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MEDICAL SCIENCE AMONG THE ARABS. I 7 I
law, while other establishments were provided for instruction
in the natural sciences and in the science of medicine.
The Society of the "Brethren of Purity" which arose in
the 10th century at Basra did not reckon teaching among
its peculiar tasks. It certainly endeavoured to extend
education by the publication of treatises in theology, philosophy,
mathematics and the natural sciences; but the goal
it had in view was the alliance of reason and faith and the
establishment or purification of faith through knowledge.
F DlETERlCl has illustrated their efforts and their performances
in a series of valuable writings.
The " House of Wisdom " founded by the Caliph HAKIM
BllMRlLLAH in the year 1105 at Cairo exhibited in many
respects the character of a University. There medicine
was taught in conjunction with other sciences, and amongst
the well paid teachers who were appointed to the institution
were not only theologians, grammarians, philosophers, and
lawyers but also mathematicians, astronomers, and doctors.
Moreover, it was permitted to non-Muhammedans, for
instance, Jews and Christians to attend the lectures which
were given there and to make use of the library belonging
to the institution which filled 18 rooms.*
The study of medicine was conducted in various ways.
Whoever wished to devote himself to the medical calling,
could acquire the special knowledge by placing himself
under the personal guidance of a senior doctor of experience,
or else in the medical teaching establishments, or finally in
the medical schools connected with many hospitals. Many
may have combined all three methods in order to get a
thorough education in the healing art. The medical lectures
which were held in the higher teaching institutions attached
to the Mosques and in similar establishments, for instance
in the " House of Wisdom " dealt, in all probability, chiefly
with theoretical subjects and made the students acquainted
with literature, whereas practical medical knowledge was
acquired principally in the hospitals. According to
v. HAMMER-PURGSTALL op. cit. Bd. i, Einleit, S. lxiv.