specifically various sexual attributes and the affects that they have on an individual. A specific talking point that he mentioned in his work was the act of remaining abstinent. By doing so, an individual subjects themself to physical ailments, since the act is deemed by him to be "unnatural". He also recommended a specific diet and to abstain from taking medications that were believed to enhance sexuality as a means to treat sexual impotence. Politics In a collection of works by the 10th-century al-Tawhidi, al-Balkhi describes politics as an art that aims to contribute to the rise of a country. Furthermore, he mentions five separate sources that play into the overall outcome of politics. These include the tangible cause as corresponding to the subjects' affairs, the official reason as to the overall well-being of the people, the driving force as "the ruler’s concern for the affairs of his subjects", the purpose as the preservation of public welfare, as well as the instrumental cause consisting of using "incitement and intimidation" to achieve the goal. See also List of scientists in medieval Islamic world Science in the medieval Islamic world Mathematics in medieval Islam Medicine in the medieval Islamic world References Sources M. J. de Goeje: "Die Istakhri-Balkhi Frage" (Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgenländischen Gesellschaft, vol. 25, 42–58, 1871). H. Suter: Die Mathematiker und Astronomen der Araber (211, 1900). External links Abu Zayd Balkhi's biography by W.M. Watt in Iranica 9th-century Iranian mathematicians 10th-century Iranian physicians Balkhi school 9th-century Iranian physicians 10th-century Iranian geographers 10th-century Iranian mathematicians 850 births 934 deaths Psychology in the medieval Islamic world People from Balkh Province