Al-Zahrawi, also known as Abulcasis, was a prominent Arab physician and surgeon from the 10th century. He is often referred to as the "father of surgery" due to his significant contributions to medical practices. His most famous work, Kitab al-Tasrif, is a comprehensive medical encyclopedia that covers various surgical techniques and instruments. Al-Zahrawi's innovations included the introduction of surgical tools that are still in use today, such as scalpels and forceps. He emphasized the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in surgical procedures, which laid the groundwork for modern surgical practices. His influence extended beyond the Islamic world, impacting European medicine during the Renaissance.