The article discuses various achievements attained by Arabs in the field of exploration in science. Being one of the highest regarded mathematics discipline, arithmetic’s it is regarded as the core point of Arabic mathematics. Scholars such as Tahbit Bin Qurrah and Nicochamus of Gerasa were among the noted pioneers that derived theory of numbers. however, works of Arabic that were devoted were amazingly few since the treaties were created by just a few scholars in the Arabic science, debates on geometric theorems were included in mechanical operations.
Aristotle contributed significantly in towards works of number theory. He developed the theory of transfinite numbers in the ancient Greek. The number theory emerged significantly as Arabic arithmetic. on the other hand, irrational numbers in the ancient Greek existed in form of geometrical magnitude. Some Arab mathematicians used the concepts evaluated by Euclid that included commensurable magnitudes while few disregarded the concepts. Towards the 15th century, Arabs fused three systems to the Middle East.
The systems were identified as the finger reckoning, the Indian reckoning and the third was identified as the arithmetic of the astronomers. Just to highlight, the system of the finger reckoning used finger of one or sometimes boot hands to maintain results of calculations. The second Arabic numerals were more system that is superior since they used nine figures. It also recognized the zero figures. On the other hand, Arab mathematicians from works of the Greeks translated the arithmetic of astronomers. It became essential in calculations pertaining astrological and astronomical calculations utilizing sexagesimal fractions.
Arithmetician such as Abu al-Hasan Bin Ibrahim applied the Indian reckoning schemes comparing to other types of calculations in the tenth century. He even introduced decimal faction ideas but unfortunately, his work did not influence his successors in a meaningful way. During the second half of the fifiteenth Century, al-Kashi made a breakthrough in the history of Arabic science. He wrote a book containing that became significant in the Islamic world.
The Arabs introduced algebra that attracted European mathematician to an extent that they translated al-Khwaizmi Kitab in the half of 12th Century. The Greek mathematicians contributed to solutions of geometry introduced by then the late Umar al-Khayyyami and as-Smawa’al in the early 12th century. Further Greek techniques developed by Archimedes and Apollonius fascinated the Arabic geometry. Sons to Musa bin Shakir attempted to deal with problems projected by Archimedes. Their work attracted the attention of the West especially measurements dealing with spherical figures and plane
Arab mathematicians developed the theory of parallels that comprised of theorems that made a breakthrough in establishment of postulate. For the following five hundred years, Arab mathematicians pursued problems adopted by Greeks regarding parallel problems
Arabs showed persistence in proving the Euclid’s postulate that attracted the attention of English mathematician, Jon Wallis in the 16th century a few European mathematician followed the suit to investigate problems developed by Arabic research on non-Euclidean and Euclidean systems between the 16th Century and the 19th century.
Other than establishing significant break through in the world of mathematics, Arabs portrayed some interest in Astronomy. The Arabs were fascinated by Ptolemy powerful and sophisticated methods. Arabic astronomers took keen interest in interpreting complex parameters of Ptolemy. In the early 18 century, the Arabs came up with computational techniques that were more efficient. They also invented planetary models to establish planetary model of Ptolemy
Further research activity in this field lead to Arabs establishes the Almagest of Ptolemy. With time, Arabic mathematicians came up with trigonometric techniques and functions knowledgeable to the Indians. During the nineteenth century, fractions became highly popular in the Arab world. moreover, the planetary theory was translated in distinct works. In addition, the Arabs were proud to introduce the Eudoxian model from Aristotle and his fellow commentators.
Aristotle adopted a system implying that each plant were spheres that rotated on the centers. he further insisted that planets rotated in perfect circles at constant speeds and argued that only one centre of heavenly body existed. However, a number of medieval Islam ignored the system of Aristotle despite the fact that his teachings were commendable. However, during the twelfth century, philosophers such as Ibn Rush and Ibn Tufany bought ideas of Aristotle and revolted those against Ptolemy. In other words, they agreed with cosmology of Aristotle.
However, planetary theory developed by Ptolemy reflected the principle of epicyclical and eccentric motions. He illustrated that the sun rotated in circle to the centre of the earth. in essence, a big number of Islamic Astronmers perceived that astronomy was based mathematical and physical premises. Some of them therefore, bought the planetary ideas of Ptolemy. Apparently, they accepted the mathematical theory of Ptolemy especially epicycles and eccentrics theories.
However, Arabic astronomers faced serious difficulties in converting geometric language developed by Ptolemy into physical language. Consequently, Ibn al-Hatham criticized concepts of Ptolemy on Planetary Hypotheses and Alamgest. To illustrate, Arabic failed to understand epicycle movement of planets in a uniform motion other than on the eccntic centre. Eventually, with time some Arabic astronomers namely al-Haytham and Nasir ad-Din at-Tusi among others produced a planetary model that was possible to translate into physical language without possibly damaging astronomical principles (Hayes, 1992).
Arabs also made substantial progress in the field of optics laid by ancient Greeks. the Arabs translated treatise optics of Ptolemy in the twelfth century. Philosophers like Aristotle, Euclid, Ptolemy, writer like Galen developed keen interest in theory visions. These writers highly inspired Arabs to an extent that they investigated their view on theory of vision. To illustrate, al-Kindi followed Euclid, Ibn Sina admired works of Aristotle, and Huyan bin Ishaq employed ideas projected by Galen. The Arabs combined the physical doctrines and mathematical models. A mathematicians such as Ibn al-Haytham derived opinions on how objects are projected to eye.
To develop these ideas, he utilized geometrical approach derived from Ptolemy and Euclid. He attempted to represent how a large or small object could possibly enter through a pupil to be transmitted to brain to complete the process of vision. Ibn al-Haytham’s developed more theories on optics to an extent that he even investigated essential aspects such as reflection, rectilinear, color and refraction of light. He even wrote a book on optics in the thirteenth century. However, his theory on optics was virally unknown due to problems related to difficulty in Latin translation to Arabic
However, by the thirteenth Century, work become more comprehensive tint he Islamic world when Islamic text became popular in the Islamic world. His work inspired Kamal ad-Din when he made a research on formation of rainbow. He developed his hypothesis form works of Aristotle who examined reflection from rain. He also investigated camera obscure phenomena. Essentially, works of Ibn al-Haytham inspired Kamal.
The article further entails discussion on life science in the Islamic world. To illustrate, the Islamic scientist practiced healing arts using indigenous medicines. Ancient Arab physicians such as Harun ar-Rashid and Bin-Hkumrelied relied on source of Greeks to advance their healing arts. Hunayn bin Ishag became one of the highest noted educators that inspired healing arts in the Islam. He made essential medical writings with his students mainly through translating Greek and Syrian versions. Over centuries, the Islamic world has invented its skills in medical such as developing clinical medicines, performing surgery mainly inspired by early Arabic physicians (Hayes, 1992).
References
Hayes, J. (1992). The Genius of Arab civilization : source of Renaissance. New York: New York
University Press.