Aaron (Copt)

Aaron (Copt) was a Coptic physician and priest who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, during the 7th century. He is best known for his medical compendium, the Pandectae Medicinae, written in Greek, which represents a significant compilation of medical knowledge from the late antique period.

The Pandectae Medicinae, meaning "Collection of All Medicine," draws heavily on earlier medical authorities, notably Galen, Oribasius, and Aetius of Amida. It provides a comprehensive overview of medicine, covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, therapeutics, and surgery. The work is divided into several books, each dedicated to a specific area of medical practice.

Aaron's Pandectae is significant because it preserves and transmits important aspects of classical Greco-Roman medical knowledge to subsequent generations. It became a standard medical text in the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire and was later translated into Syriac and Arabic. The Arabic version, known as Kunnash, became particularly influential in the Islamic world, contributing to the development of medicine in that region.

While little is known about Aaron's personal life beyond his role as a physician and priest, his Pandectae provides valuable insights into the medical practices and knowledge prevalent in Alexandria during the early Islamic period. His work stands as a testament to the continuity of medical learning and its transmission across cultures.