ABSTRACT

Objective:

To examine the chapter regarding “geriatrics” in Tarwih al-Arwah, the poetical medical work by Ahmadi and to determine the place and the importance of the obtained knowledge in the history of Turkish medicine.

Material and Method:

A microfilm of Tarwih al-Arwah No. 06 Mf 1994 A 653, which is available in the Ankara National Library and was copied from the Süleymaniye Manuscript Library, Ayasofya Collection, No. 3595, was examined and related chapter was transliterated and the obtained knowledge was compared to the knowledge present in the history of Turkish medicine literature.

Results:

The 11th article of the 1st section, entitled “hygiene”, of the 2nd fen of Tarwih al-Arwah is on “geriatrics.” Nutrition and treatment suggestions for elderly people were given in this chapter.

Conclusion:

It is possible to say that the knowledge on “geriatrics” given by Ahmadi in Tarwih al-Arwah was similar to ones in medical books and was harmonious with medical applications based on humoral theory of his era; and because of its poetic style, Tarwih al-Arwah might facilitate the learning process of medicine.