Urinary System Problems in al-Rãzî's Book, Man lã yaḥḍuruhu al-ṭabîb: Practical Advice for Those Who Cannot Access Physicians and Medical Recourses.

OBJECTIVES

Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Zakariyyã al-Rãzî is a historical physician who made theoretical and practical contributions to medicine. The aim of al-Rãzî's book, Man lã yaḥḍuruhu al-ṭabîb, is to provide a valuable benefit to the general public. The book was written for people who do not have access to physicians, critical medical manuscripts, and medications. Our study aimed to add to the literature and discuss the issues concerning urinary tract problems in al-Rãzî's Man lã yaḥḍuruhu al-ṭabîb.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The sections of al-Rãzî's Man lã yaḥḍuruhu al-ṭabîb dealing with the urinary system were discussed and translated from Arabic to English.

RESULTS

Urinary system problems are discussed in al-Rãzî's book under the headings of "Pains in the kidneys and bladder (nephritis and cystitis) and stones in the kidneys," "Hematuria," "Pyuria and painful micturition/dysuria," "Prescription for medicine on this subject," and "Drug for the difficulty of passing urine/strangury." The relevant sections mention drugs and approach to be used, particularly in the face of problems, rather than theoretical explanations. Changes in practice and treatment have been suggested in various symptomatic situations.

CONCLUSIONS

Rather than theoretical and etiological explanations for urinary problems, al-Rãzî provides accessible and applicable practical drugs and approaches for the general public, which can be considered suitable for the purpose mentioned in al-Rãzî's introduction to the book.