Intellectual Stagnation of Europe during the Period of Moslem Greatness--High Rank of Scholars in Spain--Attainments of the Khalifs--Character of Arab Literature--Progress of Science--The Alexandrian Museum--Its Wonderful Discoveries--Its Contributions to Learning--Its Influence on the Career of the Mohammedans--The Arabic Language--Poetry of the Arabs--Its General Characteristics--Theology and Jurisprudence--History--Geography--Philosophy--Libraries --Rationalism--Averroes--Mathematics--Astronomy--Al-Hazen --Gerbert--Botany--Alchemy--Chemistry--Pharmacy--Albertus Magnus, Robert Grossetête, and Roger Bacon--Medicine and Surgery--Ignorance of their Theories and Scientific--Application in Mediæval Europe--Prevalence of Imposture--Fatality of Epidemics--Great Advance of the Arabs in Medical Knowledge--Hospitals--Treatment of Various Diseases--The Famous Moslem Practitioners--Contrast between the Christian and Mohammedan Systems--Enduring Effects of Arab Science--Its Example and Benefits the Creative Influence of Modern Civilization 423 CHAPTER XXIX MOORISH ART IN SOUTHERN EUROPE Absolute Ignorance of Art among the Original Arabs--Their Debt to Antiquity--Their Early Architecture--Materials--Massive Character of the First Edifices of the Moslems--The Horseshoe Arch--Its Phallic Derivation--Progress of Artistic Embellishment--Its Wonderful Diversity--Byzantine Influence--Employment of Encaustic Tiles--Mosaics of the Mosque of Cordova--Stuccoes--Their Composition and Infinite Variety of Form--Stalactitic Pendentives--Woodwork--Its Beautiful and Intricate Designs--Disappearance of Arabic Architectural Monuments in Sicily--Military Structures of Mohammedan Spain--Typical Form of the Mosque--Its Hebrew Origin--Manifold Derivation of Hispano-Arab Architecture--Development of Art in Moorish Spain--Its Three Epochs--The Alhambra its Culmination--Representation of Animal Forms--Painting and Sculpture--Mural Decoration--The Industrial Arts--Working of Metals--Arms--Engraved Gems--Ceramics--The Leathern Tapestry of Cordova--Textile Fabrics--Calligraphy and Illumination--Destruction of the Artistic Remains of the Moors 534 CHAPTER XXX AGRICULTURE, MANUFACTURES, AND COMMERCE OF THE EUROPEAN MOSLEMS; THEIR MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND AMUSEMENTS