The Art of Pharmaceutics in the Safavid Period

Abstract

Introduction: With regard to the long history of traditional medicine in Iran and its various branches such as Pharmaceutics and many books and treatises existant from ancient times, this research seeks to find the real position of pharmaceutics art in Safavid period.

Methods: The data and methods of this research are based on the study of Iranian scholar’s books and epistles on the Pharmaceutics and medicine in the Safavid period and preceding ages. These data were gathered from the mentioned references and analyzed then used for explanation of this issue.

Results: The findings of the study show that although pharmaceutics art and Iranian traditional medicine in Safavid period had a good position in comparison to other near eastern countries, this period never saw physicians such as Mohammad ibn Zakarya Razi, Ibn Sina, Ali ibn Rabban Tabari and Sayyed Ismaeil Jorjani and never saw outstanding books such as Al-Havi, Al-Qanun fi al-Tib, Zakhirah Kharazmshahi and so on.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be said in spite of historical and political problems, Iranians in every age were superior to their foreign contemporaries in pharmacy and the recognition of medical plants. Noting the climatic variety of Iran and the growth of many of medical plants in every region of Iran and especially the availability of the ancient books and treatises on this field, it useful activities for reviving this industry can be performed. This action can lead to efficient helps to reestablishment of Iranian traditional medicine and rescue this time-honored heritage from ignorance and extinction.