Islam did not "create" science in the sense of originating the very concept of scientific inquiry. Rather, the Islamic Golden Age saw significant advancements and contributions to existing sciences and laid the groundwork for new fields of study. Islamic scholars preserved, translated, and built upon the scientific knowledge of ancient civilizations, particularly Greek, Persian, and Indian.
Fields of Scientific Advancements
Here are some key areas where Islamic scholars made major contributions:
| Field | Contributions | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Astronomy | Extensive astronomical observations, development of new astronomical instruments, and accurate celestial charts. | Al-Khwarizmi's work on astronomical tables (Zij), Al-Battani's accurate calculations of the length of the solar year, and the establishment of observatories in cities like Baghdad. |
| Mathematics | The invention of algebra, advancement of trigonometry, and the adoption of the Hindu-Arabic numeral system. | Al-Khwarizmi is known as the "father of algebra"; the development of spherical trigonometry by Al-Battani; the popularization of the decimal system, including the use of zero, which revolutionized calculations. |
| Medicine | Significant progress in surgery, pharmacology, and the understanding of diseases, the establishment of hospitals, and medical encyclopedias. | Ibn Sina (Avicenna)'s The Canon of Medicine, a comprehensive medical text used in Europe for centuries; Al-Razi's detailed observations and descriptions of diseases like measles and smallpox; advances in ophthalmology. |
| Alchemy & Chemistry | Development of laboratory equipment and the process of distillation, research on the properties of substances. | Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber)'s contributions to chemical processes and laboratory practices. |
| Botany & Agronomy | Studies of plant life, including their medicinal properties and agricultural practices. | Detailed botanical texts; experiments in plant cultivation and propagation; improvements in agricultural techniques like irrigation. |
| Geography & Cartography | Accurate mapping of the world, development of navigational tools, explorations of new lands. | The creation of accurate world maps; the invention of the astrolabe, used in navigation and astronomy; contributions to geographical knowledge through explorations and descriptions of different regions of the world. |
| Ophthalmology | Advanced knowledge of the eye and its diseases, the development of surgical tools and procedures. | Ibn al-Haytham's (Alhazen) Book of Optics, which revolutionized the understanding of vision and laid the foundations for modern optics; descriptions of eye diseases and their treatments. |
| Pharmacology | Preparation of various medicines and understanding of their effects, establishment of pharmacies. | Detailed descriptions of medicinal plants and drugs; advancements in pharmacy practices; establishment of early pharmacies. |
| Physics | Studies in optics, mechanics, and hydrostatics, and understanding of natural phenomena. | Ibn al-Haytham's work on optics, including his studies of light and vision; experiments on gravity and the behavior of objects in motion; early theories on forces. |
| Zoology | Detailed studies of animals, including their anatomy, behavior, and classification. | Comprehensive zoological texts; detailed descriptions of animal anatomy and behavior; classification systems for animals. |
Key Contributions
- Preservation of Knowledge: Islamic scholars played a crucial role in translating and preserving the works of ancient Greek, Persian, and Indian scholars, preventing the loss of valuable knowledge.
- Advancement of Existing Fields: They did not merely copy the existing knowledge but advanced it through rigorous experimentation and observation.
- Development of New Fields: Their contributions led to the emergence of new fields of study like algebra and advanced optics.
Islamic science was characterized by a blend of theoretical study and practical application, resulting in numerous advancements across diverse fields. The legacy of Islamic scientific achievement continues to influence modern science.
