ALKENDI, JACOB EON IsAAc, a learned Arabian, who flourished at the commencement of the ninth cen tury, under the caliphate of the learned aim generous Almamon. His attainments in literature and philoso phy obtained For him, at au early age, the honourable epithet of " The Philosopher ;" and though he employ ed himself chiefly in illustrating the philosophy of Aris totle, his attention was also devoted to the liberal sci ences. Alkendi seems to have made considerable ad vancement in the sciences of mathematics and astrono my, and his medical writings acquired him high repu tation among the Arabian physicians. We are indebt ed to Abulfaragius for a very instructive anecdote re specting Alkendi, which exhibits one of the finest features of a great and amiable mind. When visiting the schools of Bagdad, in complianco with the custom of the tunes, Alkendi took occasion to recommend the study of philosophy, and to reconcile the doctrines of Mahomet with tne principles of reason. Albumasar, one of the interpreters of the Alkoran, was offended with the liberality of his sentiments, and dreaded that the diffusion of knowledge would sap the foundation of their holy faith. Ile charged Alkendi as the promoter of heresy and impiety ; and, animated by a wild and ink taken zeal, he even formed a plan against the life of the philosopher. When this murderous design was detected, and communicated to Alkendi, it did not awaken in his breast a spirit of resentment and revenge. By his influence with Almamon, he might have taken signal vengeance against the enemy of his lile, hut he chose rather to punish him by the generosity and mild ness of his conduct. Expecting to subdue the mind of
Albumasar by the precepts of wisdom, he engaged a teacher to instruct him in mathematics and philosophy. The mind of the Mahometan priest was soon changed; he saw the errors of his conduct, and lamented the harshness with which he had treated Alkendi; and offering himself as a disciple of the philosopher whom he had persecuted, he was kindly received and sincerely forgiven, and became one of the brightest ornaments to the school of Alkendi.—What a lesson of moderation to the bigots of the present age ! Superstition and heresy flourish only when they are opposed : Under the mild sway of toleration, they languish and decline. It is the tyranny of the winds that raises the ocean from its peaceful level, and arms it with power to destroy. Let the persecuting tempest cease, and it becomes the most harmless of the elements.
A catalogue of the writings of Alkendi is given in the MS. History of Philosophers referred to by Dr Russel. It does not, however, contain a treatise usually ascribed to him, and translated into Latin, under the title of " De Medieinarum compositarunt gradibus investigandis." See Russel's Hist. of .1leplio, vol. ii. App. p. 9. Enfield's Hist. of Philos. vol. ii. p. 237. See ALMAMON. (A)