Jamasp, an ancient Persian pharmacist

ABSTRACT

Although Iran has a deep history about 10000 years, its role in development of science in general and medicine in particular is yet to be known. There are several factors responsible for this, namely the destruction of a good number of ancient Persian manuscripts and books. Furthermore, lack of interest found among contemporary researchers seems to add to this anonymity. One way to compensate for this is to introduce scientific figures of the time. In this regard, Jamasp, as the great Persian scientist who lived about 500 BC, is introduced in this article. He was the minister of king Vishtasb and contemporary with Zoroaster. Though Jamasp is known as a great astronomer, physician, pharmacist, chemist and botanist by historians, he is a good candidate for the title "the father of Persian pharmacy"