ABRAHAM OF ARAGON:
By: Louis Ginzberg
A skilful oculist, who flourished in the middle of the thirteenth century. Shortly after the Council of Béziers, in 1246, had forbidden Jewish physicians to practise, Abraham was requested by Alphonse, count of Poitou and Toulouse, and brother of Louis IX. of France, to treat him for an affection of the eye. The count at first implored Abraham's help in vain; for he, being a man of independent spirit, held stoutly to the opinion that even the brother of a king was not exempt from the decree of a council. It was only after the seigneur of Lunel, with the assistance of his Jewish agent, had persistently pleaded with Abraham that the latter consented to cure the count.
Bibliography:
- Grätz, Gesch. der Juden, 2d ed., vii. 114.
