Journal of - International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine

Ashfaque AHMAD
A Study of an Arabic Manuscript ‘Ain-Al-Hayat’ Written on Geriatrics
by Mohammad Ibn Yousuf Harvi and its Translation into English
Psychological considerations include the fact that elderly
persons (in particular, those experiencing substantial
memory loss or other types of cognitive impairment) are
unlikely to be able to adequately monitor and adhere to
their own scheduled pharmacological administration.
All these troubles faced by elder persons are not new
age problems therefore in every period oldness has been
given due significance and each and every measures to
prevent, care and get out of the problems have been amply
illustrated in ancient books of Unani system of Medicine.
Besides, the procedures to preserve youth and vigor had
been also portrayed in Unani classics. Maintaining youth
has been intense desire by every one in every period right
from the creation of human being.
Heat and moisture are two main essential component
of life described in Unani Tibb. Hot and humid nature is
most proximate to human life therefore it has much importance
in everything like nature, humors, behavior, age,
season and region.
Therefore two most important things regarding death
and ageing are described in Unani Tibb:
1. Preservation of Ratubat Ghareezia (Innate Fluid) and
2. Strengthening of Hararat Ghareezi (Innate Heat)
There are three main factors cited for ageing in Unani
Tib:
1. Deteriorating heat and moisture (Essential constituent
of life)
2. Fragility Hararat Ghareezi or weakening of normal
physical temperature
3. Frailty of vital powers that causes to weakness of organs
and emergence of diseases
Keeping in view the above perspective all imperative
measures are adopted in Unani Medicine to delay the ageing
process that may bolster the nature and strengthen
physical temperature and physical powers.
Earlier some books were written on this topic for example:
The famous Arabic physician, Ibn Al-Jazzar Al-Qayrawani
(Algizar, circa 898-980), also wrote a special book
on geriatric medicine and health of elderly (Kitāb ibbٱ
al-Mashāyikh) or ibbٱ)‏ al-Mashāyikh ‏-‏atiٱٱiٱٱifٱ-‏whim).
He also wrote a book on sleep disorders and another
one on forgetfulness and how to strengthen memory (Kitāb
al-Nisyān wa-ٱuruq Taqwiyat al-Dhākira) and a Treatise
on causes of mortality (Risāla fī Asbāb al-Wafāh). Another
Arabic physician in the 9th century, Ishaq ibn Hunayn
(died 910), the son of Hunayn Ibn Ishaq, wrote a Treatise
on Drugs for Forgetfulness (Risalah al-Shafiyah fi adwiyat
al-nisyan).
Al Qanun (Canon), written by Ibn Sina (Avicenna) in
1025, has also some chapters to offer instruction in the care
of the aged, foreshadowing modern gerontology and geriatrics.
In a chapter entitled “Regimen of Old Age”, Avicenna
was concerned with how “old folk need plenty of sleep” and
how their bodies should be anointed with oil, and recommended
exercises such as walking or horse-riding. Thesis
III of the Canon discussed the diet suitable for old people,
and dedicated several sections to elderly patients who become
constipated.
Generally a chapter about Tadbeer Mashaikh (ageing)
is depicted in every major treasure of Unani Medicine but
a separate and absolute book regarding this subject written
first time is Ainul Hayat by Mohammad Ibn Yousuf Al-
Harwi (D. 1542 AD) that is under study.
Ain-Al-Hayat:
There are some other manuscripts with the name of Ainul
Hayat also but related to different topics for example
Ainul Hayat written by Nurul Haq Shekh Abdul Ahad Sarhindi
Al Faruqi Al Hanafi Al-Naqshbandi is about plague
written in Persian language. Another compiled by Mubarak
Mujur is a collection of tried prescriptions and talisman
amulets along with medicines for animals and birds. There
are other books also with same name.
Understudy Manuscript of Ain Al Hayat was written by
a distinguished Arab Tabeeb Mohammad Ibn Yousuf Al-
Harwi around 1532 AD. It is written about foods and drugs
that enhance life span, maintain vitality, and prevent aging.
It was intended to impart knowledge regarding such types
of drugs which also contains health points.
It is great honor for the author that the book was written
on the modern subject of Geriatrics (diseases of elders)
nearly 500 years ago when Geriatrics as a subject was yet to
come into being. Such information on Geriatrics not only
augments the existing knowledge, but also gives an idea on
the medical science that deals with diseases and problems
specific to old people; medical practices, medical heritage
and life style of people belong to those times.
The under study manuscript bearing a historical significance
has not been translated into English so far. In view of
the importance, utility and world wide interest in Geriatrics
we thought it necessary to collate and edit this Arabic
treasure and to translate it into English. Another reason of
inspiration was our endeavor to bring out the scientific and
medial masterpieces of forgotten Tabeebs of yore into light.
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ISHIM 2011-2012