Paper, Egypt, 12th century; Judaeo-Arabic

T-S 16.290

The Jewish polymath Moses Maimonides (d. 1204) is a towering figure of medieval culture: his legal, religious and philosophical works continue to be revered and studied. Maimonides also left an important legacy in the field of medicine, writing a number of monographs on different medical topics. Here, Maimonides replies to a scholar seeking a meeting with him to clarify the meaning of some passages in his Guide for the Perplexed. The man also asks Maimonides for advice on a suitable diet for a scholar. Maimonides declines to arrange a one-to-one meeting, but does invite the man to attend his public lectures on the Sabbath. He recommends a diet rich in almonds, raisins, dates and honey as the best food for an intellectually active person.