Table of Contents

 

Introductory material

Introductory material of Book One, Kitab al 'Ibar

Preliminary Remarks

Chapter I

Human civilization in general

FIRST PREFATORY DISCUSSION

SECOND PREFATORY DISCUSSION: The parts of the earth where civilization is found. Some information about oceans, rivers, and zones

THIRD PREFATORY DISCUSSION: The temperate and the intemperate zones. The influence of the air upon the color of human beings and upon many other aspects of their condition

FOURTH PREFATORY DISCUSSION: The influence of the air (climate) upon human character

FIFTH PREFATORY DISCUSSION: Differences with regard toabundance and scarcity of food in the various inhabited regions ('umran) and how they affect the human body and character

SIXTH PREFATORY DISCUSSION: The various types of human beings who have supernatural perception either through natural disposition or through exercise, preceded by a discussion of inspiration and dream visions

Chapter II

Bedouin civilization, savage nations and tribes and their conditions of life, including several basic and explanatory statements

Chapter III

On dynasties, royal authority, the caliphate, government ranks, and all that goes with these things. The chapter contains basic and supplementary propositions

Chapter IV

Countries and cities, and all other forms of sedentary civilization. The conditions occurring there. Primary and secondary considerations in this connection

Chapter V

On the various aspects of making a living, such as profit and the crafts. The conditions that occur in this connection. A number of problems are connected with this subject

Chapter VI

The various kinds of sciences. The methods of instruction. The conditions that obtain in these connections. The chapter includes a prefatory discussion and appendices

Concluding Remarks

Selected Bibliography, Walter J. Fischel