Showing 20 results for History
Seyyed Masood Bonakdar, Loghman Dehghan Nayyeri,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (5-2011)
Abstract
During the Qajar era, most cities, including Esfahan, suffered poor hygiene conditions due to an overall lack of hygiene facilities. Esfahan was a big city that faced a shortage of hospitals, pharmacies and physicians, and this meant that large numbers of people would die as a result of outbreaks of communicable diseases. The new government, therefore, began a series of actions with the purpose of promoting hygiene in the city, including establishment of new hospitals, systematizing pharmacies and physicians, mass vaccinations, improvements in the hygiene condition of public places such as bathhouses, eateries, inns and slaughterhouses. For the most part, such measures resulted in a growth of population during those years.
The present paper aimed to shed light on the hygiene conditions prevalent in the city of Esfahan during the first Pahlavi period by using historic documents, newspapers and other sources available. It employed a library research method along with comparison and analysis of existing sources, original ones in particular. To this end, the required data was initially collected and then organized and analyzed, and this historical research was ultimately structured based on the inferred results.
Ali Akbar Jafari,
Volume 4, Issue 5 (10-2011)
Abstract
Giasaddin Mansour Dashtaki Shirazi was a prominent scholar and philosopher in the post-Islamic Iran. Among the fields he was proficient and knowledgeable in, the least attention has been paid to him as an influential figure in medicine, and this has in turn led to his expertise in other sciences to be neglected as well. Among Dashtaki’s works two are on medicine, and there are also historic accounts of his hygiene behavior and adherence to medical recommendations. These are indicative of Dashtaki being an outstanding figure in medicine in spite of his involvement in other scientific and administrative endeavors. The present paper will employ a descriptive-analytical approach to investigate his influence on medicine and his medical treatise Ma’alem-o-Shafa. Based on the findings of this study, any research on the Iranian or Islamic medicine of the 10th century H.Q. would be incomplete without studying Dashtaki and Ma’alem-o-Shafa. It is therefore recommended that Ma’alem-o-Shafa be translated and published so that it can be used in research of this type.
Mojtaba Parsa, Bagher Larijani,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
In many countries around the world, we find important evidence about violation of ethics in medical research. In the United States, the history of unethical or even inhuman experiments on human subjects dates back to the time of slavery, and unfortunately, most subjects of these experiments were poor or black people, slaves, prisoners and physical/mentally ill patients. For instance, we refer to the Tuskegee study that was done on black people. Other examples are tormenting experiments on American or Nazi prisoners. In this paper, we will review some infamous unethical experiments and researches in terms of neglecting human dignity and the validity of the research. On the other hand, in response to these dreadful events, some ethical codes and guidelines have been established which we shall review. For instance, the Belmont Report and the Nuremberg Code which were developed in response to the Tuskegee study and Nazi experiments on human subjects, respectively. The medical history of our country, Iran, is free of such troubling acts however, this does not mean that ethical standards in medical research are fully observed. Therefore, in addition to items that have been enacted so far, to prevent such faults, it is necessary to enact professional codes and guidelines or legislated laws and regulations too.
Kazem Khodadoost, Gholamreza Bateni, Majid Khalili, Mohammadreza Ardalan, Mohammad Ali Mohjal Shoja,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (6-2012)
Abstract
Al-Akawayni is considered one of the greatest and most reputable Iranian physicians of the fourth century AH whose medical works and expertise have been reliable and acceptable sources in most periods of the history of medicine. Unfortunately, old books do not reveal much about his life and works, and what we know about him is based on his own statements and evidence and inferences we have made from his famous work "Hidayat al-Mutaallimin fi-al-Tibb" (Learner's guide to medicine). He was a student of Abu Al Qasem Moqaneiy, who, in turn, was a student of Muhammad Zakaria Razi. His works, especially "Hidayat al-Mutaallimin fi-al-Tibb", are considered reliable medical texts along with other great medical textbooks of Iran. This book is important from several viewpoints. First, it is the oldest available medical text in Persian second, it is rich in linguistic and literary technicalities third, it is valuable from a medical and scientific point of view, especially traditional medicine fourth, it is an important source to learn the names of a large number of medications, herbal medicines, and scholars in the history of Iranian medicine.
Samaneh Alsadat Maleksabet, Hamid Keveyani Pooya, Mohammadhasan Najafi, Azam Seiamak Dastjerdi,
Volume 8, Issue 5 (2-2016)
Abstract
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that is now widely practiced throughout the world. Medical history studies indicate the popularity of aromatherapy in ancient civilizations such as Persia as a method of decontamination and treatment.
The present study uses religious texts, ancient Persian manuscripts in the Pahlavi language, and the history of Persia to confirm the status and application of aromatherapy as a method of treatment in ancient Persian medicine.
In ancient Persia, illness was perceived as a product of evil. Ahriman and Ganak Mainyu were the main causes of diseases, often associated with foul odors and filth. Thus, ancient Persians tried to cure illnesses by using herbs and applying certain principles of hygiene.
Evil, foul odors and stale air were believed to transmit diseases, while ahuric divinities were associated with sweet smells. Therefore, fragrances were used in keeping with the divine forces, and aromatic substances, herbs and woods were employed as a means of prevention to eliminate the causes of illnesses, and as a cure for certain mental and physical diseases.
Hamid Kavyani Pooya ,
Volume 9, Issue 5 (1-2017)
Abstract
Archaeological evidence and various historical documents indicate that Chinese were aware of the lands beyond the mountains of the West, especially Iran. This article argues that Iranians had a great role in transferring Iranian religions as well as some other religions such as Christianity to China. As such, the transfer of medical knowledge had had occurred along with transferring those religions and beliefs.
As it is the case now, in the past, business relationship between countries and different ethnic groups played a great role in knowledge transfer between nations. By reviewing the existing historical documents, library resources and archaeological findings, show that the extensive trade exchanges between Iran and China, lead to not only cultural exchange and religious beliefs but also the transfer of medical beliefs, knowledge and practices to China. This happened by the Iranian religious envoys as well as non-Iranian religious missionaries. In conclusion, this knowledge and technology transfer had an impact on the flourishing Chinese medicine.
Mehdi Nateghpour, Ali Kazemian, Nikzad Isazadeh,
Volume 10, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
Islamic culture has a bright and comprehensive history in human civilization. Based on Islamic teachings the spirit and body are in close relation with a mutual influence on humans’ health. The Holy Qur’an as well as the Prophet of Islam and his successors (peace be upon them) have paid deep attention to both spirit and body. Moreover, according to religious scholars’ decree (fatwa) cleanness and neatness has been mentioned as the main condition for worships to be accepted. The Prophet (PUH) said: “Neatness is half of the faith”. Therefore, efforts to keep the health of both spirit and body are important to Muslims. Although, in ancient time, health and medicine were bined together, later they were divided into three sections including health, clinical diagnosis of disease and treatment. Based on Islamic teachings, Muslim scholars learned medicine and then began to translate some Greek, Seriani and Indian medical knowledge into to Arabic language, which has shaped the golden age of Islamic medicine spanning between the 8th and the 15th Centuries.
Among the Islamic countries Iran had a specific place in the field of medical sciences. Jondishapour was one of the most prominent medical educational centers back then. This article elaborates on the status of medicine based on historical evidence as well as Muslim physicians in the golden age of Islamic medicine.
Akbar Aqhayani Chavoshi,
Volume 11, Issue 0 (3-2018)
Abstract
Studying the history of medical ethics and analyzing the dynamics and effects of renowned physicians of the Islamic era and the exploitation of this precious heritage is indispensable. Therefore, in this research, by descriptive-analytic approach, , the books of Teb Al-fukhara and Al-Masakin, Ibn al-Jazar, Full medical industry, Ahvazi, Law in Medicine of Ibn Sina, and Kharazmshahi Save of Jorjani were investigated, by analyzing the guidelines and ethical recommendations contained in the physician and patient interactions, as well as their practical applications in this regard, six important principles of Islamic medical ethics were attained: trust in God, profitability, harmlessness, trusteeship, compassion, and goodness. Two principles of profitability and harmlessness have been more emphasized than other ones, which can indicate the significance of these two ethical principles in Islamic teachings. The ethical issues in the field of medical sciences during the Islamic period did not have the diversity, breadth, and necessity of the present. Thus, in pre-natal and human-era discussions, only the prohibition of abortion is mentioned and there is no debate about the end-of-life care of the patient.
Zahra Amiri, Tahereh Azimzadeh Tehrani, Yosef Motevali Haqiqi,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (3-2020)
Abstract
Plague is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to other animals and humans through rodents and their infected fleas and is a common disease between humans and animals. This disease has a long history in Iran. The spread of this disease is very wide and almost all parts of Iran have experienced it, however, data on how it occurs in the country is very limited. A plague occurred in Iran in 1246 and 1247 AH, which resulted in huge casualties. In this research, using library resources and documents and in a descriptive-analytical method, the cities affected by this disease and ways and the causes of its transmission have been studied. The result of the research revealed that except for a few other provinces, all Iran and even the holy shrines were involved with it. Simultaneous outbreak of other chronic diseases, outbreak of dangerous type of pulmonary plague, neglect of quarantine and escape to other areas have been the most important factors in the prevalence of this disease.
Arghavan Haj-Sheykholeslami, Fatemeh Mollarahimi-Maleki, Marzieh Nojomi,
Volume 14, Issue 0 (3-2021)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to perform a narrative review and documentary research in the history of community medicine specialty formation and the needs for its existence in health systems. We searched and reviewed related literature and documents in English and or Farsi (printed or online). Data was extracted and findings were categorized, summarized, and reported. About a century ago community medicine specialty was formed to respond to major health challenges of that time such as neglecting the effects of social determinants on populations’ health and total separation between clinical care and public health. Community medicine professionals are able to address many of the current health problems such as inequalities in health, fair financing problems, increasing demands and costs and disease-based health system approaches. They can be the leading advocates to emphasize the importance of social determinants in health of populations. They can promote communications with influencing institutions outside the health system to improve the health of the communities. This discipline can pave the way for the health systems to tackle the most important contemporary health challenges. Lack of attention to this discipline may hinder the achievement of sustainable development goals and health promotion of the communities. More support from officials and utilizing the skills of community medicine specialists can help health systems not only to better respond to the health needs of the society but also to facilitate the achievement of their main goals.
Parvin Asghari, Mehdi Ghaffari ,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Historical reports indicate that concepts such as health, well-being, personal and social development are closely related to physical activity, and the civilized nations of the world have always considered the importance of physical activity in the field of health and wellness. Among the ancient nations, the Greeks were most interested in exercise and physical activity, as it was an important part of ancient Greek medicine, and ancient Greek physicians, especially Hippocrates and Galen, focused on physical activity and proper diet as important components of a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, much of the basic information about the relationship between exercise and health was presented in the findings and medical texts of ancient Greece, which was comprehensively and practically proposed by Galen in the form of the theory of nature and the unnatural. The present study uses a descriptive-analytical method based on library information to answer the question of when humans with scientific and principled method found that exercise and physical activity have played a role in body health and the result of ancient Greek medicine, especially theory. Galen on the relationship between exercise and health in the form of abnormalities in ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, then the Renaissance to the present day, can play an important and effective role of exercise and physical activity in maintaining body health and disease prevention in different eras of human life.
Jamal Rezaei Orimi, Shahrbanoo Asadi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
The Safavid period is considered one of the most important periods in the history of Iranian medicine. During this period, medical knowledge was developed many works in the field of medicine were written and several hospitals were established. In recent years, several studies have been conducted on the medical history of the Safavid period. The purpose of this study is to introduce and critique the paper "Medicine of the Safavid era relying on Western travelogues" by Saeed Agharezaei and Shiva Rezaei. This research is an analytical-critical study that uses library resources to review and evaluate the paper in terms of structure, content, and method. The paper has coherent writing and indicates the authors' efforts to explain the medical and health situation of the Safavid period from the perspective of Western tourists. In the structure of the paper, sometimes inappropriate references and writing errors are seen. Failure to mention the reasons for the migration of physicians to India, failure to determine the true location of hospitals, failure to mention the position of dental, veterinary and surgical knowledge, failure to mention epidemics and ambiguity of the pharmacology situation in the Safavid period can be enumerated content critiques. The results show that the paper, despite attempts to reveal various aspects of medicine in the Safavid era, has some structural, content, and method problems. Therefore, it is expected that the respected authors, by eliminating the mentioned problems, will be able to publish a more significant work on the history of medicine in future research.
Farzaneh Zare, Mohammad Hossein Ayati, Mohammad Reza Shams-Ardekani, Mohsen Baghbani,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Drug title is one of the important tools for recognizing and evaluating a combination drug and also analyzing its content. However, sometimes due to the existence of problems that is considered a kind of pathology in this field, is tarnished. The present study tries to identify the problems of nomenclature of compounded drugs. The names of combination drugs available in this research have been collected from three books in traditional pharmacy, namely Gharabadin-e-Salehi, Gharabadin-e- Kabeer, and Gharabadin-e- Azam, related to 18th and 19th centuries. The results showed that there are 5 major problems in nomenclature of compounded drugs: (1) several names for one drug with various formulations, (2) one name for drugs with various formulations, (3) a great deal of variation in unnamed drugs, (4) some unknown pharmaceutical dosage forms, and (5) being dosage forms at one with route of administration and mechanism of action. The study exposes combination drugs in Persian medicine have named concerning various patterns. For this reason, there is non-cooperation that feels a need to special investigation
Aliyeh Jahanian, Amir Aghayali, Jamal Rezaei Orimi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Quarantine has a long history in Iran. The spread of epidemic diseases led to the creation of quarantine establishments in Iran. During the Qajar period, quarantine was taken into consideration, and at the end of the 19th century, quarantine establishments were developed in the borders of Iran. Accordingly, in recent years, much research has been conducted on quarantine. The present study aimed to introduce and criticize the paper entitled, “Quarantines of Iran in the End of Ghajar and the Beginning of Pahlavi Era” by Kasiri and Dehghannejad. This analytical-critical study was conducted using library resources to introduce and evaluate the aforementioned paper. The text of the article is coherent and integrated and indicates the authors’ efforts to identify the problems and obstacles to implementing quarantine in Iran. Concerning the structure of the article, there are instances of inappropriate referencing, writing errors, and ambiguity in the scope and limits. Moreover, the failure to mention the effects of World War I on the severity of communicable diseases and quarantine and the vagueness of the prevalence of infectious diseases can be among the criticisms of the content and methodology. Although the abovementioned paper could present a new approach to the history of Quarantine in Iran in the Qajar and Pahlavi eras for the scholars of the history of medicine, it suffers from several structural, content, and methodological flaws. Therefore, given the importance of criticism in scientific studies and according to the analysis of this paper, the results could help enhance the quality of studies and scientific productions in this field.
Mahsima Abdoli, Hamidreza Namazi,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Recognizing diseases and their causes is one of the most critical issues in medicine, forming the foundation of treatment. Disease responses and complications might differ among individuals, with some exhibiting more resistance to certain illnesses due to genetic or environmental factors. Furthermore, we are currently witnessing the emergence of new diseases for which definitive treatments have yet to be developed. This evidently underscores the need to explore the fundamental causes of diseases. Evolutionary medicine has been discussed in Western medical discourse for less than half a century. Grounded in Darwinian principles, this theory examines the issues humans have faced, both naturally and as influenced by social conditions, throughout our evolutionary history. Research in evolutionary medicine indicates that human health and illness are shaped not only by immediate biological and environmental factors but also by the long history of human evolution and the transformations that have occurred over time. Accordingly, this study introduced 13 key indices of evolutionary medicine, highlighting its significance and application in medicine and healthcare. Moreover, it emphasized the necessity for greater attention to this concept from both medical science and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Nehleh Zarei-Fard, Sedigheh Ebrahimi,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Medical science and ethics form an integral part of medical curricula. Cadaver dissection is the preferred educational tool in the early stages of medical education which provides a suitable opportunity to sow the seeds of medical ethics in the minds of future physicians. This review study aimed to investigate unethical events in the history of dissection and subsequent ethical evolutions in human dissection to highlight the need to uphold the ethical values related to donor bodies in the dissection hall. To find and evaluate related documents, the articles published from 2005 to 2023 were searched in Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate databases using relevant keywords. The results indicated that in the past, cadaver dissection was performed on the bodies of executed criminals or through illegal methods, and until the early 1960s, the ethical principle of respect for autonomy was overlooked. However, from the 20th century onwards, the use of donated bodies with informed consent became prominent, allowing universities in the 21st century to utilize this resource for education, thereby providing an acceptable solution to fill the ethical gaps in dissection. Clarifying the ethical standards associated with the use of donated bodies is essential for medical students. The human body represents a valuable scientific resource that warrants respectful treatment following established ethical guidelines and laws. Adhering to the highest ethical standards within educational institutions is necessary to ensure donors feel confident in their decisions.
Elham Malekzadeh, Zahra Alizadeh Birjandi,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
This study examined the history of the establishment and evolution of Tehran’s insane asylum during the Qajar and Pahlavi periods. The significance of this study in medical history lies in its exploration of the founding of one of Iran’s earliest medical institutions and the factors that influenced its subsequent transformations. Given its focus on the development of insane asylum (Dar al-Majanin) and the public’s appeals for its improvement, this study offers valuable insights into the social history of the period. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach and relying on unpublished archival documents, this study presented a narrative of the history of madness that shed light on the untold stories of the mentally ill (Majanin) and prevailing societal beliefs about them. These beliefs profoundly influenced the treatment of patients within these institutions. The findings revealed that while the care provided to the mentally ill improved during this period, ongoing challenges persisted due to limited resources and a growing patient population. The prevailing attitude of officials toward the mentally ill was primarily one of containment, aimed at protecting the public from perceived threats.
Reza Taghi Zade Naieni,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
The plague of 1896 AD/1314 AH was one of the most devastating epidemics in history that occurred in Bombay, India. This disease had a profound impact on human societies, particularly Islamic societies, and on the pilgrimage of Muslims between 1896 and 1899. This historical review study analyzed the consequences of the plague outbreak in Bombay, India, in 1896 AD/1314 AH on the pilgrimage process of Muslims in the mentioned year and the following years. This study also examined the type of exposure of Muslims to this disease and the restrictions imposed by the governments of the time. Data were collected from historical resources such as reports in Hajj travelogues, historical documents, Arabic press news, recent research by Western researchers, and scientific articles. The findings indicated that the ruling governments attempted to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce casualties by establishing and developing quarantine facilities, dispatching medical teams, shortening the permitted duration of pilgrims’ stay in Saudi Arabia, and persuading Muslims to forgo the Hajj pilgrimage. The success of these preventive measures hinged on two main factors: first, the necessary executive power to enforce restrictions, and second, the mitigation of economic insecurity for communities simultaneously affected by illness and pilgrimage. Furthermore, the acceptance of these limitations was significantly influenced by Muslim perceptions of the restrictions and their cultural and religious backgrounds.
Zahra Aghabeiglooei, Roshanak Saghebi, Jamal Rezaei Orimi, Morteza Mojahedi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
The history of medicine during the Safavid period (907-1135 AH) in Iran, as one of the important periods, has always been the focus of researchers. The main objective of this study was to conduct a quantitative evaluation of articles related to the “history of medicine in the Safavid period” in Iran. This descriptive-analytical, applied study was conducted using a quantitative approach. The statistical population of the study comprised all scientific productions on the history of medicine in the Safavid period indexed in domestic and international scientific databases over 22 years, from 2001 to March 2024. During the period under review, a total of 247 articles in the field of the history of medicine in the Safavid period were published with the participation of 542 authors. In terms of thematic orientation, 18.2% of the published works were on the biographies of physicians, while research, translation, and editing of medical manuscripts ranked next with 16.1%. Among universities and scientific centers, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University ranked first. Male participation accounted for approximately 60%, exceeding that of female authors, and about 68% of the works were the result of collaborative research. The Journal of Islamic and Iranian Traditional Medicine published the highest number of articles. The most common type of publication was original research articles. Content analysis showed that, despite significant growth in this research field, an excessive concentration on specific topics, such as physicians’ biographies, has limited scholarly attention to other dimensions of medical history in this period, highlighting the need for broader and more balanced research perspectives.
Zahra Aghabeiglooei, Jamal Rezaei Orimi, Seyed Mohammad Hashemimehr, Roshanak Saghebi, Morteza Mojahedi, Seyyed Amir Hosein Latifi, Mehdi Salehi, Seyed Abdollah Mahmood,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Evaluating and analyzing scientific productions play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of research and effectively managing research resources. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the content of theses in the field of the history of medical sciences in Iranian universities from 2013 to 2022. This applied study was conducted using the quantitative content analysis method. The findings revealed that the highest number of theses were completed in 2022 (19.2%), with topics related to traditional medicine and traditional pharmacy being the most prevalent. Descriptive and descriptive-analytical studies were the most common research methods. Moreover, the most frequent keywords included “Medical History”, “Traditional Medicine”, and “Iranian Medicine” and their Persian equivalents. Regarding historical periods, the Islamic period (from the emergence of Islam to the early Safavid era) accounted for the highest number of theses, while the contemporary period had the lowest. The results indicated a research focus on traditional medicine and the Islamic period, highlighting the need for further exploration of other historical periods and the use of qualitative methods to deepen understanding of historical complexities.
