‘Medicine is a science through which one knows the states of the human body, whether healthy or not, in order to preserve good health when it exists and restore it when it is lacking.’ Canon of medicine (al-Qanun fi l-?ibb) by Avicenna (Ibn Sina, 980–1037).

‘I do not think it possible to bring the art of healing small-pox – especially in its initial state – to the same level of perfection as that achieved by al-Razi.’Jean-Jacques Paulet (1740–1826), prominent French physician

There will be an accompanying evening of lectures on 13 May 2013, with an opportunity to view the exhibition, from 5pm.

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Islamic medicine drew heavily on ancient Greek knowledge, especially humoral pathology, as classified by the Roman physician, Galen. The story of Islamic medicine is one not only of transmission and translation, but also of innovation and change, evolving over the centuries into a truly sophisticated science.

This exhibition presents the newly researched collection for the first time and explores the medical traditions that developed in the heartland of Islam from the 9th century to the 17th century.

As well as displaying the RCP’s rich collection of Islamic medical texts, we have manuscripts and objects on loan from Eton College; the Science Museum, London; Bodleian Library, University of Oxford; and Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge.

In addition, the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilization (www.FSTC.org.uk) have provided valuable advice and support during the development of this exhibition.

Cem Nizamoglu