Abbas ibn Firnas

Abū al-Qāsim ʿAbbās ibn Firnās ibn Wardās al-Tākurunnī, known as ʿAbbās ibn Firnās, was an Andalusi polymath born around 810 CE in Ronda, Emirate of Córdoba. He died in 887 CE in Córdoba. Ibn Firnas was a multifaceted figure, excelling as an inventor, astronomer, physician, chemist, engineer, musician, and poet. He made significant contributions to astronomy, constructing a device to track planetary and stellar movements. In engineering, he devised a method for manufacturing colorless glass and created magnifying lenses, known as 'reading stones', which were precursors to modern eyeglasses. He also introduced the astronomical tables of the *Sindhind* to Al-Andalus, influencing European astronomy. A notable, though debated, aspect of his legacy is his reported experimentation with unpowered flight. According to historical accounts, he attempted to fly using artificial wings, though his landing resulted in injuries, possibly due to the lack of a tail for stabilization.