In the medieval period, Muhammad Zakariyyā al-Rāzī (865 – 925) reveals himself to be one of the great readers of ancient writing translated into Arabic and particularly of Galen’s work. It must be noted that Rāzī is the author of a treatise “On accounting for Galen’s extant books which are not mentioned by Hunayn or Galen in his catalogue ”. This is confirmed in his different books, in his Aphorisms and in his personal notes, brought together in a book after his death, called in Arabic Kitāb al-Hāwī fī al-tibb, Continens in Latin or The Comprehensive Book on Medicine. In his works Rāzī, insists that young physicians should complete their education by continuous reading of their predecessors’ works and by personal everyday practice. We will study medicinal treatment in the cases of smallpox, asthma, and intestinal disorders and analyse al-Mausūrī, The treatise of smallpox and measles, The book of division and Kitāb al-Hāwī or The Comprehensive Book on Medicine. The following points are to be developed: the selection of medical literature by Rāzī, the retention of various experiences and the therapeutic selection for his own practice. This examination will lead to a better understanding of Rāzī, how his respect for the ancients is combined with innovation, creativity and the research of new solutions in therapy and particularly in drug therapies.

This presentation is based on work co-authored by Gouet-Ben Ghachem Asma.