In the first place we render thanks to Allah, for the very excellence of the order of His creation, and the abundance of His benefits. His     blessings and the abundance of His mercies are upon all the prophets. In the next place, I may say that it is at the request of one of my very special  friends—one whom I feel most bound—to consider, that I prepare this book on Medicine setting  forth its general and particular laws to the full extent  necessary, and yet with apt brevity. My plan is to deal with the general aspects of each of the two divisions of medicine—the speculative and the practical. Then I shall treat of the general principles applicable to the diagnosis of the properties of the simples, following this with a detailed account of them. Then I shall take up the disorders which befall each individual member, beginning with an account of its anatomy, and that of its auxiliary. The anatomy of the several members and their auxiliaries is dealt with in the first book. Having completed the account of the anatomy, I shall show how the health of the member is to be maintained. This subject being completed, I proceed to a general discourse about general diseases—their causes, the signs by which they are recognized, and the modes of treatment. After  this, I pass on to the special diseases and will point out in as many cases as possible-(i) the general diagnosis of their  characters, causes and signs, (ii) the special diagnostic features,(iii) the general rules of treatment, (iv) the special methods of  treatment by (a) simples, (b)compounded medicines.   I include specially designed tables under the subject of simples to enable you to survey the facts rapidly as to the adjuvants for treating disease by simples.   Compounded medicines, and their adjuvants, and how to mix them, I have deemed it best to consider separately in a "Formulary." Thus it is my intention to compose after the special subjects are dealt with. Disorders not confined to one member are described in this book; the cosmetics are spoken of; and the knowledge set forth in previous books is assumed.  Allah helping me to complete this volume, the formulary will be added to it. Every follower of my teachings who wishes to use them profitably should memorize most of this work, even though he does not quite understand it all. It is my intention to prepare further volumes if Allah should prolong my life still further, and if circumstances prove propitious.

... THE ELEMENTS...The elements are simple bodies. They are the primary components of the human being throughout all its parts, as well as of all other bodies in their varied and diverse forms. The various orders of beings depend for their existence on the intermixture of the elements. ...Every object has three causes for its existence: material, formal and efficient. That which brings about the union of m (material cause) and f (formal cause) is called the "efficient cause.” There is another cause called the "final cause," namely the reason for its existence, the reason for its creation...