the field of therapeutics.

In mediaeval Europe, Arabian science came to be regarded with
superstitious awe, and the works of certain Arabian physicians
were exalted to a position above all the ancient writers. In
modern times, however, there has been a reaction and a tendency
to depreciation of their work. By some they are held to be mere
copyists or translators of Greek books, and in no sense original
investigators in medicine. Yet there can be little doubt that
while the Arabians did copy and translate freely, they also
originated and added considerably to medical knowledge. It is
certain that in the time when Christian monarchs in western
Europe were paying little attention to science or education, the
caliphs and vizirs were encouraging physicians and philosophers,
building schools, and erecting libraries and hospitals. They made
at least a creditable effort to uphold and advance upon the
scientific standards of an earlier age.

The first distinguished Arabian physician was Harets ben Kaladah,
who received his education in the Nestonian school at Gondisapor,
about the beginning of the seventh century. Notwithstanding the
fact that Harets was a Christian, he was chosen by Mohammed as
his chief medical adviser, and recommended as such to his
successor, the Caliph Abu Bekr. Thus, at the very outset, the
science of medicine was divorced from religion among the
Arabians; for if the prophet himself could employ the services of
an unbeliever, surely others might follow his example. And that
this example was followed is shown in the fact that many
Christian physicians were raised to honorable positions by
succeeding generations of Arabian monarchs. This broad-minded