Qusta Ibn Luqa's Medical Regime for the Pilgrims to Mecca: The Risalah Fi Tadbir Safar Al-Hajj

This work by Qust?a Ibn Luqa, the only known health guide for the pilgrim to Mecca, discusses in a concise and logical manner the best regime for the traveller, the diseases which may befall him and their treatment. It is an eloquent witness to the author's profound knowledge of the works of ancient physicians, especially those of the Byzantine physician Paul of Aegina. After an exposition of the best regimen for the traveller, Qust?a mentions the different diseases which may befall him, namely, fatigue, earache, diseases of the bronchial tubes and those caused by dust. Recommended remedies are simple and compound drugs, bathing and massage. Qust?a then discusses criteria to determine the quality of water, means to improve bad water, and means to quench one's thirst. In the next chapters Qust?a treats the prophylaxis against vermin and the treatment of stings and bites caused by them. After a lucid exposition of spontaneous generation, Qust?a concludes his treatise by discussing the occurrence of the Dracunculus medinensis and its treatment.