Liber pantegni

Medieval medical text

A page from the Liber pantegni

The Liber pantegni is a medieval medical text that represents one of the earliest comprehensive medical encyclopedias in the Western world. It is a Latin translation and adaptation of the Kitab al-Maliki (Complete Book of the Medical Art) by the Persian physician Ali ibn al-Abbas al-Majusi, also known as Haly Abbas. The Liber pantegni was translated by Constantine the African, a scholar and translator who played a significant role in the transmission of medical knowledge from the Islamic world to medieval Europe.

Structure and Content

The Liber pantegni is divided into two main parts: the Theorica and the Practica. Each part addresses different aspects of medical knowledge and practice.

Theorica

The Theorica section of the Liber pantegni deals with the theoretical foundations of medicine. It covers topics such as the humoral theory, the nature of diseases, and the principles of diagnosis. This section reflects the influence of Galen, whose works were foundational to medieval medical theory.

Practica

The Practica section focuses on the practical application of medical knowledge. It includes detailed descriptions of various diseases, their symptoms, and recommended treatments. The Practica also provides guidance on surgical procedures and the preparation of medicinal compounds.

Historical Significance

The Liber pantegni was highly influential in medieval Europe, serving as a key reference for physicians and scholars. It was part of the curriculum in many medieval universities and contributed to the development of medical education in the West. The text exemplifies the transmission of knowledge from the Islamic world to Europe, highlighting the interconnectedness of medieval intellectual traditions.

Another page from the Liber pantegni

Translation and Influence

Constantine the African translated the Liber pantegni from Arabic into Latin in the 11th century. His work was instrumental in making the medical knowledge of the Islamic world accessible to European scholars. The translation was not a direct copy but an adaptation, incorporating Constantine's own insights and interpretations.

The Liber pantegni influenced subsequent medical texts and was referenced by later scholars such as Avicenna and Rhazes. It also laid the groundwork for the development of medical encyclopedias in the medieval period.

Manuscripts and Editions

Several manuscripts of the Liber pantegni survive, reflecting its widespread use and importance. These manuscripts are housed in various libraries and collections across Europe. The text has been studied by historians of medicine and remains a subject of scholarly interest.

Detail from the Liber pantegni

Related Pages

• Constantine the African
• Ali ibn al-Abbas al-Majusi
• Galen
• Humorism
• Medieval medicine of Western Europe