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Ibn al-Haytham

Alhazen

Ibn al-Haytham is a landmark figure in optics and experimental reasoning.

BORN c. 965 CE · Basra, IraqDIED c. 1040 CE · Cairo, EgyptERA Fatimid
NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION

Revolutionized optics by arguing that vision occurs through light entering the eye.

THE RECORD
  • The Book of Optics analyzed light, vision, reflection, and refraction.
  • He criticized earlier emission theories of vision.
  • His work influenced later Islamic and European optical science.
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