It is certain, however, that through them various new and useful drugs, such as senna, aconite, rhubarb, camphor, and mercury, were handed down through the Middle Ages, and that they are responsible for the introduction of alcohol in the field of therapeutics.
In mediaeval Europe, Arabian science came to be regarded with superstitious awe, and the works of certain Arabian physicians were exalted to a position above all the ancient writers.

In modern times, however, there has been a reaction and a tendency to depreciation of their work.

By some they are held to be mere copyists or translators of Greek books, and in no sense original investigators in medicine.

Yet there can be little doubt that while the Arabians did copy and translate freely, they also originated and added considerably to medical knowledge.

It is certain that in the time when Christian monarchs in western Europe were paying little attention to science or education, the caliphs and vizirs were encouraging physicians and philosophers, building schools, and erecting libraries and hospitals.