CHAPTER XXVIII

THE HISPANO-ARAB AGE OF LITERATURE AND SCIENCE

Intellectual Stagnation of Europe during the Period of Moslem Greatness--High Rank of Scholars in Spain--Attainments of the Khalifs--Character of Arab Literature--Progress of Science--The Alexandrian Museum--Its Wonderful Discoveries--Its Contributions to Learning--Its Influence on the Career of the Mohammedans--The Arabic Language--Poetry of the Arabs--Its General Characteristics--Theology and Jurisprudence--History--Geography--Philosophy--Libraries --Rationalism--Averroes--Mathematics--Astronomy--Al-Hazen --Gerbert--Botany--Alchemy--Chemistry--Pharmacy--Albertus Magnus, Robert Grossetête, and Roger Bacon--Medicine and Surgery--Ignorance of their Theories and Scientific--Application in Mediæval Europe--Prevalence of Imposture--Fatality of Epidemics--Great Advance of the Arabs in Medical Knowledge--Hospitals--Treatment of Various Diseases--The Famous Moslem Practitioners--Contrast between the Christian and Mohammedan Systems--Enduring Effects of Arab Science--Its Example and Benefits the Creative Influence of Modern Civilization 423