Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

Throughout history, dreams have played a pivotal role in some of humanity’s most remarkable scientific discoveries. These nocturnal inspirations have led to breakthroughs that have significantly advanced our understanding of the natural world. Here are some notable examples:

1. The Structure of Benzene

German chemist Friedrich August Kekulé had long grappled with understanding benzene’s molecular structure. One night, he dreamt of a snake seizing its own tail, forming a circular shape. This vivid imagery inspired him to conceptualize the ring structure of the benzene molecule, a foundational insight in organic chemistry. The Clever

2. The Periodic Table

Dmitri Mendeleev, the Russian chemist, was attempting to organize chemical elements based on their properties but struggled to find a coherent pattern. Exhausted, he fell asleep at his desk and dreamt of a table where all the elements fell into place as required. Upon awakening, he immediately wrote down what he had seen, leading to the creation of the periodic table. The Science Explorer

3. The Sewing Machine

Elias Howe, the inventor of the modern lockstitch sewing machine, faced challenges in designing a functional needle. He dreamt of being captured by cannibals who threatened him with spears that had holes near their tips. This dream inspired him to place the eye of the needle at the point, revolutionizing sewing technology. Wikipedia

4. The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

Alfred Russel Wallace, a naturalist and contemporary of Charles Darwin, independently conceived the theory of evolution through natural selection. While suffering from a fever in the Malay Archipelago, he dreamt of the mechanism of species adaptation and divergence, which he later articulated in his scientific writings. The Science Explorer

5. The Discovery of Insulin

Canadian surgeon Frederick Banting had been struggling to find a treatment for diabetes. One night, he dreamt of a procedure that involved tying up the pancreas’s ducts in a way that would isolate its secretion. This dream led to experiments that culminated in the discovery of insulin, transforming diabetes treatment. Speaking Tree

These instances highlight the profound connection between the subconscious mind and scientific innovation. Dreams have served as a source of inspiration, providing solutions to complex problems and unveiling new pathways in scientific exploration.

Is the subconscious mind some how connected to the All-Knowing God somehow is a different question, indeed one of the most important metaphysical questions?