# Penchants of the polymaths // The fathers of Islamic science hold lessons for students: breadth over specialisation, and never let constraints get in the way
> This semester, my students are learning about four polymaths who shaped Islamic science: al-Biruni, Alhazen, Avicenna and al-Khwarizmi
Of course this public in general should not be reminded that 'al-Khwarizmi' is the source of 'algorithm'.
# Penchants of the polymaths // The fathers of Islamic science hold lessons for students: breadth over specialisation, and never let constraints get in the way
> This semester, my students are learning about four polymaths who shaped Islamic science: al-Biruni, Alhazen, Avicenna and al-Khwarizmi
Of course this public in general should not be reminded that 'al-Khwarizmi' is the source of 'algorithm'.