Did Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) Postulate Before Vesalius That Liquid Collects in Ventricles in the Hydrocephalus?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to present and evaluate the part of Avenzoar's Liber Teisir that pertains to hydrocephalus. Avenzoar was an Andalusian physician prominent in the history of medicine because of the broadness of his observations and original methods. His most important work is recognized to be the Al-Taysīr fī al-Mudāwāt wa al-Tadbīr (On Preventive Regimen and Treatment), and its Latin version, Alteisir scilicet regiminis et medelae, which was in use for centuries in Europe.

METHODS

The Arabic (Rabat, Morocco, in 1991) and Latin (Venice, Italy, in 1530) versions of Avenzoar's work were perused, relevant sections were separately translated into English, and both translations were then compared. An English version was prepared and is given in our results.

RESULTS

The location of liquid collection was described as the anterior ventricles of the brain and around the brain.

CONCLUSIONS

Avenzoar might have noted one of the earliest records on the clinical state called idiopathic adult hydrocephalus and postulated liquid collection in the ventricles of the brain in hydrocephalus before Vesalius.