Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine

The medical Arjuze is one of the less known works of Avicenna, a great Iranian scientist and physician, which is written didactically in Arabic. In this book, Avicenna has composed 1326 lines about a complete cycle of traditional medicine of Iran in Arabic in the form of battle cry. Didactic poetry is one of the poetry forms which its main purpose is to provide educational aims and to convey scientific terms both in literature and poetical way. Avicenna's poetry in Arjuze is simple and fluent. The medical topics are overviewed in a sketchy way and not in full details in this book. In this book, theoretical and practical medicines are explained in two specific parts.
The existence of French and English translations of Arjuze shows the value of this work for Europeans as a complete outline about medicine in that time, but there is no Persian translation of this work, available. Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine Research Centre of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences has started the translation of medical Arjuze with the aim of introducing this precious work which shows the educational pattern of traditional Iranian scientists in using didactic poetry.
The purpose of this article is to introduce the characteristics of Avicenna's Arjuze with an overview of his position in modern traditional medicine.

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. 

Avicenna wrote many great books and articles such as Canon of Medicine which is his most important medical work. This study has been conducted in order to provide the necessary information on Avicenna's adherence to ethical principles and ethical norms in Canon. Three aspects including his medical practice, researches and philosophical attitude have been studied. Avicenna offers some valuable guidelines on the ethics in medicine in Canon. The first necessary condition for the practice of medicine is to comprehend medicine. Congruently, Avicenna emphasizes in his book that the doctor must be masterful. The use of scientific resources and valid information with citation to the references is one of the ethical subjects that are highlighted in this book. Avicenna has put much emphasis on ethical principles as a religious issue in medical practice. He believed in Islam and Islamic ethics and felt responsible toward God and his creations including humans Although in Canon there is no chapter specifically devoted to medical ethics, there are numerous ethical references that focus on humans as the main target of medical activities. It offers recommendations regarding ethical issues such as how to treat patients and minimize hazards. In brief, the book of Canon represents many humanistic ideas.

Narrative ethics is an approach that is well known for ethical education and moral development.  In narrative ethics, by using a story, its components and characters, ethical knowledge and awareness can be achieved. This approach is very useful in medical ethics education and is helpful in dealing with ethical dilemmas. In fact, part of ethical development, in addition to moral judgment, is to reinforce the ethical sensitivity in which narrative ethics can play a significant role for this purpose.This approach has been widely used for teaching morality in Persian literature and history telling, such as Mathnavi. Narrative ethics can be applied by telling stories about patients' life and their experience of illness. It can also be used to criticize and analyze the clinical situation and explore ethical challenges that healthcare providers face in their daily practice. Thus, it can help to prevent ethical conflicts by establishing interaction between ethical principles and patients' values. This paper emphasizes the application of this method in medical ethics education and ethical decision-making.    

Nowadays, electronic communications technology propounds new forms of the patient-physician relationship in the field of medicine. Effective communication between the patient and the physician can play a crucial role in the process of treatment. This new form of communication greatly influences promotion of the health system by improving access to inexpensive and fast services regardless of geographic boundaries. In times of crisis, telemedicine plays an important role in delivering health services to deprived areas in a just manner. Usage of communications technology is inevitable, and due to the virtual nature of this kind of medical communication, recognition of certain ethical considerations seems essential. Successful examples of telemedicine are abundant throughout the world and usage of this technology is a helping solution for inadequacies in the healthcare system. In Iran, because of the geographical extent of the country, this technology can provide access to medical services in some cases.In order to achieve the best outcome in telemedicine, it is essential to respect confidentiality, privacy, informed consent and commitment to professionalism in this field.

Introduction and Problem Statement:  Attitude Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his family) treatment, has several dimensions as follows: ontological, ethical, Juridical and medical. This article studies the mystical and moral attitude of the Prophet Muhammad's treatment of prophetic mysticism a nd moral to explain the nature of treatment.

Methods: this study, used the Quran and prophetic traditions as well as Shia and Sunni interpretations used and documentary - library.

Results: The results show that the Prophet (PBUH and prophet) said treatment is only with God's command. The Prophet of Islam only God knew therapist. Prophet knew doctors who serve with tolerance to the patient. Of course, the prophet  did not know doctors dismiss the treatment but he, presented the doctor through the grace of God. He has said his companions to follow the recommended treatment processes According to this attitude. He believed that God has landed the drug. Also, according to the moral teachings of the Prophet (PBUH and prophet) central task of the treating physician is as follows: the need for specialized doctors, trying to detect treatment, avoid seeking treatment from unlawful activities.

Applications: mystical prophetic teaching about the treatment that "God is revealed for each analgesic drug" is a very important idea that can be used as a methodology proposition, medicine paradigm of the crisis related to the rescue Which can be used as a methodology proposition, fever that save crises related paradigm.

As well as other mystical vision of his heart, can be explain the moral principles of treatment in the healing process with integrated color. Ethical principles in relation to medicine and treatment can also introduce the responsibility of the medical profession as divine responsibility and thus enhance the physician's professional responsibility.

The Parthian rule was a major period in the history of Iran that lasted for nearly five centuries and may be investigated from various viewpoints. The lack of resources and cultural works pertaining to this period, however, is what sets it apart from most other eras in the history of Iran.

The Parthian dynasty enjoyed a relatively quiet rule, which indicates it was an advanced civilization with a highly developed system of healthcare. Nevertheless, our knowledge about the medical practices of the Parthian era is rather limited. The purpose of this study was to examine historical sources to shed a light on the attitude of the Parthian society to healthcare, and to explain the lack of resources on the subject.

Geography and astronomy are among the oldest and most widely practiced sciences that have continued to exist in modern times, and have always been associated with medicine. In astronomy, this association extends to astronomical calendars and the prediction of the most and least favorable occasions for the treatment of diseases. In the geographical context, it includes health and human diseases connected with environmental factors, and has developed with time into what is known today as medical geography.

Najm al-Mulk, the royal astronomer to the court of Naser al-Din Shah, was the first Iranian teacher and author of geography and astronomy in Dar ul-Fonun to promote these sciences, and was responsible for writing the traditional calendar. The aim of this study was to examine the evolution of geography and astronomy during the Qajar era. For this purpose, we investigated astronomical calendars and historical books, and examined the association of traditional medicine with geography and astronomy while inspecting the role of Najm al-Mulk in the process.

The invasion of Iran by Mongols in 1217 AD had a profound impact on different aspects of social life, in which some aspects still exist and are undeniable.

One of these aspects is Mongol’s folk medicine. A review of Iranian folk medicine in Qajar period shows how medicine in this period which was a mixture of oral culture and religious beliefs was influenced by Mongol’s folk medicine.

By comparing Mongol’s medicine and Iranian traditional medicine in Qajar period, this article elaborates on how Iranian traditional medicine was influenced by Mongols

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.