Hunayn ibn Ishaq's Ten Treatises on the Eye

What was discovered

First systematic manual of ophthalmology, covering the anatomy of the eye, the optic nerve and eye diseases, including the oldest surviving anatomical diagram of the eye (in a copy). It founded a tradition of oculists in the Islamic world.

It follows Galenic doctrine; the oldest diagram survives in a copy from around 1200.

What it led to

• ophthalmology as a medical specialty
• treatises by Ammar al-Mawsili and Ali ibn Isa
• Latin manuals of ophthalmology

Built on

• Experimental anatomy and physiology (Galen)c. 170 CE

Made possible

• Ammar al-Mawsili's hollow cataract needlec. 1010

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