Muslim Contributions to Chemistry & the Scientific Method
Ibn Jabir
- Contributions:
- Developed laboratory equipment such as the alembic, retort, double boiler, and scales for measuring small particles.
- Developed distillation, crystallization, sublimation, calcination processes
- Discovered hydrochloric, nitric acids, and citric acid
- Isolated the elements: arsenic, bismuth, and sulfur.
- Described a classification system for substances
- Believed that mass was made of atomic particles.
- Developed a way to weigh and measure small particles.
- Made soaps and perfumes
- Findings were used to improve the manufacturing of steel and other metals to prevent rust, water proofing, develop fuels, and make inks.
- The word "gibberish," comes from his name because he often wrote in code.
- Sometimes referred to as the Father of Modern Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
Al-Razi
- Contributions:
- Developed laboratory equipments such as mortar and pestles, spatulas, flasks, beakers, and other glass vessels.
- Recognized the toxicity of arsenic and mercurial ointments to treat skin ailments.
- Added categories of substances to include boraces, atroments, and salts.
- Introduced an atomic theory that posed that there were spaces between atoms.
- Systemized laboratory practices and techniques.
- Described the salinity and inflammablity of substances.
- Regarded by some as the father of pharmacology.
Al-Kindi
- Contributions:
- Translated the works of Greek philosophers and continued their debates.
- Insisted on the use of the scientific method.
- Developed recipes for perfumes.
- Described the effects of compounded substances for medication.
- Described the effects of various dosages of medications.
- Recognized that air particles are made of atoms.