Avenzoar (1092–1162 AD) and Averroes (1126–1198 AD): Andalusian Muslim Physicians

Abstract

Dear Editor, We read with great interest the article of Missori et al. [1] which discussed the origin of the cannula for tracheotomy during the medieval period and Renaissance. As mentioned in the article, scholars of the Islamic Golden Age had a great impact on medicine practiced at the time and later [1]. One of the outstanding medieval Islamic physicians believed to have contributed to the procedure of tracheotomy is Abu Merwan Abd al-Malik ibn Zuhr (1092–1162 AD), an Andalusian Muslim physician better known as Avenzoar in the European literature [1, 2]. Missori and colleagues indicated that Ibn Zuhr was known as Averroes in Latin [1]. We believe, however, that the Latin title Averroes belongs to another Andalusian Muslim polymath, Abu al-Walid Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Rushd, or Ibn Rushd (1126–1198 AD) [3]. Thanks to his philosophical influence on Western thought, Ibn Rushd, or Averroes, was a noticeable figure during emergence of the European Renaissance [4]. Apart from his wide interests in physics, astronomy, psychology, jurisprudence, and philosophy, Averroes owned a medical encyclopedia known as Kulliyat or Colliget (The Generalities), a few treatises on medicine, a collection of Galenic works, and a commentary on Avicenna’s the Canon of Medicine [5]. Thus, we suggest that the title ‘‘Averroes’’ be replaced by ‘‘Avenzoar’’ in the article by Missori et al. [1].