Introduction and correction of a treatise of Avecinna; "Alhendeba"

According to researchers of manuscripts, the treatise of Alhendeba is certainly a work of Avecinna’s own writing. This treatise, written in Arabic, is Avecinna’s reply to an inquisition presented to him, questioning the reason chicory (Alhendeba) should not be washed at the time of consumption. Avicenna answers using the Prophet Mohammed’s narration about chicory and adds his own scientific explanation and analysis. He explains that Chicory consists of two types of matter, each of opposite effect. The first matter, which there is proportionately less of, has its location on the surface of the leaves and is called “Latif” (the material that easily enters the circulation opens the obstructions and helps the absorption and delivery of other materials to far organs.) The other matter that there is more of is called “Kasif” (which is the condensed and cold material which cannot pass and arrive to target organs easily). Washing chicory brings about the loss of the first matter located on the leaves or the “Latif” part of the plant, thereby reducing the ability of chicory to penetrate the organs, especially the liver. There are a few copies of this manuscript in the Malek Library and the Central Library of Tehran University.