The Book on Medicine Dedicated to al-Mansur

What it is

This manuscript preserves the Kitab al-Mansuri, one of al-Razi's most famous medical works, composed in the early 10th century and dedicated to Al-Mansur ibn Ishaq, governor of Rayy, al-Razi's home region. This copy dates from the 15th century, long after the original was written.

Why it matters

Al-Razi directed hospitals in Rayy and later Baghdad and wrote widely on medicine, philosophy and alchemy. The Kitab al-Mansuri, covering diet, anatomy, surgery, diagnosis and more, became one of his two most influential medical books and shows how his ideas combined theory and practice for real patients.

Look closer

• What can the layout of red headings and ruled borders tell us about how the manuscript was meant to be used?
• Why might a physician dedicate his book to a governor rather than to other doctors?
• How does the organisation of the book, from theory to practice, reflect how al-Razi thought medicine should be taught?