Abū Alī al-Husayn ibn Sīnā (979-1037), was known in the West as Avicenna. An important Arab philosopher and doctor, he was called Prince of Physicians. Author of the Canon of Medicine, his work served as a primary medical education text in Europe and Asia for around four centuries. His reputation provided him with honours, fortune and even political power. He was also known for mixing study and pleasure throughout his life.
