The Challenge of Medical Charlatanism in Adab al-Tabib: A Historical Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committtee, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 School Of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Medical charlatanism is a significant topic in historical manuscripts from the golden age of Islamic medicine. The topic has been dealt with substantially in Adab al-Tabib, an epic work by AI-Ruhawi (12th century AD). In this paper, we review the challenges to medical charlatanism in Adab al-Tabib. AI-Ruhawi has offered a variety of strategies to fight against this phenomenon. We classified these strategies into prevention of and combating medical charlatanism. The formulation of a multifaceted assessment of candidates to medical training, respect for physicians and their rights, assessment of a medical practitioner’s competence and promotion of spiritual, ethical and religious values are considered preventive strategies. Strategies in the fight against charlatanism include monitoring a physician’s performance and exposure of charlatanism to the authorities. AI-Ruhawi has correctly understood the enormous risk posed by medical charlatanism and has provided practical and useful guidelines for its prevention and combating existing cases.

Keywords

Journal of Research on History of Medicine
Volume 8, Issue 1
February 2019
Pages 19-26

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