Hasdai Ibn Shaprut

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Hasdai (Abu Yusuf ben Yitzhak ben Ezra) ibn Shaprut born about 915 at Jaen; died 970 or 990 at Cordoba in Spain, was a Jewish scholar, physician, diplomat, and patron of science. His father, Isaac ben Ezra, was a wealthy and learned Jew of Jaen. Hasdai acquired in his youth a thorough knowledge of Hebrew, Arabic, and Latin, the last-named language being at that time known only to the higher clergy of Spain. He also studied medicine, and is said to have discovered a universal panacea, called Al-Faruk. Appointed physician to the caliph Abd ar-Rahman III. (912-961), he, by his engaging manners, knowledge, character, and extraordinary ability, gained his master's confidence to such a degree that he became the caliph's confidant and faithful counselor. Without bearing the title of vizier he was in reality minister of foreign affairs; he had also control of the customs and ship-dues in the port of Cordoba.