Doctors’ efforts in preventing infection and fighting epidemics in Andalusia from the sixth century until the end of the eighth Hijri (Twelfth to fourteenth century CE)

Abstract

Diseases and epidemics were among the most important challenges facing ancient civilizations and nations; they had, and still have, a major and influential role in various demographic, political, social and economic aspects. This influence cast a shadow over the medical profession and the efforts of doctors in general. In these difficult times, they had an important role that still needs to be explored and explained to benefit from it and be guided by it. The past is nothing but the mirror of the present. This study discusses the concept of preclinical medicine for the doctors of Andalusia; during the period from the sixth Hijri century until the end of the eighth Hijri century in that particular era (Twelfth to fourteenth century CE).