
desire, sexual (bh) SaCa 25; SaAn 13;
SyH 69, 70, 71, 73, 110, 129; PeF 20
desire, sexual (in) SyH 67, 71, 158;
Sye 45
desire, sexual (abaq) SaCa 22
deterioration (s l) SyIy 2
diabetes (diyb) SyGK 35
diabetes (iybis) SyIy 2
diarrhoea (arab) SyIy 3
diarrhoea (ishl) SaCa 11, 12, 13, 36, 69;
SaRa 48; SaAn 3; SyGK 2, 9, 18, 46, 47;
SyH 41; Sye 26, 40, 57; PeQa 1; PeF
7, 8
diarrhoea (istilq al-ban) SyIy 2
diarrhoea (may) SaCa 22; SaAn 7
die, leaden (qlib usruf ) Sye 50
diet (am) Syl 12
difficulty (q) SyHB 6
difficulty (taaur) SaAn 3
difficulty (usr) SyGK 32; SyH 165;
PeF 17
digestion (ham) SyH 141; SyIy 2, 3
digestion (inhim) SyIy 3
dilatation (imtidd) SyIy 2, 3
dilatation (tamaddud) SyIy 3
dill (ibi) Syl 6, 7, 14; SyGK 5, 9, 26;
SyH 53, 85, 204; Sye 33
disaster (bal) SyGK 55
disease (illa) SyIy 2
disease (mara) SaV 8; SyGK 4, 7, 46,
47; SyH 187; SyIy 2, 3
disease, black-bilious (mara saudw)
SyIy 2
disease, phlegmatic (d balam) SaAn
16
disease, phlegmatic (mara balam)
SyIy 2
411
disease, slow and destructive (diqq)
SyIy 2
disease, yellow-bilious (mara afrw)
SyGK 56; SyIy 2
disease of phlegm (d al-balam) SaRa
7
diseases, multiple and malicious (ilal
rada kara) SyIy 3
disorder (iirb) SyIy 2, 3
disposition, humoral (miz) SyH
91; PeF 10
dissolution (inill) SyIy 2, 3
dissolving (tall) Syl 19; SyIy 2; PeQa 9
distress (amm) SyGK 54
distress (karb) SaCa 39
disturbance (tafazzu) SyGK 54
dizziness (dawr) SaRa 17
dog, rabid (kalb kalib) Sye 67
dog bite (aat al-kalb) SyH 100
dog bite, rabious (aat al-kalb al-kalib)
Sye 66, 67
dog excrement (ur kalb) SyGK 13
dog excrement (zibl al-kilb) Sye 16
dog rose (nisrn) SyH 13; PeQa 35
dog violet (bnak) SyGK 5
dogs grass (ail) SyH 120
dogs mercury (ilbb) SyH 125
donkey (imr) SaCa 66; Syl 11; SyH
130; Sye 45, 71
donkey, wild (imr wa) SyGK 37
donkey piss (baul al-imr) SyIy 2, 3
doom (halk) SyIy 2, 3
door (bb) SyIy 2
dough (an) SaAn 6
dough, leavened (amr) SyIy 2
downy burdock (ariqiyn) SyH 111
draught (r) Sye 49
dregs (ufl) SyIy 2, 3
dressing (imd) Syl 12; SyGK 4
drias plant resin (afsiy) Sye 5
412
drink(ing) (arb) SaCa 29; SyGK 34;
SyIy 2
dropsy SyGK 23
dropsy (aban) SyGK 21; SyIy 2
dropsy (istisq) SaCa 13, 16, 17; SaRa 7;
SaAn 15; SySa 1; SyGK 22, 23; SyH
37, 52, 171, 172, 187, 195; SyIy 2, 3; Sye
27; PeQa 8
dropsy sufferer (mustasq) SyH 184
drug (daw) SaSu 1, 2b; SaCa 11, 13, 29,
30, 32, 68, 69; SaV 6; SaRa 3, 44; SaAn
3; SyGK 6, 31; SyH 19, 70, 75, 76, 91,
103, 149, 190; SyHB 3; Sye 13, 15, 28,
35, 40, 49, 59, 67; PeQa 13; PeF 1
drug, Indian (daw hind) SyH 57
drug, Persian (daw fris) SyH 45,
114, 127
drug, rejuvenating (muabbib) SaRa 48
drunkenness (sakar) SyHB 2
dryness (uff ) SyIy 2
dryness ( yubs) Syl 4, 5; SyGK 5, 9, 20,
54, 55; SyH 48; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 20, 48;
PeQa 26, 29
dryness ( yubsa) SyH 130
duck (ba) SyH 187; Sye 47; PeQa 19
duckweed (ulub) Sye 62
dullness (ulma) SyIy 2
dung (zibl) Sye 7
duodenum (af) SyIy 2
dust (ubr) SyGK 48
dyers madder ( fwat a-ib) SyH
164
dysentery (sinriy) Sye 32
dysentery (zar) SaSu 2a; SaCa 20;
SaRa 9, 25; SaAn 7; Sye 31, 46
dyspnea (rabw) SaCa 30
eagle (nasr) PeF 1
ear (un) SaCa 8; SyH 12, 174; Sye 11,
13; PeF 1, 3
glossaries
ear canal (wal al-un) SyGK 3
east wind (aban) SyGK 48
eating late at night (a) Sye 50
ebony (abns) SyH 60, 106
effect (aar) SaCa 69
effect ( fil) SyH 103, 210; PeF 28
egg white (bay al-bai) PeQa 33
egg yolk (mu al-bai) SyH 91; Sye
47
eggshell (qir) SyH 19
egression (ur) PeF 24, 28
ejaculation, premature (im) Sye 44
elbow (marfaq) Sye 5
elecampane (rsan) Sye 7, 45; PeF 13
electuary (dabd) SyGK 57; Sye 61
electuary (awri) SaCa 10
electuary (man) Syl 10
elephant dung (zibl al-fl) SyH 58
elephantiasis (d al-fl) Syl 14, 15
emaciation (huzl) SaCa 14
emaciation (nafa) SyIy 2
emblic (amla) SaCa 15; SaAn 2; SyH
19, 86; Sye 74; PeF 9, 16
embrocation (aly) SyGK 63
embrocation (tamr) SyGK 35
embrocation (il) SyGK 46
emission, urinary (munabb) SyIy 2
end of life (halk) SyIy 2
endive (hindab) SyGK 20; SyH 23;
Sye 61, 70
endive, wild (hindab barr) SyGK 58
enema (uqna) Sat 1; SaSu 2a; SaCa
14, 39, 69; SyGK 5, 16, 23, 35, 37, 40, 47;
SyH 53; Sye 2, 30, 33, 40, 50, 59, 61,
65
enema (miqana) SaSu 2a, 2b
enema, urethral (zarrqa) Sye 40
enmeshment, mental (tabk) SyH 1
epilepsy (ar) SaRa 17; Syl 3; SyH 5;
Sye 5, 25
glossaries
epilepsy, phlegmatic (ar balam)
Sye 5
epileptic (mar) SyGK 32
equilibrium, humoral (itidl) SyIy 3
erection (in) SyH 73
escape (al) SyGK 46
escape (salma) SyIy 2
esparto grass (alf) SaCa 64
essence (auhar) SaAn 3; SyGK 14;
SyIy 2, 3
evacuation (istifr) Syl 4, 5;
SyGK 45, 56; SyIy 3; Sye 1, 5
evacuation of bowels (tabarruz)
SyGK 37
evidence (alma) Sye 13
evil (arr) SyIy 2
evil (s) SaV 7
excess water (m) SyH 37, 38, 51, 52,
170, 173, 203; Sye 27; PeQa 8
excitement, sexual (in) SyH 175,
176
excrement (naw) SaRa 24
excretion (ir) SaAn 13
excretion (zibl) SyGK 28
exercise (araka) SaCa 1
exercise, physical (riya) SaV 8; SyIy
3 186; SyIy 2, 3
exertion (taab) SaCa 36; SaRa 23;
SyGK 48; SyIy 2, 3
exhaustion (istir) PeQa 20, 23, 27
expectoration (naf) SyH 22, 186;
SyIy 2; Sye 19
experience (tariba) PeF 10
expulsion from womb (ar) SyH 173
eye (ain) SaSu 3; SaCa 6, 19; SaRa 27;
SyGK 12, 26, 54, 55; SyH 7, 200;
PeF 1
eye (oculus) SaSu 6
eye, inner corner of (maq) SyH 178
eye, inner corner of (umq) SyH 11
413
eye, watery (dama) SaCa 7
eye inflammation (ramad) SaCa 22
eye of dog (ain) Sye 67
eyelash (ufra) SaSu 3; Sye 9
eyelid (palpebra) SaSu 6
eyes, misty (awa f l-baar) SyIy 3
Ezra SyGK 52, 57; Sye 61
face (facies) SaSu 6
face (wah) SaCa 67; SyGK 3, 20, 54,
55; SyH 194; SyHB 8; Sye 4, 56, 70,
72; PeQa 33
faeces (aira) SyGK 13
faeces (birz) SyIy 3
faeces (i) SaAn 7
fah SaCa 57
fainting (ay) SaSu 2a; SaCa 35; SaAn
3; SyGK 18, 54, 55; SyH 154
fainting (sincopis) SaSu 5, 6
fainting sufferer (muain alaihi)
SyH 99
fall (saqa) SyH 139, 164
fm fasahrr SaCa 61
fan (mirwaa) SaCa 35
faranah SaCa 60
fasting (aum) Syl 8; SyGK 53; SyH
fat-tail (alya) SyGK 5; PeF 15
fatigue (malla) SaCa 31; SaAn 15
fatigue (taab) SyIy 2
fear (auf ) SaCa 14; Sye 3
fear (taauwuf ) SyIy 2
fear (terror) SaSu 6
feather (ra) Sye 28, 36
female (un) SaSu 3
fennel (rziyna) Syl 6, 7; SyGK 26,
55; SyH 29; Sye 23
fenugreek (ulba) SaCa 27, 39;
SyGK 26, 33; SyH 53, 65, 83, 122;
Sye 24, 36, 40, 42, 50; PeF 17
414
fever (febris) SaSu 5, 6
fever (umm) SaCa 30, 36, 41; SaV 6,
7; SaRa 17; SaAn 16; Syl 4, 5; SyGK
4, 5, 9, 15, 21, 25, 38, 45, 46, 47, 54, 55;
SyH 22, 97, 98, 118, 178, 185, 192;
SyHB 5, 6; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 51, 57, 58;
PeF 25
fever, concomitant (umm lzima)
SyIy 2; Sye 60
fever, ephemeral (umm yaum) Sye
60
fever, five-day (umm amsya)
SyGK 53
fever, hectic (diqq) SaRa 25; SyIy 2, 3
fever, hectic (sill) Sye 60, 65
fever, phlegmatic (umm balamya)
SaCa 32, 34; SyGK 45, 49, 50; SyIy 2, 3;
Sye 51, 56, 58, 60
fever, quartan (rib) SaSu 4; SyGK 45,
51, 52, 53; SyIy 2; Sye 51, 57, 60
fever, quotidian (umm niba kull
yaum) SaCa 46
fever, sanguine (umm damaw) Sye
53
fever, semi-tertian (imirus) Sye 59,
60
fever, tertian (ibb) SaCa 47; SyGK 45,
47; Sye 54, 60
fever, tumorous (umm l-waram) Sye
60
fever, unintermittent (snus) Sye 60
fever height ( faurat al-umm) SaCa
30
fever peak (unfuwn al-umm) SaCa
34
fever sufferer (mamm) SaCa 30, 35;
SyIy 2
fig (tn) SyGK 29; SyH 100; Sye 11
finger (iba) SaCa 19; Sye 13, 16, 34
fingernail (ufr) SyH 13
glossaries
fir (tannb) SyH 117
fire, glowing (wuqd) Sye 4
fires in the sky (nrn f s-sam)
SyGK 48
fish (piscis) SaSu 5
fish (samak) SaCa 13, 22; SaRa 15, 32;
Syl 6, 7; SyIy 2; Sye 26, 70
fish eggs (bai as-samak) SaCa 22
fissure (sal) SaCa 41; Sye 50
fistula (nr) SyH 11, 178
fit, epileptic (ar) Sye 5
flabbiness (rawa) SyH 188
flaccidity (istir) SyH 181; SyHB 6
flakes, urinary (qur) SyIy 2
flask (qrra) SyIy 2
flatbread (raqq) SyIy 3
flatulence (r) SaSu 2a; SaCa 12; SaRa
24, 25, 26, 39; SyH 30; Sye 20, 23,
35; PeF 17, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
flatus (r) SyH 194
flea (bur) PeQa 17
fleawort (bizrqan) SyGK 5, 35, 46,
59; Sye 40
fledgling ( far) Sye 16
flesh of man (lam) SaRa 41; SyH
187; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 73
flow of bile (mirr) Sye 26
flow of sperm (sayaln al-many) Sye
44
flu, gastric (haia) Sye 22
fluid (arb) SyIy 3
fluid, dropsical (m) SaCa 17; SyGK 21,
22
fluid, pustular (m) SyGK 55
fluid, yellow (m afar) SyGK 23;
SyH 36, 194
fluids, moistening (rubt) SyIy 1
fluke (abb al-qar) SaCa 26; SyH 75,
77, 78, 82
foal (a) Sye 28
glossaries
foam (zabad) Sye 67
foetus (ann) SyGK 33; SyH 161;
Sye 38
foetus, dead (walad maiyit) SyH 59
foetus, living (walad aiy) SyH 59
fog, urinary (abb) SyIy 2
fomentation (nal) SyGK 46
fomenting (nal) Syl 5
fomenting (tanl) Sye 19
food (i) SaCa 14, 30, 68; SyGK 1, 7,
18, 19, 34; SyIy 2; Sye 13, 63
food (am) SaSu 4; SaCa 11, 13, 22, 29,
35, 65; SaRa 7, 23; SaAn 6; SyGK 9, 14,
37, 62; SyH 22, 25, 28, 31, 91, 194; SyIy
2, 3; Sye 3, 11, 54, 59; PeQa 3; PeF 18,
24, 25, 26, 28, 29
food, incompatible (am mutadd)
SaCa 36
food, poisonous (am masmm) SaCa
38
foot (pes) SaSu 6
foot (ril) SaCa 68; Syl 17; SyGK 7, 33,
39, 41; Sye 28, 37, 70
foot, front of (qadam) Syl 18
forearm (sid) Sye 5
forgetfulness (nisyn) SaRa 25; SyH
3; PeQa 2
form, normal (dispositio) SaSu 6
formation (tawallud) Sye 41
fowl (air) Sye 70
fracture (kasr) SyH 140
fragrance (b) SaCa 14; SyGK 48; Sye
36
francolin (durr) SyGK 21; SyH 187
frankincense (kundur) SyGK 31;
SyH 19, 31; Sye 22, 23, 32; PeF 12,
25
freckles (kalaf ) SyH 139; PeQa 35
frog, little (ranula) SaSu 5
front (abha) PeF 1
415
front (qubl) SyGK 31
froth, urinary (zabad) SyIy 2
fruit ( fkiha) SyGK 34
fruit (amar) SaSu 1
frying pan (miqlan) SyH 91
fumitory (htara) SyGK 49
function, respiratory ( fil nafas) SyIy 1
function, vital ( fil nafsn) SyIy 2
function, voluntary ( fil ird) SyIy 3
funnel (qim) Syl 8; PeQa 10, 27
furuncle (dubaila) SaCa 29, 41, 60; SaRa
7, 21; SyGK 44; SyH 194; SyIy 2
galbanum (qinna) Syl 11
Galen SyGK 5
galingale (lann) Syl 12; SyGK 26;
SyH 29, 60, 72; PeF 13
gall bladder (marra) Sye 26
gangrene (kila) SyH 198; Sye 30
garden cress (ara) SyGK 40, 64;
SyH 91; Sye 29, 50
garden peppercress (urf ) SaV 3;
SyH 25; Sye 32; PeF 18
garden peppercress, white (urf abya)
SyGK 38; PeF 1
gargle (arara) SyGK 13; Sye 16
gargle (arr) SyGK 1; Sye 5
garlic (m) SaCa 30, 41; SaRa 9, 16, 18,
21, 22, 25; Syl 8; SyGK 57; SyH 25,
100; Sye 61; PeF 3
garment (kis) Sye 6
garment (aub) Syl 8
arrra SyGK 58; Sye 61, 63
garum (murr) SyGK 55
gastralgia sufferer (mabn) Sye 32
gem, green (zabarad) SaCa 38; Sye 29
gentian (aniyn) Sye 61
geophagy (ahwat a-n) SaCa 13
germander (ada) SyH 75; Sye 52
get-together (itim) Sye 3
416
ghee (samn al-baqar) SaCa 13, 22, 69;
SaRa 3; SyH 104, 186; Sye 43, 47, 61,
65
gherkin (ar) Sye 58
giant thistle (bward) SaCa 53;
SyGK 49
ildr SyH 45, 75
gillyflower (r) SyH 91
ginger (zanabl) SaSu 1; SaCa 8, 23, 42;
SaRa 1, 48; SaAn 13; SyH 29, 64, 90,
91; Sye 23; PeF 20
girl (riya) SaSu 3; SaCa 25; Sye 37
glass flask (zua) SyIy 2
glass slag (masaqniy) SyH 9
globe thistle (zaufar) SyH 145
gloominess (kaba) Sye 3
glossostemon root (mu) SyH 91;
SyHB 7
glowworm (ddat allat tad bil-lail
wa-tu) Sye 41
glue (aran) SyIy 2
glue (laza) SyGK 42
gnashing (arr) SyGK 38
goat, young (ady) SaCa 35; SyGK 16,
35
goats milk (laban al-maz) SaCa 39;
Syl 6, 7; SyGK 5; SyH 186
goats urine (baul al-maz) SyGK 22,
23; SyH 186
gold (ahab) SaCa 69
gold filing (burda ahab) Sye 25
goose (iwazz) SaCa 38; SyH 12
gourd (qar) Syl 12; SyGK 4, 5, 46, 55,
59; SyH 169; Sye 70; PeQa 33
gout (niqris) SaCa 28; SaRa 20, 44;
Syl 13; SyGK 39; SyH 87, 91, 131,
142, 163; SyHB 7; PeF 23
gown (kis) PeF 1
grace (venustas) SaSu 6
grains of paradise (qqulla) SyH 34
glossaries
grape, unripe (irim) SyH 56; Sye
52
grape wine, thickened (il) Syl 13;
SyGK 21, 57; SyH 139; Sye 13, 25,
45, 47, 61, 71
great leopards bane (darna) SyH
29, 54; Sye 25; PeQa 9
great theriac Syl 2; SyGK 5, 53, 57;
Sye 61, 65
Greek absinthe (afsantn rm) SyH
196
greenness (ura) SyGK 20
gripes (ma) SyH 30; Sye 23
groin (lib) Sye 43
guinea worm (irq madan) SyGK 42
gullet (unq) SaRa 7
gum (lia) SyGK 26; SyH 15, 16, 188;
Sye 13
gum arabic (am [arab]) SyGK 24;
Sye 23
gum senegal ([a]qqiy) Syl 2;
SyGK 31, 64; Sye 23, 44
gum-resin resembling opopanax
(kamr) SaCa 44; SyH 57, 173
und SaCa 64
gut (may) SaSu 2a; SyGK 25; SyIy 2;
Sye 30
h/ablat SyH 76
haematite (ana) SyH 19
haemorrhoids (bawsr) SyH 84;
PeF 15
hafs SaCa 58
hair (ar) SaSu 2b; SaCa 66; SaRa 46;
SyGK 66; SyH 107, 109, 211, 212; SyIy
3; Sye 74; PeQa 36
hair, root of cranial (radix capillorum
capitis) SaSu 6
hair of leech (pilus) SaSu 5
hammer (miraq) SyGK 9
glossaries
hamstring (urqb) SyGK 41
hand ( yad) SaCa 68; Syl 11; SyGK 7;
SyIy 2; Sye 1, 28, 70
hangover (umr) SaCa 22; SaRa 29, 30
happiness (surr) SaCa 14
hare (arnab) SaAn 5; SyGK 24, 25;
Sye 13
harm (bas) Sye 24
harm (ila) PeF 19
harmfulness (maarra) SyGK 26
rza(r)d SyH 133
hating people (bu an-ns) Sye 3
hawk (aiqr) SaRa 34
hazelnut (bunduq) SaRa 8, 36; SyH 6
head (ras) SaCa 4, 5, 39; SaRa 7;
SyGA 1; SyGK 4, 5, 6, 9, 22, 23, 26,
45, 54; SyH 13, 131, 135, 209; SyIy 2,
3; Sye 2, 5, 7, 8, 13, 16, 53, 71, 74; PeF 1,
20
head, top of (hma) Sye 36
head of insect (ras) Sye 41
head of leech (caput) SaSu 5
headache (ud) SaCa 5; SaAn 15;
SyGK 7, 8, 9, 54, 55; SyIy 2; Sye 8,
10, 54; PeQa 30
headache, central (baia) SyGK 9
headache sufferer (mad) Sye 8
headband (iba) PeF 1
health (ia) SyGK 62; SyIy 2, 3; Sye
13
hearing, impaired (iqal as-sam) Sye
11
heart ( fud) SaRa 34; SyH 194; PeF
23, 29
heart (qalb) SaCa 15; SyGK 18; SyH
45, 47, 104, 186; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 16; PeQa
6; PeF 9, 16
heart, lacking vitality (mait al-qalb)
SaAn 11
heart failure (uf al-qalb) SaCa 14
417
heat (arra) SaCa 13; Syl 4, 12;
SyGK 9, 18, 20, 22, 23, 53; SyH 16,
46, 48, 131, 176, 186, 188; SyIy 2, 3; Sye
21, 23, 54; PeQa 29
heat (arr) SyGK 18, 23, 48; SyH 7,
154; SyIy 3
heat (umaiy) SyIy 2
heat, accidental (arra araya) SyIy
2
heat, blazing (waha) SaCa 39
heat, innate (arra arzya) SyIy 2;
Sye 43
heating (tasn) SyH 182
hellebore (arbaq) Syl 9, 11; SyGK 38
hellebore, black (arbaq aswad) Sye
11; PeQa 1
hellebore, white (arbaq abya) Syl 2,
13; SyGK 33
hemicrania (aqqa) Sye 8
hemiplegia ( fli) Syl 1, 5; SyGK 1;
SyH 138, 201; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 1
hemiplegic (mafl) SaCa 1
hemp (qinnab) SyH 208
henbane (ban) SaAn 6; SyH 41;
Sye 32, 44
henna (inn) Syl 4, 5, 13; SyGK 64;
PeQa 36; PeF 12
herb (aa) Sye 71
hermaphrodite (un) SaSu 3
Hermes SyGK 1
hernia ( fatq) SyH 62, 148
hiccough ( fuq) SaCa 12; SaRa 6, 35, 39;
SaAn 1; SyH 31, 32; Sye 20, 54
hip (ira) SaRa 6, 25, 39; SyIy 2, 3
hip (wirk) Sat 1; SaV 4; SyGK 39;
SyH 88; Sye 49
hoarseness (bua) SyGK 54
hoarseness (una) SyH 176
hole (ufra) Sye 49
hollyhock (ubbz) Syl 10; SyH 134
418 glossaries

hollyhock, wild (ubbz barr) PeQa humour, melancholic (il saudw)

36 Sye 14
home (bait) Sye 3 humour, pathogenic (il mumarri)
home (maskan) SaV 8 SyIy 2
honey (asal) SaCa 39, 69; SaRa 48; humour, phlegmatic (il balam)
SaAn 13; Syl 1, 2, 10; SyGK 1, 13, 26, 33, Sye 14
57; SyH 53, 59, 60, 100; Sye 6, 13, 16, humour, sanguine (il damaw) Sye
23, 24, 25, 28, 33, 37, 43, 61, 65; PeF 3, 14
12 hump of camel (sanm) Sye 31, 46
honey, purest white (asal m) SaCa hunchback (adab) Sye 48
69 undqn Sye 41, 45
hoof (fir) SaCa 66; Syl 11 hunger () SaCa 22; SaAn 3
hook, lashed (innra) Sye 15, 49 hyena (abu) SyGK 33
hordeolum (ara) SyH 8 hypericum (d) SyH 84
horn of cattle (qarn) SaCa 66 hypochondrium (maraqq) Sye 20
hornet sting (lad az-zunbr) SyH hyssop Sye 58
115
hornet sting (las az-zunbr) Sye 62 ice (al) Sye 70
horse (dbba) SaCa 18, 29 ice water (m al) SaCa 39
horse ( faras) Syl 11 ileus SyGK 29
horseradish tree (bn) SaCa 39; PeQa ileus (ailwus) SyGK 29, 38; Sye 33
14, 16, 21 ileus, phlegmatic (ailwus balam)
horsetail (anab al-ail) SyH 137 SyGK 29
hostility (diya) SyGK 46 illness (d) SyGK 4
house (bait) SaCa 38; SyIy 2; Sye 55 illness (illa) SyGK 56; SyIy 2, 3
houseleek (aiy al-lam) Syl 12; illness (mara) SaV 1; Sye 28
SyH 131; Sye 70 immaturity, digestive ( faa) SyIy 2
human bite (aat al-insn) SyH impact ( fil) SyH 198
100 incense (bar) Syl 8
humour (il) SaCa 30; SyGA 1; SyH incision (ba) SaCa 19
39, 119, 143, 156; SyHB 4; SyIy 2, 3; Sye incision (qa) SyGK 2
16, 40; PeQa 13 incision (ar) Syl 1, 2
humour (miz) SyH 187 incontinence (salas) SaRa 7, 11;
humour (aba) SyIy 2 Syl 12
humour, black-bilious (kaims saudw) Indian aconite (b) SaCa 39; SyGK 61,
Syl 15 103; SyH 2; Sye 65
humour, choleric (il afrw) Sye Indian bdellium (muql) SaCa 27; SaV
14 3; Syl 13; SyH 83
humour, dominant ([il] lib) SyIy 2; Indian garden cress (ara hind)
Sye 14 SaCa 68
glossaries
Indian hazelnut (rattah) SyH 138;
PeQa 23
Indian lignaloes (d hind) SaRa 20;
SyH 87
Indian lycium, extract of (ua hind)
SaCa 45
Indian myrobalan (halla hind) SaAn
15
Indian nenuphar (nlfar hind) SyH
199
Indian quince (ull) SaCa 8; SaRa 31
Indian salt (mil hind) SaCa 7, 10;
SyH 36, 194; PeF 28
Indians (Hind) SyH 11, 15
indication (alma) Sye 20, 34
indication (dall) SyIy 2, 3
indigestion (s al-ham) SyIy 2
indigestion (tam) SaCa 13, 25; SaAn 3;
SyGK 9, 21, 44; SyH 194; Sye 11, 50;
PeF 28
indigo (nl) SyH 35, 77, 90, 198
indigo, cultivated (nl bustn) SyH
198
indigo, wild (nl barr) SyH 198
indigo leaf (ur) SyH 135
induration (alba) SyH 144, 176;
SyHB 7
infant (ra) SyH 13
infant (ifl) Sye 13
inflammation (itirq) SyIy 2, 3
inflammation (iltihb) SyIy 2, 3
inflammation (lahb) SyIy 2
inflammation (talahhub) SyIy 3
inflation (intif) SyGK 55
infusion (naq) SyGK 13, 49, 50;
SyH 70, 176; Sye 58
ingredient (daw) Sye 1, 61
insomnia (araq) SyIy 2
instruction (ifa) SaCa 35; SyGK 22, 23,
26
419
intercourse, sexual (im) SaCa 36;
SaV 1; SyGK 37; SyH 74, 186; Sye
10, 24, 36, 45, 70
intestine (ban) SyIy 3
intestine (aan) SyHB 6
intestine (may) SaSu 2a; SySa 1;
SyGK 29; SyIy 2; Sye 26, 42; PeF
12
investigation (istiq) SyIy 3
invigorator of the decrepit SyH 90, 91
iris wine (maissan) Sye 22, 45
iron (add) SaCa 29, 69; SaRa 48;
SyH 26; SyHB 6; Sye 12, 15, 45
iron filing (sulat al-add) SyIy 2
iron mine (madan al-add) SyH 26
iron particle (qiat al-add) SyGK 24
iron slag (aba al-add) SyGK 34;
SyH 25
irregularity (taqallub) PeF 29
irritability (aar) Sye 3, 54
irritation (alam) SyIy 2
Isaiah SyGK 37
itch(ing) (ikka) SaCa 7; SyGK 54, 55;
SyH 160; SyHB 6
itching (ukl) SyGK 12
irfal SaCa 68, 69
iyra Syl 2, 15; SyGK 5, 26; Sye 20,
26, 35
iyra fqr Syl 1, 14, 15
jar (amphora) SaSu 5
jasmine ( ysamn) PeQa 35
jasmine oil (zanbaq) SyGK 3, 8;
SyH 190; Sye 6, 42
jaundice ( yaraqn) SyH 48, 49,
50, 186; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 26, 61; PeF
19
jaundice, hepatic ( yaraqn kabid)
SyGK 21
jaw ( fakk) Sye 13
420 glossaries

joint (mafil) SyH 88; Sye 1, 49; laxity (laxitudo) SaSu 5

PeF 24, 30 leech (alaq) Sye 72
jug (bulbula) Sye 67 leech, poisonous (sanguisuga venenosa)
jugulum (wada) PeF 1 SaSu 5
juice of meat (m) SaCa 35 leek (kurr) SaV 3; Syl 2, 13; Sye 9,
julep (ullb) SyGK 48, 55 11, 47; PeF 15
lees (rusb) SyIy 2, 3
kadarah SaCa 52 leg (ril) Sat 1; SaSu 2b; Syl 14; PeQa 8
kalkalna SyGK 5 leg, lower (sq) SyGK 39, 41; SyIy 3;
kaukab SyGK 9 Sye 49
Kerman cumin (kammn kirmn) Lemnian bole (n lmin) SyH 19
SaCa 10 lemon grass (qaab a-arra) SyH
Khosrov SyGK 18 13, 166
Khuzestan bole (n z) Sye 74 lentil (adas) SyGK 55; SyH 70; Sye
kidney (kulya) SaRa 40; SaAn 13; Syl 12; 72; PeQa 11
SyGK 19, 26, 41; SyH 144; SyIy 2, 3; lentil (lenticula) SaSu 5
Sye 33, 40; PeF 12 leopard (nimr) SyH 201
king Kavadh SyGK 18 leprosy (um) SaRa 7, 27; SaAn 15;
kisrin SaCa 51 SyH 3; PeQa 2
knee (rukba) SaRa 20; Syl 13; SyGK 41; leprosy (waa) SyGK 64
SyH 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 115; Sye 37 lesion (qar) SyGK 55, 67
knife (miba) SaCa 29 lethargy (larus) SaCa 54
knife (sikkn) SaSu 1 lethargy (subt) SaCa 39; SyGK 38
knot, rheumatic (taabbuk) SyHB 7 lettuce (ass) SyGK 35, 59; Sye 62,
kohl (kul) SyH 34; Sye 45 70
krlf SaCa 53 lichen (bahaq) SaCa 68
light (au) SyGK 9; SyIy 2
labour (taab) SaCa 29; SyIy 2 light (nr) Sye 9
labourer (mustamil at-taab) SyIy 3 lightheadedness (iffat ar-ras) SyH
lac SyGK 20 6
laceration (aar) SyH 147 lignaloes (d) Sye 22, 23, 45
laceration ( fas) SyH 133 lily (sausan) Syl 4, 5; SyH 53, 202;
ladanum (lan) SyH 168; Sye 71 Sye 1, 28, 36, 42, 50, 52
lamb (amal) Sye 65 lily of the valley (sausan abya) SaCa
lame hyena Sye 1 62
land (ar) SaV 8 lilyish SyH 202
language, Persian ( frisya) SyH 7 limb (articulus) SaSu 5
lanolin (zf rab) SyH 144 limb (arf ) Sye 36, 54, 56, 70
laurel (sa) Sye 25; PeQa 24 limb (uw) Syl 1, 13; SyH 140; Sye
laxative (mulaiyina) SyH 132 5
glossaries
limb (wil) Sye 33
lime (nra) Sye 74; PeF 5
lime, slaked (nra masla) Sye 31
linctus (mia) SyH 174
liniment (marham) Syl 5, 11, 16; Sye 1,
47
linseed (bizrkattn) SyGK 4; SyH
91; Sye 6
lip (afa) SaSu 3; SyGK 20; Sye 4, 16
lip, lower (labium inferius) SaSu 6
lip, upper (labium superius) SaSu 6
liquid, urinary (rubat al-baul) SyIy 2,
3 madder ( fwa) SaCa 50
liquorice (ss) SyH 21, 50, 150
listlessness ( futr) SaRa 17
litharge (murdsan) SyGK 55, 64;
SyH 31; Sye 47, 74
litharge, white (murdsan mubya)
SyH 216; SyHB 8
little ones (ir) SyGK 4
liver (epar) SaSu 5
liver (kabid) SySa 1; Syl 12; SyGK 19,
20; SyH 37, 48, 143, 144, 186, 187, 195,
196; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 21, 26, 27, 66, 67;
PeF 19, 22
lizard (aa) SaAn 6
lobster (rbiyn) SyH 71
Logadios Sye 51
loin (aqw) Sye 36
loin (ulb) SyGK 37
loin (unna) SaCa 29
long pepper (drfulful) SaSu 1; SaCa 7,
10, 11, 43, 69; SaRa 48
loosening of belly (may) Syl 15
loss, total (halk) SyIy 3
lote (nabiq) Sye 23
lotion (aly) SyGK 65
louse (qaml) SyH 107, 109, 217; Sye 9
lovage (kim) SyH 77, 184; Sye 36,
52, 69
421
loving solitude (ubb al-alwa) Sye 3
loving solitude (ubb al-wada) Sye
54
lucerne (raba) SyGK 17; Sye 1
lung (ria) SaCa 41; SyH 186; Sye 16
lupine (turmus) Syl 14, 15
lycium ( flzahra) SyH 59
lycium, extract of (ua) SaRa 27
mace (basbsa) PeF 1
maceration (lub) Syl 4, 5, 10, 11;
SyGK 5, 46; Sye 40
Maghreb (Marib) SyH 174
magnet (manas) Syl 11
magpie (aqaq) SaCa 38
mahdrun SaRa 45
maadyn SyGK 37
mahaleb (malab) SyH 60, 191; PeF
13
maids milk (laban riya) SyGK 4;
PeF 1
malaise (alam) SyIy 2
malaise (illa) Sye 42
male (akar) SaSu 3; SaRa 1
mallow (muliy) SyGK 35
mallow (mulkya) Syl 10
malodorous SyGK 40
maltha (mmiy) SyGK 3, 8, 9;
SyH 190; Sye 42
man (raul) SaSu 3; SaCa 20; SyIy 3;
Sye 37; PeF 10
man, old (ai) SaCa 29; PeF 13
mandrake (luff) SyH 214
mandrake (sbza) Sye 65
mandrake ( yabr) SyH 199
mange (arab) SaCa 61; SyH 146, 160;
SyHB 6
mania (kalab) Sye 7
manifestation (ara) SyGK 23
422
marjoram (marzan) Syl 13;
SyGK 3, 5, 9; Sye 33; PeQa 26; PeF 1,
10
marjoram, wild (marw) SyH 193;
PeQa 30
marjoram, wild white (drm) SyH
193
mark (aar) SyH 216; SyHB 8; Sye
49
marking-nut SyGK 1
marking-nut (anqardiyn) SyH 114
marking-nut (balur) SaCa 39, 69;
SaRa 46; SyGK 64; SyH 3; PeQa 2,
20, 34
marmz Sye 68
marrow (mu) SaCa 22; SyGK 35;
SyH 93; Sye 13, 36
marshmallow (am) SaCa 39;
SyGK 4, 5; SyH 91; Sye 6, 36, 40,
42
massage (mas) SyGK 1
master-drug SyH 193; PeQa 30
master of drugs (saiyid al-adwiya) SaCa
40
mastic (maak) SaAn 5; SyGK 15, 49,
50; SyH 29, 32, 34, 59, 91, 189; Sye
22, 23; PeF 7
matter (mdda) SyGK 47; SyIy 2
matter, fluid (mya) PeF 1
matter, green (mdda ar) SyIy 2
matter, purulent (midda) SyH 21;
SyIy 3
matter, purulent (qai) SyH 150; SyIy
2; PeF 18, 29
matter, raw (m) SyH 89; SyIy 3
mattress, light ( fir muhalhal)
SyGK 55
maturation (na) SyIy 2, 3
meadow saffron (srinn) Syl 13;
SyH 91, 206
glossaries
meadow saffron, red (srinn amar)
SyH 206
meadow saffron, white (srinn abya)
SyH 91, 206; PeQa 25
meal (akl) SaCa 69
meal (i) SaCa 14; SaRa 48
meal (am) SaCa 65, 69; SyGK 52, 53,
62; SyH 25
measles (aaba) SyGK 54, 55
meat (lam) SaCa 22, 30, 35; SaRa 13,
34, 37; SyGK 16, 21, 22, 23, 32, 34, 35,
37; SyH 4, 130; Sye 36, 65, 70; PeQa
19
meat, minced and cooked in vinegar
(sakb) Sye 26
Meccan bdellium (muql makk) SyH
41
medicine (daw) SyH 149
melancholia (mlliy) Sye 3; PeQa
1
melancholia (mlinliy) PeQa 5
melancholy (wasws) SyH 3; PeQa 2
melilot (ikll al-malik) SyGK 5; Sye 33,
47
melting (awabn) SyIy 2
membrane (i) SyIy 3
memory (if) SaCa 3; SaAn 15; SyH
114
menstruation (ai) SyH 56; Sye 24
menstruation (am) SyH 200; Sye
24, 36
mercury (zibaq) SyH 146
metal filing (sula) SaCa 69
metal particle (tbl) SaCa 69; SaRa 48
metal sheet (afa) SaRa 48; SyIy 2, 3
mezereon (mzariyn) SyH 37, 77,
195
miasma (bur) SySa 1; Sye 14
middah SaCa 54
migraine (aqqa) SyGK 3
glossaries
milk (laban) Sat 2; SaCa 16, 22, 24,
39, 41, 67; SaV 1; SaRa 16; SaAn 17;
SyGK 4, 5, 24, 25, 27, 28, 35, 37, 43, 59;
SyH 42, 74, 186; SyIy 2; Sye 7, 28, 32,
40, 65; PeF 12
milk (lacte) SaSu 5
milk rice (aruzz bil-laban) SaCa 14
millet (wars) SyGK 55
mind (aql) SyGK 54, 55; SyH 2, 4,
114; SyIy 2
mind (ihn) SaCa 2, 3, 30, 33; SaRa 42;
SaAn 15; SyGK 38
mint (nana) SyGK 15, 27
mbahr PeQa 30
miscarriage (isq) SyH 161
Mithradates Syl 16
mixture, humoral (il) SyGK 53;
SyH 192; SyIy 2; Sye 33; PeF 23
mixture, humoral (miz) SyGK 18,
46; SyIy 2
mixture of vinegar and black shoemakers
wax (all as-sawd) PeQa 36
moderation (itidl) SyGK 62
moist of disposition (marb)
SyGK 48
moistness (ruba) SyH 187; SyIy 2
moisture (ruba) Syl 2, 4, 5; SyGK 4,
54; SyH 25, 186, 195, 210; SyIy 2, 3;
Sye 13, 20, 28, 45, 48; PeF 1
molar (irs) Sye 13; PeF 4
mother (umm) SyH 161
mother-of-boys (umm a-ibyn)
SyGK 4
motion (araka) Sye 1
motion of bowels (may) PeF 19
mountain (abal) SyHB 6
mountain fig (tn abal) SyGK 57;
Sye 61
mountain mint ( ftan abal) SaRa
45; Sye 61
423
mountain myrrh (murr abal) Sye 11
mountain rue (sab abal) SyGK 33;
Sye 44
mouse ( far) SyH 146, 157
mouth ( fam) SaSu 1; SaCa 30; SaRa 3;
Syl 8; SyGK 13, 20, 54, 55, 59; SyH
16, 154, 176, 188; Sye 13, 14, 20, 54, 70;
PeF 1, 27
mouth (os) SaSu 6
mouth of dog ( fam) Sye 67
mouth of leech (os) SaSu 5
mouth of womb ( fam) SyH 59, 161
mouth of wound ( fam) SyH 19, 155,
204
movement (motus) SaSu 6
movement, respiratory (araka nafasya)
SyIy 3
movement, voluntary (araka irdya)
SyIy 2
mud (ama) SyIy 2
mulberry (tt) Sye 13
mulberry tree (ibram) SyH 113
mung bean (m) SaRa 38; SyGK 21;
SyH 11
mrih SaCa 55
muscle (aala) SaCa 29; Syl 1, 2; SyIy
2; Sye 4, 42, 48
mushroom ( fur) SyH 165; PeQa 28
musk SyGK 9, 18; SyH 29
musk (misk) SyH 13, 29, 32, 62, 148;
Sye 9, 10, 25, 45, 65; PeQa 6, 29
musk melon (bi) SaCa 18; SyGK 55;
SyH 91
mustard (ardal) SaCa 8, 11; SyGK 34,
63, 64; SyH 91; Sye 5, 11
mustard, white (ardal abya) SaCa 67;
SyH 94
myrobalan (halla / ihlla) SaCa 28,
69; SaRa 48; SaAn 15; SyGK 9, 21, 50,
56, 63, 65; Sye 13, 29; PeQa 8
424
myrobalan (trufula) SaSu 5
myrobalan, beleric (balla) SaCa 69;
SaRa 48
myrobalan, black (halla / ihlla aswad)
SaCa 3, 27, 31, 69, 70; SaRa 48; SyGK
18, 34; SyH 83
myrobalan, emblic (amla) SaCa 40,
69; SaRa 48
myrobalan, yellow (halla / ihlla afar)
SyGK 46, 47, 49; SyH 50
myrrh (murr) SaAn 8; Syl 9, 10, 11;
SyGK 31, 33; SyH 13, 31, 53; Sye
1, 23, 32, 38, 44, 58; PeF 1, 12
myrtle SyGK 55
myrtle (s) SyGK 55, 67; SyH 13, 19,
34, 41, 81; Sye 23
myrtle, wild (mrd isfaram) SyH 196
myrtle seed (kirmdna) SyH 182
Nabataean carob (urnb a-auk)
SyH 41
nadyk SaCa 46
name, Persian (ism fris) SyH 113
nape of neck (qafan) SyGK 32; Sye 2,
36
naphtha, black (naf aswad) SyH 79,
167
naphtha, white (naf abya) SyGK 38;
SyH 88, 91
nard (nrdn) SyGK 5, 50; Sye 16
natron (narn) SaCa 39
nature (ab) SaAn 3; SyIy 2; PeQa 24
nature (aba) Syl 15; SyGK 46,
47; SyH 48, 50; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 13,
33
nausea (aayn) PeF 29
nausea (ay) SaCa 13; SaAn 3;
SyGK 29, 55; SyH 34; PeQa
4 oat grains, pounded (sawq) SyIy 2, 3
navel (surra) SaCa 29
glossaries
neck (raqaba) SyGK 5; SyIy 2, 3
neck (unq) SaCa 4, 19; SyGK 3, 4; SyIy
1; Sye 6, 13, 16, 17
needle (ibra) Sye 15
needle shaving (nutat al-ibar) Sye
74
nenuphar (nlfar) Syl 12; SyH 199
nerve (aaba) SaAn 16; Syl 1, 2, 5;
SyGK 4; SyH 123; SyHB 6, 7; SyIy
3; Sye 1, 5, 50; PeQa 14, 16, 20, 21, 23,
27
night blindness (a) SyGK 11; Sye 9
nightmare (kbs) Sye 5
nightshade (inab a-alab) SyGK 20,
22, 23, 59; SyH 50; Sye 13
nipple (alamat a-ady) SaSu 3; Sye
37
nih SaCa 62
north wind (iml) SyGK 48, 54
nose (anf ) SaSu 2a, 2b; SyGK 54, 55,
59; SyH 13; SyIy 3; Sye 7, 8, 36; PeF
1
nose (naris) SaSu 6
nosebleed (ruf ) SaCa 9; SyGK 54;
SyH 116, 124, 180; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 12
nostril (manar) SyIy 3; Sye 12, 16, 70
nourishment (i) SaCa 13; SyIy 2, 3;
Sye 73
nozzle of enema (unbba) SaSu 2b
nursemaid (dya) Sye 13
nutriment (i) PeQa 3
nutrition (i) SyIy 3
nux vomica (auz al-qai) SaCa 11, 55
oak gall (af) SaCa 25; SyGK 31, 63, 67;
SyH 13, 34; Sye 8, 23, 32, 45, 52, 71,
74; PeF 5
oat, red (hurumn) SaRa 44
observer, ignorant (hil) SyIy 2
glossaries
obstruction (sadda) SyH 128, 143,
187; SyHB 6; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 26, 40;
PeF 30
odour (r) SyIy 2
oil (duhn) SaAn 4, 6; Syl 4, 5, 10, 11, 13;
SyGK 3, 4, 5, 9, 40; SyH 6, 73; Sye
6, 13, 20, 31, 33, 36, 42, 46, 47, 50, 70,
74
oil, urinary (duhn) SyIy 2, 3
old age (haram) SyIy 2
old age (aib) SaCa 69
oleander (difl) SaCa 39; SaV 3; SyH
92, 95; PeQa 15, 17; PeF 14
olibanum (lubn) Sye 23
olive (zaitn) SyGK 5, 55; Sye 9
olives, green preserved in salty water
(zaitn al-m) SyH 25
olive oil (zait) SaCa 30, 37; SaV 2, 3;
Syl 13, 14, 15, 17, 18; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 6;
PeQa 8; PeF 3
onion (baal) SyH 2, 10, 25, 100, 210
ophiasis (d al-aiya) SyGK 66
ophthalmia (ramad) SyH 7
opium (afyn) SyGK 27, 28, 30, 31;
SyH 29, 31; SyHB 1, 2; Sye 7, 23, 32,
44, 58; PeF 13
opopanax (wr) Syl 13; SyGK 11;
SyGK 33; SyH 91; Sye 61
orache (sarmaq) SyH 134; Sye 29
orchid, green-winged (bzdn) SaAn
11; SyGK 37; SyH 91
orchil (/kauz /kundum) SyH 42,
67, 179
oregano, white (marw abya) Sye 68
organ (uw) SySa 1; SyIy 3; Sye 16
organ, cardinal (uw al) SyIy 2, 3
organ, inner (uw dil) SyHB 6
organ, vital (uw arf ) SyH 186;
Sye 61
Oriental tamarisk (al) SyH 207
425
origanum (marmhyah) PeQa 30
origanum (marmz) PeQa 6, 30
overeating (imtil) SyGK 48
oversize (um) PeF 1
ox-gall (marrat al-baqar) SyH 59
ox-gall (marrat a-aur) Sye 38
oxymel (sakanubn) PeQa 8; PeF 6
oyster (adaf ) Sye 73
pain (alam) SaCa 30; SyGK 38; SyIy 2, 3
pain (dolor) SaSu 5
pain (waa) SaCa 5, 6, 41; SaV 4; SaRa
3, 6, 7, 10, 28, 39, 42; SaAn 13; Syl 13;
SyGK 9, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 45,
54; SyH 56, 88, 90, 91, 115, 127, 162,
194, 200; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 4, 13, 16, 20, 23,
31, 33, 36, 37, 40, 42, 46, 47, 49, 61; PeF
3, 6, 19, 29
pain, rheumatic (waa al-mafil)
SyGK 40; PeQa 13; PeF 23, 24
paint (il) SaRa 46
palate (anak) PeF 1
paleness (bay) SyGK 20
paleness, yellow (ufra) SyH 194, 215
palm pith (qulb) SaRa 12, 35
palpitations (afaqn) SaRa 17; SaAn 3;
SyGK 18; SyH 45, 46, 47, 124, 154,
180, 186, 193; SyIy 3; Sye 16, 25; PeQa 6,
7, 30; PeF 10
paralysis, facial (laqwa) SyGK 3, 10;
Sye 4
paralysis, partial ( fli) SyGK 5; Sye
42
parrot (baba) SaCa 38
parsley (auk) Sye 62
parsnip (aqqul) SyGK 37
partridge (qab) SaRa 34; SaAn 9;
SyH 43, 172, 187
passage, digestive (maslak al-i)
SaCa 13
426
passageway (maran) SyGK 9; SyIy 2,
3; Sye 5, 40
paste (pasta) SaSu 5
paste (iyf ) SyGK 11; Sye 1, 12
paste (il) SyH 151
pastille (qur) Syl 12; SyGK 9, 29, 31,
49, 50, 51, 55; SyH 31; Sye 23, 28, 56
patch, white (abya) SaAn 17
patient (all) SaCa 35; SyGK 21, 46, 47;
SyIy 2; Sye 5, 16
patient (mar) SyGK 55; SyIy 2, 3
peach (au) SaSu 1; PeF 1
peacock (ws) SaCa 38
pearl (lulua) SaCa 38
pebblestone (ah) SyHB 6
pellitory (qirqar) SaCa 39; Syl 2;
SyH 73, 202; Sye 13, 52
penis (akar) SyH 73, 148; Sye 45
penis (qab) Sye 43
penis of donkey (qab al-imr) Sye
71
pennyroyal ( f/tan) SyH 31; Sye
33, 51, 52
pennyroyal, wild ( ftan barr) Syl 2;
Sye 10, 12
peony ( fwniy) Syl 5; SyH 163;
Sye 5
people (alq) Sye 5
people (ns) Sye 3
people, familiar (marif ) Sye 67
people, healthy (ai) SyIy 2, 3
people, young (ad) SyIy 3
people from villages (ahl al-qur)
SyHB 3
people with swords (qaum bi-suyf )
SaSu 4
pepper ( fulful) SaSu 1; SaCa 7, 10, 21, 39,
43, 68; Syl 1, 2, 4, 5, 10; SyGK 34; Sye
9, 10, 13, 23, 58, 61, 65
pepper, white ( fulful abya) SaCa 56
glossaries
peppery SyGK 52; Sye 20
perforation (azm) Sye 47
period (n) SaCa 25
peritoneum (ifq) SyIy 2
Persian Philonium SyGK 24, 25
Persian rhubarb (rbs) SaCa 69; SaRa
30
Persian walnut (sdawarn) SyH 212
person (insn) SaCa 65; SaRa 48;
SyGA 1; SyGK 62; Sye 34, 49, 50
perspiration (araq) Sye 52
pessary ( farzaa) SyH 58
pheasant (barastn) SaCa 38
Philonium SyGK 9; Sye 23; PeF 8
phlegm (balam) SaSu 1; SaCa 1, 11;
SaRa 7; SaAn 7, 15; SyGK 9, 13, 29;
SyH 36, 37, 156, 170, 194, 203; SyIy 2,
3; Sye 5, 13, 49, 56, 58; PeQa 31; PeF
17, 20, 26
phrenitis (sarsm) SyIy 2
phrenitis sufferer (musarsam) SyH 6
physician (abb) SyIy 2
piece of cloth (irqa) Sye 45
piece of wool (fa) Syl 9, 11; Sye 45
pigeon (amma) SyGK 5; SyH 187
pigeon droppings (ur al-amm)
SyGK 33
pigeon droppings (zibl al-amm)
SyH 126
piles (bawsr) SaCa 10, 27; SaV 3; SaRa
18, 19, 25, 27, 29, 30, 33, 35, 37; SaAn 15;
SyH 83, 85, 86, 178; Sye 47; PeF 14,
15, 17, 27
pill (abb) Syl 13; SyGK 5, 9, 23, 26,
28, 33, 40, 49, 50, 52; SyH 50, 90, 91;
Sye 20, 28, 36, 58
pine (anaubar) SaCa 39; Syl 1, 2
pining for breath (awabn nafas) SyIy
3
pistachio ( fustuq) SaRa 36; Sye 52
glossaries
pitch (zift) SyH 93
pith spurge (ubrum) SyH 91
place (maui) SaCa 36; SyGK 4; SyIy
2; Sye 4; PeQa 28
placenta (mama) Syl 9, 10, 11;
SyGK 33; Sye 38
plague (wab) SaV 8; SyGK 48; Sye
55
plant, aquatic (herba aque) SaSu 5
plant, aromatic (rain) SyGK 16;
Sye 28
plant, giving plenty of milk (muzir
al-laban) SaCa 51
plantain (lisn al-amal) SaCa 9;
SyH 100
pleurisy (barsm) SaCa 48
pleurisy (t al-anb) SyIy 3
pleurisy (aua) SyH 199; SyHB 6;
SyIy 2
pleurisy sufferer (mubarsam) SyIy 1
plug ( fatla) SyH 13; Sye 11
plug, rectal (iyf ) Sye 32
plug, vaginal (iyf ) Sye 45
plug, woolen (fa) SyH 167
plum SyGK 46
plum (i) SyGK 47; SyH 112 pregnancy (aml) Sye 24
poison (samm) SaCa 38, 39; SaRa 7;
SyGK 59; SyH 103, 107, 109, 162;
Sye 61, 66, 67
polypody (basfyi) SyGK 62; Sye 12
pomegranate SyGK 28
pomegranate (rummn) SaRa 12; SaAn
5; SyGK 15, 27, 55; SyH 33, 34; Sye
23, 47; PeF 1, 6
pomegranate flower (ullanr) SaCa 9,
49; SyGK 31; SyH 41; Sye 22, 23, 32
poplar, white (auwar) SyH 124
poppy (a) SaAn 6; SyGK 37; Sye
23
poppy, red (nrkiy) SaAn 11
427
pores (masmm) SyHB 6
possession, demonic (qurub) Sye 7
potash (unn) SyH 108
potash, green (unn aar) SyH 108
potency, sexual (ba) SaRa 28
potency, sexual (bh) SaCa 22, 23, 24,
25, 43; SaRa 13, 14, 15, 32, 36, 38; SaAn
11; SyGK 36, 63, 64, 65, 68, 71, 72, 172;
Sye 40, 45; PeQa 12; PeF 17, 18, 22, 27,
30
potion (arb) SyGK 38; SyH 77,
151; Sye 23, 24
potion (urba) Syl 13; SyGK 26, 31;
SyH 31, 32, 41, 90, 91; Sye 56, 58
potion, rejuvenating (irb al-muabbib)
SaCa 69
poultice (imd) Syl 2
powder (iksrn) SyGK 11
powder (saff ) SyH 41; Sye 23
power, repulsive (dfia) SySa 1
practitioner, experienced (muabbar)
PeF 1
predominance (alaba) SyIy 2, 3
pregnancy (abal) SaSu 3; Syl 8;
SyH 58; Sye 35
prescription (ifa) SaCa 69; SaAn 17
prescription (waf ) SaCa 29
problem (fa) SyGK 9
problem (amr) PeF 1
procedure (il) SaAn 3
procedure, tested (muarrab)
SyGK 42
processing, digestive (nuf) SyGK 19
property, antidotal (tiryq) PeF 27
property, special (a) SaCa 44; SaV
4; SyH 37, 54, 70, 75, 142, 156, 195,
212; PeQa 6, 9, 13, 20
property, special (ya) SaAn 9;
Syl 1, 2; SyH 3, 11; PeQa 2
428
pterygium (afara) SyH 9
pubes (na) Sye 38, 42
pudendum ( far) SyH 67, 182
puffiness (inflatio) SaSu 6
puffiness (tahabbu) SyGK 20
pullet ( farr) Syl 10
pulse (nab) SyGK 18, 32
punch (arba) SyH 139, 164
puree (sawq) SyGK 58
purgation (ishl) Syl 15; SyGK 50, 51,
63; Sye 59
purgative (mushil) SyGK 62; Sye 13
purging (ishl) SyH 156, 170, 173, 195;
Sye 16, 27
purging cassia (iyranbar) SyGK 5,
9, 20, 22, 23; SyH 23, 24, 27; PeF 19
purification (tanqiya) Syl 15; SyIy 3
purslane (rila) SyH 82
pus (midda) SyIy 2, 3; Sye 19, 42
pus (qai) SyIy 2
pus, black-bilious (midda saud) Sye
20
pustule (tanaffu) Sye 14
putrefaction (taham) SyIy 2
putrefaction, humoral (ufnat al-al)
SyIy 3
putridity (afan) SyIy 2, 3
putridity ( fasd) SyH 187
putridity (ufna) SyGK 48; SyIy 2, 3
qamlat an-nasr SyGK 59; Sye 63
qrl SaCa 59
qiriy SyH 3
quail (aih) SaRa 34; SyH 187
quicklime (nra lam tufa) Sye 74
quince SyGK 55
quince (safaral) Syl 10; SyH 34,
174; Sye 23, 40, 74
quinsy (unq) SaRa 4
qnn SyGK 61; SyH 2
glossaries
qqy SyGK 1
qurr SyH 1
radish ( ful) SyH 40, 60, 71, 158, 159;
Sye 24, 28; PeQa 13; PeF 24
rag (irqa) Sye 70
rain (maar) SaV 8; SyGK 48, 54;
SyH 206
rain water (m al-maar) Sye 37
rainbow (iris) SaSu 5
raisin (zabb) SaAn 10; Sye 23, 43
rakt warah SaCa 49
ramie (rmik) SyH 34; Sye 45
rape (salam) Sye 40
rash (bar) SyIy 2
rash, itchy (aran) SyGK 65
rattling in throat (singultus) SaSu 6
realgar (zirn amar) SaCa 67, 68;
PeF 5
reason (aql) SaRa 7; SyIy 3
recovery (bur) SyIy 2
recovery (bur) Sye 30
rectum (maqada) SyGK 38; SyH 79,
167; Sye 31, 39, 46, 47
rectum (may mustaqm) Sye 42
recuperation (ifrq) SyIy 2
redness (umra) SyGK 54, 55
reed (qaab) SyGK 54, 55
reed tuft (tulula) SaSu 5
regimen (tadbr) SyGK 14, 46, 53
region, nether (asfal) SaCa 12; SaAn 3;
SyIy 2
region, pubic (na) SyGK 26; SyIy 2, 3
regurgitation (itilf ) SyIy 2
relapse (auda) SyIy 3
relapse (nuks) SyIy 2
relaxation (istilq) SyH 171
release (taallu) SyIy 3
relief (ra) SyIy 2
remedy (dr) SyHB 3
glossaries
remedy (daw) SaCa 17, 18; SaV 3;
SaAn 13; SyGK 9, 13, 18, 20, 28, 29, 35,
37, 52, 57; SyH 12, 13, 29, 74, 91, 155,
201, 206; Sye 1, 12, 16, 29, 41, 45, 47, 51,
58, 61
remedy (il) SyGK 50; SyH 67
remedy, divine (iyra) SyGK 1, 5
remedy, proven (muarrab) SaCa 18;
SyH 60; Sye 44; PeF 10
rennet (infaa) SaAn 5; SyGK 24, 25;
Sye 23
repletion (imtil) SyIy 2, 3; Sye 6
repose (hud) Syl 10
rescue (salma) SyIy 2, 3
residue ( fal) SaRa 32; SyGK 40; SyIy
2, 3; Sye 16, 40
residues, watery (mya) SyH 37
residuum ( fala) SyIy 3
resistance (muhada) SyIy 3
respiration (nafas) SyIy 1, 3
rest (ra) Syl 10; SyIy 2
rest (sukn) Sye 59
retem (ratam) SyHB 3
retention (abs) SyH 172, 190
retention (ur) SyH 126, 157
retention (usr) SyH 177; SyIy 3
retraction (irtif) Sye 43
rheumatism (r) SaCa 28; SaRa 20;
Syl 13; SyH 202
rhubarb (rwand) SyH 139
rib (costa) SaSu 5
rib (il) SaCa 29
rib cavity (al) SyGK 20; SyIy 3
ribcage (arsf ) SyIy 2
ribline (ursf ) SyIy 3
ribwort (ark) Sye 71
rice (aruzz) SaCa 13; SaRa 24; SyGK 24,
55
riding (rukb) SaCa 18, 29
riding animal (dbba) Syl 11; SyGK 37
429
rim of container (arf ) Syl 8
rim-coin of enema ( fals) SaSu 2b
ringdove (waran) SyH 187
ripening (na) SyIy 2, 3
risk (aar) SyGK 22, 23
roaring (alaba) SyGK 9
rob (rubb) SyGK 15, 27, 55; SyH
50
rock salt (mil abarzad) SaCa 17
rocket (irr) SaV 5; SaAn 13;
SyGK 37
Roman nettle (anura) Syl 2;
SyGK 37; SyH 110; Sye 12
Roman nettle (qurrai) Sye 26
root of tooth (al) Sye 13
roots-water SyGK 20; SyH 98; Sye
28
rose SyGK 49, 50; Sye 28
rose (ward) SaCa 28; SaAn 1; Syl 9, 10,
11, 12, 17, 18; SyGK 4, 5, 35, 55, 58, 59,
67; SyH 13, 31, 34, 50, 99, 202; Sye
8, 13, 22, 23, 31, 32, 47, 53, 61, 70, 71, 74;
PeF 5, 6, 12
rose, red (ward amar) SyH 91
rose honey (ulanubn) SyGK 55
rose honey, liquid (m al-ulanubn)
Sye 56
rottenness ( fasd) SyIy 2
route (maslak) Sye 5
rue (sab) SaAn 1; SyH 31, 59; Sye
13, 38; PeF 3, 15
rue, wild (sab barr) SyGK 5
ruin (talaf ) SyIy 3
rupture (inid) SyIy 3
rupture (qa) Sye 47
sadness (amm) SaCa 22
sadness (uzn) SyGK 44; Sye 3
safflower (/qurum) SaCa 18; SyH
53, 71; Sye 23
430
saffron (zafarn) SaCa 18; SyGK 27,
55; SyH 32, 143, 209; Sye 8, 10, 16;
PeQa 33; PeF 1, 6
sagapenum SyGK 23, 26; Sye 36
sagapenum (sakabna) SaV 3; Syl 13;
SyH 5, 8, 37, 51, 59, 90, 91, 102; PeF
22
sagapenum from Isfahan (sakabna
ibahn) PeQa 12
saizny SyGK 57; Sye 51, 58, 61
ahriyrn SyGK 18
sal ammoniac (ndir) SyH 53;
Sye 16
salamander (smandar) SyH 103
saliva (buzq) SyGK 54
saliva (lub) Sye 16
saliva (rq) SyGK 5, 55
salt (mil) SaCa 22, 35, 37; Syl 17, 18;
SyGK 13, 26, 62; SyH 100, 194, 215;
SyHB 6; Sye 16
salt (sal) SaSu 5
salt, white (mil [an]darn) SaSu 1;
SyH 13, 36; Sye 33
saltpetre (auraq) SyH 9
salvation (al) SyIy 2
salve (il) Sye 8
sand (raml) SyIy 3; PeQa 28
sand, white (raml mubya) SyGK 54
sandalwood (andal) Sye 22, 23; PeF
5 20, 155, 204
sandarac (sandars) SyH 15, 56; PeF
1 season, hot (zamn rr) SyGK 55
sarcocolla ([]anzart) SyH 53; PeQa
33; PeF 3
sasliys Sye 69
savin (abhal) SaCa 17, 58; Syl 10;
SyH 91; Sye 1; PeF 13
savory (atar) SyH 59; PeF 1
awdans SaCa 63
scab (akara) SyH 13
glossaries
scabies (safa) SyH 136, 174
scabies, dry (aaf ) SyGK 67
scale insect (daraqa) SyGK 59
scales of leech (squamae) SaSu 5
scales of tissue (qur) SyIy 2
scalp (ildat ar-ras) Sye 71
scalpel (miba) SaCa 29
scammony (saqamniy) Syl 11;
SyGK 9, 46, 47, 56; Sye 26
scar (aar) SyGK 54, 55
scarab (unfusa) Syl 13
scare (auf ) SyIy 2
sciatica (irq an-nas) SaCa 41;
SyGK 39, 41; Sye 49; PeQa 27
scorpion, burnt (aqrab muraq) Sye
41
scorpion sting (lad al-aqrab) SyH
102, 145, 153
scorpion sting (las al-aqrab) SaCa 37;
SyGK 57, 58; SyH 101, 186; Sye 61
scratch wound (ad) SyH 147
scrofula (anzr) SaRa 22, 25
scurf (nula) SyH 135
sea crayfish (rab) SyH 71
sea lavenders, two (bahmann) SaAn 11;
SyGK 37
sea savory (atar bar) SyGK 5
sea snail (alazn bar) SyGK 62
sealing bole (n matm) SyH 19,
season ( fal) Sye 60
sebesten (muai) SyH 174
secretion (ra) SySa 1
sediment, urinary (ufl rsib) SyIy 3
seeds Sye 28
seeds water (m al-buzr) Syl 2
segment (badan) Sye 12
semen (nufa) SaRa 35; PeQa 31
senility (haram) SaRa 48
glossaries
senna (san) PeF 10
sensation (iss) Sye 1
sense (aql) SyGK 6
senses (awss) SaCa 3; SaAn 15;
SyGK 1
sepiolite (zabad al-bar) SaCa 7; SaAn
14; Syl 11; SyGK 33
serpent bite (lad at-tinnn) SyH 153
serpent melon (qi) Syl 11, 12; sign (alma) SaSu 3; SaCa 14, 38; SaRa
SyGK 17, 35; Sye 70
serpent melon, wild (qi barr)
SyGK 59
sesame (simsim) SaCa 39; SaAn 6, 9;
Syl 2; SyH 6, 71; PeF 10, 15
sesame oil (all) SaCa 66; SaAn 4;
SyGK 64; SyH 91; Sye 40, 47
sesame oil (ra) SaRa 3
sex (bh) SaAn 12; SyGK 48; SyH
66; Sye 45
sex (im) SaCa 22, 24; SaRa 16, 25;
Sye 45
shaft of enema (amd) SaSu 2a
shaking (iirb) Sye 5
shampoo ginger (zurunbd) SyH 29,
33, 55; Sye 25
shank (sq) Syl 14
sheep (an) SyH 187
sheep (h) SyH 13
sheepskin (ild h) SaCa 28
sheets, sandalwood-scented (muan-
dalt) SaCa 35
shiver (kuzz) SyH 130
shiver (rada) Sye 56
shivering fits (nfi) SaCa 30;
SyGK 52; Sye 58; PeF 22
shoulder (katif ) SyIy 1
shoulder blade (kitf ) SyGK 3; Sye 17
sickness (mara) SyIy 2, 3
side (anb) SaCa 29; SaRa 6, 39; SyH
23
431
side (nib) Sat 1; SyIy 2; Sye 49
side (iha) Sye 33
side (latus) SaSu 6
side, left ( yasr) SaSu 2b
sifdmar SaCa 56
sight (ain) SyGK 9; SyIy 2
sight (baar) SaRa 2, 7, 37; SyH 10
sign (alam) Sye 30, 42
7, 17; SyGK 32, 48; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 36,
67
sign (dall) SyIy 3
sign (signum) SaSu 6
silk (ibram) SyH 113
l SyGK 5, 9; PeF 1
silver filing (burda fia) Sye 25
silver slag (aba al-fia) SyH 160
simoom (samm) SyH 210; Sye 70
singultus (taqallub an-nafas) PeQa 3
site (maui) Sye 15
skin (ild) SyGK 5, 54, 66; SyIy 2; Sye
4, 54; PeF 1
skin, darkening of (inkisf al-laun)
SaRa 7; SaAn 16
skink (siqanqr) SyGK 37; SyH 70,
149
skull (ras) PeF 1
skull, centre of (wasa ar-ras) Sye 36
skullcap (qif ) Sye 4; PeF 1
sky (sam) SyGK 48
slabstone (alya) SaCa 67
slag (aba) SyH 28; Sye 47
slapping (lam) SyGK 6
sleep(ing) (naum) SaCa 29; SaRa 23;
SaAn 16; SyGK 54; SyH 6, 105; Sye
20, 64
sleepiness (naum) SyGK 9
sleeplessness (sahar) SaCa 3, 22;
SyGK 5, 9, 38; SyIy 2, 3
slop (usla) SyGK 32; Sye 36
432
sludge (durdy) SyIy 3
sluggishness (kasal) SaSu 2a; SaRa 17;
SyGK 9
small cattle droppings (bar al-anam)
Syl 19; Sye 27
small cattle milk (laban al-anam)
Sye 24
small cattle urine (baul al-anam) Sye
29
small irfal SaRa 48
small of back (qaan) SyIy 2; Sye 6, 34
smallpox (adar) SaCa 61; SyGK 48,
54, 55; SyH 216; SyHB 8; SyIy 2
smallpox, doubled (adar muaf )
SyGK 54
smell (odor) SaSu 5
smell (ria) SyIy 2, 3; Sye 45
smell (r) SaCa 36; SyH 204; SyIy 2,
3; PeQa 36
smell of sweat (suhka) SyIy 2
smoke (dun) Syl 8
snake (aiya) SyGK 5; SyH 186
snake bite (lad al-aiya) SyH 186
snakes without fangs (aiyt manzat
al-anyb) SaSu 4
sneezing (us) SyGA 1; SyGK 54, 55;
SyH 13; Sye 5, 20
sneezing powder (as) Sye 5
snow (al) Sye 70
snuff (musa) Sye 13
snuff(ing) (sa) SyGK 1, 4, 5, 9; PeF 1
soapwort (kundus/) SaCa 39; SyGK 3;
Sye 12
Socotran aloe (abir suqar) SyH
151
solitude (alwa) Sye 3
solitude (taallin) SyGK 9
solitude (wada) Sye 54
Solomons basil (rain Sulaimn)
SyH 85
glossaries
soot (sum) SyGK 32; Sye 36
sorb (ubair) Sye 23
sorghum (ura) SyIy 2
sorrel (umm) SaRa 19, 29; Sye 23,
29, 45
sorrow (amm) SaCa 29
soul (nafs) SaCa 2, 33, 39
soup (as) Syl 6, 7; SyH 42
soup (asw) SyH 34
south wind (anb) SyGK 48, 54, 55
sparrow (ufr) SaCa 22; SyGK 37
sparrow, green (ufr aar) SyGK 37
spasm (taannu) SaCa 4; Syl 4, 5;
Sye 6
sperm (many) SaSu 3; SaCa 21, 22,
42, 43; SaRa 12, 16, 24, 25, 41; SaAn 10;
SyH 67, 71, 74, 158, 175, 179; Sye 36
sperm (nufa) SaRa 26; SaAn 11
spice ( fh) SaCa 22; Sye 20
spice (tbal) Syl 2
spider (ankabt) SyIy 3
spikenard (sunbul) SyH 29, 32; Sye
23, 25, 56; PeQa 24
spine ( faqr) Sye 6
spine (na) Syl 2
spine (ulb) SyGK 4
spirit, vital (r) Sye 5
spitting (naf) SyH 19, 124, 180, 186,
190
spleen (il) SaCa 10; SaRa 25; SaAn
15, 16; SyGK 45; SyH 133; SyIy 2, 3;
Sye 20, 29
spleen of donkey (il al-imr) Sye
71
spoon-meat (zrb) SyGK 22, 23, 26
spot (locus) SaSu 5
spot (maui) Syl 2; PeF 1
spots (bara) SyH 214
spots, dark (bara aswad) Sye 72
spots, dark (kalaf ) SaM 1
glossaries
spring (rab) SyGK 48; SyH 207
sprinkle (nar) SyGK 13
spurge ( furb/fiyn) SaCa 39; Syl 2, 5;
SyH 57, 73, 127, 161; Sye 12
spurge, a species of () SyH
127
spurge, all species of ( yatt) Syl 11;
SyH 37, 203
squill (iql) SyGK 37
squint (awal) Sye 9
starch (na) Sye 47; PeF 6
starving (taw) SaCa 1
state, natural (l ab) PeF 1
staying present (ir) SaCa 39
steam (bur) Sye 6
stench (fetor) SaSu 6
stench (natn) SyIy 2, 3
stibium (imid) SaCa 7; SyGK 55; Sye
45
stick (aan) SyH 133, 147
stiffness (muabbaka) Sye 49
stifling (tafia) SyGK 47
stinging (la) Sye 47
stink (baar) SyH 13
stomach (maida) SaSu 2a, 2b; SaCa 11,
12, 13, 30, 34, 41, 65; SaV 8; SaRa 31, 34,
37; SaAn 1, 3, 13, 16; Syl 12; SyGK 9, 14,
22, 23, 45, 49, 50; SyH 24, 25, 26, 27,
31, 33, 34, 98, 107, 154, 178, 181, 186, 187,
196, 210; SyHB 6; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 14, 16,
20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 56, 66, 67; PeF 20, 23,
29
stomachic SyGK 20
stomachic (awri) SyGK 1, 18, 23;
Sye 23, 28, 58
stone, urinary (ah) SaCa 18, 19; SaAn
8; SyH 60, 106; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 41, 42;
PeF 11, 22
stool (ra) Sye 26, 34
stool (zibl) SyGK 28
433
stool, loose (istilq [al-ban]) SaRa 17;
Sye 13
stool, running (ilfa) SaCa 13
storax (lubn) SyGK 63
storax (maia) Syl 10; Sye 1
storytelling (sam) Sye 3
strength (qwa) SaCa 69; SaRa 26;
SyGK 45, 46, 47, 49, 50; SyIy 2, 3; Sye
18
strike (arb) SyH 133, 147
stuff, green (buql) SaAn 9; SyGK 34
substance (daw) SyGA 1; Sye 12
substance (i) Sye 40
substance (ai) SyGK 5
sucking of sting (ma) SyGK 58
suffering (alam) SyGK 42
suffocation of womb (itinq)
SyGK 32; Sye 36
sugar (sukkar) SaCa 10, 13; Syl 2;
SyGK 21; SyH 112, 175, 176; Sye
23; PeF 6
sugar, red and refined (sukkar sulaimn)
PeF 1
sugar, white (sukkar abya) SyH 91
sugar, white (sukkar abarzad)
SyGK 5, 47, 55; SyH 22; PeF 1
sugar cane (qaab) SyH 71
sukk SyH 29; Sye 23; PeQa 7; PeF
5
sulphur SyGK 52, 57; Sye 1, 51, 58, 61
sulphur (kibrt) SyHB 6
sulphur, whitish (kibrt abya) SaAn 17
sumach (summq) SyGK 31, 63;
SyH 34, 56; Sye 23, 33; PeF 6
summer (aif ) SaV 8; SyGK 48;
SyH 74; PeQa 36
sun (ams) SaCa 68; SyGK 2, 48, 67;
Sye 41; PeQa 36
suppository (iyf ) SyH 53; Sye 13,
23, 32
434
suppression (itibs) Sye 36
suture (darz) SaCa 19; PeF 1
swallow (uf ) Sye 16
swallow droppings (zibl al-af )
PeQa 36
swallows SyGK 13
swamp (ama) SyHB 6
sweat(ing) (araq) SaCa 39; SyGK 67;
SuHB 8; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 49
sweating (tarq) SaCa 12, 37
sweet basil (bar) SyH 116; Sye
25
sweet basil oil ( fil/ranmuk) SaRa 33;
Sye 25; PeQa 26
sweet chestnut (hball) Sye 23
sweet clover (andaqq) SyH 66,
73, 129, 208; Sye 61
sweet flag (wa) SaCa 57; SaRa 43;
SyH 1, 17, 18, 29, 63, 91, 213; Sye 1;
PeF 30
sweet violet (banafsa) SaCa 39;
Syl 12; SyGK 4, 5, 7, 9, 22, 23; SyH
13, 91, 131; Sye 7; PeF 1
swelling (superabundantia) SaSu 6
swelling (waram) SyIy 3; Sye 39, 47
swelling, hardened (siqrs) SyH
93
swelling inside ribs (aua) SyGK 60;
SyH 22
sword (saif ) SaSu 4
symptom (alma) SaCa 14; SyGK 20,
54; Sye 42
symptom (ara) SyIy 2; Sye 3
Syrian rue (armal) Syl 13; SyGK 3,
33; SyH 193; Sye 25
syringe (miqana) SyH 148
tabasheer Syl 12; SyGK 55
tail of dog (anab) Sye 67
tail of mouse (cauda muris) SaSu 5
glossaries
tamarisk (arf) Syl 14, 15, 17; SyH
152; PeF 1
tamarisk gall (kazmzak) SyGK 16;
Sye 74
tampon ( fatla) PeF 3
tampon, woolen (fa) Sye 36
tapeworm (aiya) SyGK 38; SyH 75,
77, 184
araaqq SaCa 39
tamza SyH 7
tassel hyacinth (bulbs) SyGK 37;
SyH 100
taste (am) SaCa 30; SyIy 2; PeQa 3;
PeF 29
tastelessness (tafh) SyIy 2
tattoo (wam) PeQa 34
tears (dam) SaCa 7; SyH 200
teat (ar) Sye 28
temple (ud) SyGK 9, 10; Sye 4, 8;
PeF 1
tenseness (tamaddud) SyGK 54
terebinth (abba ar) SaAn 13;
SyGK 3; PeF 11, 12
testicle (akar) SaCa 22, 25; SaAn 11
testicle (uya) Sye 43
testicles, two (unayn) SyH 61
tetter (qb) SyGK 63; SyH 112
texture of urine (qawm) SyIy 2, 3
Theodoretos SyGK 5; Sye 5, 51
theriac Syl 3, 16; SyH 103; Sye 61
theriac (tiryq) SyGK 52, 57; Sye
61
theriac-of-the-four SyGK 57; Sye 61
thigh ( fa) Syl 11; SyGK 33, 39, 41;
Sye 49
thigh (sq) SyIy 2
thirst (aa) SaCa 22; SaRa 39; SaAn 2;
Syl 12; SyGK 55; SyIy 2; Sye 20, 54,
70; PeF 16
thorn (auk) SaV 3
glossaries
thorn-apple (auz mil) SaCa 39;
SyH 162; SyH 2
throat (alq) SaCa 29, 39; SaRa 4;
SyGK 13, 54; SyH 6, 169; SyIy 1;
Sye 16; PeF 6, 17, 19, 20
throbbing (arabn) SaCa 14;
SyGK 29; Sye 37; PeF 24, 30
throwing up (qai) SaRa 7
thyme, wild (nammm) SyH 31;
PeQa 26
tiger (babr) SyH 201
tightness (arz) SyGK 55
tightness (aiq) SaCa 14
time of year ( fal) SaV 8
tingling (adar) Sye 13
tinnitus (dawy) SyGK 9
tirtyak SaCa 47
tissue, congealed (mm mid) Sye
42
tissue, connective (azm) Sye 15
toe, small (iba ur) SyGK 39, 41;
Sye 49
tongue (lingua) SaSu 6
tongue (lisn) SaSu 1; SaCa 10; SaRa 43;
SyGK 5, 20, 55; SyH 17, 18, 188; SyIy
2, 3; Sye 15, 16; PeF 6
tooth (dens) SaSu 6
tooth (sinn) SaCa 4; SaRa 3; SyGK 26,
38; SyH 14, 15; Sye 13; PeF
5 turpentine (am al-bum) SyGK 62
toothworm (dd f l-asnn) Sye 13
tortoise (sulafh) SyH 148
tortoise blood (dam as-sulafh)
SyH 62, 148
tortoise urine (baul as-sulafh)
SyH 62, 148
tract, urinary (lt al-baul) SyIy 2
tragacanth (kar) Sye 74
traveller (musfir) SyH 210
travelling (musfara) Sye 3, 70
435
treatment (il) SaCa 5, 34; SyGK 9,
29, 47, 53; SyH 56; Sye 5, 11, 20, 34,
35, 36, 40, 46, 61, 63, 65, 67
tree (aar) SyGK 48
tree-resin, red (ul) SyH 123
trembling (iqirr) SyIy 2, 3
trembling (irti) Sye 5
tremor (quarra) SyIy 2
tremor (rada) SaRa 7
tremor (raa) Sye 1
rfulln SyH 208
trotter (kur) SyGK 6, 35; Sye 7
trouble talking (istiql al-kalm) Sye
54
truffle (kama) SyH 177; PeQa 28
tube (unbb) Sye 11, 43
tumour (waram) SaV 5; SaRa 27; SaAn
16; Syl 17, 18, 19; SyGK 13, 29; SyH
7, 24, 27, 61, 92, 94, 95, 123, 124, 144, 151,
152, 166, 180, 198; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 7, 16,
24, 34, 40, 42, 47; PeQa 15, 18, 30; PeF
1
tumour, phlegmatic (waram balam)
SyGK 13
turban (imma) Sye 70
turmeric (urq) SyGK 67
turnip (lift) Sye 24, 42
turnip (aram) Syl 11
turpentine (ilk al-bum) Sye 47
turpeth (turbad) SaCa 13, 28; SyGK 49,
50; SyH 39, 88, 90, 91, 119
turtledove (ifnn) SyH 187
twitching (itil) Sye 4
two-sandalwoods SyGK 20
ulcer (qar) SaCa 41, 61, 66; SaRa 27;
SyGK 25; SyH 146, 195, 198, 216;
SyHB 6, 8; SyIy 2; Sye 14, 23, 30, 40,
42; PeF 3
436
ulcer, aphthous (qul) SyH 16, 188;
PeF 6
ulceration (qara) SyHB 8
umbilicus (surra) Sye 38
unconsciousness (ay) Sye 36
underside of leech (venter) SaSu 5
understanding, lack of (qillat al-aql)
SyIy 3
unrest (iirb) SyIy 3
uprising inside body (taauwur) SyIy 2
urethra (ill) SyH 62, 148
urination (baul) SaCa 22, 29; SyGK 5,
32, 62; SyH 165; SyIy 2; Sye 42;
PeQa 11; PeF 12, 13
urine (baul) Sat 2; SaCa 17, 20, 44;
SaRa 7, 11, 24, 28, 40; SaAn 9; Syl 12;
SyGK 4, 59; SyH 126, 133, 157, 177,
190; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 34, 40, 42, 51, 56, 58,
59; PeF 12, 13
usnea (una) SyH 34, 105; Sye 25;
PeQa 18
uterus (raim) SyH 56
uvula (lahh) SyH 176; Sye 16
vapour (bur) Sye 54; PeF 1
vegetation (nabt) SaV 8
vein (irq) SyGK 39, 55; SyH 13; SyIy
2, 3; Sye 2, 8, 16, 37, 49
vein, basilic (bsilq) Sye 57
vein, cephalic (qfl) SyGK 2; SyH
13; Sye 16
vein, frontal (irq al-abha) PeF 1
vein, jugular (ada) Sye 16
vein, jugular (irq al-wada) PeF 1
vein, saphenous (fin) Syl 14, 15
vein, temporal (irq a-ud) PeF 1
venesection ( fad) Syl 15
venom (samm) SyH 186
vent ( fam) Sye 26
verdigris (zinr) SaCa 68; SyIy 2, 3
glossaries
vermin (hmma) SyH 108, 162
vermin bite (lad al-hawmm) SyH
186
vermin bite (nah hmma) SaCa 38
vertebra ( faqra) Sye 1; Sye 6
vertebra (araza) SyGK 4; Sye 1, 16,
34
vertex (hma) Sye 36
vertigo (dawr) Sye 2
vervain (riy al-amm) SyH 142
vesica (lib) SaCa 19
vesica (mana) Sye 40
vessel of copper (in nus) SaCa 68;
Sye 41
vetch (kirsinna) SyH 100, 174; SyIy 2,
3
vetch, bitter (kuna) SyH 183
village (qarya) SyHB 3
village, small (kafr) SyHB 6
vinegar (all) SaCa 39, 68; SaRa 2, 47;
Syl 17, 18; SyGK 13, 31, 63, 64, 65, 67;
SyH 31, 41, 81, 91, 139, 187, 210; SyIy 2;
Sye 8, 11, 13, 20, 23, 55, 62, 72, 73; PeF
1, 5
viper bite (nah al-af) SyH 103
viper venom (samm al-af) SyH
104
virgin (ar) Sye 45
viscidity (luza) SyHB 6; SyIy 2
vision (baar) SyIy 2; Sye 9
visnaga (nna[wh]) SaCa 17; SaAn 5;
SyH 29, 32; Sye 23, 32; PeQa 3, 4;
PeF 29
vitiligo (bara) SaCa 68; SyH 3, 136;
Sye 73; PeQa 2
vitriol, blue (qalqann) SyH 147
vitriol, white (qalqads) Sye 30
voice (aut) SaSu 3; SaRa 7; SyGK 54;
Sye 11
vomit, bilious (qai mirr) SyGK 20
glossaries 437

vomiting (qai) SaCa 11, 12, 13, 22, 32, 34, wax (am) Sye 1, 6, 31, 43
69; SaRa 7, 11, 17, 31, 48; SaAn 2, 3, 4, 15; wax, yellow (am afar) Syl 11
SyGK 15, 27, 52, 53, 55; SyH 31, 33, weakness (uf ) SaV 1; SyGK 20, 21;
34, 40, 127, 159, 198; SyIy 2; Sye 16, 20, SyH 187; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 23, 43
28, 54, 59, 65; PeF 7 weariness ( futr) SaSu 2a
vomiting (vomitus) SaSu 6 weasel (ibn irs) SaCa 38
weasel bite (aat ibn irs) SyH 100
waist (wasa) SyH 91 weather (haw) SyGK 48
walking (may) SaCa 1 weeping discharge (dama) SyGK 9, 55
walking (wa) SaCa 14 weight gainer (sumna) SaAn 6;
walnut (auz) SaCa 39; SaRa 36; SyH SyGK 16; SyH 172
45, 80, 133; Sye 4 well with stagnant water (naq)
waning of body (nuqn min al-badan) SyHB 6
SyIy 2 well-being (air) SyIy 3
waning of strength (suq al-qwa) well-being (salma) SyIy 3
SyIy 3 west (marib) SyGK 48
wart (all) SyGK 54, 55 wetnurse (muraia) SyGK 4
washing (usl) SyGK 23 wheat (burr) Sye 61
washing (itisl) SyGK 22 wheat (ina) SaRa 26; SyGK 37;
waste matter ( ful) SyGK 62 SyH 42, 100, 121
waste matter (m) SaAn 7, 13 whip (sau) SyGK 6; SyH 133, 147
waste matter (zibl) Sye 42 white powder Sye 40
water (aqua) SaSu 5 whiteness (bay) SyGK 20
water (m) SaSu 2b; SaCa 12, 25, 30, 35, willow (ilf ) SyGK 54, 55
39, 41, 67, 69; SaV 8; SaRa 4, 5, 6, 23, wind (r) SaCa 8, 25; SaRa 3; SaAn 7;
39; SaAn 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9; Syl 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, SyGK 28; SyH 54, 55, 87, 91; Sye 4,
12; SyGK 5, 7, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 46, 11; PeQa 9
47, 53, 55, 67; SyH 26, 32, 56, 62, 73, window (kauwa) SyIy 2
91, 126, 131, 148, 157, 162, 210; SyHB 6; wine (amr) SyGK 1, 13, 38; SyIy 2;
SyIy 2, 3; Sye 5, 9, 12, 16, 20, 23, 24, 28, Sye 61
29, 37, 45, 50, 54, 61, 67, 70, 73, 74; PeQa wine (nab) SaAn 1, 4; SyGK 16, 22;
36; PeF 7 SyH 29, 164, 210
water, menstrual (m) SyGK 32 wine (arb) SaCa 14, 26, 30, 35, 39, 68;
water, urinary (m) SyIy 2; Sye 36 SyGK 2, 9, 18, 21, 23, 34, 48; SyH 25,
water bird (air m) SaCa 13 31, 33, 78, 100, 105, 133, 184, 193; Sye 1,
water flag SyGK 23 3, 6, 10, 13, 20, 28, 29, 45, 47, 61, 71; PeQa
water flag (ris) SyGK 22, 23; Sye 6
27 wine boiled down to one third (mualla)
water of loins (m a-ulb) SyGK 37 SaAn 6
wax (mm) Sye 47, 50 wine vinegar (all amr) Sye 53
438 glossaries

wineskin (ziqq) Sye 43 womb (raim) SaSu 3; SaCa 25; Syl 8;

winter (it) SyGK 48, 55; Sye 4
withering (ubl) SyIy 2, 3
withering (qal) SaCa 14
woman (imraa) Sye 37
woman (mara) SaSu 3; SaCa 25; Syl 8,
10, 11; SyGK 33; Sye 24, 36, 45
woman (nis) SaCa 22; SaAn 9; SyH
67, 112, 182, 187; SyIy 2, 3
woman, breast-feeding (muraia)
SaRa 25; SyH 44
woman, menstruating (i) SaCa
25
woman, menstruating (mi) SaCa
22
woman, old (harima) SaCa 22
woman, pregnant (ubl) SaRa 7, 25;
Syl 10, 17, 18; PeF 19
woman, pregnant (mara ubl) Sye
37
woman, sick (mara) SaCa 22
woman, sterile (qir) SaCa 22; Syl 8
woman, young (adaa) SaCa 22
SyGK 43; SyH 54, 55, 59, 93, 144,
161; SyHB 7; SyIy 2, 3; Sye 35, 36;
PeQa 9
wood shaving (nuta) SyGK 54
wool (f ) SyH 113
worm (dd) SaCa 5, 13; SaV 2; SaRa 17,
25; SyGK 38; SyH 76, 79, 80, 81, 125,
167
wormwood () SyGK 5
wound (ira) SyH 111, 133
wound (ur) SyH 155
wreckage (ab) SyIy 2, 3
yelling (au) SyGK 9
yellowness (ufra) SyGK 20
Yemenite alum (abb yamn) Sye 45
youth (abb) SaRa 48; Sye 24
zedoary ( f) SyH 162
zedoary from India (adwr min al-Hind)
SyH 103
zwbr SaCa 50

b ArabicEnglish
al body parts, upper ar virgin
abhal savin fa damage; problem
abns ebony afan decline; putridity
abya patch, white af duodenum
bzan bathtub af oak gall
aala muscle afsantn absinthe
adas lentil afsantn rm Greek absinthe
aat ibn irs weasel bite afyn opium
aat al-insn human bite an dough
aat al-kalb dog bite ura brick
aat al-kalb al-kalib dog bite, rabious ada vein, jugular
aira faeces ad people, young
airat a-ibyn childrens faeces ahl al-qur people from villages
diya hostility ailwus ileus
al rib cavity ailwus balam ileus, phlegmatic
glossaries 439

ain eye; eye of dog; sight arnab hare

kila gangrene arsenicum blondum arsenic, yellow
akl meal articulus limb
alam ache; irritation; malaise; pain; aruzz rice
suffering aruzz bil-laban milk rice
alam sign arz tightness
alma characteristic; evidence; s myrtle
indication; sign; symptom a eating late at night; night
alaq leech blindness
alaq ad-dam blood clot aaba nerve
lt al-baul tract, urinary aaf caper
all patient asfil body parts, lower
alya fat-tail asal honey
amla emblic; myrobalan, emblic asal m honey, purest white
amphora jar aan stick
amr problem asrn asarabacca
amd shaft of enema asfal region, nether
na pubes; region, pubic ai people, healthy
anf nose al base of tooth; root of tooth
anudn asafoetida atn ass
anura Roman nettle aar effect; laceration; mark; scar
ansn anise aa thirst
ankabt spider ab wreckage
anqardiyn marking-nut al Oriental tamarisk
antimonium antimony as sneezing powder
()anzart sarcocolla auda relapse
apostema abscess aa lizard
aqaq magpie azdirat azederach
aqqiy gum senegal am bone
qir woman, sterile
qirqar pellitory ba potency, sexual
aql mind; reason; sense bb door
aqrab muraq scorpion, burnt baba parrot
aqua water babr tiger
ara accident; manifestation; bbna chamomile
symptom badan body; segment
araq insomnia bar sweet basil
araq perspiration; sweat(ing) bward giant thistle
ar land bdzahr antidote; bezoar
ariqiyn downy burdock bh desire, sexual; potency, sexual; sex
440 glossaries

bahaq lichen baul al-imr donkey piss

baar stink baul al-ibl camels urine
bahmann sea lavenders, two baul al-liq camels urine
bar incense baul al-maz goats urine
bai as-samak fish eggs baul a-ibyn childrens urine
baia headache, central baul as-sulafh tortoise urine
bait home; house bauraq borax
bk SaCa 48 bawsr haemorrhoids; piles
bal disaster bay paleness; whiteness
balur marking-nut bay al-ain albugo
balasn balm bay al-bai egg white
balam phlegm bzahr bezoar
balla myrobalan, beleric birz defecation; faeces
ball acorn b Indian aconite
bn horseradish tree bi musk melon
banafsa sweet violet bizrkattn linseed
ban henbane bizrqan fleawort
baqar cattle bu an-ns hating people
bqill broad bean bur miasma; steam; vapour
bar al-anam small cattle droppings bua hoarseness
barada chalazion burn crisis
bara vitiligo bulbula jug
bara spots bulbs tassel hyacinth
bara aswad spots, dark buldn countryside
barastn pheasant bunduq hazelnut
bard chill; cold(ness) buql stuff, green
barsm SyGK 60 bur cure; recovery
barsm pleurisy burda ahab gold filing
bas harm burda fia silver filing
baal onion bur flea
baar sight; vision burr wheat
basbsa mace bur recovery
basfyi polypody burda coldness
bsilq vein, basilic busra date, ripening
bsilqn SyGK 11, 12 bussad coral, red
ban abdomen; belly; bowel; intestine buzq saliva
bar blister; rash bzdn orchid, green-winged
ba duck; incision
baul urination; urine caput cranium; head of leech
baul al-anam small cattle urine cauda muris tail of mouse
glossaries 441

color colour daraqa scale insect

costa rib arar damage
arb strike
d condition; illness arba blow; punch
d al-balam disease of phlegm drfulful long pepper
d balam disease, phlegmatic drm PeQa 30
d al-fl elephantiasis drm marjoram, wild white
d al-aiya ophiasis drn cinnamom
d a-alab alopecia dr remedy
abb fog, urinary darna great leopards bane
dbba horse; riding animal darz suture
dabd electuary dasam animal fat
abu hyena t al-anb abscess of pleura; pleurisy
d hypericum t al-malib min a-air bird,
dfia power, repulsive claw-bearing
da chicken au light
da ahl chicken, domestic au yelling
aar irritability daw drug; ingredient; medicine;
aar bi-nafsihi annoyance with remedy; substance
oneself daw fris drug, Persian
aar bin-ns annoyance with others daw hind drug, Indian
ahab gold awabn melting
aiq tightness awabn nafas pining for breath
akar male; penis; testicle dawr dizziness; vertigo
dall indication; sign dawy tinnitus
dam bleeding; blood dya nursemaid
dam abya blood, white dens tooth
dam aswad blood, black difl oleander
dam maiyit blood, dead; blood, ihn mind
stagnant dk cock
dam mirr blood, bilious il rib
dam as-sulafh tortoise blood imd bandage; cataplasm; dressing;
dam tears poultice
dama eye, watery; weeping discharge dim brain
an sheep q difficulty
anab tail of dog diqq disease, slow and destructive;
anab al-ail horsetail fever, hectic
ar teat irs molar
arab diarrhoea dispositio form, normal
arabn throbbing dir blanket
442 glossaries

diyb diabetes faqra vertebra

iybis diabetes far mouse
dolor pain faranah SaCa 60
dorsum back; back of leech faras horse
dubaila furuncle far pudendum
ubl withering far chicken, young; fledgling
dd worm frisya language, Persian
dd f l-asnn toothworm farr chicken, young; pullet
ddat allat tad bil-lail wa-tu farzaa pessary
glowworm fasd corruption; putridity; rottenness
uf weakness fad bleeding; bloodletting; venesec-
uf al-qalb heart failure tion
dun smoke fas laceration
duhn oil; oil, urinary fal season; time of year
ura sorghum f zedoary
durdy sludge fatla plug; tampon
durr francolin fatq hernia
urr cantharis faufal areca
sinriy dysentery faurat al-umm fever height
fwniy peony
ebrietas delirium febris fever
epar liver fetor stench
fil effect; impact
facies face fil ird function, voluntary
fal residue fil nafas function, respiratory
fala residuum fil nafsn function, vital
faa immaturity, digestive filanmuk sweet basil oil
fah SaCa 57 flzahra lycium
fa thigh firanmuk sweet basil oil
fkiha fruit fir bed; couch
fakk jaw fir muhalhal mattress, light
fli hemiplegia; paralysis, partial fud chest; heart
fals rim-coin of enema fuq hiccough
fam mouth; mouth of dog; mouth of fan pennyroyal
womb; mouth of wound; vent ful waste matter
fm fasahrr SaCa 61 ful radish
fanankut agnus-castus fh spice
fn cane molasses fulful pepper
faqr spine fulful abya pepper, white
faqr a-ahr column, dorsal furb/fiyn spurge
glossaries 443

fustuq pistachio ria beast of prey

ftan pennyroyal rqn agaric
ftan barr pennyroyal, wild riya girl
ftan abal mountain mint arrra SyGK 58; Sye 61, 63
fur mushroom arr gargle
futr listlessness; weariness asad body; body of insect
fwa madder awa f l-baar eyes, misty
fwat a-ib dyers madder ay fainting; unconsciousness
aayn nausea
abal mountain ay nausea
abha front auf abdomen; belly
ada germander auhar essence
aab anger auw atmosphere
adar smallpox auz walnut
adar muaf smallpox, doubled auz /kundum orchil
adwal bloodstream auz mil thorn-apple
adwr min al-Hind zedoary from India auz al-qai nux vomica
ady goat, young awri electuary; stomachic
fit agrimony wars millet
hil observer, ignorant wr opopanax
a foal ibb fever, tertian
ila danger; harm i food; meal; nourishment;
i faeces nutriment; nutrition; substance
alaba roaring iha side
alaba predominance ild skin
lib humour, dominant ild h sheepskin
amma cloud, urinary ildr SyH 45, 75
amm distress; sadness; sorrow ildat ar-ras scalp
amra cosmetic im intercourse, sexual; sex
anb side ira wound
nib side irr rocket
ann foetus i membrane
aniyn gentian ism body
anb south wind hunger
r bay laurel ubair sorb
ar gherkin ubr dust
arab mange ubn cheese
arab abscess, lachrymal um leprosy
aran glue uff dryness
arara gargle ulm boy
444 glossaries

ulanubn rose honey haia flu, gastric

ullb julep air well-being
ullanr pomegranate flower aiwn animal
umd ad-dam blood, congealed aiy al-lam houseleek
und SaCa 64 aiya snake; tapeworm
undb/dastar castoreum aiyt manzat al-anyb snakes
urb crow without fangs
ur wound l condition
u belching; burping l ab state, natural
usla slop halk doom; end of life; loss, total
usl ablution; washing alamat a-ady nipple
al escape; salvation
abal pregnancy alazn bar sea snail
aban dropsy alf esparto grass
aban lam anasarca lib groin; vesica
aban ziqq ascites halla myrobalan
aba slag halla afar myrobalan, yellow
aba al-fia silver slag halla aswad myrobalan, black
aba al-add iron slag halla hind Indian myrobalan
abb crop; pill all sesame oil
abb al-qar fluke all vinegar
abba ar terebinth all amr wine vinegar
h/ablat SyH 76 all as-sawd mixture of vinegar and
abs retention black shoemakers wax
abs ar-ra constipation alq throat
adab hunchback alq people
adar tingling alwa solitude
adaa woman, young m matter, raw; waste matter
ada adolescence hma cranium; head, top of; vertex
haayn delirium ama mud; swamp
add cheek amal lamb
add iron amma pigeon
ad an-nafs delusion amr dough, leavened
ham damage; digestion aml pregnancy
ad scratch wound mm mid tissue, congealed
afaqn palpitations hmma vermin
fir hoof ammm bathhouse
hafs SaCa 58 amr wine
i woman, menstruating anak beak; palate
ai blood, menstrual; menstruation anzr scrofula
glossaries 445

andaqq sweet clover aar danger; risk

nq angina am marshmallow
anal colocynth auf fear; scare
aqw loin au peach
araka exercise; motion auk parsley
araka irdya movement, voluntary auwar poplar, white
araka nafasya movement, respiratory haw air; atmosphere; weather
haram old age; senility awal squint
arra burning; heat awl areas, surrounding
arra araya heat, accidental awss senses
arra arzya heat, innate hayan agitation
araza vertebra az anise, wild
arbaq hellebore hazrun bryony, red
arbaq abya hellebore, white azm tissue, connective
arbaq aswad hellebore, black azm perforation
ardal mustard herba aque plant, aquatic
ardal abya mustard, white iffat ar-ras lightheadedness
arf rim of container if memory
arf autumn ima cupping
harima woman, old ikka itch(ing)
ark ribwort ilf willow
armal Syrian rue ilbb dogs mercury
arr heat ilfa stool, running
araf artichoke il humour; mixture, humoral
rza(r)d SyH 133 il balam humour, phlegmatic
as soup il damaw humour, sanguine
aaba measles il lib humour, dominant
aaf scabies, dry il mumarri humour, pathogenic
ah pebblestone; stone, urinary il afrw humour, choleric
asak caltrop il saudw humour, melancholic
aan bowel; intestine iltt asafoetida resin
a poppy imr donkey
ira hip imr wa donkey, wild
spurge, a species of imma chickpea
aa herb n period
akara scab Hind Indians
ass lettuce hindab endive
a property, special hindab barr endive, wild
ya property, special inn henna
asw soup ina wheat
446 glossaries

r gillyflower un hermaphrodite
irqa piece of cloth; rag uqna enema
irwa castor oil plant ur kalb dog excrement
irim grape, unripe ur as-sannr cat excrement
iss sensation ur abscess
iy al-baqar cow dung urf garden peppercress
iyr cucumber urf abya garden peppercress, white
iyranbar purging cassia urnb carob
ubb al-alwa loving solitude urnb a-auk Nabataean carob
ubb al-wada loving solitude urqa burning
ubbz hollyhock urum safflower
ubbz barr hollyhock, wild hurumn oat, red
ubl woman, pregnant ur al-amm pigeon droppings
ubz bread ur egression
ubz awr bread, white ur retention
ua lycium, extract of una hoarseness
ua hind Indian lycium, extract of uya animal testicle; testicle
ul tree-resin, red ur indigo leaf
ura greenness uf swallow
hud repose huzl emaciation
uff bat uzn sadness
ufra hole
lann galingale ibn irs weasel
ulba fenugreek ibra needle
umaiy heat ibram mulberry tree; silk
umr hangover ibrya dandruff
umm fever ib armpit
umm balamya fever, phlegmatic iir citronella
umm damaw fever, sanguine iirb disorder; shaking; unrest
umm amsya fever, five-day ifrq recuperation
umm lzima fever, concomitant ina container
umm niba kull yaum fever, i plum
quotidian itim get-together
umm l-waram fever, tumorous itisl washing
umm yaum fever, ephemeral ir staying present
umm sorrel ill urethra
umra redness ihlla myrobalan
unq gullet; quinsy ihlla afar myrobalan, yellow
undqn Sye 41, 45 ihlla aswad myrobalan, black
unfusa scarab ir excretion
glossaries 447

itibs suppression ris water flag

itilf regurgitation irq vein
itil twitching irq al-abha vein, frontal
itil confusion irq madan guinea worm
itinq suffocation of womb irq an-nas sciatica
itirq burning; inflammation irq a-ud vein, temporal
ikll al-malik melilot irq al-wada vein, jugular
iksrn powder irti trembling
il procedure; remedy; treatment irtif retraction
ilal rada kara diseases, multiple and iba headband
malicious iba finger
ilk al-bum turpentine iba ur toe, small
illa disease; illness; malaise isfab bouillon, thick
iltihb burning; inflammation isf (ar-ra) ceruse
imma turban ishl diarrhoea; purgation; purging
im ejaculation, premature ism fris name, Persian
imirus fever, semi-tertian isq abortion; miscarriage
imraa woman iql squill
imsk constipating istifr evacuation
imtidd dilatation istimm bathing
imtil overeating; repletion istiq investigation
in container istir exhaustion; flaccidity
in nus vessel of copper istisq dropsy
inab a-alab nightshade istilq relaxation
in arousal, sexual; desire, sexual; istilq (al-ban) diarrhoea; stool, loose
erection; excitement, sexual istiql al-kalm trouble talking
inbi ad-dam bleeding, profuse itidl equilibrium, humoral; modera-
infaa rennet tion
inflatio puffiness imid stibium
inhim digestion irfal SaCa 68, 69
inill dissolution iwazz goose
ini decline iyra Syl 2, 15; SyGK 5, 26; Sye 20,
inkisf al-laun skin, darkening of 26, 35
insn person iyra remedy, divine
inid rupture iyra fqr Syl 1, 14, 15
intif inflation
intiql f l-manzil change of localities kaba gloominess
iqlmiy cadmia kab ankle
iqirr trembling kabar caper
iris rainbow kabid liver
448
kbs nightmare
kadarah SaCa 52
k catechu
kafr village, small
kfr camphor
kahrub amber
kails chyle
kaims chyme
kaims saudw humour, black-
bilious
kaiy cauterization; cautery
kaiy alb cautery, cross-shaped
kak biscuit
kkan alkekengi
kkan min al-buldn al-brida
alkekengi from cold countries
kkan min Ibahn alkekengi from
Isfahan
kkan min Mh alkekengi from Mh
kalab mania
kalaf freckles; spots, dark
kalb kalib dog, rabid
kalkalna SyGK 5
kama truffle
kamr gum-resin resembling
opopanax
kammn cumin
kammn aswad cumin, black
kammn kirmn Kerman cumin
kankarza artichoke gum
Knn December and January
karafs celery
karb anxiety; distress
kardamn caraway, wild
karwiy caraway
kasal sluggishness
kasl Arabian cassia
kim lovage
kak a-ar barley gruel
kasr fracture
glossaries
katif shoulder
kar tragacanth
kaukab SuGK 9
kauwa window
kauz kundum orchil
kazmzak tamarisk gall
kibrt sulphur
kibrt abya sulphur, whitish
kimd rr compress, hot
kirmdna myrtle seed
kirsinna vetch
kis garment; gown
kisrin SaCa 51
kitf shoulder blade
krlf SaCa 53
kul collyrium; kohl
kulya kidney
kundur frankincense
kundus/ soapwort
kur trotter
kurky crane
kurr leek
kurunb cabbage
kusaira bread crumb
kusbara coriander
kuna vetch, bitter
kuzz shiver
kuzbara coriander
laban milk
laban (an-nis) breastmilk
laban al-baqar cows milk
laban al-anam small cattle milk
laban riya maids milk
laban al-ibl camels milk
laban al-liq camels milk
laban al-maz goats milk
laban al-utun asss milk
labium inferius lip, lower
labium superius lip, upper
glossaries
lablb bindweed
lacte milk
la stinging
lan ladanum
lad al-aqrab scorpion sting
lad al-aiya snake bite
lad al-hawmm vermin bite
lad an-nal bee sting
lad at-tinnn serpent bite
lad az-zunbr hornet sting
lahh uvula
lahb burning; inflammation
lam flesh of man; meat
lam al-baqar beef
laqwa paralysis, facial
las al-aqrab scorpion sting
las az-zunbr hornet sting
lam slapping
latus side
laun colour; complexion
lauz almond
lauz ulw almond, sweet
lauz murr almond, bitter
laxitudo laxity
laza glue
lenticula lentil
lift turnip
lingua tongue
liqa camel, pregnant
lisn tongue
lisn al-afr common ash man electuary
lisn al-amal plantain
lisn a-aur borage
lia gum
larus lethargy
locus area; spot
lub maceration; saliva
lubn olibanum
lubn storax
luff mandrake
449
lulua pearl
luza viscidity
m broth; cataract; excess water; fluid,
dropsical; fluid, pustular; juice of
meat; water; water, menstrual; water,
urinary
m afar fluid, yellow
m al-buzr seeds water
m al-ubn cheese water
m al-ulanubn rose honey, liquid
m kak a-ar barley gruel
m al-maar rain water
m qad ubia decoction
m a-ulb water of loins
m al ice water
marif people, familiar
mabrada coolant
mabn gastralgia sufferer
madan al-add iron mine
maarra harmfulness
mdda agent; matter
mdda ar matter, green
mafl hemiplegic
mafil joint
manas magnet
maran passageway
marib west
Marib Maghreb
ma gripes
mahdrun SaRa 45
maadyn SyGK 37
ma buttermilk
ma al-baqar buttermilk from cows
mhzahrah cocculus
malab mahaleb
mamm fever sufferer
maia storax
maida belly; stomach
450 glossaries

maissan iris wine mama placenta

mait al-qalb heart, lacking vitality
mya matter, fluid; residues, watery
mlliy melancholia
malla fatigue
mlinliy melancholia
manar nostril
many blood, menstrual; sperm
maq eye, inner corner of
maqada anus; rectum
mara woman
mara ubl woman, pregnant
mara complaint; condition; disease;
illness; sickness
mara balam disease, phlegmatic
mara afrw disease, yellow-bilious
mara saudw disease, black-bilious
maraq broth
maraqq area below ribline; hypochon-
drium
marra animal gall; animal gall
bladder; gall bladder
marrat al-baqar cows gall; ox-gall
marrat a-aur ox-gall
marfaq elbow
marham liniment
mar patient
mara woman, sick
marmhyah origanum
marmz Sye 68
marmz origanum
marb moist of disposition
marw marjoram, wild
marw abya oregano, white
marzan marjoram
m mung bean
masmm pores
mad headache sufferer
mas massage
masaqniy glass slag
maskan home
maslak route
maslak al-i passage, digestive
mar epileptic
ma sucking of sting
maak mastic
maak qib Coptic mastic
may diarrhoea; loosening of belly;
motion of bowels; walking
mana bladder; vesica
maar rain
mab decoction
maui area; place; site; spot
maut death
mauz banana
may gut; intestine
may mustaqm rectum
mzariyn mezereon
miba knife; scalpel
midda matter, purulent; pus
midda saud pus, black-bilious
middah SaCa 54
miam cupping glass
miqana enema; syringe
mil salt
mil (an)darn salt, white
mil hind Indian salt
mil abarzad rock salt
miqlan frying pan
mirr flow of bile
mirfaqa cushion
mirra bile
mirra afr bile, yellow
mirra saud bile, black
mirwaa fan
mbahr PeQa 30
misk musk
mikirmar Cretan dittany
mimi apricot
glossaries 451

mia linctus muabbib drug, rejuvenating

miraq hammer musfara travelling
miz composition, atmospherical; musfir traveller
composition, humoral; disposition, muandalt sheets, sandalwood-
humoral; humour; mixture, humoral scented
mors death musarsam phrenitis sufferer
motus movement musa snuff
mubarsam pleurisy sufferer mushil purgative
mudd lis-summ antidote mustamil at-taab labourer
mudrh coaxing mustasq dropsy sufferer
muhada resistance mualla wine boiled down to one third
muarrab procedure, tested; remedy,
proven nabt vegetation
muain alaihi fainting sufferer nab pulse
mu glossostemon root nab wine
muzir al-laban plant, giving plenty of nabiq lote
milk na maturation; ripening
muabbar practitioner, experienced nadyk SaCa 46
muai sebesten nafas breath(ing); respiration
mu marrow naf bloating
mu al-bai egg yolk nfi shivering fits
mulaiyina laxative nafs soul
muliy mallow naf expectoration; spitting
mulkya mallow naf abya naphtha, white
mm wax naf aswad naphtha, black
mmiy maltha naw excrement
munabb emission, urinary na spine
muql Indian bdellium nafa emaciation
muql azraq African bdellium nah al-af viper bite
muql makk Meccan bdellium nah hmma vermin bite
muraia wetnurse; woman, breast- nammm thyme, wild
feeding nana mint
mrd isfaram myrtle, wild nna(wh) visnaga
murdsan litharge naq infusion; well with stagnant wa-
murdsan mubya litharge, white ter
mrih SaCa 55 nqih convalescent
murr myrrh nrdn nard
murr abal mountain myrrh nrl coconut
murr garum naris daffodil
muabbaka stiffness naris nose
452 glossaries

nrkiy poppy, red oculus eye

ns people odor smell
na starch os mouth; mouth of leech
nasr eagle
nr fistula palpebra eyelid
nal fomenting pannus cloth
natn stench pasta paste
narn natron pes foot
nal fomentation pilus hair of leech
nar sprinkle piscis fish
naum sleep(ing); sleepiness
naw areas, adjacent qab partridge
nazf bleeding qada beaker
nl indigo qadam foot, front of
nl barr indigo, wild qad couching
nl bustn indigo, cultivated qab penis
nlfar nenuphar qab al-imr penis of donkey
nlfar hind Indian nenuphar qaf back
nimr leopard qafan nape of neck
niqris gout qal withering
nrn f s-sam fires in the sky qai throwing up; vomiting
nis woman qai mirr vomit, bilious
nih SaCa 62 qai matter, purulent; pus
nisrn dog rose qalaq agitation
nisyn forgetfulness qalb heart
nuf processing, digestive qlib usruf die, leaden
nula bran; scurf qalqads vitriol, white
nus muraq copper, oxidized qalqann vitriol, blue
nuta wood shaving qaml louse
nutat al-ibar needle shaving qamlat an-nasr SyGK 59; Sye 63
nuks relapse qanriyn centaury
nuqn decline qanriyn daqq centaury, small
nuqn min al-badan waning of qanriyn kabr centaury, large
body qanriyn ar centaury, small
nr light qqiy gum senegal
nra lime qqulla grains of paradise
nra lam tufa quicklime qar gourd
nra masla lime, slaked qara ulceration
ndir sal ammoniac qaranful clove
nufa semen; sperm qara babul
glossaries 453

qardamn caraway, wild qqy SyGK 1

qar lesion; ulcer qurrai Roman nettle
qrl SaCa 59 qurr SyH 1
qarn horn of cattle qur pastille
qrra flask qurum safflower
qarya village qur flakes, urinary
qaab reed; sugar cane quarra tremor
qaab a-arra lemon grass qus costmary
qa incision; rupture qur scales of tissue
qah bittern qun cotton
qaan back, lower; small of back qurub possession, demonic
qaulan colic qwa strength
qaum bi-suyf people with swords
qawm texture of urine rab spring
qidr cooking-pot rab sea crayfish
qfl vein, cephalic rabw asthma; dyspnea
qif skullcap rada shiver; tremor
qilda f collar, woolen ra infant
qillat al-aql understanding, lack of radix capillorum capitis hair, root of
qim funnel cranial
qinna galbanum ra defecation; stool
qinnab hemp raul man
qiriy SyH 3 ra relief; rest
qirfa canella rawa flabbiness
qimi currant raim uterus; womb
qir eggshell rib curd
qia dam mida blood particles, ria breath; smell
coagulated rain plant, aromatic
qia ad-dam al-mutaaqqid blood rain Sulaimn Solomons basil
particles, clotted rakt warah SaCa 49
qiat al-add iron particle ramad eye inflammation; ophthalmia
qi serpent melon rmik ramie
qi barr serpent melon, wild raml sand
qb tetter raml mubya sand, white
qubl front ranula frog, little
qul ulcer, aphthous raqaba neck
qulb adulsa; palm pith raqq flatbread
qulqs colocasia ras cranium; head; head of insect; skull
qulufniy colophony raa tremor
qnn SyGK 61; SyH 2 rsan elecampane
454 glossaries

ra secretion abir arab Arabian aloe

ratam retem abir suqar Socotran aloe
raba lucerne aby boy; child
rattah Indian hazelnut sbza mandrake
rwand rhubarb sabu animal, predatory; beast of prey
rwand n Chinese rhubarb sab rue
rziyna fennel sab barr rue, wild
ria animal lung; lung sab abal mountain rue
rib fever, quartan adaf oyster
rbs Persian rhubarb sa laurel
ril foot; leg ana haematite
rila purslane sadar bafflement
r cramp; draught; flatulence; flatus; sdawarn Persian walnut
odour; rheumatism; smell; wind sadda obstruction
rq saliva adr chest
ra feather afa lip
riy al-amm vervain safa scabies
riya exercise, physical safaral quince
ruf nosebleed afa metal sheet
ruf aswad bleeding, black from nose fin vein, saphenous
rubb rob afr bile, yellow
rbiyn lobster saff powder
r spirit, vital aar tree
rukba knee saizny SyGK 57; Sye 51, 58, 61
rukb riding h sheep
rummn pomegranate saba cloud, urinary
rusb deposit, urinary; lees sahar sleeplessness
ruba moistness; moisture hball sweet chestnut
rubt fluids, moistening sa abrasion
rubat al-baul liquid, urinary am animal fat; body fat
rzkr day blindness ahriyrn SyGK 18
htara fumitory
abb youth ahwa appetite
aban east wind ahwa kalbya appetite, canine
bnak dog violet ahwat a-n geophagy
abaq desire, sexual ai substance
abb alum aib old age
abb yamn Yemenite alum sid forearm
bb adolescent saif sword
abir aloe aif summer
glossaries 455

ai man, old sanm hump of camel

aia cry anaubar pine
aiqr hawk andal sandalwood
ar barley sandars sandarac
ara hordeolum sanguis blood
saiyid al-adwiya master of drugs sanguisuga venenosa leech, poisonous
sakabna sagapenum sann dentifrice
sakabna ibahn sagapenum from sann mulk dentifrice, royal
Isfahan sq leg, lower; shank; thigh
sakanubn oxymel saqamniy scammony
sakar drunkenness aqqul parsnip
sakb meat, minced and cooked in aqqa hemicrania; migraine
vinegar aqq cleft; crack
sakta apoplexy saqa fall
sal salt ar hair
sal fissure ar epilepsy; fit, epileptic
ala balding ar balam epilepsy, phlegmatic
alba induration arb drink(ing); fluid; potion; wine
salma escape; rescue; well-being aran rash, itchy
salas incontinence arsf ribcage
alya slabstone saran cancer; crab
salam rape ar anus
sala cassia aram turnip
salm bite arr gnashing
am wax sarmaq orache
am afar wax, yellow arr evil
sam sky sarsm phrenitis
sam storytelling ar cutting; incision
samak fish sarw cypress
amam deafness sasliys Sye 69
am (arab) gum arabic atar savory
am al-bum turpentine atar bar sea savory
samm poison; venom saud bile, black
samm al-af viper venom auk thorn
samm arman Armenian poison auk al-iml camels thorn
samn butter, clarified aula assault
samn al-baqar ghee aum fasting
ams sun auraq saltpetre
samm simoom aua pleurisy; swelling inside ribs
san senna sausan lily
456 glossaries

sausan abya lily of the valley iy cry

sau whip squamae scales of leech
aut voice s evil
sa snuff(ing) s al-ham indigestion
sawd blackness s l deterioration
awdans SaCa 63 sul cough(ing)
sawq oat grains, pounded; puree subt lethargy
sayaln dam bleeding ubrum pith spurge
sayaln al-many flow of sperm sud cyperus
ibi dill ud headache
sidr Christs thorn ud temple
ifa instruction; prescription f cloth, woolen; wool
if cure fa piece of wool; plug, woolen;
ifq peritoneum tampon, woolen
sifdmar SaCa 56 ufra paleness, yellow; yellowness
ifnn turtledove ufra eyelash
ir little ones sula metal filing
signum sign sulat al-add iron filing
wormwood sulat an-nus copper filing
ia health sum soot
sikkn knife suhka smell of sweat
sill consumption; fever, hectic sukk SyH 29; Sye 23; PeQa 7; PeF 5
silq beet sukkar sugar
l SyGK 5, 9; PeF 1 sukkar abya sugar, white
iml north wind sukkar sulaimn sugar, red and refined
simsim sesame sukkar abarzad sugar, white
sincopis fainting sukn rest
singultus rattling in throat sula cough
sinn tooth sulafh tortoise
innra hook, lashed ulb loin; spine
siqanqr skink ull Indian quince
siqrs swelling, hardened smandar salamander
ra sesame oil summq sumach
irb al-muabbib potion, rejuvenating sumna weight gainer
sirdb cellar sunbul spikenard
it winter nz cumin, black
ara garden cress snus fever, unintermittent
ara hind Indian garden cress superabundantia swelling
iyf paste; plug, rectal; plug, vaginal; suq al-qwa waning of strength
suppository urba potion
glossaries 457

srinn meadow saffron air fowl

srinn abya meadow saffron, white air ahl bird, domestic
srinn amar meadow saffron, red air m water bird
surra navel; umbilicus takmd bandaging, warm; compressing,
ursf ribline warm
surr happiness talaf ruin
ss liquorice talahhub inflammation
al ice; snow
taab exertion; fatigue; labour all wart
taaur difficulty aly embrocation; lotion
am diet; food; meal am taste
am masmm food, poisonous tamaddud dilatation; tenseness
am mutadd food, incompatible amar fruit
ab nature mi woman, menstruating
tbal spice tamr date
tabarruz evacuation of bowels tamr embrocation
abr bamboo chalk am blood, menstrual; menstruation
aba humour; nature tanaffu pustule
abb physician tnbl betel leaf
ab broth, hot; decoction tannb fir
tadbr regimen tannr baking pit
ady breast tanqiya purification
tafattut collapse tanl fomenting
tafazzu disturbance taqallub irregularity
tafh tastelessness taqallub an-nafas singultus
afsiy drias plant resin araaqq SaCa 39
taaiyur alteration araaqq chicory
tariba experience taranubn alhagi
taw starving ar Bengal quince
tahabbu puffiness arf limb
tahaiyu agitation arf tamarisk
taallin solitude ar expulsion from womb
taallul decomposition tarq sweating
taallu release tarquwa collarbone
taham putrefaction taabbuk knot, rheumatic
taauwuf fear taannu convulsion; spasm
tall dissolving tabk enmeshment, mental
tam indigestion tasn heating
aih quail tamza SyH 7
ail dogs grass taauwur uprising inside body
458 glossaries

tafia stifling uw limb; organ

aub clothes; garment uw al organ, cardinal
tawau alienation uw dil organ, inner
tawallud formation uw arf organ, vital
ws peacock ufna putridity
terror fear ufnat al-al putrefaction, humoral
b aroma, pleasant; fragrance ukl itching
ifl child, young; infant umm mother
il spleen umm a-ibyn mother-of-boys
il al-imr spleen of donkey umq eye, inner corner of
il conditioner; cream; embrocation; unbb tube
grape wine, thickened; paint; paste; unbba nozzle of enema
salve unfuwn al-umm fever peak
tn fig unq neck
tn abal mountain fig un female
n clay unayn testicles, two
n arman Armenian bole urqb hamstring
n z Khuzestan bole urq turmeric
n lmin Lemnian bole ufr sparrow
n matm sealing bole ufr aar sparrow, green
iqal as-sam hearing, impaired una usnea
tirtyak SaCa 47 unn potash
tiryq property, antidotal; theriac unn aar potash, green
rfulln SyH 208 usr difficulty; retention
trufula myrobalan uaq ammoniacum
tbl metal particle uturz asafoetida root
tuff apple us sneezing
ufl dregs utru citron
ufl rsib sediment, urinary um oversize
ulub duckweed
tulula reed tuft venter belly; belly of leech; underside
m garlic of leech
unna loin venustas grace
turbad turpeth vomitus vomiting
turmus lupine
tt mulberry wab plague
wada jugulum
d lignaloes waa leprosy
d hind Indian lignaloes waa ache; pain
un ear waa al-mafil pain, rheumatic
glossaries 459

wa sweet flag zabarad gem, green

wah face zabb raisin
waha heat, blazing afara pterygium
wada solitude zafarn saffron
walad child zar dysentery
walad aiy foetus, living ahr back
walad maiyit foetus, dead zait olive oil
waqat al-wah behaviour, shameless zaitn olive
waram swelling; tumour zaitn al-m olives, green preserved in
waram balam tumour, phlegmatic salty water
waran ringdove zalm artichoke
ward rose zamn rr season, hot
ward amar rose, red zanbaq jasmine oil
wasa waist zanabl ginger
wasa ar-ras skull, centre of zarwand birthwort
waf prescription zarwand awl birthwort, long
wal articulation, point of zarrqa enema, urethral
wal al-un ear canal zaufar globe thistle
wam tattoo zibaq mercury
wasws melancholy zibl dung; excretion; stool; waste
wa walking matter
wilda childbirth zibl al-baqar cattle dung
wiq cover, protective zibl al-fl elephant dung
wirk hip zibl al-amm pigeon droppings
wil limb zibl al-af swallow droppings
wuqd fire, glowing zibl al-kilb dog excrement
zift pitch
yabr mandrake zinr verdigris
yad hand ziqq bag of enema; wineskin
yanbt bean trefoil zrb spoon-meat
yaraqn jaundice zirik barberry
yaraqn kabid jaundice, hepatic zirn arsenic
ysamn jasmine zirn abya arsenic, white
yasr side, left zirn amar arsenic, red; realgar
yatt spurge, all species of zirn afar arsenic, yellow
yubs dryness zubd butter, fresh
yubsa dryness zubd al-baqar butter, fresh from cows
zf rab lanolin
zabad foam; froth, urinary ufr fingernail
zabad al-bar sepiolite zua glass flask
460
zukm catarrh
ulma dullness
2 Sanskrit
a EnglishSanskrit
ability to desiccate (oaatva) Ca 21,
43
ability to dislodge (cheditva) Ca 21, 43
abscess, deep-seated (vidradhi) Ca 41
ache (toda) Ra 3
acuteness (ukritva) Ca 65
adulsa (vaka) Ca 18
aggravation of three doshas, simultane-
ous (sanipta) Ca 6
alga (aivala) Su 5
alhagi root ( yavsamla) Ca 9
amulet containing herbs, antidotal
(varauadh, vipaha) Ca 38
anaemia (puroga) Ca 26
anger (krodha) Ca 12
animal living in marshland (npa)
Ca 25
antimony (sauvrakjana) Ca 7
antimony, colour of powder (acanacr-
avara) Su 5
antipyretic ( jvaranana) Su 4
appeal (r) Su 6
appetite, whetted (prakk) Ca 30
appetite, whetting of (dpana) Ca 21, 43
application (avaseka) Su 5
areola, blackening of (kamukhat)
Su 3
asafoetida (higu) Ca 8
ash (kra) Ca 69
ash (bhasman) Ca 66
Asian palmyra palm (tla) Ra 35
asparagus (indvar) Ra 28
asthma (vsa) Ca 10
glossaries
zurunbd shampoo ginger
zwbr SaCa 50
aversion to food (aruci) Ca 11
aversion to food (bhaktadvea) Ra 17
back (pha) V 4
back, contracted (phyma) Ca 4
bamboo manna (tugkri) Ca 69
banana tree (moca) Ra 35
barley ( yava) Ca 69
bastard teak (kiuka) Ca 69
bath(ing) (snna) Ca 36, 68
beach almond (igud) Ca 69
bed, broad (ayy, pratat) Su 2b
bile (pitta) Su 2b; V 1; Ra 7, 15, 32, 38
bird (khga) Ca 38
bishops weed ( yavn) Ca 10
bite (daa) Su 5
blacking out (samoha) Su 6
bladderdock (amlavetasa) Ca 10
blood (asj) V 2
blood (rakta) Ra 15, 32; M 1
blood (oita) Su 3, 5
blood, bringing up of (raktanihvana)
Ra 7
blood, predominance of menstrual
(rtavabhulya) Su 3
blowing into nose (pradhamana) Ca 5
body (kya) Ra 48
body (tanu) Ca 68
body (arra) Su 2b
bone (asthi) Ca 66
bone marrow (majjan) V 2
bottle (kumbha) Ra 48
bouillon, hearty (rasa) Ca 24
glossaries
bowels, emptied of accumulations
(utsabahirvega) Su 2b
bowstring hemp (moraa) Ra 28
breakdown-of-the-organ (dhvajabhaga)
Ca 25
breast (stana) Su 3
breath, shortage of (vsa) Su 6
breathing, laboured (vsa) Ca 30, 34
breathing, uncomfortable (vsa) Ra 5,
39
buttermilk (mastu) Ca 30
calculus (amar) Ca 18
calculus (arkar) Ra 28
caltrop (avadara) Ra 14, 28
caltrop (gokura) Ra 28
cart (ratha) Ca 18
cat excretum (akt, baila) Su 4
cats eye (vaidrya) Ca 38
cataract (kca) Ca 7
catarrh, severe (pratiyya) Ra 7, 11
catechu tree (kadara) Ca 52
cattle (pau) Su 5
channel, inner (n) Ca 4
chest (hd) Ca 10
chest disease (hdroga) Ca 41
chest pain (hcchla) Ra 7
child, female (abal) Su 3
child, male (pus) Su 3
choleraic condition (vic) Ra 7, 11
cinnamon (varga) Ca 10
cinnamon leaves (tamlapatra) Ca 68
clenching (daana) Ca 4
cloth of white cotton, smooth and moist
(lakauklrdrapicuprota) Su 5
cock, flesh of (kurkua) Ra 13
coconut tree (nlikeraka) Ra 35
collyrium (ajana) Ca 6, 69
collyrium (crjana) Ca 7
colour, loss of (vivarat) Ra 17
461
complaints, phlegm-born (kaphrta)
Ca 7
complaints, thoracic (hdroga) Ca 26
conception (ghtagarbh) Su 3
confusion, mental (moha) Ca 30, 34
consciousness, loss of (mrcch) Su 5
constipation (udvarta) Ca 41
constipation (baddhavika) V 2
constipation (vibandha) Su 2b; Ca 10
constipation (viambha) Ca 11
convalescent (tadvimukta) Ra 23
convalescent from fever ( jvaramukta)
Ca 36
coriander (dhnya) Ca 10
costusroot (kuha) Ca 68
cough(ing) (ksa) Su 6; Ca 10
cow dung, powdered (gomayacra)
Su 5
cows urine (mtra gavm) Ca 69
cowage (tmagupt) Ra 14, 28
crab (karkaa) Ra 15, 32
cramps, intestinal (nha) Ca 30, 34
crane (krauca) Ca 38
cucumber (trapua) Ca 18
cumin (ajj) Ca 10
curcuma (krimighn) Ra 48
decoction (kaya) Ca 28
decoction (niryha) Ra 3
decoction (rasa) Ca 69
delirium (mada) Su 5
delusion (moha) Ca 25
deviation, slight (apacra, svalpa)
Ca 36
diamond (vajra) Ca 38
diarrhoea (ati/sra) Su 2b, 6; Ra 17
diet, appropriate (bhojana, stmya)
Ca 69
digestion ( jaraa) Ca 26, 69
digestion, promoting of (dpana) Ca 26
462
discomfort (rti) Ca 11
disease (roga) Ca 69; V 2, 7
disease, matured (sapakva) Ca 6
disease of excess fat (medas) Ra 5, 39
disorder, phlegmatic (kapharoga) Ra 7,
11
disorder, yellow (puroga) Ra 7
dolphin (bulk) Ra 15, 32
dosha (doa) Ca 30, 34, 36
dosha, immature (doa, sma) Ca 30
dosha, scattered (doa, sarvadehnuga)
Ca 30
drink, alcoholic (madya) Ca 30
dropsy ( jahara) Ra 7
drowsiness (sadana) Su 5
drug, beneficial (pathya) Ca 40
duodenum (graha) Ca 11
dysuria (nha) Su 2b; Ca 10
dysuria (kcchra) Ca 18
earache (karala) Ca 8
earth (mttik) Ra 47
eating (nievaa) Ra 47
eating before previous meal is digested
(ajrana) Ca 65
effect, desired (artha) Su 2b
elephant, tamed (nga, vinta) Su 4
elephant-pearl (gajamauktika) Ca 38
elimination therapy, mild (odhana,
mdu) Ca 36
emaciation due to sickness (vyd-
hikaraa) Ca 25
embelia (vig) Ra 48
emerald (marakata) Ca 38
emetic nut tree (kaya) Ca 11
enema (vasti) Su 2b
enema, alleviating (vasti, ypana)
Ca 36
enema liquid (vasti) Su 2b
erection (prahara) Ca 22
glossaries
errhine (iravireka) Su 2b
errhine, containing sharp ingredients
(mrdhavirecana, tka) Ca 5
evil (ppman) V 7
exercise (vyyma) Ca 22; V 8
exercise, excessive (atice) Ca 36
exertion (vyyma) Ca 36
exertion (rama) Ca 22
exhaustion (klama) Su 2b
exhaustion (glni) Su 3
exhaustion (rama) Ra 23
extract (rasa) Ca 69
eye (locana) Su 6
eye, left (aki, savya) Su 6
eyebrow (bhr) Su 6
eyelash (akipakman) Su 6; Ca 6
eyelid (akipakman) Su 3
faeces (uccra) Ca 22
faeces (pura) Su 5
fainting (mrcch) Su 2b
fasting (upavsa) Ca 22
fat (medas) V 2
fatigue (klama) Ca 22
fatigue (rama) Su 3
fattening (bhaa) V 2
fear (bhaya) Ca 12
feebleness (sadana) Su 3
female (str) Su 3
fertility, time of (pupakla) Su 3
fever ( jvara) Su 5, 6; Ca 32, 34, 36; V 7;
Ra 5, 17, 39
fever, early stages of ( jvara, tarua)
Ca 30, 34
fever, intermittent (viamajvara) Ca 41
fever, recurring every day (anyedyuka)
Ca 46
fever, recurring every third day (ttyaka)
Ca 47
fever sufferer ( jvarita) Ra 23
glossaries
fire flame bush (dhtak) Ca 9
fish, kind of (varmi) Su 5
fish, noxious (saviamatsya) Su 5
fish flesh (matsya) Ra 15, 32
flatulence (dhmna) Su 2b
flesh (msa) V 2; Ra 35
flesh, dried (vallra) Su 5
food (anna) Ca 30
food, alkaline (krabhojana) Ca 25
food, composed of incompatible
ingredients (viruddhabhojana)
Ca 25
food, composed of unwholesome
ingredients (astmyabhojana)
Ca 25
food, cool (anna, hima) V 8
food, digested ( jrnna) Su 2b
food, fatty (anna, snigdha) V 8
food, half-digested (vidagdhhra)
Ca 11
food, heavy (gurvanna) Ra 23
food, incompatible (viruddhaaana)
Ca 65
food, light (anna, laghu) Ca 68; V 8
food, liquid (anna, drava) V 8
food, overindulgence in (atibhojana)
Ca 25
food, restoration of taste (bhaktarocana)
Ca 10
food, salty (lavaabhojana) Ca 25
food, sour (amlabhojana) Ca 25
food, sweet (anna, madhura) V 8
food, unaccustomed (astmya) Ra 47
food, wholesome (anna, hita) Ca 68
food and drink, antagonistic (annapna,
viruddha) Ca 36
food and drink, caustic (annapna,
vidhin) Ca 36
food and drink, heavy (annapna, guru)
Ca 36
463
food and drink, unwholesome (annap-
na, astmya) Ca 36
food products, heavy (gurubhojana)
Ca 25
frog (dardura) Su 5
fruit (phala) Ca 11
fruit, unripe (phala, ma) Su 30
fumigation (dhpana) Su 4
garlic (rasona) Ca 30
garlic, skinned and dry (launa, ud-
dhauka) Ca 41
ghee (jya) Ra 3, 48
ghee (ghta) Su 4; Ca 28, 37, 68, 69
ghee (sarpis) Ca 37, 69; Ra 48
ghost (preta) Su 6
ginger (kautrika) Su 1
ginger (uh) Ca 8; Ra 1
ginger, dry (ngara) Ca 10, 23, 42, 43
gold (heman) Ca 69
grape (drk) Su 1
grape juice (drkrasa) Ca 18, 28
gravel (arkar) Ca 18
green gram (rjama) Ra 38
hair (kea) Su 6
hair (mrdhaja) Ca 70
hair (loman) Ca 66
head (mrdhan) Ra 7
head (ira) Ca 5, 70
head, stiff (irograha) Ca 4
heart (hd) Ra 7
heart complaints (hdroga) Ca 30, 34
heart disease (hdroga) Ra 17
heaviness (gaurava) Ca 11
herb (auadh) Ca 38
hermaphrodite (napusaka) Su 3
hiccough (hikk) Su 6; Ca 12
hill myna (rik) Ca 38
hip (ka) V 4
464
honey (kaudra) Ca 69; Ra 48
honey (madhu) Ca 69
honey (mkika) Ra 48
hoof (khura) Ca 66
horn (ga) Ca 66
horse (haya) Ca 18
humour (doa) Ra 34
impotence (klaibya) Ca 25
impurity (mala) Ca 7
incision, small (astrapada) Su 5
Indian ape-flower tree (rjdana) Ra 35
Indian calosanthes (uka) Ra 28
Indian laurel (asana) Ra 48
infusion (praa) Ca 8
intercourse with underage girls (gamana
kanyn) Ca 25
intestine (pakvdhna) Su 2b
intestine, small (maya) Ca 32, 34
intimidation (trsa) Ca 12
iron powder (ayacra) Ca 70; Ra 48
iron powder (lohraviddha) Ra 48
iron sulphate (kssa) Ca 68
itch(ing) (ka) Su 5; Ca 5, 7
jack tree (panasa) Ra 35
jar, big (ghaa, mahant) Su 5
jar of water (salilasaraka) Su 5
Java plum ( jmbava) Su 6
jequirity (ucca) Ra 14, 28
joy (hara) Ca 12
juice (rasa) Ca 69
jujube, sour (badara, amla) Ca 10
juniper, common (hapu) Ca 58
kair (karra) Ca 59
leech ( jalauka) Su 5
leech, application of ( jalaukvaseka) long pepper (kautrika) Su 1
Su 5
glossaries
leech, nonpoisonous (nirvia) Su 5
leech, nonpoisonous kind (kapil) Su 5
leech, nonpoisonous kind (pigal) Su
5
leech, nonpoisonous kind (puarka-
mukh) Su 5
leech, nonpoisonous kind (mik) Su
5
leech, nonpoisonous kind (akumukh)
Su 5
leech, nonpoisonous kind (svarik) Su
5
leech, poisonous (savia) Su 5
leech, poisonous kind (alagard) Su 5
leech, poisonous kind (indryudh) Su
5
leech, poisonous kind (karbur) Su 5
leech, poisonous kind (k) Su 5
leech, poisonous kind (gocandan) Su
5
leech, poisonous kind (smudrik) Su 5
leg (pda) Su 6
leg, left stretched (itaraprasritasakthi)
Su 2b
leg, right bent (kucitadakiasakthi)
Su 2b
leprosy (kuha) Ra 7, 11
leukoderma, recent (kilsa, nava)
Ca 68
life, difficult to retain ( jvita, durlabha)
Su 6
line, hairy (romarj) Su 3
lip, lower (adharauha) Su 6
lip, upper (uttara) Su 6
lip, upper (uttarauha) Su 6
liquorice (madhuka) Ca 69
lockjaw (vadanasaga) Ca 4
lodhra (lodhra) Ca 9
long pepper (k) Ra 48
glossaries
long pepper (pippal) Ca 7, 10, 11, 23, 42,
43, 69; Ra 1
longevity (yuprakara) Ca 69
lord of diseases (rogapati) V 7
lotion (lepana) Su 5
lotion, warm (seka, ua) Ca 37
lotus (nalina) Su 5
lotus (padma) Su 5
lotus, white (puarka) Su 5
lump, wind-born (vtagulma) Ca 41
lustre (prabh) Su 6
mahgada Su 5
malabsorption syndrome (graha)
Ca 10, 26
male (pus) Su 3
man, strong (mnava, balavant) Su 6
mango (mra) Ca 9
mansion, fourteenth lunar (citr) Ca 7
mark, natural (lakman, sahaja) M 1
marking-nut (bhalltaka) Ca 68, 69
meat (msa) Ca 25
meat, fatty (mia, medya) Ca 30
meat from animals living in marshland
(npamsa) Ca 25
memory (smti) Su 6
metal, keen (tkyasa) Ca 69
metal, type of (lauha) Ca 69
milk (kra) Su 5; Ca 25, 28, 41; Ra 14, 28
milk (payas) Ca 24
mind, at ease (sumanas) Su 2b
mole ( jatumai) M 1
morbidity (doa) Ca 11
mouth (mukha) Su 2b, 6; Ca 30
mouth (vaktra) Ca 30
mouthwash (kavaagraha) Ra 3
moving about briskly (cakramaa)
Ca 36
mud (md) Su 5
muscles, sternomastoid (many) Ca 4
465
musk melon (ervru) Ca 18
mustard (sarapa) Su 5; Ca 11
mustard, wild (sryabhakta) Ra 28
mustard oil (taila, srapa) Ca 8
myrobalan, beleric (vibhtak) Ca 69
myrobalan, chebulic (abhay) Ca 28, 69
myrobalan, chebulic (pathy) Ra 48
myrobalan, chebulic (hartak) Ca 40
myrobalan, emblic (malak) Ca 69
myrobalan, emblic (dhtr) Ra 48
myrobalans, three (triphala/) Ca 68,
69, 70
neck (grv) Ca 4
neck, spastic (manystambha) Ca 4
neem (nimba) Ca 68
Nepal pepper (tumbaru) Ca 8
nose (nsik) Su 2b, 6
numbness (sdana) Ra 17
oedema (otha) Ca 41
offspring (apatya) Su 3
oil (taila) Ca 30, 66, 68
old age ( jar) Ra 48
onion (palu) Ca 9
opal (sra) Ca 38
overeating (atyaana) Ca 36
overeating (adhyaana) Ca 65
pain (rti) Ra 28
pain (ruj) V 4
pain (la) Ca 10; Ra 17
parrot (uka) Ca 38
partridge (tittiri) Ra 34
paste (kalkodaka) Su 5
paste (pralepana) Ca 6
pastry (pinna) Ca 25
patch, white leprotic (sidhma) Ca 68
pathway, hampered (mrga, vtta) Su
2b
466
patient, deprived of vitality (hnatejas)
Ca 36
patient, having suffered for a long time
(ciraklapariklia) Ca 36
patient, lying face upwards (uttna) Su
2b
patient, weakened (durbala) Ca 36
peacock (ikhi) Ca 38
penetration, nonvaginal (ayonigamana)
Ca 25
penis (mehra) Su 6
pepper, black (kautrika) Su 1
pepper, black (marica) Ca 7, 10, 21, 43,
68; Ra 1
pepper, white (vetamarica) Ca 56
phlegm (kapha) Ca 21, 32, 34, 43; V 1;
Ra 1, 5, 39; M 1
phlegm (leman) V 2; Ra 38
physician (bhiaj) Su 6; Ca 65
piles (aras) Ca 10, 26
plant, aquatic (audaka) Su 5
plant, yielding latex (krin) Ca 51
plantain (moca) Ca 9
poison (via) Ca 65
poison, swallowed (viapta) Ra 7, 11
pomegranate (dima) Ca 10
pomegranate flower (dimapupa)
Ca 9
pot (kumbha) Ca 69
potherb, bitter (ka, tikta) Ca 68
potion (pna) Su 5
powder (cra) Su 1, 5; Ca 5, 28, 69, 70;
Ra 14, 28, 48
powder (viddha) Ra 48
precious stone, kind of (garamai)
Ca 38
precious stone, kind of (picuka) Ca 38
precious stone, kind of (viamik)
Ca 38
pregnancy (garbhi) Ra 7
glossaries
procedure (prayoga) Ca 69
procedure (vidhna) Ca 69
pudendum (guhya) V 4
purgative (kyavireka) Su 2b
purity (uddhi) Ca 36
quadruped (catupada) Ca 66
realgar (manala) Ca 68
reed rice (kalama) Ra 24
rejuvenation therapy (rasyana)
Ca 69
restraint-of-the-inside (antaryama)
Ca 4
rice (taula) Ca 70
rice (li) Ra 24
rice, large variety of (mahli) Ra 24
rice, red-husked (raktali) Ra 24
robber, bogus (ktataskara) Su 4
ruby (karketana) Ca 38
safflower (kusumbha) Ca 18
saffron (kukuma) Ca 18
salivation (praseka) Su 3; Ca 11
salivation (ll) Ca 4
salt (lavaa) Su 1; Ca 37
sciatica (gdhras) Ca 41
scorpion (vcika) Ca 37
scrotum (aa) Su 6
sea salt (saindhava) Ca 7, 70
self-control (dhti) Su 6
semen (ukra) Su 3; Ca 24; Ra 24, 35
semen, predominance of (ukrabhulya)
Su 3
sensation, burning (dha) Su 2b, 5, 6
sensation, burning (vidha) Ca 11
sensation, pricking and painful (todrti)
Ca 5
sepiolite (aravaphena) Ca 7
sesame (tila) Su 1; Ca 69
glossaries
sesame oil (taila) Ra 48
sesame oil, warm (uataila) Ra 3
sexual intercourse (vyavya) Ca 22, 36
shaking of body (avadhnana) Su 2b
shaking of body (pravepana) Ra 7
shyness (hr) Su 6
sickness (vydhi) Ca 25
side (prva) Ca 10
side, left (vmaprva) Su 2b
silt (paka) Su 5
silver (rajata) Ca 69
skin (tvac) Ca 66
skin, bruised (bhmi, crit) Ca 66
skin disease related to leprosy (kuha)
Ca 68
sleeping by day (divsvapna) Ra 23
slush (paka) Su 5
smell, foul (daurgandhya) Ca 5
smell, pleasant (gandha, ubha) Su 3
snake, nonvenomous (bhujaga, nirvia)
Su 4
snake-gem (sarpamai) Ca 38
sneezing powder (cra, nvana)
Ca 5
snuff(ing) (nasya) Su 5; Ca 9
sodium salt (sauvarcala) Ca 10
splash of cold water (tmbuseka)
Ca 12
spleen (plhan) Ca 10
spot, diseased (roga) Su 5
stench, foul (pti) Su 6
stimulation (hara) Ra 3
stomach (maya) Su 2b; Ca 32, 34
stomach (kuki) Ra 7
stool (varcas) Ra 24
stool, dry (udvarta) Ra 7
stoppage of menstrual blood and semen
(avabandha ukraoitayo) Su 3
straw (ta) Su 5
strength (bala) Ca 24; Ra 23
467
stuff, bitter (kau) V 8
stuff, heavy and promoting secretion
(atyabhiyandiguru) Su 4
stuff, salty (pau) V 8
stuff, salty (lavaa) Ra 47
stuff, sharp (tka) Ra 47
stuff, sour (amla) Su 1; V 8; Ra 47
substance with pungent taste (kau)
Ca 23, 42, 43
suffering (rti) Ra 38
sugar (arkar) Ca 10; Ra 48
sugar (sit) Ca 69; Ra 14, 28
sugarcane juice (ikurasa) Ca 30
sunlight (arkakara) V 8
surgeon (alyavid) Ca 18
surprise (vismpana) Ca 12
swan (hasa) Ca 38
sweating (sveda) Su 6
sweet flag (vac) Ca 57
swelling, cutaneous (opha) V 4
swelling, profound (vayathu) Su 5
swelling of scrotum and penis (na-
mehrat) Su 6
tamarind (tintika) Ca 10
taste in mouth (vaktrarasa) Ca 30
thigh, weakness in (sakthisadana) Su 3
thinning (karana) V 2
thirst (t) Ra 7
thirst (pips) Su 3
throat (gala) Su 2b
throat, compression of (galagraha) Ra
7, 11
throat injury (katakaha) Ra 7
throbbing (sphuraa) Su 3
tissue, bodily (dhtu) Ca 30; V 1
tongue ( jihv) Su 6; Ca 10
tongue, protruding ( jihv, atisarpit)
Su 1
tooth (danta) Ca 4; Ra 3
468
tooth brushing (dantadhvana) Ca 30
tortoise (krma) Ra 15, 32
touch-me-not (samag) Ca 9
treatment, line of (upakrama) Ca 65
tumour, internal (gulma) Ra 7
turmeric (rajan) Su 5
turpeth powder (trivtcra) Ca 28
ulcer (vraa) Ca 60
unconsciousness (sajna) Ra 7
urine (mtra) Su 5
urine, accumulated (aumar) Ra 28
urine, loose (meha) Ra 7, 11
urine, retention of (kcchra) Ra 28
vagina ( yoni) Su 3
vermin (ka) Su 5
vertigo (bhrama) Ra 17
vessel (kumbha) Ca 69
vessel of copper (bhjana, tmra)
Ca 68
vessel with hole at bottom (piasvedana) wind disease (mruta) Ra 28
Ca 69
vinegar, sour (uktmla) Ca 70
viscus (koha) V 4
vision, impaired (timira) Ra 7
vomit therapy (vamana) Ca 30, 34
vomiting (chardi) Su 5, 6
vomiting, excessive (ativnta) Ra 7
vomiting, induction of (vamana) Ca 32, woman, chronically ill (drgharog)
34
vomitive (vamana) Ca 32, 34; Ra 7,
11
water (udaka) Su 5; Ca 41
water (salila) Su 5
water, alkaline containing salt (kra,
lvaa) Ca 69
water, clean (ambhas, vimala) Su 5
water, cold (vri, tala) Ra 23
glossaries
water, cold (tmbu) Ca 12
water, dirty (ambhas, kalua) Su 5
water, drinking too much (atyambupna)
Ca 25
water, fresh and abundant (salilhya-
sugandhin) Su 5
water, hot (ambu, sukhoa) Ca 11
water, hot (vri, ua) Ra 5, 39
water, pouring of cold (seka, tala) Su
2b
water from ponds or tanks (sarastago-
daka) Su 5
water lily (utpala) Su 5
water lily, blue (kuvalaya) Su 5
water lily, fragrant (saugandhika) Su 5
water lily, white (kumuda) Su 5
wheat (godhma) Ra 26
wind (anila) Ra 5, 38, 39
wind (mruta) Ra 24
wind (vta) Su 2b; Ca 4, 21, 43; V 1; Ra
1, 3, 13, 15, 26, 32
wind disease (vtaroga) Ra 7
wine (madya) Ca 18
wine, kind of (tuodaka) Ca 26
wine, kind of (nigada) Ca 18
wine, kind of (sauvraka) Ca 26
wine, strong (madya, tka) Su 4
woman (str) Su 3
Ca 25
woman, ill-mannered (aniacr)
Ca 22
woman, impure (amedhy) Ca 22
woman, menstruating (rajasval)
Ca 22, 25
woman, not having had sex for a long
time (cirots) Ca 25
woman, notorious (aast) Ca 22
woman, pregnant (garbhi) Su 3
glossaries
woman, producing dubious discharge
(parisrut) Ca 25
woman, sick (tur) Ca 22
woman, smelling offensive (durgandh)
Ca 25
woman, ugly (aniarp) Ca 22
woman, unable (adak) Ca 22
woman, unsophisticated (aniaupac-
r) Ca 22
b SanskritEnglish
aki, savya eye, left
akipakman eyelash; eyelid
ajj cumin
ajrana eating before previous meal
is digested
acanacuravara antimony, colour of
powder
ajana collyrium
aa scrotum
atice exercise, excessive
atibhojana food, overindulgence in
ativnta vomiting, excessive
ati/sra diarrhoea
atyabhiyandiguru stuff, heavy and
promoting secretion
atyambupna water, drinking too
much
atyaana overeating
adak woman, unable
adharauha lip, lower
adhyaana overeating
anila wind
aniacr woman, ill-mannered
aniaupacr woman, unsophisti-
cated
aniarp woman, ugly
antaryama restraint-of-the-inside
anna food
anna, drava food, liquid
469
woman whose vagina is afflicted with
disease (duayoni) Ca 25
worm (kmi / krimi) Ca 5, 26; V 2; Ra
17
worry about loved ones (priyodvega)
Ca 12
yawning ( jmbh) Ca 4
yoghurt (dadhi) Ca 25
anna, madhura food, sweet
anna, laghu food, light
anna, snigdha food, fatty
anna, hita food, wholesome
anna, hima food, cool
annapna, astmya food and drink,
unwholesome
annapna, guru food and drink, heavy
annapna, vidhin food and drink,
caustic
annapna, viruddha food and drink,
antagonistic
anyedyuka fever, recurring every day
apacra, svalpa deviation, slight
apatya offspring
abal child, female
abhay myrobalan, chebulic
amedhy woman, impure
ambu, sukhoa water, hot
ambhas, kalua water, dirty
ambhas, vimala water, clean
amla stuff, sour
amlabhojana food, sour
amlavetasa bladderdock
ayacra iron powder
ayonigamana penetration, nonvagi-
nal
aruci aversion to food
arkakara sunlight
470 glossaries

aravaphena sepiolite indvar asparagus

artha effect, desired indryudh leech, poisonous kind
aras piles
alagard leech, poisonous kind ucca jequirity
avadhnana shaking of body uccra faeces
avabandha ukraoitayo stoppage of uttara lip, upper
menstrual blood and semen uttarauha lip, upper
avaseka application uttna patient, lying face upwards
aast woman, notorious utpala water lily
amar calculus utsabahirvega bowels, emptied of
avadara caltrop accumulations
asana Indian laurel udaka water
astmya food, unaccustomed udvarta constipation; stool, dry
astmyabhojana food, composed of upakrama treatment, line of
unwholesome ingredients upavsa fasting
asj blood uataila sesame oil, warm
asthi bone
ervru musk melon
jya ghee
tur woman, sick audaka plant, aquatic
tmagupt cowage aumar urine, accumulated
dhmna flatulence auadh herb
nha cramps, intestinal; dysuria
npa animal living in marshland ka hip
npamsa meat from animals living kau stuff, bitter; substance with
in marshland pungent taste
malak myrobalan, emblic kautrika ginger; long pepper; pepper,
maya intestine, small; stomach black
mia, medya meat, fatty ka itch(ing)
mra mango kadara catechu tree
yuprakara longevity kapil leech, nonpoisonous kind
rtavabhulya blood, predominance of kapha phlegm
menstrual kapharoga disorder, phlegmatic
rti discomfort; pain; suffering kaphrta complaints, phlegm-born
lepana lotion karra kair
ukritva acuteness karkaa crab
karketana ruby
ikurasa sugarcane juice karala earache
igud beach almond karbur leech, poisonous kind
itaraprasritasakthi leg, left stretched karana thinning
glossaries 471

kalama reed rice krabhojana food, alkaline

kalkodaka paste kra milk
kavaagraha mouthwash krin plant, yielding latex
kaya decoction; emetic nut tree kaudra honey
kca cataract
kya body khga bird
kyavireka purgative khura hoof
ksa cough(ing)
kssa iron sulphate gajamauktika elephant-pearl
kiuka bastard teak gandha, ubha smell, pleasant
kilsa, nava leukoderma, recent gamana kanyn intercourse with
ka vermin underage girls
kuki stomach garamai precious stone, kind of
kukuma saffron garbhi pregnancy; woman, pregnant
kucitadakiasakthi leg, right bent gala throat
kumuda water lily, white galagraha throat, compression of
kumbha bottle; pot; vessel gurubhojana food products, heavy
kurkua cock, flesh of gurvanna food, heavy
kuvalaya water lily, blue gulma tumour, internal
kuha costusroot; leprosy; skin disease guhya pudendum
related to leprosy gdhras sciatica
kusumbha safflower ghtagarbh conception
krma tortoise gokura caltrop
kcchra dysuria; urine, retention of gocandan leech, poisonous kind
ktataskara robber, bogus godhma wheat
kmi / krimi worm gomayacra cow dung, powdered
kamukhat areola, blackening of gaurava heaviness
k leech, poisonous kind; long graha duodenum; malabsorption
pepper syndrome
kea hair grv neck
koha viscus glni exhaustion
krimighn curcuma
krodha anger ghaa, mahant jar, big
krauca crane ghta ghee
klama exhaustion; fatigue
klaibya impotence cakramaa moving about briskly
katakaha throat injury catupada quadruped
kra ash citr mansion, fourteenth lunar
kra, lvaa water, alkaline contain- ciraklapariklia patient, having
ing salt suffered for a long time
472 glossaries

cirots woman, not having had sex tugkri bamboo manna

for a long time tumbaru Nepal pepper
cra powder tuodaka wine, kind of
cra, nvana sneezing powder ta straw
crjana collyrium ttyaka fever, recurring every third
day
chardi vomiting t thirst
cheditva ability to dislodge taila oil; sesame oil
taila, srapa mustard oil
jahara dropsy toda ache
jatumai mole todrti sensation, pricking and painful
jaraa digestion trapua cucumber
jar old age trsa intimidation
jalauka leech triphala/ myrobalans, three
jalaukvaseka leech, application of trivtcra turpeth powder
jmbava Java plum tvac skin
jihv tongue
jihv, atisarpit tongue, protruding daa bite
jrnna food, digested daana clenching
jvita, durlabha life, difficult to retain dadhi yoghurt
jmbh yawning danta tooth
jvara fever dantadhvana tooth brushing
jvara, tarua fever, early stages of dardura frog
jvaranana antipyretic dima pomegranate
jvaramukta convalescent from fever dimapupa pomegranate flower
jvarita fever sufferer dha sensation, burning
divsvapna sleeping by day
uka Indian calosanthes dpana appetite, whetting of; digestion,
promoting of
taula rice drgharog woman, chronically ill
tadvimukta convalescent durgandh woman, smelling offensive
tanu body durbala patient, weakened
tamlapatra cinnamon leaves duayoni woman whose vagina is
tla Asian palmyra palm afflicted with disease
tittiri partridge doa dosha; humour; morbidity
tintika tamarind doa, sma dosha, immature
timira vision, impaired doa, sarvadehnuga dosha, scattered
tila sesame daurgandhya smell, foul
tka stuff, sharp drk grape
tkyasa metal, keen drkrasa grape juice
glossaries
dhtak fire flame bush
dhtu tissue, bodily
dhtr myrobalan, emblic
dhnya coriander
dhpana fumigation
dhti self-control
dhvajabhaga breakdown-of-the-
organ
napusaka hermaphrodite
nalina lotus
nasya snuff(ing)
nga, vinta elephant, tamed
ngara ginger, dry
n channel, inner
nlikeraka coconut tree
nsik nose
nigada wine, kind of
nimba neem
niryha decoction
nirvia leech, nonpoisonous
nievaa eating
pakvdhna intestine
paka silt; slush
pau stuff, salty
pathya drug, beneficial
pathy myrobalan, chebulic
padma lotus
panasa jack tree
payas milk
parisrut woman, producing dubious
discharge
palu onion
pau cattle
puroga anaemia
puroga disorder, yellow
pda leg
pna potion
ppman evil
473
prva side
pigal leech, nonpoisonous kind
picuka precious stone, kind of
pitta bile
pips thirst
pippal long pepper
piasvedana vessel with hole at
bottom
pinna pastry
pus child, male; male
puarka lotus, white
puarkamukh leech, nonpoisonous
kind
pura faeces
pupakla fertility, time of
pti stench, foul
praa infusion
pha back
phyma back, contracted
prakk appetite, whetted
pratiyya catarrh, severe
pradhamana blowing into nose
prabh lustre
prayoga procedure
pralepana paste
pravepana shaking of body
praseka salivation
prahara erection
priyodvega worry about loved ones
preta ghost
plhan spleen
phala fruit
phala, ma fruit, unripe
badara, amla jujube, sour
baddhavika constipation
bala strength
bulk dolphin
bhaa fattening
474
bhaktadvea food, aversion to
bhaktarocana food, restoration of
taste
bhaya fear
bhalltaka marking-nut
bhasman ash
bhjana, tmra vessel of copper
bhiaj physician
bhujaga, nirvia snake, nonvenomous
bhmi, crit skin, bruised
bhojana, stmya diet, appropriate
bhrama vertigo
bhr eyebrow
majjan bone marrow
matsya fish flesh
mada delirium
madya drink, alcoholic; wine
madya, tka wine, strong
madhu honey
madhuka liquorice
manala realgar
many muscles, sternomastoid
manystambha neck, spastic
marakata emerald
marica pepper, black
mala impurity
mastu buttermilk
mahgada Su 5
mahli rice, large variety of
msa flesh; meat
mkika honey
mnava, balavant man, strong
mruta wind; wind disease
mrga, vtta pathway, hampered
mukha mouth
mtra urine
mtra gavm cows urine
mrcch consciousness, loss of;
fainting
glossaries
mrdhaja hair
mrdhan head
mrdhavirecana, tka errhine,
containing sharp ingredients
mik leech, nonpoisonous kind
mttik earth
md mud
mehra penis
medas disease of excess fat; fat
meha urine, loose
moca banana tree; plantain
moraa bowstring hemp
moha confusion, mental; delusion
yava barley
yavn bishops weed
yavsamla alhagi root
yoni vagina
rakta blood
raktanihvana blood, bringing up
of
raktali rice, red-husked
rajata silver
rajan turmeric
rajasval woman, menstruating
ratha cart
rasa bouillon, hearty; decoction;
extract; juice
rasyana rejuvenation therapy
rasona garlic
rjama green gram
rjdana Indian ape-flower tree
ruj pain
roga disease; spot, diseased
rogapati lord of diseases
romarj line, hairy
lakman, sahaja mark, natural
lavaa salt; stuff, salty
glossaries
lavaabhojana food, salty
launa, uddhauka garlic, skinned
and dry
ll salivation
locana eye
lodhra lodhra
loman hair
lohraviddha iron powder
lauha metal, type of
vaktra mouth
vaktrarasa taste in mouth
vac sweet flag
vajra diamond
vadanasaga lockjaw
vamana vomit therapy; vomiting,
induction of; vomitive
varga cinnamon
varauadh, vipaha amulet contain-
ing herbs, antidotal
varcas stool
varmi fish, kind of
vallra flesh, dried
vasti enema; enema liquid
vasti, ypana enema, alleviating
vta wind
vtagulma lump, wind-born
vtaroga wind disease
vmaprva side, left
vri, ua water, hot
vri, tala water, cold
vig embelia
vidagdhhra food, half-digested
vidha sensation, burning
viddha powder
vidradhi abscess, deep-seated
vidhna procedure
vibandha constipation
vibhtak myrobalan, beleric
viruddhaaana food, incompatible
475
viruddhabhojana food, composed
of incompatible ingredients
vivarat colour, loss of
via poison
viapta poison, swallowed
viamajvara fever, intermittent
viamik precious stone, kind of
vic choleraic condition
viambha constipation
vismpana surprise
vcika scorpion
vaka adulsa
vaidrya cats eye
vyavya sexual intercourse
vydhi sickness
vydhikaraa emaciation due to
sickness
vyyma exercise; exertion
vraa ulcer
akt, baila cat excretum
akumukh leech, nonpoisonous
kind
ayy, pratat bed, broad
arra body
arkar calculus; gravel; sugar
alyavid surgeon
astrapada incision, small
ka, tikta potherb, bitter
rik hill myna
li rice
ikhi peacock
ira head
iravireka errhine
irograha head, stiff
tmbu water, cold
tmbuseka splash of cold water
uka parrot
uktmla vinegar, sour
ukra semen
476
ukrabhulya semen, predominance of
ukraonitayor avabandha stoppage of
menstrual blood and semen
uh ginger
uddhi purity
namehrat swelling of scrotum savia leech, poisonous
and penis
la pain
ga horn
aivala alga
oita blood
otha oedema
odhana, mdu elimination therapy,
mild
opha swelling, cutaneous
oaatva ability to desiccate
rama exertion; exhaustion; fatigue
r appeal
lakauklrdrapicuprota cloth of
white cotton, smooth and
moist
leman phlegm
vayathu swelling, profound
vsa asthma; breath, shortage of;
breathing, laboured; breathing,
uncomfortable
vetamarica pepper, white
sakthisadana thigh, weakness in
sajna unconsciousness
sadana drowsiness; feebleness
sanipta aggravation of three doshas,
simultaneous
samag touch-me-not
sapakva disease, matured
samoha blacking out
sarastagodaka water from ponds or
tanks
sarpamai snake-gem
sarpis ghee
glossaries
sarapa mustard
salila water
salilasaraka jar of water
salilhyasugandhin water, fresh and
abundant
saviamatsya fish, noxious
sdana numbness
smudrik leech, poisonous kind
sra opal
svarik leech, nonpoisonous kind
sit sugar
sidhma patch, white leprotic
sumanas mind at ease
sryabhakta mustard, wild
seka, tala water, pouring of cold
seka, ua lotion, warm
saindhava sea salt
saugandhika water lily, fragrant
sauvarcala sodium salt
sauvraka wine, kind of
sauvrakjana antimony
stana breast
str female; woman
snna bath(ing)
sphuraa throbbing
smti memory
sveda sweating
hasa swan
hapu juniper, common
haya horse
hartak myrobalan, chebulic
hara joy; stimulation
hikk hiccough
higu asafoetida
hnatejas patient, deprived of vitality
hcchla chest pain
hd chest; heart
hdroga complaints, thoracic
glossaries
hdroga chest disease; heart com-
plaints; heart disease
3 Botanical Names
a EnglishLatin
absinthe: Artemisia absinthium
acorn: Quercus spp.
adulsa: Adhatoda vasica
African bdellium: Balsamodendron
africanum
agaric: Polyporus officinalis
agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus
agrimony: Agrimonia eupatoria
alhagi: Alhagi maurorum
alkekengi: Physalis alkekengi
alkekengi from cold countries: Physalis
alkekengi ssp.
alkekengi from Isfahan: Physalis alkekengi
ssp.
alkekengi from Mh: Physalis alkekengi
ssp.
almond: Prunus amygdalus
almond, bitter: Prunus amara
almond, sweet: Prunus dulcis
aloe: Aloe vera
ammoniacum: Dorema ammoniacum
anise: Pimpinella anisum
anise, wild: Pimpinella saxifraga
apple: Malus sylvestris
apricot: Prunus armeniaca
Arabian aloe: Aloe vera ssp.
Arabian cassia: Cinnamomum cassia ssp.
areca: Areca catechu
artichoke: Cynara scolymus
asafoetida: Ferula assa-foetida
asarabacca: Asarum europaeum
Asian palmyra palm: Borassus flabellifer
asparagus: Asparagus racemosus
477
heman gold
hr shyness
azederach: Melia azedarach
babul: Acacia nilotica
balm: Commiphora opobalsamum
bamboo: Bambusa spp.
banana: Musa paradisiaca
barberry: Berberis vulgaris
barley: Hordeum vulgare
bastard teak: Butea monosperma
bay laurel: Laurus nobilis
beach almond: Terminalia catappa
bean trefoil: Anagyris foetida
beet: Beta vulgaris
Bengal quince: Aegle marmelos
betel: Piper betle
bindweed: Convolvulus arvensis
birthwort: Aristolochia clematitis
birthwort, long: Aristolochia longa
bishops weed: Trachyspermum ammi
bladderdock: Rumex vesicarius
borage: Borago officinalis
bowstring hemp: Sansevieria zeylanica
broad bean: Vicia faba
bryony, red: Bryonia dioica
cabbage: Brassica oleracea
caltrop: Tribulus terrestris
camphor: Cinnamomum camphora
canella: Canella winterana
caper: Capparis spinosa
caraway: Carum carvi
caraway, wild: Lagoecia cuminoides
carob: Ceratonia siliqua
478
cassia: Cinnamomum cassia
castor oil plant: Ricinus communis
catechu: Acacia catechu
celery: Apium graveolens
centaury: Centaurea spp.
centaury: Centaurium spp.
centaury, large: Centaurea centaurium
centaury, small: Centaurium minus
chamomile: Chamaemelum nobile
chickpea: Cicer arietinum
chicory: Cichorium intybus
Chinese rhubarb: Rheum palmatum ssp.
Christs thorn: Paliurus spina-christi
cinnamom: Cinnamomum verum
citron: Citrus medica
citronella: Cymbopogon nardus
clove: Syzygium aromaticum
cocculus: Anamirta cocculus
coconut: Cocos nucifera
colocasia: Colocasia esculenta
colocynth: Citrullus colocynthis
Coptic mastic: Pistacia lentiscus ssp.
coriander: Coriandrum sativum
costmary: Tanacetum balsamita
costusroot: Saussurea costus
cotton: Gossypium herbaceum
cowage: Mucuna pruriens
Cretan dittany: Origanum dictamnus
cucumber: Cucumis sativus
cumin: Cuminum cyminum
cumin, black: Nigella sativa
curcuma: Curcuma spp.
currant: Vitis vinifera
cyperus: Cyperus rotundus
cypress: Cupressus sempervirens
daffodil: Narcissus spp.
date: Phoenix dactylifera
dill: Anethum graveolens
dog rose: Rosa canina
glossaries
dog violet: Viola canina
dogs grass: Elymus repens
dogs mercury: Mercurialis perennis
downy burdock: Arctium tomentosum
drias plant: Thapsia garganica
duckweed: Lemna minor
dyers madder: Rubia tinctorum
ebony: Diospyros ebenum
elecampane: Inula helenium
embelia: Embelia ribes
emblic: Phyllanthus emblica
emetic nut: Strychnos nux-vomica
endive: Cichorium endivia
endive, wild: Cichorium intybus
esparto grass: Stipa tenacissima
fennel: Foeniculum vulgare
fenugreek: Trigonella foenum-graecum
fig: Ficus carica
fir: Abies spp.
fire flame bush: Woodfordia fruticosa
fleawort: Plantago psyllium
frankincense: Boswellia spp.
fumitory: Fumaria officinalis
galbanum: Ferula galbaniflua
galingale: Alpinia galanga
garden cress: Lepidium sativum
garden peppercress: Lepidium latifolium
garden peppercress, white: Lepidium
latifolium ssp.
garlic: Allium sativum
gentian: Gentiana lutea
germander: Teucrium spp.
gherkin: Cucumis anguria
giant thistle: Onopordum acanthium
gillyflower: Dianthus caryophyllus
ginger: Zingiber officinale
globe thistle: Echinops ruthenicus
glossaries
glossostemon: Glossostemon bruguieri
gourd: Lagenaria vulgaris
grains of paradise: Aframomum mele-
gueta
grape: Vitis vinifera
great leopards bane: Doronicum
pardalianches
Greek absinthe: Artemisia absinthium
ssp.
green gram: Vigna radiata
gum arabic: Acacia arabica
gum senegal: Acacia senegal
hazelnut: Corylus avellana
hellebore: Helleborus spp.
hellebore, black: Helleborus niger
hellebore, white: Veratrum album
hemp: Cannabis sativa
henbane: Hyoscyamus niger
henna: Lawsonia inermis
hollyhock: Althaea rosea
hollyhock, wild: Althaea rosea ssp.
horseradish: Moringa oleifera
horsetail: Equisetum spp.
houseleek: Sempervivum tectorum
hypericum: Hypericum spp.
Indian aconite: Aconitum ferox
Indian ape-flower: Mimusops hexandra
Indian bdellium: Balsamodendron mukul
Indian calosanthes: Oroxylum indicum
Indian garden cress: Lepidium sativum
ssp.
Indian hazelnut: Corylus avellana ssp.
Indian laurel: Laurus malabathrum ssp.
Indian lignaloes: Aquilaria malaccensis
Indian lycium: Lycium barbarum
Indian myrobalan: Terminalia spp.
Indian nenuphar: Nymphaea nucifera
Indian quince: Aegle marmelos
479
indigo: Indigofera tinctoria
indigo, cultivated: Indigofera tinctoria
indigo, wild: Indigofera spp.
iris: Iris spp.
jack tree: Artocarpus heterophyllus
jasmine: Jasminum officinale
Java plum: Syzygium cumini
jequirity: Abrus precatorius
jujube: Ziziphus jujuba
juniper: Juniperus communis
kair: Capparis decidua
Kerman cumin: Cuminum cyminum
ssp.
ladanum: Cistus ladaniferus
laurel: Laurus malabathrum
leek: Allium porrum
lemon grass: Cymbopogon citratus
lentil: Lens esculenta
lettuce: Lactuca sativa
lignaloes: Aquilaria agallocha
lily: Lilium candidum
lily of the valley: Convallaria majalis
linseed: Linum usitatissimum
liquorice: Glycyrrhiza glabra
lodhra: Symplocos racemosa
long pepper: Piper longum
lote: Ziziphus lotus
lotus: Nelumbium speciosum
lotus, white: Nelumbium speciosum ssp.
album
lovage: Levisticum officinale
lucerne: Medicago sativa
lupine: Lupinus albus
lycium: Lycium spp.
mace: Myristica fragrans
madder: Rubia tinctorum
480
mahaleb: Prunus mahaleb
mallow: Malva sylvestris
mandrake: Mandragora officinarum
mango: Mangifera indica
marjoram: Origanum majorana
marjoram, wild: Origanum vulgare
marjoram, wild white: Origanum vulgare
ssp.
marking-nut: Semecarpus anacardium
marshmallow: Althaea officinalis
mastic: Pistacia lentiscus
meadow saffron: Colchicum autumnale
meadow saffron, red: Colchicum
autumnale ssp. pleniflorum
meadow saffron, white: Colchicum
autumnale ssp. alboplenum
Meccan bdellium: Balsamodendron spp.
melilot: Melilotus officinalis
mezereon: Daphne mezereum
millet: Panicum miliaceum
mint: Mentha spp.
mountain fig: Ficus montana
mountain mint: Clinopodium vulgare
mountain myrrh: Commiphora myrrha
ssp.
mountain rue: Ruta montana
mulberry: Morus spp.
mung bean: Vigna radiata
mushroom: Agaricus spp.
musk melon: Cucumis melo
mustard: Brassica nigra
mustard, white: Brassica alba
mustard, wild: Brassica juncea
myrobalan: Terminalia chebula
myrobalan, beleric: Terminalia bellerica
myrobalan, black: Terminalia chebula
myrobalan, chebulic: Terminalia chebula
myrobalan, emblic: Phyllanthus emblica
myrobalan, yellow: Terminalia bellerica
myrrh: Commiphora myrrha
glossaries
myrtle: Myrtus communis
myrtle, wild: Myrtus sylvestris
Nabataean carob: Ceratonia siliqua ssp.
nard: Nardostachys grandiflora
neem: Azadirachta indica
nenuphar: Nymphaea alba
Nepal pepper: Zanthoxylum armatum
nux vomica: Strychnos nux-vomica
oak: Quercus spp.
oat, red: Avena byzantina
oleander: Nerium oleander
olibanum: Boswellia spp.
olive: Olea europaea
onion: Allium cepa
opium: Papaver somniferum
opopanax: Opopanax chironium
orache: Atriplex hortensis
orchid, green-winged: Orchis morio
orchil: Roccella tinctoria
oregano, white: Origanum syriacum
Oriental tamarisk: Tamarix orientalis
origanum: Origanum spp.
palm: Phoenix spp.
parsley: Petroselinum crispum
parsnip: Pastinaca sativa
peach: Prunus persica
pellitory: Anacyclus pyrethrum
pennyroyal: Mentha pulegium
pennyroyal, wild: Mentha arvensis
peony: Paeonia officinalis
pepper: Piper nigrum
pepper, white: Piper nigrum
Persian rhubarb: Rheum ribes
Persian walnut: Juglans regia
pine: Pinus spp.
pistachio: Pistacia vera
pith spurge: Euphorbia pityusa
glossaries
plantain: Plantago major
plum: Prunus domestica
polypody: Polypodium vulgare
pomegranate: Punica granatum
poplar, white: Populus alba
poppy: Papaver spp.
poppy, red: Papaver persicum
purging cassia: Cassia fistula
purslane: Portulaca oleracea
quince: Cydonia oblonga
radish: Raphanus sativus
raisin: Vitis vinifera
ramie: Boehmeria nivea
rape: Brassica napus
reed: Arundo spp.
reed: Phragmites spp.
reed rice: Oryza sativa ssp.
retem: Cytisus spp.
retem: Genista spp.
retem: Spartium spp.
rhubarb: Rheum palmatum
ribwort: Plantago lanceolata
rice: Oryza sativa
rice, large variety: Oryza sativa ssp.
rice, red-husked: Oryza sativa ssp.
rocket: Eruca sativa
Roman nettle: Urtica pilulifera
rose: Rosa spp.
rose, red: Rosa gallica
rue: Ruta graveolens
rue, wild: Ruta montana
safflower: Carthamus tinctorius
saffron: Crocus sativus
sagapenum: Ferula persica
sandalwood: Pterocarpus santalinus
sandalwood: Santalum album
sandarac: Tetraclinis articulata
481
sarcocolla: Astragalus sarcocolla
savin: Juniperus sabina
savory: Satureja spp.
scammony: Convolvulus scammonia
sea lavenders, two: Centaurea behen
sea lavenders, two: Limonium vulgare
sea savory: Calamintha maritima
sebesten: Cordia sebestena
senna: Cassia senna
serpent melon: Cucumis flexuosus
serpent melon, wild: Ecballium elaterium
sesame: Sesamum indicum
shampoo ginger: Zingiber zerumbet
soapwort: Saponaria officinalis
Socotran aloe: Aloe succotrina
Solomons basil: Ocimum filamentosum
sorb: Sorbus domestica
sorghum: Sorghum bicolor
sorrel: Rumex acetosa
spikenard: Nardostachys jatamansi
spurge: Euphorbia resinifera
spurge, a species: Euphorbia sp.
spurge, all species: Euphorbia spp.
squill: Urginea maritima
storax: Styrax spp.
sugar cane: Saccharum officinarum
sumach: Rhus coriaria
sweet basil: Ocimum basilicum
sweet chestnut: Castanea sativa
sweet clover: Melilotus officinalis
sweet flag: Acorus calamus
sweet violet: Viola odorata
Syrian rue: Peganum harmala
tamarind: Tamarindus indica
tamarisk: Tamarix articulata
tassel hyacinth: Muscari comosum
terebinth: Pistacia terebinthus
thorn-apple: Datura metel
thyme, wild: Thymus serpyllum
482
touch-me-not: Mimosa pudica
tragacanth: Astragalus tragacantha
truffle: Tuber spp.
turmeric: Curcuma longa
turnip: Brassica rapa
turpentine: Pistacia terebinthus
turpeth: Operculina turpethum
usnea: Alectoria usneoides
vervain: Verbena supina
vetch: Vicia sativa
vetch, bitter: Vicia ervilia
visnaga: Ammi visnaga
b LatinEnglish
Abies spp. fir
Abrus precatorius jequirity
Acacia arabica gum arabic
Acacia catechu catechu
Acacia nilotica babul
Acacia senegal gum senegal
Aconitum ferox Indian aconite
Acorus calamus sweet flag
Adhatoda vasica adulsa
Aegle marmelos Bengal quince
Aegle marmelos Indian quince
Aframomum melegueta grains of
paradise
Agaricus spp. mushroom
Agrimonia eupatoria agrimony
Alectoria usneoides usnea
Alhagi maurorum alhagi
Allium cepa onion
Allium porrum leek
Allium sativum garlic
Aloe succotrina Socotran aloe
Aloe vera aloe
Aloe vera ssp. Arabian aloe
Alpinia galanga galingale
glossaries
walnut: Juglans regia
water flag: Iris pseudacorus
water lily: Nymphaea spp.
water lily, blue: Nymphaea stellata
water lily, fragrant: Nymphaea spp.
water lily, white: Nymphaea alba
wheat: Triticum aestivum
willow: Salix spp.
wormwood: Artemisia armeniaca
zedoary: Curcuma zedoaria
zedoary from India: Curcuma zedoaria
ssp.
Althaea officinalis marshmallow
Althaea rosea hollyhock
Althaea rosea ssp. hollyhock, wild
Ammi visnaga visnaga
Anacyclus pyrethrum pellitory
Anagyris foetida bean trefoil
Anamirta cocculus cocculus
Anethum graveolens dill
Apium graveolens celery
Aquilaria agallocha lignaloes
Aquilaria malaccensis Indian lignaloes
Arctium tomentosum downy burdock
Areca catechu areca
Aristolochia clematitis birthwort
Aristolochia longa birthwort, long
Artemisia absinthium absinthe
Artemisia absinthium ssp. Greek
absinthe
Artemisia armeniaca wormwood
Artocarpus heterophyllus jack tree
Arundo spp. reed
Asarum europaeum asarabacca
Asparagus racemosus asparagus
Astragalus sarcocolla sarcocolla
glossaries
Astragalus tragacantha tragacanth
Atriplex hortensis orache
Avena byzantina oat, red
Azadirachta indica neem
Balsamodendron spp. Meccan bdellium Cicer arietinum chickpea
Balsamodendron africanum African
bdellium
Balsamodendron mukul Indian
bdellium
Bambusa spp. bamboo
Berberis vulgaris barberry
Beta vulgaris beet
Boehmeria nivea ramie
Borago officinalis borage
Borassus flabellifer Asian palmyra palm Citrullus colocynthis colocynth
Boswellia spp. frankincense
Boswellia spp. olibanum
Brassica alba mustard, white
Brassica juncea mustard, wild
Brassica napus rape
Brassica nigra mustard
Brassica oleracea cabbage
Brassica rapa turnip
Bryonia dioica bryony, red
Butea monosperma bastard teak
Calamintha maritima sea savory
Canella winterana canella
Cannabis sativa hemp
Capparis decidua kair
Capparis spinosa caper
Carthamus tinctorius safflower
Carum carvi caraway
Cassia fistula purging cassia
Cassia senna senna
Castanea sativa sweet chestnut
Centaurea spp. centaury
Centaurea behen sea lavenders, two
Centaurea centaurium centaury, large
483
Centaurium spp. centaury
Centaurium minus centaury, small
Ceratonia siliqua carob
Ceratonia siliqua ssp. Nabataean carob
Chamaemelum nobile chamomile
Cichorium endivia endive
Cichorium intybus chicory
Cichorium intybus endive, wild
Cinnamomum camphora camphor
Cinnamomum cassia cassia
Cinnamomum cassia ssp. Arabian
cassia
Cinnamomum verum cinnamom
Cistus ladaniferus ladanum
Citrus medica citron
Clinopodium vulgare mountain mint
Cocos nucifera coconut
Colchicum autumnale meadow saffron
Colchicum autumnale ssp. alboplenum
meadow saffron, white
Colchicum autumnale ssp. pleniflorum
meadow saffron, red
Colocasia esculenta colocasia
Commiphora myrrha myrrh
Commiphora myrrha ssp. mountain
myrrh
Commiphora opobalsamum balm
Convallaria majalis lily of the valley
Convolvulus arvensis bindweed
Convolvulus scammonia scammony
Cordia sebestena sebesten
Coriandrum sativum coriander
Corylus avellana hazelnut
Corylus avellana ssp. Indian hazelnut
Crocus sativus saffron
Cucumis anguria gherkin
Cucumis flexuosus serpent melon
Cucumis melo musk melon
484
Cucumis sativus cucumber
Cuminum cyminum cumin
Cuminum cyminum ssp. Kerman
cumin
Cupressus sempervirens cypress
Curcuma spp. curcuma
Curcuma longa turmeric
Curcuma zedoaria zedoary
Curcuma zedoaria ssp. zedoary from
India
Cydonia oblonga quince
Cymbopogon citratus lemon grass
Cymbopogon nardus citronella
Cynara scolymus artichoke
Cyperus rotundus cyperus
Cytisus spp. retem
Daphne mezereum mezereon
Datura metel thorn-apple
Dianthus caryophyllus gillyflower
Diospyros ebenum ebony
Dorema ammoniacum ammoniacum
Doronicum pardalianches great
leopards bane
Ecballium elaterium serpent melon,
wild
Echinops ruthenicus globe thistle
Elymus repens dogs grass
Embelia ribes embelia
Equisetum spp. horsetail
Eruca sativa rocket
Euphorbia sp. spurge, a species
Euphorbia spp. spurge, all species
Euphorbia pityusa pith spurge
Euphorbia resinifera spurge
Ferula assa-foetida asafoetida
Ferula galbaniflua galbanum
Ferula persica sagapenum
glossaries
Ficus carica fig
Ficus montana mountain fig
Foeniculum vulgare fennel
Fumaria officinalis fumitory
Genista spp. retem
Gentiana lutea gentian
Glossostemon bruguieri glossostemon
Glycyrrhiza glabra liquorice
Gossypium herbaceum cotton
Helleborus spp. hellebore
Helleborus niger hellebore, black
Hordeum vulgare barley
Hyoscyamus niger henbane
Hypericum spp. hypericum
Indigofera spp. indigo, wild
Indigofera tinctoria indigo
Indigofera tinctoria indigo, cultivated
Inula helenium elecampane
Iris spp. iris
Iris pseudacorus water flag
Jasminum officinale jasmine
Juglans regia Persian walnut
Juglans regia walnut
Juniperus communis juniper
Juniperus sabina savin
Lactuca sativa lettuce
Lagenaria vulgaris gourd
Lagoecia cuminoides caraway, wild
Laurus malabathrum laurel
Laurus malabathrum ssp. Indian laurel
Laurus nobilis bay laurel
Lawsonia inermis henna
Lemna minor duckweed
Lens esculenta lentil
Lepidium latifolium garden peppercress
glossaries
Lepidium latifolium ssp. garden
peppercress, white
Lepidium sativum garden cress
Lepidium sativum ssp. Indian garden
cress
Levisticum officinale lovage
Lilium candidum lily
Limonium vulgare sea lavenders, two
Linum usitatissimum linseed
Lupinus albus lupine
Lycium spp. lycium
Lycium barbarum Indian lycium
Malus sylvestris apple
Malva sylvestris mallow
Mandragora officinarum mandrake
Mangifera indica mango
Medicago sativa lucerne
Melia azedarach azederach
Melilotus officinalis melilot
Melilotus officinalis sweet clover
Mentha spp. mint
Mentha arvensis pennyroyal, wild
Mentha pulegium pennyroyal
Mercurialis perennis dogs mercury
Mimosa pudica touch-me-not
Mimusops hexandra Indian ape-flower
Moringa oleifera horseradish
Morus spp. mulberry
Mucuna pruriens cowage
Musa paradisiaca banana
Muscari comosum tassel hyacinth
Myristica fragrans mace
Myrtus communis myrtle
Myrtus sylvestris myrtle, wild
Narcissus spp. daffodil
Nardostachys grandiflora nard
Nardostachys jatamansi spikenard
Nelumbium speciosum lotus
485
Nelumbium speciosum ssp. album lotus,
white
Nerium oleander oleander
Nigella sativa cumin, black
Nymphaea spp. water lily
Nymphaea spp. water lily, fragrant
Nymphaea alba nenuphar
Nymphaea alba water lily, white
Nymphaea nucifera Indian nenuphar
Nymphaea stellata water lily, blue
Ocimum basilicum sweet basil
Ocimum filamentosum Solomons basil
Olea europaea olive
Onopordum acanthium giant thistle
Operculina turpethum turpeth
Opopanax chironium opopanax
Orchis morio orchid, green-winged
Origanum spp. origanum
Origanum dictamnus Cretan dittany
Origanum majorana marjoram
Origanum syriacum oregano, white
Origanum vulgare marjoram, wild
Origanum vulgare ssp. marjoram, wild
white
Oroxylum indicum Indian calosanthes
Oryza sativa rice
Oryza sativa ssp. reed rice
Oryza sativa ssp. rice, large variety
Oryza sativa ssp. rice, red-husked
Paeonia officinalis peony
Paliurus spina-christi Christs thorn
Panicum miliaceum millet
Papaver spp. poppy
Papaver persicum poppy, red
Papaver somniferum opium
Pastinaca sativa parsnip
Peganum harmala Syrian rue
Petroselinum crispum parsley
486
Phoenix spp. palm
Phoenix dactylifera date
Phragmites spp. reed
Phyllanthus emblica emblic
Phyllanthus emblica myrobalan, emblic
Physalis alkekengi alkekengi
Physalis alkekengi ssp. alkekengi from
cold countries
Physalis alkekengi ssp. alkekengi from
Isfahan
Physalis alkekengi ssp. alkekengi from
Mh
Pimpinella anisum anise
Pimpinella saxifraga anise, wild
Pinus spp. pine
Piper betle betel
Piper longum long pepper
Piper nigrum pepper
Piper nigrum pepper, white
Pistacia lentiscus mastic
Pistacia lentiscus ssp. Coptic mastic
Pistacia terebinthus terebinth
Pistacia terebinthus turpentine
Pistacia vera pistachio
Plantago lanceolata ribwort
Plantago major plantain
Plantago psyllium fleawort
Polypodium vulgare polypody
Polyporus officinalis agaric
Populus alba poplar, white
Portulaca oleracea purslane
Prunus amara almond, bitter
Prunus amygdalus almond
Prunus armeniaca apricot
Prunus domestica plum
Prunus dulcis almond, sweet
Prunus mahaleb mahaleb
Prunus persica peach
Pterocarpus santalinus sandalwood
Punica granatum pomegranate
glossaries
Quercus spp. acorn
Quercus spp. oak
Raphanus sativus radish
Rheum palmatum rhubarb
Rheum palmatum ssp. Chinese rhubarb
Rheum ribes Persian rhubarb
Rhus coriaria sumach
Ricinus communis castor oil plant
Roccella tinctoria orchil
Rosa spp. rose
Rosa canina dog rose
Rosa gallica rose, red
Rubia tinctorum dyers madder
Rubia tinctorum madder
Rumex acetosa sorrel
Rumex vesicarius bladderdock
Ruta graveolens rue
Ruta montana mountain rue
Ruta montana rue, wild
Saccharum officinarum sugar cane
Salix spp. willow
Sansevieria zeylanica bowstring
hemp
Santalum album sandalwood
Saponaria officinalis soapwort
Satureja spp. savory
Saussurea costus costusroot
Semecarpus anacardium marking-nut
Sempervivum tectorum houseleek
Sesamum indicum sesame
Sorbus domestica sorb
Sorghum bicolor sorghum
Spartium spp. retem
Stipa tenacissima esparto grass
Strychnos nux-vomica emetic nut
Strychnos nux-vomica nux vomica
Styrax spp. storax
Symplocos racemosa lodhra
glossaries
Syzygium aromaticum clove
Syzygium cumini Java plum
Tamarindus indica tamarind
Tamarix articulata tamarisk
Tamarix orientalis Oriental tamarisk
Tanacetum balsamita costmary
Terminalia spp. Indian myrobalan
Terminalia bellerica myrobalan, beleric
Terminalia bellerica myrobalan, yellow
Terminalia catappa beach almond
Terminalia chebula myrobalan
Terminalia chebula myrobalan, black
Terminalia chebula myrobalan,
chebulic
Tetraclinis articulata sandarac
Teucrium spp. germander
Thapsia garganica drias plant
Thymus serpyllum thyme, wild
Trachyspermum ammi bishops weed
Tribulus terrestris caltrop
Trigonella foenum-graecum fenugreek
Triticum aestivum wheat
Tuber spp. truffle
487
Urginea maritima squill
Urtica pilulifera Roman nettle
Veratrum album hellebore, white
Verbena supina vervain
Vicia ervilia vetch, bitter
Vicia faba broad bean
Vicia sativa vetch
Vigna radiata green gram
Vigna radiata mung bean
Viola canina dog violet
Viola odorata sweet violet
Vitex agnus-castus agnus-castus
Vitis vinifera currant
Vitis vinifera grape
Vitis vinifera raisin
Woodfordia fruticosa fire flame bush
Zanthoxylum armatum Nepal pepper
Zingiber officinale ginger
Zingiber zerumbet shampoo ginger
Ziziphus jujuba jujube
Ziziphus lotus lote