Al-Asma'i

Who was Al-Asma'i?

'Al-Asma'i or Asma`i, scientific: ʿAbd al-Malik b. Quraib al-Aṣmaʿī was an Arab scholar and anthologist, one of the earliest Arabic lexicographers and one of the three leaders of the Basra school of Arabic grammar.

He was also a pioneer of natural science and zoology. He is considered as the first Muslim scientist to study animals in detail. He wrote many works such as: Kitab al-Khail, Kitab al-Ibil, Kitab al-Farq, Kitab al-Wuhush, Kitab al-Sha and Kitab Khalaq al-Insan. He also provides detailed information on human anatomy.