Tag: Chemistry

Contributions of Islamic scholars to the scientific enterprise: Chemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmacy

by Yasmeen Mahnaz Faruqi Published on: 28th July 2025

Scholars from Muslim Civilisation such as Jaber ibn Haiyan (Jabir ibn Hayyan) and Al-Razi laid the foundations of modern chemistry through their experiments and descriptions of chemical substances and processes. Al-Razi’s Secret of Secrets is…

Distillation in Muslim Civilisation

by Salim Al-Hassani - 1001 Book Chief Editor Published on: 15th April 2025

From rose water to hair dye, soap to paint, early chemists worked to create a panoply of useful substances. As early as the middle of the ninth century, experimenters in Muslim civilisation were aware of…

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Desalination of salt water in the Islamic civilization

by Maha Al-Shaar Published on: 2nd November 2024

The issue of desalination of salt water has captured the attention of many scientists of Islamic civilization due to the suffering of people who lived in dry areas with scarce fresh water and rain resources.…

A Commentary on Toxicology in the Arabic Civilization

by Ayman Yasin Atat Published on: 2nd December 2021

Toxicology and Pharmacy: In the field of toxicology an early manual was Kitab as-Sumum attributed to Shanaq the Indian and translated into Arabic by al-’Abbas bin Sa’id al-Jawhari for the Caliph al-Mamun (r.813-833). The text discusses poisons and how they can…

Celebrate Chemistry Week with 1001 Inventions in Manchester

by Media Desk Published on: 12th October 2021

Free Event Celebrating UK Chemistry Week - The event will run from October 30th to November 4th and celebrate Chemistry Week. It is organised as part of the successful “1001 Inventions: Journeys from Alchemy to…

Chemistry in Muslim Civilisation - Soaps, Perfumes, Petrol

Chemistry in Muslim Civilisation – Soaps, Perfumes, Petrol

by Media Desk Published on: 14th April 2011

9th century chemists like Jabir (Geber), Al Kindi (Alkindus), Al Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) changed the way we live our lives.These scholars evolved chemistry from an occult art (alchemy) into a scientific discipline.

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The Origins of Islamic Science

by Muhammad Abdul Jabbar Beg Published on: 30th August 2010

In the following well documented article Dr Muhammad Abdul Jabbar Beg surveys the origins of Islamic science, with a special focus on its interaction with the previous intellectual traditions of the ancient world as well…

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Filling the Gap in the History of Pre-Modern Industry: 1000 Years of Missing Islamic Industry

by Salim Al-Hassani Published on: 24th July 2009

Most educational systems, particularly those of Western countries, teach that industry was born in Europe and that the Industrial Revolution was the mother that delivered industrial mass production. Salim Al-Hassani, Chairman of FSTC and eminent…

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The Advent of Scientific Chemistry

by Salim Al-Hassani Published on: 22nd October 2008

Until recently, the mainstream history of scientific ideas has failed to acknowledge numerous Islamic scientists and their great efforts and achievements throughout the centuries. This short article seeks to contribute in redressing this injustice by…

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Al-Kindi

by The Editorial Team Published on: 6th May 2007

Ya'qub b. Ishaq al-Kindi was an early Arab scholar of the 9th century, one of the first great scientists that set the stage for the brilliant Islamic tradition of learning. His works in philosophy, cosmology,…

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From Alchemy to Chemistry

by FSTC Published on: 18th May 2006

Until recently, the mainstream history of scientific ideas has failed to acknowledge numerous Islamic scientists and their great efforts and achievements throughout the centuries. This short article seeks to contribute in redressing this injustice by…

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Kufa

by The Editorial Team Published on: 14th February 2005

Being the home of the encyclopaedic scholar Al-kindi and the great chemist Jabir Ibn Hayan, Kufa had a key role in the history of science.

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Muslim Contribution to Cosmetics

by The Editorial Team Published on: 20th May 2003

Al-Zahrawi's medical encyclopaedia, used in Europe's Universities from the 12th-17th century, discusses under-arm deodorants, hair removing sticks, hand lotions, hair dyes, hair care, suntan lotions, remedies for bad breath, nasal sprays and much more.

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The Impact of Translations of Muslim Sciences on the West

by Salah Zaimeche Published on: 4th March 2003

Scholars from all Christian lands rushed to translate Muslim science, and thus start the scientific awakening of Europe. Many of course were Spaniards: John of Seville, Hugh of Santalla, and those working under the patronage…

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Pharmacology in the Making

by FSTC Published on: 24th December 2001

Advances in Muslim chemistry led to the development of Muslim pharmacology. Al-Zahrawi made pioneering developments in the preparation of medicines by using sublimation and distillation. Others excelled in chemical technology.

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The Advent of Experimental Chemistry

by Salah Zaimeche Published on: 24th December 2001

Experiment is what differentiates science of Muslim Civilisation from Greek speculation (called science). Experiment began with the Muslims, centuries before the likes of Grosseteste.