Quarantine – Concept and History

Do you know when and how the concept of “Quarantine” was introduced in this world? This concept was introduced by none other than the Father of Medicine “IBN-E-SINA” who is also known as “AVICENNA” in western world.

He used the word “ARBA’INYA” (which means forty days) for introducing the concept of isolation in his book “Qanoon Al-Tibb” (قانون الطب) in 1025 A.D. This book was translated into Latin language in Spain, back in 12^th century. Later on, its translated version became famous with the name “Canon of Medicine”. The concept of “ARBA’INYA” traveled different parts of the world as people were travelling from one region to another and they also transferred their diseases from one place to another.

The word “Quarantine” is adopted from Venetian Language. France introduced the concept of ARBA’INYA with the name of Quarantine because in French language, Quarante means “Forty”. Therefore, they preferred word “Quarantine” for forty days of isolation for those people who were coming through ships from different parts of the world. In 1348A.D, when Black Death of Plague spread all over Europe, then people began to Quarantine themselves. After that, the concept of Quarantine became famous all over Europe in order to reduce spreading of disease.

 For further details about Quarantine and its changing shapes with the passage of time, you can watch complete documentary on the link given below: