[Measure in Arabic and Middle Age medicine]

Area of Science:

• History of Science
• Philosophy of Science
• Medical History

Context:

• The XIVth century marked a transition from qualitative to quantitative scientific understanding.
• Rediscovery of classical texts and Arabic scientific works influenced European thought.
• Scholars like Grosseteste, Bacon, and Ockham began separating religious doctrine from scientific inquiry.

Purpose:

• To trace the historical development of quantitative methods in natural phenomena.
• To explore the integration of logical reasoning into medical practice during the late Middle Ages.
• To highlight the foundational work leading to the measurement of medical parameters.

Summary:

• The XIVth century introduced quantitative evaluation of natural phenomena, influenced by translated Arabic and recovered classical works.
• Scholars differentiated religious truth from scientific findings, with Jean Buridan applying this to physics.
• Simone di Castello emphasized measuring elements, qualities, and humors for medical applications.
• The adoption of 'logica nova' in medicine is evidenced by Anthony Ricart and Santorio Santorio's pioneering use of measurement instruments.

Impact:

• This shift laid the groundwork for modern scientific methodology.
• It fostered a more empirical and measurable approach to understanding health and disease.
• Pioneering efforts in medical quantification paved the way for evidence-based medicine.