The first Muslim scientist who contributed to Zoology, Botany and Animal Husbandry. Al-Asmai's contributions, in addition to science, were also in Arabic poetry. He had an outstanding knowledge of the Arabic grammar and lexicography of classical Arabic. He also compiled an anthology of pre-Islamic Arabic poetry called al Asma Iyyat. Several of his works were translated into European languages. Al-Asmai's famous writings include Kitab al-Ibil, Kitab al-Khalil, Kitab al-Wuhush, Kitab al-Sha, and Kitab Khalq al-Insan. The last book on the human anatomy demonstrates his considerable knowledge and expertise of the subject. His work was popular among scientists of the ninth and tenth centuries. Al-Asmai was a disciple of Amr Ibn al'ala, and was a tutor to Harun Rashid's son. Al-Asmai whose full name was Abdul Malik Ibn al-Quraib al-Asmai was born in Basra.