Ghāyat al-Bayān: A Master Storyteller of Medical Knowledge Transmission

By Ayman Yasin Atat ~

During my recent visit to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), I had the privilege of exploring a manuscript, MS A 30, titled Ghāyat al-Bayān (translated as The Culmination of Perfection). Authored by Ibn Sallūm al-Ḥalabī, this manuscript captivated me with its unique synthesis of classical medical sources such as Galen and Avicenna alongside contributions from Europe. This eclectic blend reflects a rich tapestry of medical knowledge within Ottoman civilization, potentially serving as compelling evidence of the transmission of medical insights from Europe to the Ottoman world.

Throughout history, the exchange of medical knowledge has been facilitated by the translation of seminal texts across different cultures. For instance, ancient Greek works by Hippocrates and Galen found new life through translations into languages like Persian and Arabic, facilitating the dissemination of medical knowledge between civilizations. In the Middle Ages, translations of seminal works such as Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine into Latin facilitated the flow of medical wisdom from the East to the West, profoundly influencing European medicine.

However, as time progressed, the direction of this knowledge exchange underwent a significant shift. During the early modern period, European medical knowledge began to exert influence on medical practices in the Arab world, marking a noteworthy reversal in the flow of medical ideas. Despite this transformation, our understanding of how European medical concepts shaped medical practices in the Arab world remains incomplete. Manuscripts like Ghāyat al-Bayān offer invaluable insights into the evolving exchange of medical knowledge from West to East.

Who is Ibn Sallūm al-Halabī?

Ibn Sallūm al-Ḥalabī, a prominent physician and medical writer, lived during the 17th century. Born in Aleppo, Syria, Ibn Sallūm later established himself in Constantinople (Istanbul), where he made significant contributions to the field of medicine within the Ottoman Empire. His renowned work, Ghāyat al-Bayān, stands as a testament to his deep understanding of medical theory and practice.

Throughout his career, Ibn Sallūm drew upon a diverse array of medical traditions, blending classical Islamic sources such as Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine with contemporary European medical knowledge. This integration of diverse medical perspectives allowed him to offer innovative insights into the treatment of various ailments and diseases.

Ghāyat al-Bayān manuscript

The Ghāyat al-Bayān manuscript authored by Ibn Sallūm al-Ḥalabī is a meticulously organized compilation of medical knowledge, covering a diverse array of topics such as anatomy, pathology, symptomatology, and pharmacology. Divided into several sections, the manuscript offers a comprehensive overview of medical theory and practice. What sets this manuscript apart is its integration of insights from Arabic, Persian, and European medical texts, providing a holistic understanding of medicine that reflects the dynamic nature of medical discourse during the period. Ibn Sallūm’s pioneering efforts in bridging different medical traditions, particularly his incorporation of European sources, underscore his role as a pivotal figure in the transmission of medical knowledge from the West to the East.

Key European Authors Quoted by Ibn Sallūm in the Ghāyat al-Bayān Manuscript

When I embarked on studying Ghāyat al-Bayān, it became evident that Daniel Sennert, a prominent German physician from the 17th century, held a central position in Ibn Sallūm’s manuscript, showcasing his significant influence on Ibn Sallūm’s work. Ibn Sallūm extensively quotes Sennert across various sections of the manuscript, demonstrating a profound engagement with European medical knowledge. Sennert’s insights span a wide range of medical conditions, including fever, diarrhea, joint pain, and more. By integrating Sennert’s observations into the broader framework of Ottoman medical practice, Ibn Sallūm enriches the discourse on medical theory and treatment methods. This integration reflects a dynamic exchange of ideas between European and Ottoman medical traditions. Ibn Sallūm’s incorporation of Sennert’s works underscores the transmission of medical knowledge from West to East during this period.

Additionally, Nicolaus Myrepsus, a European physician from the 13th century, plays a significant role in Ibn Sallūm’s Ghāyat al-Bayān, particularly in the section on compound drugs. Myrepsus’s quotations are evident in various formulations described by Ibn Sallūm, showing how European pharmaceutical knowledge was integrated into Ottoman medical practice. For instance, Myrepsus’s insights are referenced in discussing a diverse range of compound drugs in the manuscript, such as oxymel (a mixture of honey and vinegar). Additionally, Ibn Sallūm cites Myrepsus’s views on the medicinal properties of certain substances, including remedies like gold pills and zinc ointment. By drawing on Myrepsus’s works, Ibn Sallūm enriches the discussion on pharmaceutical formulations and incorporates the ideas of one of the most renowned European pharmaceutical authors into Ottoman medical traditions.

In Ibn Sallūm’s Ghāyat al-Bayān manuscript, the influence of European medical knowledge extends beyond the contributions of Daniel Sennert and Nicolaus Myrepsus. The text extensively references the works of chemical physicians, a term used to denote European medical practitioners of the time. This integration of European perspectives underscores the transmission of medical knowledge from West to East, shedding light on the evolving landscape of medicine during the period in which Ghāyat al-Bayān was composed.

Conclusion

In the captivating narrative of the Ghāyat al-Bayān manuscript, this text emerges as a master storyteller, seamlessly blending diverse strands of medical wisdom into a rich tapestry that transcends geographical boundaries. Each passage within its pages offers a glimpse into the dynamic exchange of knowledge that characterized the 17th century, from the meticulous categorization of diseases to the formulations of pharmaceutical remedies. Through Ibn Sallūm’s careful referencing of European authors, we witness firsthand the cross-cultural dialogue that shaped medical practices of the era.

What truly distinguishes Ghāyat al-Bayān is its role as a witness to the transmission of medical knowledge from West to East. Within its pages, we embark on a journey through history, guided by the beacon of knowledge that Ibn Sallūm provides. As we delve into its contents, Ghāyat al-Bayān invites us to engage in the ongoing dialogue between civilizations, serving as a catalyst for humanity’s collective quest toward a brighter medical future.

It has been a great pleasure to access numerous manuscripts housed at the National Library of Medicine, particularly in the field of the history of pharmacy, made possible through the funding I received from The NLM Michael E. DeBakey Fellowship in the History of Medicine. I extend my sincere gratitude to the staff at the NLM for their invaluable assistance and support.

Ayman Yasin Atat is a pharmacist with a PhD in the history of pharmacy and a 2024 NLM Michael E. DeBakey Fellow in the History of Medicine. He currently serves as a principal investigator on a project at the Department for the History of Pharmacy at TU Braunschweig in Germany funded by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation.