Al-Ba’labakki: An Arab Renaissance Man

In the seventh chapter of The Fihrist, al-Nadim discusses the writings of ancient and recent physicians, including Qusta ibn Luqa al-Ba’labakki.

“Qusta translated a quantity of the ancient books. He excelled in many sciences, among which there were medicine, philosophy, geometry, calculation, and music. He was never subject to criticism, being a master of literary style in the Greek tongue and excelling also in Arabic diction.

He died in Armenia while staying with some kings there. From there he also replied to Abu ‘Isa al-Munajjim in connection with his epistle about the prophetic mission of Muhammad, for whom may there be peace. While there he also wrote Paradise in History. Among his books, other than the translations, commentaries, and expositions, there were:

Blood; Phlegm; Yellow Bile; Burning Mirrors; Insomnia; about weights and measures; Government (Politics), three sections; The Cause of Sudden Death; Enemies; Knowledge of Numbness and Its Treatment; The Days of Crisis; Diseases (Causes) of the Hair; The Distinction between the Soul (al-Nafs) and the Spirit (al-Ruh); Coitus; The Reason for the Blackness of Khaysh and Its Change from Sprinkling; Fans; about the fan and the causes of wind; about what the four humors have in common.