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A Tenth Century Letter from a French Patient in Cordoba
by Meam Wye
Below is the translation of a tenth century letter written by a French man from a hospital in Cordoba to his father."Dear father, You have mentioned in your previous letter that you would send me some money to make use of it in my medicines costs , I say , I don't need it at all as treatment in this Islamic hospital is for free , also there is something else concerning this hospital . This hospital gives a new suit and 5 dinars to every patient who has already got well lest he should find himself obliged to work in the period of rest and recuperation.
Dear father, if you 'd like to visit me , you will find me in the surgery department and joints treatment . When you enter the main gate , got to the south hall where you will find the department of first aid and the department of disease diagnosis then you will find the department of arthritis (joints diseases ) , next to my room , you will find a library and a hall where doctors meet together to listen to the lectures given by professors , also this hall is used for reading . Gynecology dept. lies on the other side of the hospital court ,. Men are not allowed to enter it . On the right of the hospital court lies a large hall for those who recovered , in this place they spend the period of rest and convalescence for some days , this hall contains a special library and some musical instruments.
Dear father, any place in this hospital is extremely clean , beds and pillows are covered with fine Damascus white cloth , as to bedcovers , they are made of gentle soft plush , all the rooms in this hospital are supplied with clean water .This water is carried to the rooms through pipes that are connected to a wide water fountain , not only that , but also ever room is equipped with a heating stove .As to food , chicken and vegetables are always served to the extent that some patient don't want to leave the hospital because of their love and desire of this tasty food."
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