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AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION
OF

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

Vol.

l.SUTRASTHANAM.

AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION

OF

THE'

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

BASED ON ORIGINAL SANSKRIT TEXT.

EDITED AND PUBLISHED

BY

KAVIRAJ KUNJA LAL BHISHAGRATNA

WITH A FULL AND COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION, TRANSLATION
OF DIFFERENT READINGS, NOTES, COMPARATIVE
VIEWS, INDEX, GLOSSARY
&.

PLATES.

Vol.

IN THREE VOL UMES.

I.-SUTRASTHANAM.

CALCUTTA
No.

lO,

KASHI GHOSE'S LANE.

1907.

'

Wt

f'

srf3
Printed by J. N. Bose.
'

'^

College Square, Calcutta.

MW

Riqhtx Rexd'ved)

WAHAMAIlUPAbHVAYA KAVIRAJ DVARKANAIH

(

In Durbar dress

SEN,

KAVIKATNA.

II

w^ff^

II

PREFACE.
--^^B'

Xo

special ^polcfgy

is

necessary for

the publication

of an English translation of the Sushruta Samhita.

vast

medical literature of

The

India practically

ancient

remains as yet unexplored, and any undertaking, which

has the obiect of making that terra incognita,
thescientific world,

is

bound

to be

known

to

welcomedby the public.

Spasmodic attempts have been made by several scholars

and erudite bodies to bring out an English translation of
the Sushruta Samhita, as the most representative

we

the Ayurveda, but

work

of

regret to say that such efforts have

hitherto proved abortive.

mation on the subject

In spite of incomplete infor-

many

drugs

of the Ayurvedic

Medica have been adopted by different foreign

systems of medicine, and this has afforded us a fresh
?vlateria

impetus to issue an English translation of the book, which

not only deals with the essentials of Indian Therapeutics
but embraces the whole range of the science of A3airveda,
as

it

was understood and practised by the Vedic sages.

sincerely hope that the English rendering of

We

we have undertaken,

which

Sushruta,

will,

when

completed, supply a long-felt want and help to start

a

fuller

inquiry

into

nous drugs of

India.

already

both

the

started

sole

object

the

properties

Many
in

of the

institutions

indige-

have been

England and Germany with

of studying

the

reti(^logy of tropical

and of formulating an empirical system of

their prevention and cure, and we, hope an I4nglish
diseases,

translation

of the

Sushruta Samhita,

embracing as

it

^11

made by

does the results of researches

the land of their

Rishis

ill

small

amount

"We

have

many

that an accurate knowledge

it

monument
make

will

combat the

ills

of

and

of being

this

tion.

We

texts

of

work

are necessarv

have

equipped too

better

thought

authority,

our revered

Dvarkanath

preceptor,

Sen,

abide

to

fit

and putting

by

Kaviratna,

and

it is

In

strictly

their true

of

Kaviraj

within
literal

meaning.

impossible to find in the English

language equivalent words

A3'urveda.

of opinion
decision

inserted

where a

translation of texts would not convey

instances

the

Mahamahopadhyaya

brackets explanatory clauses,

many

work

Readings" or "Additional

In cases of doubt or discrepancy

Texts."

printed

of our

not proved to be wholly

in foot-notes as "Different

we have

available

whether

body

the

questionable

are of

the

all

Samhita,

which, though

texts,

in

by way of explana-

collated

carefully

Sushruta

the

spurious,

In

and improved

life.

or otherwise, expunging from

them

where

in quarters

utilised

race

doubt not

five

contents of this

of the

the Inmian

College,
in respect

few remarks on the method we have adopted

editing

all

country

this

Ayurveda

of the

every chance

has

upon

no

those bodies.

Principal, Medical

I. M.S.,

"from the people of

of medicine and medical science,"

splendid

contribute

to

things to learn" observes Lt. Col. C. P.

Lukis, M.b., F.R.C.S.,

Calcutta,

may

origin(^

information

of useful

our ancient

for

such cases

the technical terms of the

we have

put approximate

English words within brackets, after the original Sanskrit

For exapiple we have translated the term Ojah

terms.

as albumen.
thing,

It

albumen;

Sut the Ojah of the Ayurveda

may mean something

glycogen,

which

like

is

a disputed

but not exactl)'

contributes

largely

to

Ill

"^

body in certaiR)*instances.
more correct description. In

the reproductive activity of tlfe

would appear
cases

to be the

this

like

we

not put before

h'ave

our readers,

any suggestions of our own, but left them free to

draw their own inference. And for this purpose we
further intend to Append to the last volume of this
work an index a,nd a glossary illustrating the possible
meanings of the Ayurvedic terms with English and
Latin synonyms, wherever possible. The true meaning
of the Ayurveda can be better explained or understood
only with the light of moder.n science, and

we

leave

it

European colleagues to carry on the research on

the lines we have suggested with regard to this ancient
to our

S3'stem of medicine, which a

and methods

principles

By

better

will enable

knowledge of

them

its

to do.

a lamentable oversight, the terms Vayu, Pittani,

Kaphah and Dosha have been translated as wind, bile,

phlegm and humour in the first few chapters.
For the sake of convenience we have divided the
entire work into three volumes, the first containing only
the Sutrasthanam, the

and the

Chikitsa,

second Xidanam, Sharira and

Kalpa and Uttara Tantram.

third

We have adopted the diagrams of surgical instruments

from that most valuable work of the Thakore Saheb of
Gondal,

called

the

Science, for which

History

am

of

Aryan Medical

the

particularly

indebted to His

Highness.
In conclusion,

we beg

to conve\' our sincerest thanks

to our preceptor's son Kaviraj Jogendranath Sen Vidya-

bhusana M.

A., Dr.

M. R. C. S.
M. D., I. ^l. S.,
Bhattacharya M.A. B?L., P.R.S.

U. D. Banerji L. R.

(Lond), and Lt. Col. K. P. Gupta

Professor
for

Janakinath

having

of the

kindly examined

manuscript.

am

M.

the

C. P.,

A.,

different

portions

grateful to Dr. Surendranath

<

IV

t
f #

(josvaini

has
/>i"or

all

B^A., L. M.

S.

teo, for

the kind interest

'along taken in the publicittion

of this

he

work and

intelhgent suggestions, which haxc been of

various

consfderable help to me.

My

thanks are also due to numerous learned authors,

ancient and
it

10,

modern 'from whose

necessary to

make

Kashi Ghose's Laxe.

i.-^t

TJeceiiiher,

igoy.

CALCUTTA.

writings,

ha\e found

frequent quotcition^.

KUNJA LAL BIIISHAGKATNA.

Kaviraj.

TNTRODTK^TION.
^^
Sushruta : His

and personality : A

age

few

preliminary observations regarding the technique of the

Who

Samhita.

Sushruta

where did he

are

necessary

and

live

was Sushruta

flourish

the following pages

of

where

all

ancient

our

itself

life

but

questions

similar

and

questions

to the

readers

of

can only be imperfectly

the}^

worthies.

When

These are

that would naturally suggest themselves

answered like

the

at

understand thp aim and scope of the

correctly

to

medicine

system of

Ayurvedic
outset

In

respecting

country

was simply regarded

as

an

the lives

like

India

illusion,

the

commoners were deemed matters of little

moment to the vital economy of the race and all histories
and biographies were looked upon as the embodiment
lives of

kings or

of thLe flimsy vanities

of

Lives of saints and canonised

life.

been made use of in certain instances

kings had

of national epics.

as themes
But they were intended more to elucidate

enunciate the doctrines of certain schools of Ethics or

Metaphysics than to record any historical fact or event.

or

Authentic history we have none beyond chronicles of state

and those which
events and royal names in some instances
;

are usually found in the Sanskrit Puranas are strange

binations of

each other.

commyths and legends, which often contradict

Hence the utter futility of attempts to explain

a historical fact by the light

unearthed perhaps
cities.

frorri

the

Such an endeavour

make the

" darkness

confounded.

of

votive

ruins

serves, in

visible, "

npdal or

tablet

of one of sur ancient

most

and the

cases,

only to

confusion

more

'iNTROniTCTIOX.

ii

Identity of Sushruta and Divodasa : It

to assert

only

safe

that Sushruta was of tl>e raceof Vishvamitra.

The

Mahabharatam

i)

represents

him

as a son of that roval sage.

This coincides with the description given of him

in descent

fourth

as

in the present

The Garuda Puranam

recension of the Samhita.

Divodasa

is

propounder of medical science

(2) places

from Dhanvantari, the

on

whereas

earti},

first

the

Sushruta Samhita describes the two as identical persons. But

this

apparent

for, if
still

in

that in

the

some

Samhita can be accounted

parts of India

prevails of appending, for the purposes of

fication,

to

anomaly

we consider
the

name

one's name,

glorious

of one's father, or of a

and

it

is

not

therefore

in

the

an

name and
meagre genealogy we

style in the usual

regarding the

life

that
firm

doctrine of psychic transmigration, should

represent himself as
a=.sume his

ancestor

surprising

who was

Divodasa (the preceptor of Sushruta),

believer

the custom
better identi-

incarnation

possess

of

Dhanvantari,

and

Revond

this

wav.

no trustworthy information

and personalitv of Sushruta, the father of

Indian Surgery.

Age

of the Sushruta

Samhita: We have no means

of

ascertaining what the Samhita was like as originally written

hv Sushruta, the present being only

a recension, or rather a

Mahahhiralam Anushasan Parva, Ch.

(2}

f^-^rf*T^TC^T<T Tnf^E^T^?i: %<^v.

^T5?I^T3I??T'Pr*T^r:

f^Tr??T^^^3:

Garuda PuranAm, Chap.

II

139, \'s. 8- 11,

INTRODUCTION*

lil

>>

recension of recensions,

made oy N^garjuna

Madhyamika

the

which materially

Samhita.
are

all

that

are preserved of the

not sure whether

of ancient

or

is

ot a

the}-

fac|

fixing the age of the present

us in

few quotations from the Vriddha

their genuineness

All opinions

Buddhistic philosophy

school of
assists

(i)?

the celebrated founder of

concur in identifying hifn ^with

(old)

Sushruta

But

oViginal Sainhitu.

and we are

problematic character,

are the productions of lesser lights,

though

renowned commentators,

less

attri-

buted to the master to invest thciU with a greater sanctity

authority a

;ind

was

which

practice

amongst the bibliographers of Ancient

Date of Nagarjuna : At

all

common

quite

India.

who

events Nagarjuna

redacted the Sushruta Samhita lived about the latter part of

the fourth

century before

era

the__Chrisian

;(2)

and the

Dallanas Commentary, Sulrasth^nam, Ch.

Dallana mentions the names of Jejjada, Gayadasa
of the original Samhita,
the

texts

and

etc., as the

rejects as spurious or of questionable

which cannot be found

in

i.

authority

Must

the work.

of

their editions

I.

redactors

probably the authoritative verses are quotations from the Vriddha Sushruta.

Recension or Pratisamsk^ra consists

been very succinctly dealt with

in

and

been made inordinately elaborate,

in

the

curtaiUng

statements

in dilating

upon

original

truths

book.

that
lliat

have
have

Redactor or

Pralisamaskarta makes an old book new again.

Samhita, on the other hand, deals with aphorisms

Vedas.

coniained

in

the

t^T^f^lfST?!
(2)

rT^T

VUT^Jf!:

#f%m'TTT: H^lf^cTT:

SIT^nFff^ qif*!/^:

Rijatarangini

I.

Taranga. Vs. 172-173.

wtroAj CTION.

IV

original or V^rtddha Sus|jruta 'must

least

two centuries

and prescription of

aythority

have given

Several
general

Samhita

the

of

authorship

th'e

of the

Sushruta Samhita) to

the other hand, hold the Uttaratantram

be neither an interpolation, nor a subsequent addition,

but that

forms an integral portion of the book as

it

originally

In

could

alone

very vague and

(latter portion of '.the

We, on

which

recension

commentary, ascribe

Dallana's

Nagarjuna.

age,*

the

divides

such

eyes,
etc.),

though not

written,

by

planned

Rishi.

Chapter of Sutrasthanani

Divodasa formally

the

Science of Ayurveda into

eight subdivisions,

as,

the Shalya (surgery), Sh^iakya (portion treating of

restricted

etc.),

to

regions such as

super-clavicular

Kaya-Chikitsa (general

subdivisions

or

the

25th chapter

the

name

of

the

of

book.

It

only once in

is

of the Sutrasthanani that

first five

he mentions

Netravartma (diseases of the eyelids)

nection with the classification of surgical operations.

inxpossible

that

Divodasa would

fall

by omitting to give instructions on

the Ayurveda

as

he promises

would leave

his

Samhita,

on surgery, incomplete by

at

all

short

our
of

five

first

his

It

is

duties

the subdivisions of

which

is

pre-eminently a work

banishiiT g_^ophthal mic surgery,

^
his

work.

From

book we can safely assert that

with easier or more elementary topics in

the general plan

Sushruta dealt

of

in con-

the outset, or that Sushruta

laryngotomy or fever-therapeutics from

I

the

diseases such as, fever,

but does not speak anything about them in the

Sthcinas

the

was

it

the

first

diseases

at

acquire that hoary

recension at the time.

concerning* the

Uttaratantram

to

to

on the authority of

scholars

statement
in

right

its

have been wriUen

order 'to

earlier in

of the

subdivisions

of his

Samhita

in the

manner

of

modern progressive readers, reserving the discussion

those re^uirmg a more advanced knowledge and skill

for the

Uttaratantram.

incluued within the

inasmuch

as

it

The

Uttara*^^antram

five original

embraces and

has

not been

subdivisions of the Samhita

more elaborately

discusses

INTRODUCl'ION.

>>

lupics

which legitimately beloi^g

mentioned

those

in

are butincidentairy

to, ^or

Hence

subdivisions.

is

it

more

ot

the nature of an appendix or supplement, arising out of the^

exigencies of the original

subdivisions.

Nagarjuna might have redacted

in

probable that

common with its other portions. (i}

Western opipions* on the subject : The
western

of

opinions

quarter of the

to

is

contended

Muni was

Century B. C.

third

that

a period

Samhita

(2),

consensus
the

in

and

for

decadence

It

preceding Sakya

Hindu thought

in

the Sushruta Samhita must have been the fruit of a

intellectual activity

first

fixing

Sakya Sinha Buddha.

of

age immediately

the
of

Nagarjuna

place

Sushruta as a contemporary
i^

It is

this part of the

which usually follows the

and

revived

advent of a

new creed^an assumption which is in favour of the

hypothesis of Greek influence on the Hindu system of
medicine.

Buddha.

But great men there had been in India before

The age which immediately preceded the age

Buddha was by no means an age

of

of decadence properly

speaking, the age which followed the downfall of

shows, on the

Buddliisin

India had

contrar}', signs of true decadence.

had eminent philosophers and scientists almost contempo-

Buddha.

raneously with the great

collected

above from the

The

chronological facts

Mahabharatam, and the Garuda

Puranam could have been construed

to

prove that

the

age of Sushruta was prior to that of the Mahabharatam

but

for

itself

shall

as

the
to

internal

the

evidence furnished by

probable

date of

have occasion to deal with

its

MaMmahopadhyaya

Lalita-Vistarain

mentioned

Tr.

Bael's Buddhistic Records of the

Stein's Rdjatarant^uai.
(3)

is

Kaviraj Dvaiaka N^lh .^en

Calcutta subscribes to this opinion

(2)

>

later on.

Extraneous Evidence : Sushruta

(i)

the Samhitn

composition which we

Raja

in

Kaviialna

the

of

Western World.

\'ol. II.

>

R. L. Mitter's Edition, Chaptef

I.

P. 212.

VI

V^rtikas

Katyayana

oP'(i)

no hesitation
^vritten

^-

INTRODUCTION.

Century B.

^4

and we have

C.)

saying thatP'^Iie* original

least

was
two centuries before the birth of Buddha.

equally

ready to admit, on the other hand, that

at

in

Sarnhita

'f

We

are

the

tinal

form

recension of the Sarnhita by Nagarjuna, at least the

which we have

in

was made about the second

it,

'

Century B. C.

Two Nagarjunas : Several

of Dallana

redactor

of

of

Samhita) with his

this

the Sushruta

namesake,

of the tenth Century

alchemist

celebrated

(2).

But

the
their

ground when we know that many

the Sushruta Samhita occur in the works of

contentions
verses

on the authority

endeavour to establish the identity of Nagarjuna

Samhita)
(the

commentator

celebrated

(the

scholars,

of

to the

fall

Bagbhat (Ashtangahridayam) and Madhava (Nidanam),

which are two of the works which were translated by the
order of the Kaliph

(3) in

the eighth century.

material
father of

to compose anything
Hindu Surgery.

like

The

internal

any authentic

evidences of the book do not supply us with

biography of

this

Internal Evidence :The line in the Samhita, which

amongst
the veritable bone of contention

has formed
of

scholars

all

shades of opinion as throwing a light upon

the probable date of

Sthanam,

its

composition, occurs ni the Sharira

in connection

with the development of the

"Subhuti Gautama said

body and reads

as

trunk that

developed."

tirst

Conflicting testimonies

It

is

foetal

is

"'

P. C.

Roy Hindu

the

matter of historic

f^^ffll^^^tf"
K;5 lyayana'si V^rlikas lo Panini's

(3)

it

and the uncertain indication

of materiaSs at our disposal

(l)

that

Grammar.

Chakra Dutta

Chcmislry

p.

Rash^yandhikara.

X\'1II. (1902),

INTRODtTrTIOX.

VU

'

>)

that Subhuti was

certainty
of

Sakya

o^e of, the personal

Buddha, and that

Sinha

disciples

customary

was

it

amongst the contemporaVy Buddliists to append the appelation of their

fGautama

lord

(i)

world.

up

"name

or Rodhisattva) to the

of a proselyte to accentuate his

wisdom and

the

sanctity in

certain section of scholars is'never tired of setting

this line as a conclusive evidence

Samhita was,

Buddhism.

of

the fact that

the

contemporary production of early

at best, a

But they shut their

eyes

opinions

to

of

Shaunaka and others on the subject quoted exactl)' in the

same portion of the book, which places the date of its
composition

who was

centuries earlier.
Shaunaka,
remove from the immortal Vyasa in
discipleship, was the author of the renowned

direct line of

several

least

at

the

in

si.vth

Shaunaka Samhita

of the

very plausible colour to

Sushruta Samhita

Atharvan.

which, was

first

discussed

Vedic

facts

lend a

composed perhaps con-

temporaneously with the latter portions

naturally

These

our hypothesis that the original

the

Atharvan,

the opinions of Shaunaka

and other

embryologists,

while

of

Nagarjuna,

at

the time

of

redacting that book, quoted the opinion of his contemporar}'

Subhuti

for

the purpose of giving him an equal status

the Vedic Rishis,

if

for

nothing

with

else.

As regards Hellenic influence on the

Hindu system of medicine and on the Sushruta Samhita in
special, we must disabuse our mind of all sentiments of

Greek Influence

racial

vanity

scientific

and

and proceed
unprejudiced

to

the case in

investigate

spirit

before

giving

more

detailed account of the contents of the SushrutaiSamhita.

(i)

Nagarjuna Bodhisattva was well practised

ing medicine.

with a

in the art of

N^gSrjuna Bodhisattva by moistening

divine and

superior

decoction

all

the

compound-

great

changed them into gold.

stones

Bael's

Buddhistic Records of the western world Vol. II.

AnuvSk

19, 45. 46.

5.

iNTRonurrioN.

Su^hrufa and Hippocrates -.From the very apparent

which

similarity

and

tjie

this

many western

aphorisms of Hippocrates,

apt ,to

are

drew

between jhe contents of

exists

Samhita
scholars

hastily that the ancient Indians

conclude too

from the medical

their inspiration in the healing art

But the reverse may be

works of the Greeks.

of

said

the Greeks as well with the greater confidence because such

an assertion

is

supported by historic

the researches
to

all

and confirmed by

facts,

the scholars of the west

of

According

(i).

accounts Pythagoras was the founder of the healing

amongst the Greeks and the Hellenic peoples in general

This great philosopher imbibed his mysteries and
(2).
metaphysics from the Brahmanas of India. Mr. Pocock
art

in his Jnt^ia in

Buddha, and

but

is

many

he carried

The

or

inference to suppose that

easy

aphorisms of his master's

and

recipes

bean of Pythagoras

Indian

Nelumbium

(Utpalam).

thai simnllaneously with the birth of

Buddhism,

him.

thought to have been the

know

an

sacred

Ayurveda with

We

Buddhagurus

Greece identifies him with

it

Buddhist Sramanas

Egypt and ether

They

religion.

(3)

is

were sent out to Greece, Asia minor.

known

were

preach

to

countries

distant

the

to

new

their

Greeks

and

Greek Simnoi
there is good reason
Buddhist
Sramanas (4).
(venerable) were no other than the
to

Now

missionary

that

believe

teaches

usually

the

the

sciences

of his

country in addition to the preaching of his gospel. The

distant mission stations or monasteries of Buddhism were

(1)

suppose that Sushruta borrowed

There*1s no ground whatever to

his system of

to tell against

contrary, there

Origin and Growth of the Healing Art

The

(3)

Pratt's FloNiering Plants. Vol.

(4)

These *Simoi (venerable)

tiie relics

the

much

is

such an idea Weber's History of Indian Literature.

(2)

narraleil to

On

medicine from the Greeks.

have rendered worship

whom
to

Bedroe P.

162.

P. 57.

Clemeni

of

Alexandria

has

pjTamid originally dedicated to

of a god, were the Buddhi!t Arhals (venerables) Sramanas.

Lalita-Vistaram T\:iia

R^jendra

I.ala Milter's Edition.

Ch.

I.

INTRODUGTION.

Brahm^nic culture

disseaiinating

the principal centres for

and Hippocrates, though he did

in distant lands,

to liberate medical sciertce

philosophy,

IX

might have thought

yet

his'

utmost

iVom the thraldom of speculative

only those truths of the Ayurveda

necessary tG>tetain

it

which

Pythagoras and

the Buddhistic brotherhood might have imported

into

his

do not exactly appertain to the domain

pure metaphysics. Of course, it is quite possible for men

country, and which

of

nationalities

of different

to

arrive

the

at

same truth cr

conclusion independently. There are coincidences

as

in

and philosophy,

art

were known ta tfite

Newton and Harvey

blood (2)

of

the

births

of

Indians long

But

five

well

hobby, to look
It

may be

ask those,

stated

Arabic,

side of the picture as well.

without the least

fear

and Sushruta, through

and

Persian

of Christ (3).

adhere to this Hellenic

still

the reverse

at

that the Charaka

who

cele-

Gangetic valley

the

hundred years before the birth

may we

before

The

Europe.

in

brated atomic theory was preached in

some

science

i'l

Gravitation and circulation

(i)

Latin

of contradiction

the

translations

Channel of
form the

still

Siddhanla Shiromani (Bhaskaracharyaya) GolodhyAya.

iT^^TR

^R ^fq

^JTT T\\^^

II

T.w^^m:

???Tg lifqcT'

^^

VTT^fl^TaiiT

%-^^

The Hdrita Samhitd, which according

the

Sushruta SamhitS, refers to the

I'induroga (Anemia).

The

^^^i

t%Tr:,

cI^t^

f^q^r

(BhavaprakasUa).
to certain scholars, is

of

circulation

disease, he observes,

is

blood

older

in

than

describing

caused by eating clay

which thus blocks the lumen of veins and obstructs the circulation of blood,
Bhcivamisra,

the

celebrated

author of Bh^vaprakdsham,

and who

century older than Harvey, has the above couplets bearing on the
(3)

Vaiseshika Darshana by Kandda.

is

sufcject.

Introduction.

basis of

Of

world

sj-stems of s^ienti^c medicines in the

all

Sushruta Samhit^

these, the

Hindu system

;vork of the

(i).

the most representative

is

of medicine.

It

embraces

that can possibly appertain to the science of medicine

all

(2).

Sushruta prior to Charaka : The general consensus

Charaka prior to Sushruta in
unat^mously describe
Puninas
But the

of expert opinion

is

respect of time.

to place

first-propounder

Sushruta as a disciple of Dhanvantari, the

The long compounds (samasas) used

science.
by him, the prose and metrical portions of the Sushruta
after the models of Jaimini, Patanjali, and other philosophi,r

of medical

cal

the

who had adopted

writers

been cited to prove Sushruta

all

of the Darshanas, or of
least, to fix

tenor of the subjects in their

rationalistic

or

e.xegetic

works, have

according to

prose or metre

contemporary

But these may

Buddha.

serve,

the date of the recension by Nagarjuna,

Sushruta Samhita

as

we have

but

it,

i.e.,

at

the

can never help to

determine the chronology of Sushruta, the disciple of

Dhan-

vantari "who was churned out of the primordial ocean in

the golden age (Satya Yuga) (3). On the other hand, if
(l)

A,

"The

great works of Charaka and Sushruta were translated into

Arabic, under the patronage of Kaliph Almansur, in

The Arabic

version

Sushruta

of

Latin.

The Latin

seventeenth

B,

For

to

the

Eastern

tljc

seventh century.

name

of

" Kelale-

were rendered into

European medicine, which

of

science

of the

the

the

in their turn

versions formed the basis of

century." History

Saheb of Gondal)

known by

These translations

Shawshoore-al-Hindi."

remained indebted

is

medicine

down

to

P. 196.

indebtedness of Arabic school of Medicine to the works of

Indian masters, see Puschmann P. 162.

C.
(2)

BednVe. Book IV. Ch. IL 286299.

Dr.

the

Aryan Medical science (Th^kore

Wise (Hindu system of medicine).

f^>?fT

^?5^^' ^'n?T^T

5B5f5TfT:

Garuda PurSnam.

II

Chip. 142, Vs.

5-6.

INTROniTC?ION.

Puninas -have

the testimonies of the

we

at least in

the composition of the Atharvan.

tion with his discourse

same

Charaka, too. in coi^nec-

on the development of the

opinion of Dhanvantaii

cited the

(tiie

promulgated

as

in

(ij

Sushruta

the

(meaning Sushruta and

his school) in

and knowledge are necessary

cases

body

foetal

on the subject

&

S'amhita)

referred his disciples to the Dhanvantari school

aid

worth,

histor^6al

anj-

him somewhere in the Satya Yuga, (age)

those dim centuries which immediate})' succeeded
place

ca!i safely

has

xi

of surgeons

where

this proves that

surgical

Sushruta

was before Charaka.

Sushruta as a Surgeon
''igeon,

we have which

'ok

written by Sushruta's
lor are

Stishr'uta

Almost

but imperfectly preserved.

forceps to the status of a

be out

not

Ayurveda
times

if

as

only

of place

To Sushruta may

here to give a

to

accentuate

the

be

us,

attri-

handling a lancet

of

art

practical

science,

and

it

short history

was practised and understood

it

the other Samhitas

all

fellow students are either lost to

buted the glory of elevating the

or

was emphatically

the only complete

is

the problems of practi-

deals with

surgery and midwifer}'.

)cal

and the Sushruta Samhiti

in

maj'

of the

Pre-^uhsrutic

improvements which he

introduced in every branch of medical science.

We would
Commentators of the Sushruta Samhita
of our
if we closed this portion
:

be guilty of ingratitude

dissertation without expressing a deep sense of

tion

to

Jejjada

Achiirya,

our

Gayadasa, Bhaskara,

obliga-

Madhava,

Brahmadeva, Dallana and Chakrapani Datta, the celebrated

commentators and scholiasts of the Samhitd, 'ji'lio have
laboured

much
(i)

to

make the book

repository

^^i'f*T?fTiaTqKfH ^^^f^:

of priceless

Charaka, .Shariraslhiinam. Chap.

I^Tt

EfTcT^T^Tt

ssit^'^^'I^^

\'.

">
II

'

Charaka, ChikitshSsth^nam. Chap. V.

xn

INTRODUCTION.

wisdom

ancf experienge.

commentaries

made

has

D'allana

and

revising

in

all

the

texts

of

use of

the

collating

.Sushruta Samhita.

A yurveda

Origin and History of the

of medicine, as in

In

other branches of study,

all

knowledge from the

Aryans claim to have derived

their

gods through direct

Su*shruta in

revelation.

the science

the ancient

Samhita

his

has described the Ayurveda as a subdivision (Upanga) of the

Atharvan

while according to others

(i),

Ayurveda has
(2).

its

Indeed the origin of the science

the advent of

man

in the world since

was by following the examples of

it

animals in disease,

lower

Rik Samhita
in dim anti-

lost

is

Death and disease there had been

quity.

our primitive

that

acquired by chance the knowledge

many

the science of the

origin in the verses of the

about

There

valuable medicinal drugs.

ancestors

the properties
verse

is

of

the

in

Rigveda which shows that the lower animals were the

preceptors of

man

matters of selecting food

in

Individual experiences in

medicinal simples (3K

stuffs

of cure and hygiene were collected, and codified,

formed

the

the Vedas clearly

mark each

knowledge.

The

properties

hymned

Vedic verse with

to put

in a

man

verses in

step in the progress of medical

of a

new drug were always

a regularity

Medica

first

which enables us

when

our finger upon the very time

drug of our Materia

and thus

The

bases of the present Ayurveda.

and

the realms

came

particular

to be of service of

(4).
(i)

(2)

Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthanam. Ch.

I.

3.

^jrC^^T^^i? ^qt?:
Charana ^^uha by \^y5sa.

(3)
(4)

jitfwT^*

A.

^w(f[

ipc: wii:

^?^^

^^

^a.

^gfi'?Tt^5Tifn It^r'^q^rd'T^

Atharvan SamhitS
U.

Sec also Ibid

II. 4. 7. 9. 25,

27 and 36.

INTRODUCTION.

Discrepancies accounted'
hygiene, and surgery, etc.

Vedas.

most

lie

for

Xlil

Verses

q\i

medicine,

scattered throughout the four

Those having bearing on Medicine proper occur

Rigveda, and perhaps it was for this reasoT^i that

in the

Agnivesha,

who was

the Ayurveda to

a physician, has ascribed the^origin

revelations in the Rik Samhitd.

relating to the art anu practice of surgery are found

Atharvan

the

which amply accounts

(i),

the

for

of

Precepts"

most

in

fact

of

Sushruta's opinion of holding the Ayurveda as a subdivision

of the Atharvan, as

Different

a surgeon himself.

kinds of physicians : Vedic

Ancient Egypt,

among the

labour

he was pre-eminentl}'

India,

like

recognised the principle of the division of

There were

followers of the healing art.

Shalya Vaidyas (surgeons), Bhisaks (physicians) and Bhisag-

we

atharvans (magic doctors), and

time of

find that at the

the Mahabharatam, which nearly approaches the age of our

number of the sects had increased to five which

were named as Rogaharas (physicians^ Shalyaharas (surauthor, the

geons),

Vishaharas (poison curers),

doctors) and Bhisag-Atharvans

Krityaharas

(demon-

(2).

In the Vedic age (before the age of Sushruta) physicians

had to go out into the open

(3^

They

lived

in

thousand and

houses

surrounded

one medicinal drugs

(4).

gardens of

by

The Rigveda mentions

medicinal herbs.

patients

streets, calling out for

the names of a

Verses eulogising

the virtues of water as an all-healer, and of certain trees and

herbs as purifiers of the atmosphere are not

Vedas.
child

uncommon

management
(i)

(pediatrics)

the

ciwT?^Tre5nf^=^=^

and sanitation were foimu'^]'^T\^

?^Tf*ni5iTW^M

Rik Samhitfi
(2)

in

Indeed the rudiments of Embryology, Midwifery,

M.

16-16.

MahAbhdratam. Shantiparva. Rajadharmanu^hashan Parv5dhydya.

(3)

^cT'

f^^^^

Rigveda.
(4)

sifT*

^m^ fm^

IX M

>

112.

^^'^g^f^TT.

Rik.

INTROgDUCTION.

XIV

Vedas

lated in thecage of the

present^'

see

how

Sushruta created

a science

we

Brahmanas, and

and a Sanjhita which

even

ddmirs^.ion of the world

human

i^nd

shall

from* these scanty- and confused materials

after

the

inv'ice

thousands of years of

prc*gress.

Origin of A'yurvedic Surgery In India, as in all

other countries, curative spells and hewing mantras preceded
and the first man of medicirte in India was
medicine (i)
:

a priest, a Bhisag Atharvan,

a surgeon

in

and

wars

the

in

who

held a superior position to

Aryan setLlements

first

assailed by

Punjab were often

country,

The

society.

ensued surgeons had

.that

quently to attend to the Aryaa chiefs and

the Rigveda

we

(2)

that

find

the

in

dark aborigines of the

the

fre-'

So

soldiery.

in

were amputated and

legs

replaced by iron substitutes, injured eyes were plucked

out,

and arrow shafts were extracted from the limbs of the

Aryan warriors. Nay we have reasons to believe that

many

formed, thougli

some

But

although

the

for,

surgeons

were

were successfully per-

operations

surgical

difficult

them sound almost

of

aid

not

allowed

often

incredible.

was constantly sought

of surgery

to

mix

the

in

Brahmanic society of Vedic India. This is hinted at by

our author when he says that it was during the wars be
tween the gods and demons that the Ashvins, the surgeons
of heaven, did not become entitled to any sacrificial oblation
till

they had made themselves eligible for

head of the god of

story of the progress of

esting, but
(1)

it

must

Ayurvedic surgery

of the

by

is

uniting the

The

body.

long and inter-

here to mention that with

suffice

Bedroe"s Origin

it

decapitated

sacrifice to his

the

and Sir John Lubbock's

Healing Art,

Prehistoric times,

(2)

^^ 5igi^i^?5l
t

f^aj^i^^ait

V%

Rik Samhita

f|fIWfT%
*

flsi^"*f'

II

A. 8 Ad. 186 S. 116.

5.

INTRODUCTION.

XV

'

'

>

return of peace, the small Aiynn settlements grew in

and

prosperit}-.

stately carriages,

And

now

the rich Ar3'an nobles

and

were constant accidents ihere

as there

arose a class of surgeons

who

number

travelled in

exclusively devoted tlfemselves

to the treatment of injured animals.

The

longer required in camps and on battle

surgeons,

now no

had to attend

fields,

on the

rich ladies at baronial castles during parturition, the

magic doctor (Bhisag Atharvan) who could assuage fever and

concoct lo\e potions

being held as the greatest of them

(i)

But the Vedic Aryans had a regular armoury against pain

and suffering, which is in no way inferior to our present
all.

day Materia Medica.

in

But of that we shall speak

connection with the therapeutics of Sushruta.

on

later

The scope and nature of Sushruta's Surgery :- So

rnuch for the history of Vedic

Samhita

(shruta

method

that

we

Surgery.

It

come

across

first

of arranging the surgical experiences

the

in

is

Su-

systematic

of the

older

surgeons, and of collecting the scattered facts of the science

^fom the vast range of Vedic

desire of

Sushruta had no

literature.

abandoning the Vedas

in

the darkness and pushing

en an independent voyage of discovery. The crude methods

still
cruder implements of incision such as, bits of

and the
glass,

bamboo skins
may bj the

Samhita,

which

tiiund

etc.,

favour

vviih

down and

laid

relics of

primitive

our

hymnisation of any Rik verse.

a

good knowledge of

animals
for

at

practical

the Vedic sacriiices

ancestors

long

Practical

surgery

anatomy.

The

afforded

the framing of a comparative

devoted

his

whole

life

described in the

instrumentalogy

anatomy

the

requires

quartered

excellent

materials

Sushruta

(2)'.

to the pursuit of surgery proper, to

Rik Samhit5.
(2)

before

Vide .^itareya Br^hmana

I,

X M.

2. II, i. Ill,

145 S.

37,

i.

XVI

INTRODUCTION.

which he b/'ought a niyid stored with luminous analogies

from the lower animals.

It

was he who

.surgical operations into five differe'nt

classified

first

all

and grouped

kinds,

them under heads such as Aharya (extractions of solid

bodies), Bhedya (excising), Chhedya (incising), Eshya (probing), Lekhya (scarifying), Sivya (suturing), Vedhya (puncturing) and Visravaniya (evacuating fluids).
The surgery
of Sushruta recognises a

birds,

hundred and twenty-five

constructed

instruments,

and authorises the surgeon to devise new instruments

The

according to the exigencies of each case.

and equipments of

qualifications

surgeon are practically the sam*^ as

recommended at the present time. A light

ment is enjoined to be given to the patient before a

are

operation, while abdominal

the

mouth

enjoins

with the vapours of

leaves,

the sick

white

and resinous gums

shadows the antiseptic

number

operations,

and operations

room

mustard,

of Shala

^bacilli)

which

trees, etc.,

of surgical implements described in the

suspect
to

the

au' henticity of

may

fore-

The

Samhita

is

inexhaustible

be naturally led

achievements

the glorious

have been performed by the surgeons of yore

but then their

kno vledge

drugs were so great that

surgical nowadays,

internally^pplied.

not doctoring

(l)

Nimva

theory of modern times.

resources of western surgery, and one

is

to be fumigated

bdellium,

decidedly small in comparison with the almost

claimed

refresh-

surgical

are advised to be performed while the patient

Sushruta

fasting.

to

different

the shape of beasts and

after

(i).

of the properties
cases,

and virtues of

which are reckoned

as

were cured with the help of medicines

"Surgery," says Tantram,
It

should

is

only be employed

Aif^s^qfq* f^5n tf^ si3f^^

ifT<qi^T

mutilation

when the

'

].\TKOI)lf?TIO.\,,

alTected vital energy

cure

is

the Samhita

find in

not strcnig enough to al^lie effect the

the surgeon

that

justified to

is

handle his kniYe.

We

ophthalmic, obstetric and other

that

were performed with

operations

xvii

utmost

the

skill

and

'

caution.

and

Plastic

Rhinoplastic
Operations :- Doctor
"the whole plastic surgery in

Hirschberg of Berlin ^ys

a new flight when these cunning

devices
workmen became known to us." The transplan-

Europe took
of Indian

ting of sensible skin-flaps

(Sushruta,

is

Sutrasthanam,

an entirely. Indian

also

Ch. XV'I).

successfully demonstrated tlie

first

It

method

Sushruta who

is

of

feasibility

mending

dipt earlobe with a patch of sensible skin-flap scraped from

the neck or the adjoining part.

To Sushruta

of discovering

the

which was unknown to the

sur-

attributed the

of cataract-crouching

art
'

is

glory

geons of ancient Greece and Egypt. Limbs were amputated,

abdominal

sections

rind fistula

were removed, and we take pride

the methods

times

were performed, fractures were

set,

and ruptures were reduced, hcemorrhoids

dislocations, hernia

recommended

in

saying that

in

the Sushruta Samhita some-

prove more successful

than those adopted by the

surgeons of modern

Europe,

as

we

have occasion to

shall

observe later on. In tho case where the intestines are injured,

Sushruta advises that "the protruded part should be gently

replaced by following

enlarge

the

wound

"m^^

with
in

^ffT

it,

the
if

fTf%T^^

fingevP

fm^-^ f^^ftg^

By

F.

See the Article on "Ileredily and some of

C.

Til/ell,

Page 357.
\

m. d.

The

^fediLal

of a knife.

II

Mahanilatanlram, Patola X.
B.

surgeon should

means

necessary, by

its

\'~..

72-74.

Surgical Aspects,"

Advance Vd. LXIV. June iqo6.

j\TkMfnnrT[o\,

xviii

cas% where the intestine

In the
parts

ants

to

in

Then

ends.

their

severed

be held together by applying living black

s'hoLild

only

Teaviifg

severed, the

is

the

bodies should be cut off

their

heads to serve the same purpose which

moderrt improved European surgery an animal tissue like

catgut

expected to

is

After this the intestine should

4'ulfill.

be fairly replaced in the abdominal

and the external

Ct^-ity

We

opening stitched and properly dressed.

from

mended by the Sushruta

We

peritoneal wounds.

Chapter

this

here

abstain

lengthy description of the different methods recom-

(II

cases

in

the same

with

compare

to

Sushruta Samhita

anv work on European chirurgery

in

whicli

deals

plasters

were used to be applied to

embedded

readers

Chikitsa^thaTiam) of the

with the Chapter

and

abdominal

of

only ask our

in the limbs of

localise

wounded

medicinal

Certain

subject.

the shafts of arrows

soldiers

and their exact

locations were ascertained from the inflammation caused

bv the application of such

with a precision which

a plaster

would be sometimes welcome even

these days of Rontgen

in

rays.

Lithotomic Operations
instructions have been given
:

of the patient after the

shmari
tion

(seminal

if

in

In

the

perineal

case

the

urethra, should be

with the help of a hook.

forma-

Sushruta enjoins that

pathologists,

Anyvdsanam and

of Shukra-

the

have been verv recentlv

which

removed with the

enematas, failing which

urethral

the penis should be cut open and the

in

elaborate

cases,

making

operation.

of

discovered bv English

help of

these

spermatic concretion)

or

and existence

the stone,

for

about the care and general management

as well as

incision,

-In

Kavinij

concretion

I'mesii

extracted

Chandra (Jupla

the introduction to his Vaidyaka Shavda-Sindhu remarks,

that

he and !>, Durgddasa Gupta M. B. translated

the

Chapters on lithotomic operations and instrumental parturition f the Susbrufa

the

then

Principal

Samhita
of

the

for

the perusal of Dr Charles,

Medical

College,

Calcutta.

XIX

rNTRODUCTlON.
t >
-

highly

Charles

''Dr.

and even

difficult ca^es

experience

came under

coijfessed

heing found in

like

Sushruta does not

rest

down

lays

The removal

the

to

surgery of

the

thai

the incidental

of

processes for major operations as well.

of the cicatrix until

becomes

it

Ophthalmic Surgery
OP*-"
is

tV'

Of

the same

of

and the growth of hair

thereon are suggestions which we find nowhere

diseases.

seventy

the

else.

six varieties of

Sushruta holds that fifty-one are surgical

Tantram Ch. Vlllu

The mode

be performed in each

of operation

most

with

instances

modern

methods

surgery.

Sushruta was aware of the

veHection

is

equal to the

which

case has been elaborately de-

scribed in the Samhita, and does not unfavourably

in

and

content with the mere bursting or

colour with the surrounding skin

Tra

any

patients as anccsthe-

opening of an abscess, and the healing

ophthalmic

hdi}

made

were freely

These conclusivelv show

wound, but

his great

all

the medical \\;orks that

all

Amputation^

medicated wines, were given

(i).

with

hat

in

clelivt^ry

ot

his observation."

Amputation
tics

pvocess

the

midwifery and surgery he never

in

of the

idea

praised

angle

of

compare

of

ophthalmic

fact that

the angle of

incidence, and that the

same ray which impinges upon the retina serves the double
purpose of illumining the eye and the external world, and
is

in itself

converted into the sensation of

Midwifery
that one

becomes

Sushruta.

The

It is

so

in the region of

much impressed

light.

practical

different turning, flexing, gliding

the application of the forceps in cases of difficult

other obstetric operations in\uiving

mutilation

the child,

of

systematically
before

such

described in

as

the

the

craniotomy,

Subhiuta

la1:)our

were

Sauihitd
in

(i)

For

llie

and
and
iirsl

lung

Europe, and

thousands of years before the birth uf Christ. Sushruta,

<

of

movements,

deslructioJi

and forceps were dreamt of

fillets

midwifery

with the greatness

who
}

use of .Sanmohinis (an,Teslheiics) for surgical purposes, sec

Hhoia Prabandlia

\>v I'.allAla

T'andil.

XX

INTKOnUCTION.

advocates Clesarean se^nion

lays

down

those

hopeless cases

iri

cases

obslruclion,

of

employed only

that the instrument should be

in

where the proportion between the child and the

maternal passage
fumigations,

so

is

defective

that medicated plasters,

are not sufficient to effect

etc..

natural delivery.

management of the puerperal

state, lactation and management of the chijd and the choice
of a wet-nurse are substantial!}- the same as are found in
modern scientific works of European authors. A feeling of
pride and joy moves our heart when we contrast these
His directions regarding

the

glorious achievements of our ancestors with the meanness of

results

which modern Europe has gained

In

of midwifer}-.

hospitals to huddle patients together in the

therebv to create

now

so

common and

built Iving-in

room

with

the

each

individual

rays

bamboo-chip
the

value

of

for

septicemic

artificiallv

so fatal
in

department

in this

days perhaps there were no

those old

which are

lying-in rooms.

in

an open

same room and

poisons

abunduntly

space

the sun and heat of the burning

case,

the

recommendation

the section

of which

the west

of the cord

has

yet

of

ne^-'^'

suf^s-ea J

f^ie for

fresh

are suggestions
to

learn

from

the east.

the

Dissection :--Sushruta, himself a practical surgeon, was

first to advocate dissection of dead bodies as indispen-

sable for a successful student of Surgery.

The

Paritschittas of

ancient Egypt perhaps learnt their art from the Purusachettas

(Dissector) of ancient India.

among western

scholars

With a candour less common

Dr. Wise observes that,
''the

Hindu philosophers undoubtedly deserve the

credit of having,

though opposed bv strong preiudire, entertained sound and

philosophical views respecting the uses of the dead to the
living,

and were the

first scientific

and successful cultivator?

of the most important and essential of

all

is

a public

practice

is

danger and Sushiuta savs

like a onc-wingetl bird that

the departments of

bungling burgeon

iliat,

"theorv without

medical knowledge, practical anatomy".

is

incapable of flight".

lNTK01)UCT!(ON.
>

XXI

>

Study of Practical Surgery : To

surgical operations, the pupils of

give

were asked to try their knives repeatedly

and

parts

operation.

etc.)

on natural

first

resembling the diseased

artificial objects

in

effii-iency

Dhan^antari(Sushruta

ofv>

the

for
body before undertaking an actual
example, was practised on Pushpafala /cucerbeta maxima),
Alavu (Longenaris Vulgaris) or Trapusha (cucmis pubescuas),

evacuating on

bags

leatfier

bladders of dead

full of

animals,

Incision,

water and on the

on

scarification

the

urinary
hides

animals on which the hair was allowed to remain.

tion

was practised on the

stalks of the water-lily

bamboo

reeds etc.

vessels of

the art

Shalmali

dead animals and on the

stuffing

extraction of solid

(Artocarpus Integrifolia) and

wax spread on

.of

and suturing on pieces of

such like

on

terisation
It is

or

vessels

flesh,

borne

mind

in

ing for

as

and cathewith water.

filled

we hear him

talk

of

and discourse on the

excrescences

These

(Raktarvudai.

plank,

Ligaturing

hide.

necessity of observing caution in surgically

tumours

on

dummies, cauterisation

almost with a feeling of wonder

uterine

Panasa

on

scraping

fruit,

on pieces of

unbaked earthen

extirpation of uterine

and probing on

bodies

(Bombox Malabaricum)

cloth, skin

and bandaging were practised on

(both actual and potential

of

Venesec-

upon

operating

should

facts

be

thev would help us a good deal in account-

the numerous anomalies

that

to be found in

are

the anatomical portions of the Samhita.

Study of Practical Anatomy : We have

fore

that

tb.e

quartered

sacrificial

stated

animals

be-

afforded

excellent materials for the framing of comparative anatomy.

The Aitareya Brahmana

for

the

that

the

contains special injunction

and

we

quartering of such

animals

preceptors availed

themselves of the religious meetings to

(i)

The Ailaicya

the orgaas

among

Firaliniana

and viscera of the

the priesls. Aitareya

(i)

describes a

sirriticjjil

told

)iaitirular

animals

Brahmana VIII.

are

i.

'wliich

wav of

tlividini;

was kepi 'secret

INIROniJCTIOX.

XXII
<

We

anatomy.

deinonslrjiLe the lessons ou^ practical

come

I.

*'

acrosj;

such terms as the heart, stomach, brain,

anus,

liver, spleen,

uterus

etc',

(i).

There

Brdhmana

Aitaj-e3'a

Rigveda,

the

iv
is

intestines,

and

(Rik)

and treatment of Phthisis

devoted* to the subject

the

an entire h\inn

Knja

Yakshma) which becomes utterly unintelligible in the

absence of an accurate knowledge about the structure of
lungs, and mechanism of the human heart.
The Vtdic
Arya fully understood the resultant nature of the human
organism. The Rik Mantra, which to this day is recited on
the occasion of a funeral ceremony, ampl}' testifies to the fact
that he used to look upon his mortal frame as

combination of the

of the

He

understood the

and the

tion

and nerves,

at

arranging together the

The

age

of

Sushruta,

was a period of

tendons,

A.

fT^T

of

(2)

The

of anatomical

The

body as

tile

f%rT?ft^y'lI^

\'II,

l)eing translated reads :

which ha\e

for

luxuiy

I, -'3,

and
them.

t(j

to
Cvc.

538.

of

efi'ect

tlie

C(im-

in the verse.

wfaf^VTTSlf 1:

Let his eye go

spriint; out of

Jn

II 12. Ill 37.

2.

resulting

Rik Samhita

wind nVx with the wind'of the atmosphere,

cereals the parts

\'.

elementals havcheen clearly described

Aryan

sturd}-

f^fsffTTiRii

\ide also .Ailareya BrShmana

^Tqt'TTiI^ qf? era

Which

observation.

general diseases was great.

^^^ f ?gjnri:3

iialuie of the huiiiaii

hinatidii dftlu' live

It is

Acharyic age of the Ayurveda,

Rik Samhita

H.

flesh

systematic attempt

scientific investigation.

The number

ease.

(2).

diges-

muscles,

exchanged their simple mode of living

colonists

and

facts

the

upon

serve in the economy.

Sushruta Samhita that we find

the

in

which the

respectively

product

the

elements

physical

different drugs

effects of

office

etc.

five

M. 16

the sun,

the sky.

S. 3.

let his

breath-

earth and

the

ixTR'onurTioN.
vain

return

their

to

brought opulence

and

^reacl] the

(i)

simpl'e

mode

gospd

of

Cato,

long peace

Angira, Yamadagni,

Bharadvaja,

like

like

The

life.

of plain

and wealth begot indolence

in its train

Men

disease.

Gautama, Agastya, Vdmadeva', Kapisthala,

Atreya,

marthya,

Sushruta, Narada,

Dhaumya

Asa-

Kdpya, Kashyapa, Sharkara-

Bhargava, Kusliika,

Shaunaka,

ksha,

Narada

high thinking, and exhort them,

and

living

to

holy

the

did

XX 111

Manmathayani,

Agnivesha,

Pulastya,

Chyavana,

Asita,

Charaka,
Paingi and

began to write Samhitas. Each hermitage was

etc.

College of Ayurveda, and the empirical method of investi-

gation was introduced into each department of the science

of cure.

Anatomical

Anomalies in the Samhita : Having

got so far in our analysis, before passing on to the study

the Anatomical portion of the Sushruta Samhita,

many anomalies and

account for the

to

try

of

we must

discrepancies

that have crept into or have been suffered to remain in

the

Take, for example, the

line

present recension of the book.

in

which Dhanvantari

human
of

is

human

bones in the
frame,

made

of their

It is

in so short a time,

becoming superfluous

in

More absurd

who

authority except the

discards

all

would believe
ill

which he

think that

to

is it

of

room.

flouri:>lied piecliided

its

Sushruta,

testimony of positive

thing which none but

in a dissecting

many

the altered condition of

environments.

knowledge, would write

impossible that the

has got rid of so

through disuse, or because

skeletal accessories simply

its

speak of three hundred

to

organism.

The

spirit

the possibility

the blind
of the
oT^

a^re

such an

crrnr.

Anomalies accounted for

chosen

for

the demonstration

always children
(i)

(2)

The

(2),

-In ancient India, subjects

anatomy were
and naturally those bones, which are
of practical

Vide Aitann'a Br5hmana VII.

injunction of ihe

Hindu

Sllasiras

more than 2 years old should he burned."

13.
is

ihat '-corpse of persons

Cremation of dead bodies bein"

xxi\-

(\'^Roi)rc~Ti().\.

fused or'''inaslon"iised inlo'one whole durine: adult

enumerated

been' separately

some

to

account for

extent,

may,

number

excess in the

th'e

Samhita

bon'es described in this

have

life,

circumstance which

of

Likewise the theory that

(i).

Sushrula might have included the teeth and the cartilages

within
but

the

of

list

s'iveletal

that the

present one by

made man\-

have

is

Therefore

Samhita

fact

is

through

passed

the only

neither

in'terpbLitions

in

the

text,

nor the

own

light,

and

when

redactors, according to their

Brahmanas, thev have tried to come

at points of

has

and we have reasons to believe that the

Nagarjuna

The

one made.

The

trtith either.

Sushruta Samhita

orignial

several recensions

last

bones comes very near the truth,

does not reflect the whole

It

compromise

to a sort of

disagieement with the teachings of the Vedas

we come

that

it is

as ''there are

across such statements

360 bones

human

the

in

12).

the

in

body,

;-|0

in the Vedas, but the science of surgery recognises three

it is

hundred

skeletal bones."

hypothesis

is

What

lends a greater colour to the

that Sushruta, who, in the Chapter on

Marma

Shariram, has so accurately described the unions of bones

and ligaments, anastomoses of nerves, veins and

obligatory on Government,

impossible

more

the

so

when we consider

and mutilation

tion
spirit

from purging

access

to

;is

that the

corpse

oi

off its

a higher

well as on private

full-grown anatomical

secure a

to

vvilii

the

moniil times the interred corpses of infants,

to

it

was almost

I'auranic India,

a peculiar horror as

Naturally

life.

individuals,

subject in

Hindus look upon the non-crema-

uncleanness in

spiritual

arteries etc.,

funeral
in

less

later

than

be unearthed and dissected for anatomical purposes

it

fire,

prevents the

and bars

and more
2

\ears

of the Sushruta

SamliitS

order to conform them to occular proofs. T. R.

(i)

See

(2)

Tiray's

might have been modified by the subsequent

Anatomy {1897)

"'?f^T*fgtw;

had

and these portions

commentators

in

old,

ilf

cere-

vi?i':

p.

2S8 and 301 Figs. 248 and 262.

^^rfij^: ^T^?nf" 1"

\ishnu Smriti.

Ch, 96.

55.

(,'haraka. Shfiriraslli^nani.

INTRODUCMON.

XXV

must have described their courszs and locations, a,L? otherwise

suigeons,
it would have been quite impossible for practical
for

whom

Samhita

was intended, to conform

it

in surgically

to avoid those vulnerable unions or

such

proves instantaneously
followed

The

fact is that

as ail

or

fatal,

the

in

fatal in

religious

edict

(i),

were

also

redactors

small

course of time, or

Ashoka

had to grope their way out

they could

hence,

of the

Sushruta

hopeless confusion of verses in the Sharira

on the

darkness as best

in

wanton mutilation

this

commentators (who

scale)

jSamhita, in the absence of any positive knowledge

subject,

in

Pij-adarshi

were prohibited by

sacrifices

on

any of them

to

Anatomy was

and the subsequent

royal

three

into

of the limb concerned.

of

reig>n

and

Kala-pnina-hara,

injur}'

the study of practical

manner forbidden
inasmuch

an

maimed condition

b}-^

as

limbs^,

anastomoses as"'enjo'ned

the Sadya-prana-hara

as,

and Vaikalya-kara, according

is

the directions of the

These Marmas have been 'divided

therein.
classes

to

operating on their patients'

of texts and

Sthanam

of the

present day Sushruta Samhita, which should be re-arranged

and restored to their proper chapters before any definite

opinion can be pronounced

on the anatomical

knowledge

of the holy Sushruta.

Sushruta as
of his

what

Sh.irira
is

man, wherein

he come into being,

Indian

all

down from
that

Biologist

philosophers,

universe

the

his

lies

why

are

h^

the

Sushruta
to

man.
the

extended to cover

physical aspect of

man

(organic

die

The

of mind, matter and spirit.

i.f

question

in

or

laws,

its

phy-

evolution of the

There

evolution).

CulciUla

Like

the

is

-the three

Physiology, that

fournal of ihe .\siiiUc Society

does

all ?

factors

universe

the

why

at

argues

one law and one force which run through

(l)

chapter

tirst

individualit v,

does he

govern the evolution of

sical aspect,

Sthanani, Sushruta discusses the question.

\'n\.

fails

\'U.

P.

but

plains

to
26f.

loc^k

INTRODUCTION.

XXvi

<

into the iKiLure of

plain

chemiQal

action

not

'.Cell is

all.

and iU background and

life

the

of

called the true bearers of

more

is

organ'ic

but there

life,

cells, is

is life

correct to sppak of the

at

may

be

insists that

it

Cells

of the

continuity

protoplasm than of "the germ

and Thomson observe

no Physiology

in a cell.

Weismann

Dr.

li-fe.

general

Geddes

Professors

ceils."

ex-

tries to

the product of

living force as

intelligent,

thib

t-.iway

that, "the bodies are but the

torches

which burn out, while the living flame has passed through-

The

out the organic series unextinguished.

leaves which

dying from the continuously growing

in

fall

bodies are the

branch. Thus although deafh take inexorable grasp

individual, the continuance of the

unaffected

life is still

the reproductive elements

in a

(cells)

have already

claimed their protozoan immortality, are already

a

new

But

body.'"

recreating

to invest these reproductive cells

immortality, and to deny the same

the

to

of the

constituents

organic

of the

of

physical

human

the

transmigration

body, and yet

denies the possibility of an individual self continuing in

other

form.

precedes

"It

all

and

self,

the sensibility proceeds from

such conditions are referred as mine."

Sushruta's Theory of Cosmogony

The two

(Subjective).

Out

of

the

dualit\-

into

matter
or

thrt-e

il^e

first

has

more
kinjs

ihought-fornii,

in

are coeval

based

and co-extensive

Avyakta (unmanifest)

on the

realities.

or Prakriti has evolved

Mahai, the (inimatcd cosmic matter.

the

cosmic

In

is

Duality of Prakriti (Objective) and Purusha

S;inkhya

old

any

sensibility," observes Sushruta, "that

is

the senses

the self to which

self,

before

is

the statement of Prof. Huxlev

like

is

when he admits the chance

with

individual

which directs and controls these protoplasms, and

and behind them,

of the

deep sense

Out

of

this

evolved Ahamk;ira (the sense of indivicorrectly

such

Taijasa

as

egoism)

(kinetic),

form of matter).

which

Vaikarika

the

is

divided

(phenomenal,

and Bhut;idi (pertaining

This

\'"aik;irika

combination with the Taijasa Ahamkara

Ahamkara

has

fathered

iNTRonurfioN.

xxvii

>

1.1

sense

eleven

the

touch,

of

sensibles

the

Vayu

(ethereon),

the

of consciousness,

and

addition

In

which he

the expansion and liberation

being

(individual),

treatment,

the

who

selves

real

combination of Purusha

the

beings,

of

sources

seed

(maternal element).
a

the

nature

wcii

cts

themselves

manifest

combination of the

done by

It

person in
of

of

and the controllers and directors of

energy,

and

essence,

or

the

ovum

(dynamics of acts

existence) which deterinines

a prior

be

will

it

womb

che nat'Te of the

element)

Karma

the

is

their

through

onlv

(paternal

body

the

it

clothed

with,

as

be conceived

shall

in,

next incarnation.

Nature of Self
is

force.

immaterial.
It

elf

is

Force

is

v^;

simple substance, and, as

substance

endued with constructive

is

and substance,
intelligepce,

is

and,

gravitation or cohesion, can permeate a material body,

like

without,

in

any way, disturbing h.

elective, or, in

other

words,

Man

is

its

the outcome of an influx of a

its

path determined

prior

existence.

To

It

elects that

parents as are best suited to the

with
of

medical

for

primordial material principles (iMahabhutas).

five

vital

of the

is

A human

latter.

subject

fit

organic or mental actions, are extremely subtile in

such,

Hke

Purusha

the

the

of

the

is

the product

is

The Purushas,

its

are the grosser

The combination

and

categories

for

in its

the

biJ't

Sushruta,

these,

Purusha.

calls

the sixteen aforesaid

their

soui-^d, etc.

to

of'

all

are

etc.,

admits the existence of a kind of atom-like units

Kapila,

with

{iroper

material

Tanmatras, of which'* Akisha

five

(ether), light,

etc.

ether,

light,

smell,

taste,

or

The

etc.

In other wordfl, these Tanmatras may he defined

atomic essences of the material principles of sound,

forms.
as

Tanmatras

hearing,

light,

modifications of these

combinatiqii with the

in

five

sight,

sound,

principles of

whith.

organs,

Bnutadi, have produced

is

adaptative

or

kind of selves for

purposes* of
se.f, a

its

force, a

being.

dynamis

by the dynamics of the d^jeds

think

that vitality starts from

xxviii

iNTifoniTCTioN.

protoplastfv

C, O, H,

is but',

afid

But no amount of

anci S.

S put together

constit<ite

will

nothing prior to

life 'iias

organism,

his

not

realities

which constitute

the

prior

the

expansion and

is

unseen

those

to

and future

We

selves.

chain of existence which

The

(i).

grosser

a finer, imma<;erial one, in as

vvithout

each conception

at

are invisible

linked to

can exist

linked

but take no notice of the preceding or succeeding

call life,

ones which
is

is

its

see only the middle link in

we

Life

puerile.

such,

as

H,

idea that

that the force which controls

it,

is'quite

and,

creation,

C, O,

The

life.

economy perished with the death

the co-ordination of man's

of

examined protoplasm

Cimemically

insanity.

is

being attached
there

constituents

lifeless

the

is

to

material

much

its

as

new

human body can

of a

So

antecedent.

influx of a

man, no matter how many chemical

body

nothing

self, for

not create

physiological

or

may be postulated to run to their rescue.

Ayurvedic Embryology Before entering
discussion of Sushruta's tiieory of conception, we
actions

into

the

shall

take

a little

more trouble to enunciate fully the Vedic theories

"The child is the fruit of the combination

on the subject.
of

sperm and ovum"

(2'.

and protects
that

form from the

its

viscus.

lies

It

which

inside the uterus, a fact

(3)

The

eyes

with

its

head downward
out

facilitates its passage

anv

effects of

of

the

child

injur}'

a-y

of,

done to

..n^finrtltTi'',

Bhagavat Gita II. 28.

(2)

^f

^wic^t ^ra: ';^j]3R^5i'^^f^:

Astanga llridayam (Vagbhat)

ShArira SthSnam.

r\^Tf[

^'^^Vh

?clT

*
'

Aiteriya

Ch,

I.

i.

Brahmana

\'I.

ic

g(^

introduct?oa.

xxix

1.1

body

as the cephalic portion of the feJal

The

which are essential

factors,

the

from

hody,

fetal

of the

'ippearance

Rig Veda

of the

mythology each organic function

tutelage of

name

to call a thing oftener by the

by that

than

would read

of

own.

its

follows

as

deity of ether

and nerve

Tvashta

presiding

bring

(the

about

sex of the

the

the

may

through the blessing

(goddess

Snrasvati

surgeons

the

the

fetal

body takes place

and

goddess

of

intellect

essential

so

cell-division,

Divested

(i)

has

of

its

of

lortl

the limbs and the

of

presiding deity

human

and

|iresiding

deity of

pattern

preside

rf

of

the

allegory,

^f% f^5?t^T#,

Tf 5fIW

w ^f?

^WlH'i ^^fT

of

father's

its

species

that of the

the

formation
the

verse

process
of

the

would

mean

II

Rik Samhila X, M. 184,

of

fetal

T?:^frr

*?Tffl fl^f?^
'

its

of

with

over

f^^?itf^ ^^?tg, ^^T^qTt% f^sig

JTwf

the

fission, etc.)

Hence, the aid of the

invoked

been

of

May

destiny.

Ashvins,

the

Now, the development

after the

to

may

metabolism)

and

heat

intellection.

who

surgeons,

celestial

limbs.

of

act

verse

presiding

(the

conformity to the pattern

this

an

represents

translated, the

(the

intellect)

help thee in taking the seed."

species,

custodian

and mayst thou conceive

uterus,

gods (the

the

f>1'

of

of

the

expand thy uterus,

'of

Prajapati

ovum) sprinkle thy

divine

its

differentiation

full

foetus,

of

Vishnu

force)

deity

Vedic

thfe

Vedic Aryan loves

Rightly

"May

In

(i).

the

to

have '^een

'consecrated to

is

and

presiding^' deity,

fecundation

sense-organs,

characteristic

described in a verse

developme'nt of

the

to

time of

the

,.1eveloped.

tirst

is

S.

XXX
the perm

that

a
its

process of fission,
species.

speculations

Vayu

well-developed
activity

(increased

the 'maternal element (ovum)

Then the impregnated matter undergoes

viscus.

father's

and

healthy

nerves) meets

of the-^ local
tViat

into a

led

the agency of the

uteru5 through

in

INTfionUCTION.

and takes shape

after the pattern of

When we

of

obtained credence so late

the

as

century in Europe, and

many

so

which

beginning of the

i8th

arose

that

controversies

the

idle

of fertilisation,

proces%

the

regards

as

think

between the Ovists, Performists and Animalculists (i), we

cannot help regretting that the Ayurvedic Embryology,
which started under such h'appy auspices, could not fully
solve the problem of fertilisation even before the advent
of

which

Embryology

the

Dhanvantari,
as

The fundamental

Tantrik age.

the

etc.)

the

of

was started are

have now been discovered

with

principles

Acharyayas (Sushruta,

by the

same

the

substaritially

researches

the

of

Sushruta in his dissertation on the

Western workers.
which lay at the root of his
illegitimacy
subject showed the
predecessor's

theory

Sharirasthanam Chap.

II.

and took

up research exactlv where the Vedic Rishis had left off.

He clearly demonstrated the fact thai "by a physiological
process
is

known

Rasapika (metabolism) the

as

metamorphosed

women,

in

sperm

into

the course of

in

hmph

chyle

men, or into ovum

The

month.

catamenial

in

fluid

down into the uterus through its proper ducts.

The sperm or ovum is thus the quintessence of a man's
The sperm meets the ovum (Artavam)
or a woman's body.
is

carried

in the ute;-us,

which resembles

whose aperture
soon

as

time

for

day

shut

fecundation

takes place.

fecundation

For a short history of

Sex (Prof.

P.

Geddes and

tlie

J.

in

mucous
The most

shape,
deposit

and
as

favourable

between the fourth and twelfth

is

after the af)pearance of

()

of

is

lotus-bud

up with

the

flow

(Garbhakala)" as has

Theories of Fertilisation, Vide Evolution

A. Thompson) Chap. XII. pp.

169 171.

JNTRODUCT?0\.

XXXI

>

I'

been

Von

demonstrated

lately

Ott.

by 'the

researches

Prof.

''of

(I).

Sexual Diamorphism : Some light is thrown on the

preponderance of the sperm and ovum in the Birth

relative

of

"When

female child.

derates the child

is

female

stronger the child

is

malfe.

equal, the child

of

no

is

the maternal element prepon-

when the

When

"When

single conception.
its

birth

the seed

is

which

points

multiplicity of birth

of the

fission

seed

Sushruta gives

conditions.

outcome

womb

the

in

exceptional

circumstances,

unfertilised

ovum may

two by

womb"

the

the 'irresistible conclusion that

to

the

is

children at a

divided into

inherent force (Vayu), twins are born in

statement

Sushruta

least

many

of

is

elements are

the

In theory at

sex.'"

admits the possibility of the

element

'fraternal

both

the

of

multifarious

under certain abnormal

a reason for believing

that,

in

and without sexual union, the

give

to perfect oflTspring, thus

rise

giving a prevision of the modern theory of parthenogenesis.

Pathological parthenogenesis has occasionally been
in

higher animals.

Oellacher has

noted

of hen's eggs, and Janosik has observed

of

many mammals such

extends

the

He

conditions.

without

probability

the

to

admits

the

the

all

development dots not proceed far

such a hypothesis it is but one step
the

the ovarian ova

in

possibility

of

possibility

like

respect

Sushruta

human ova under

admixture of the male

though he observes that

enunciates

it

the guinea-pig, etc. (2)

as

noticed

in

this

germinal

asexual

certain

conception
element,

genesis"

the

From

in

the

case."

to

the

theory which

of conception

withou?

proper

sexual union.

But
(1)

understand

his

theory of sexual diamorphism,

Vide ihe chari of menstrual wave

ilan and
(2)

to

Woman '(Havelock

The Evolution

and

Ellis)

prepared by

Chap.

V*n Ou

given in

XL

of Sc.k Ch. XIII. P. 1S5.

rn>/. p. r,eihlclfn,(} J.

A, Thnmps.m.

it

XXxii

INI^RODUCTION.

is

necessary thai on^shouFd fully compreliend the meaning

Ayuryedic terms on the subject

of such

Shukra-Vahulyam

(will-force).

Ichchha Shakli

as

(preponderance of the

(\)

male reproductive element) and Shonita-Vahulyam (preponderance of the female reproductive element)
in

common

Brahmanic

with 'the
distinction

believed that

of sex

emphasised the

He

in

highly

in

pri-

has

Institutes

his

poetic

style.

observes that "the Purusha (Logos), by a stroke of Will,

divided
of

though

fact (2),

evolved from

h'as

Manu

mordial hermaijhroditism.

Sushruta,

etc.

philosophers of Ind,

its

body (animated cosmic matter) into two, one

The Tantra

which was male, and the other female."

says that,

male part was endued

''the

(force) of its

own, which

called

is

Shakti

Matrika

is

conception of force

constructive
Sanskrit

in

Pitrika and Matrika Shakti

Sanskrit physiology
vital

force

in

the

left

organism,

Matrika Shakti,

half

of a

cases

where female offspring

(l)

(2)

Western

it

and

has

taken

their exact locations in

mau

observes, predominates in

Now, Sushruta
is

poles of

not

is

negative as

says

desired, the enceinte

that,

f^ifi^nr*^ ^^TiT
sfrff r\f^i

3iiT5^fT

f^?;T5w^5TrT

nij-

Manu
^f^^irtar;

*JI

fi:

11

.Samhili Ch.

ijt^ sfmwnflf^S'T'RT;

in

should

Shdiiia-sth^iiani Ch. II.

'^i^

(2.)

physiologists.

woman's organism, which

regards vital magnetism. {3)

but partially

is

the two opposite

inconsiderate pains to determine

and woman.

the

connotations of the

the

the

of

recognises

living

Though

energy.

made by the terms Ana-

is

bolism and KatabolisiU

called

is

a disruptive force

is

sciences

physical, the nearest approach to

and the

which

one,

Shakti

Pitrika
a

the

energy

an

Pitrika Shaktl

corresponding female part, with

Matrika Shakti.

with

I.

J2.

SfiradS Tilak Tanlrani.

XXXIU

INTRODbCTVJN.
snufF through her

(thq expressed juice Qf certain

left nostril

same should be administered through

where njale* issue would be the object. In

herbals), while the

her right nostril

other words, the anabolic (Mairika) or katabolic

(Piti;}ka)

organism can be so adjusted with the

mother's

of a

forces

help of drug-dynamics, as to determine, the sex of the child

The

womb.

the

in

b',rth

saged by the appearance

Sushruta

of a

of the

male child

usually pre-

is

milk (which according to

metamorphised menstraal blood)

is

the right

in

and where that has been effected

with the help of suitable medicines, it must be presumed
that the Katabolic pole of her glife-force has been acted

breast of the enceinte

upon, as desired.

The

original hermaphroditism,

condition of
of the

all

two opposite poles of

clearly

forth in

set

Narishvara(i).
is

The

fact,

katabolism

half

of

the father

is

allegory

figure, observes the

;

with the

life,

Hfe)

have been very

energy,

vital

Pauranik

the

half male, half female

in

which forms the anterior

subsequent sex distinctions, and the character

Pauranik rhapsodist,

half death

(2)

(since,

death,

half anabolism, half

moon, the premise, the

its brow, is made to sit

crescent

of progressive evolution on

s3'mbol

on the eternal bull, the

law of the universe

(lit

the

representative of
:

the fact that, conception

is

effected

only

sacrifice

on the part of the mother

Shakti

the real manufacturer of

is

its

(2)

that

of

the

Matrika

into play only

calls it

life-poles, that lie

It is love that
(i)

aware

an enormous

disintegrating or disruptive effect by separating

two opposite

contact.

fully
at

and that the Pitrika

life,

Shakti (paternal element) evokes, or

through

inmiutable

the four-footed order). The Rishis

and Rasasiddhas of ancient India were

the

Ardha-

of

neutralised

through

governs these two complementary

Vishnu PurSnam Ch.

7.

Vs. lo-ii.

mm: F?^n ^^^^^ ^t^

TTJrfff

^^v.

Mahdbhaialam.

INTRODUCTION.

xxxiv
forces of

and death

.life

the two different

evolutionary

its

itself

(i),

(though

they represent

in' fact

aspects of the same energy) and controls

rhythms

many though one

through the desire of seeing

in reality.

Does not modern biology

endorse the same view when it says that the reproductive

are the
cells, as protozoons,.are immortal, and that bodies
natural appendages which blossom.forth and fall off round
these cells for the fructification of their innate purposes
of being (2)?

little

more investigation into the

thesis

biological

of the Rishis would be necessary for the clear comprehen-

"Shukra-Vahulyani" and '"Shonita-Vahulyam" of

Sushruta and other Tantras (3). iMan is both animal and
'

of

sion

and the Ayurvedic physiology recognises two distinct

sets of apparatus in his organism answering to the different
phases of his existence. The one helps him in performing

spirit

the organic functions, which are so essential to his animal

existence, and keeps intact the co-ordination of those inter-

The

functions with the incidents of his environments.

nal

other

is

attuned to the finer forces of nature, and responds

(I)

The Evolution

of Sex. Ch.

XVIII.

Prof. P. Gedde/i and J, A. Thomson.

(2)

"The body

or soma'\

Weismann

says,

"thus appears

certain

to a

extent as a subsidiary appendage of the true bearers of the life, the repro-

ductive cells".

Ray Lankester has again well expressed

this

: "Among

the

multicellular animals, certain cells are separated from the rest of the consti-

tuent

units

continue to

of the body, as egg-cells and sperm-cells

live,

whilst the remaining cells, the

the immortal reproductive cells, die and

higher aniivals

which

die,

may from

mere

these conjugate

carriers as

disintegrate.
this

of the

and

J,

and

to nourish the

unicellular

The bodies
to carry for

mure important and deathless

egg." Quoted

in

the

a time,

Evelution of Sex (P. Geddes

wtwrf^ ^f<f^ry^: HiTi^

Sarada Tilak Tantram.

(15)

of the

fission -products

A. Thompton) 1901. Chap. XVIII.

(3) (a) ^liTf^^T

and

were of

point of view be regarded as

something temporary and non-essential, destined merely

to nurse,

it

Sushrula SamhilA (ShSrira Sthdnam Ch. Ill

INTRODUCTION.
to

the

of his higher or

call

organic, the other

is

and decay
realities

psychiq

is"

region of absolute

where growth and decay have no room

Growth

the only condition of

not

is

without food (i)or respiration, only

be.

exist

he can manage to dive

Between these two sets

the Jivatma, which, by

is

to

Man may

life.

if

deep into the realities within himself.

of apparatus there

is

down

chains him

governed by the laws of growth

the other opens on the

one

Tli'e

self.

The one

psyC^ic

phenomenal, and

to the

XXXV

'

its

own

peculiar

energy (the will-force), can operate in phenomenal or organic

the psychic one, thus
pl?,in, or recede from thence into
contact with the world of the senses' and the one

being in

beyond the darkness of death. Death, in fact, is

the grand usherer to life, which is only the rise of the
curtain over the life's drama, all equipments for which are
that

is

made

in the green

A man

room

of death.

can not propagate

No amount

at will.

of willing

on the part of the parent-animal can help him in creating

progeny.

The

life,

chooses

its

own

of
of

the child,

who

is

about to come into

the dynamics of

parents, according to

Karma, from the region

life, if it

of the lunar Pitris

be warrantable to use such an

expres-

the would-be child mixes with the self

The
human father, and
self of

(2).

its

own

acts or

or quiescent

sion

self of

its

hovers over the reproductive

the latter's organism, and regulates the

father's sexual desire, according to

intensity

the nature

cells

of

of the

its

sex,

determined necessary for the fruition of the purposes of

its

advent

into

father's desires

the world.

greater

ensures the preponderance of

Shakti (katabolism)

in

impregnated

the

Skanda PurSnam quoted by Shridhara SvSmi

on the Vishnu Purdnam.
(2)

intensity

Ch. VI. V.

^^^m ^7m\^m

i6.

Shruti.

in

of

its

tile

Pitrika

ovum,

which

his

commentaries
,

INTRODUCTION.

'

XXXVl

such a thing,

determiiies the male^sex of the child, while

on the part

mother

of the

the time,

at

is

followed by the

preponderance of the Afatrika Shakti (anabolism)

relative

which accounts

for

the femininity of the issue.

Equal

in-

both the parents, creating an

in

of sexual desires

tensity

absence of the relative preponderance of the Pitrika and

Matrika

impregnated ovum, leaves the sex

Shaktis in the

The

of the child practically undetermined.

or Matrika Shakti, as evidenced by

derance of the Pitrikd

the greater or

less

of the parents,

intensity of the

which

sexual

desire

of either

results in the speedier emission of the

ovum) during an

paternal or maternal element (sperm or

fecundation,

of successful

relative prepon-

contemplated

is

by the

act

term

''Shukra-Vahulyam," or "Shonita-Vahulyam," by the framer

Samhita, as ma}- be fully substantiated by a couplet

of the

by the venerable Daruvahi

So

far

Sushruta

(i).

one with the modern Western

at

is

theory of preponderant katabolism or anabolism in the

ovum

as the

determining factor of the sexual diamorphism

to the extent that seeds or reproductive cells are the bearers

and not the manufacturers of

categories which foster

To deny

organic being.
cal,

physiological

or

never

acceptable

The number

and

stufll* is

question
(I)

life,

^ag^:

of ancient

may be

cells

of

q^q^ft qgr?^

is

bv

of the mortal, organic

the father of light.

The

the seed (germ plasm) has

Uw^r[

^^T^_^

fl^^qif^flT ^'qi'Sn?!^ l^fl^cTT

D5rub5hi (Quoted by Arunadatla

India.

increased

immortal reproductive

come out

to say that darkness

of the immortality

evolution into an

which, as a theory, was

life,

biologists

to say that the

the creators of

cells, as

the

its

would be to admit the chemi-

this

basis of

to

only containing those

life,

and help

of reproductive

suitable dietary,

food

life,

in his

II

commentaries on Viigbhat).

INTRODUCTION.

been elaborately discussed

XXXVii

the Gommentaries on

in

Sankhya Darshanam(i). The,Pjah Vindus (germ

with

relics of

in

movements), which are^the

vibrations (rhythmic

the

the primordial ethereal vibrations,

the birth-throes of the

universe.

essential to the evolution of life

of the

universe,

which ,ushered

As

such,

and man,

them

retains

still

its

mother's

in his reproductive cells

seK enters into

the impregnated

womb.

the

and

is

essence

of

and

microscopes

offspring,

ovum

the

in

and not the

self,

any chemical or physiological process.

prjoduct of
influx

Life

they are

an offspring

as

as the best condition for calling out the life in his

when

the

pulsate

cells)

It

is

mav

spectroscopes

an
not

expose to view the

hinterlands

Perhaps

theorv of will-force and intensity of

it

was

this

of

and

birth

genesis.

parental desire as determining the sex in the child, together

with the facts of parthenogenesis observed in lower animals,

from which Sushruta

to the

human

sexual union
^j.
J

species,

is

possible in

The conception

'.rika

was disposed to extend the analogy

and believed that conception without

Shaktis

women.

of the

more

is

n jth regarding the origin

relates the story

universal

insulted
bolism),

mother,
the

follows

as

(or

divine

(etiology) of fever
:

Daksha,

his

Sushruta
of the

father

man)

in

her consort (destructive meta-

quota of

sacrificial

oblations.

of the insulted deity broke out in the shape of

a morbific heat (hyperpyrexia) which

of digestion

the

and

Pauranika

metabolism

constructive

father,

by witholding

The wrath

Matrika

nature of these

clearly set forth in the

in

(l) (a)

man

has been

qRHTSTtftS'C^I^T

often

is

fever.

^"Wl,^^

fT^5TT<T

^^fh

process

'to

an act

Sankhya Sutra Ch.

(b)

The

compared

I.

122.

'

Ibid. Ch. III. 3.

(c)

*r%

f%

^^^^^m^^mfn^]^'^^wf^^Tff

Sankhya Prabachana Vashya (Vijn^n Bhikshu) Ch.

x?m^i
I.

S.

I.

^^i*

XXXVni

INTRODUCTION.
<

of

<

Homa

in

sacrifice (i)

Ayurveda.

the

Stripped

of its

myth may be exp^iined quite in a pathological

lin^ It means that when the t*itrika Shakti, the process
of destructive metabolism (Pita, father or Shiva in Hindu
allegory the

mythology being the god of destruction or disintegration) of

body

the

noun'sh

properly

served by the

are arrested

Matrika

the wrathful deity), and the heat generated

(b^r

consequence

fever. Fever, then,

is

digestion and excretion.

Whenever

one of

its

With

this Pit rika

Shakti,.

and heat

fever,

is

is

essential effects.

and love of

a precision

best days of

a disease of defective

is

there

disturbed or not properly served

is

which

factors,

the excrements and excretory process of the body

Shakti),

in

not

is

constructive metabolism (Father of the

its

Brahmanic

details,

literature,

which mark the

Sushruta lays down rules

by the enceinte, from

of diet and conduct to be observed

month to month, during the whole period of gestation,

and gives medicinal

recipes

for

atrophied child in the

partiall}^

ledge was

conclusion

the

cultivated

anatomical

that

by surgeons and soldiers

may

enable him to

but

could not

time when

where

anastomoses

vein

or

pressure

be

dearly

the fate of a

make

prized

war

short

belieVe

that

scientific

blow

work

kt\psP/,

joints,

or
of

his

by the soldiery

was

decided

often

the success of a single champion, and

to

system

we have

wrestling

of

by the

gentry of

ancient

India

much

I)

^ffcTTTT ?r q'5fi'q=?T^^flfcT ^:

jr..

iir

little

man
at

by

reasons

formulated in the light of the Sushruta Samhita,

practised

alike, la

knowledge about the locations of the vulnerable

nerves,

of

Marma Shiriram world

Chapter on

perusal of the

leave no doubt for

development

the

womb.

Charaka SamhitS.

was

and
like

INTRODUCTION.
the Jiujitsu

Yuyutsu,

(Skr.

mind,

of

much
is

it

Ayurveda)

block

the

to

and Eastern
fit

for

on

Sushruta

if

and

Physiologv,

appeared
of

many

ad-

is

scientific

adopted by

have

intelligence

all

as

jt!ast

''which

is

schools

of

stumbling

Western

and

European Sanskritists have thought

"Vayu," "Pittam'' and "Kapham"

main physiological
B\l\

But

practical

the one

as

which

scholar.

to translate

."

his

writings

his

same

practicalh- the

the

fighter) of

(i).

Sushnita's Physiolo^
so

intending

t,he

'

modern Japan,
mired

XXXIX

>

functions)

as

bile

air,

(the three

and phlegm.

nothing could be more misleading, or erroneous than

that.

right understanding of the

vedic medicine, in
tion of the

all its

Vayu. Pittam and Kapham,

we should

so

up the nature of these three physiological

to clear

Ayur-

of the

science

branches, hinges on a right conceplike

factors

before proceeding farther in our enquiry.

Antiquity

the division: A reference to these

of

and Kapham,

three physiological factors of Vayu, Pittam

under the name of Tridhatu.

Rikveda,

Sayana explains the term

(3).

met with

first

is

as

in

the

synonvm

for

Vayu, Pittam and Kapham. The Vedic physicians possessed

at least a considerable

knowledge of the process of

tionf4), the circulation of gas in

the

human

diges-

organism, and of

It is anions that the phonetic and etymological resemblance

(i)
between Sanskrit "Juyutsu" and Japanese ''Jiujitsu" (would be fighter)
should be so close. Perhaps it was the Buddhist missionaries (and they
were not always peaceful hermits) who had carried with them a system
of scientific wrestling from India, which was subsequently developed in
Japan. Compare with the complete Kano, Jiu-jitsu (Jeudo) by H. Irving
Hancock and Katsukuma Higashi. Chart I and III.

(3)

vm

f^^rg

w^ct'

:crw^^

11

Rik. Samhita.

Sayana explains

(4)

^rm:

if!?n^^T

5|1ni5^ 'fiWtf^fT,

^sfT^:

it

f^^
^:

I. 3, 6.

as

tmrr

unu:

^^sc.

w.

wf^^v^r^'^j^

^^

w^^'.-^m

Chhandagya Brihmana.

w^Ict.

^sf^Ti

Xl

INTCiODUCTlON.

the properties and functioiv> of

ligaments

and

Ayurveda belongs the

physiological

science

no mean

is

which end Sushruta

a quo'.a.

In the

the actionsr of living matter,

may be reduced

to three

Generative, and

{d)

formulating a systematic

glor\' of "nrs^.

science, to

did con<;ribute

not co-extensive

light

varied

categorief, viz.

as a

surgeon

of

Western
are,

The second

the entire existence

observes some

they

as

Sustentative,

(a)

Correlative functions.

(c)

with

organism, Sushruta

Acharyas of the

the

to

tendons,

muscles,

flesh, fat,

But

cartilages.

living

of a

among
when he denominates

such distinction

the functions of a living organism

the living body as the "three supported one" (Tristhunam),

Kapham

and describes the normal Vayu, Pittam and

its

three

We

supports.

meaning nerve
term meaning

wonder

the term

can be confounded

force,

from the root "Va," to move, to spread.

to Sushruta,

is

motor functions such

Ayurveda

the

has

its

fall

as,

sister

spiritual aspect as well

science

the
in

with the invisible

organism,

Vayu, according
sensory

fact of its

the

and

Vayu

in
it

which does not legitimately

enquiry.

Ayurvedic

It

safe

is

physiology,

aver

to
like

its

modern Europe, is concerned more

molecular components of the human

than with the workings of

holy Agnivesha

its

warns the students

against the danger of regarding the

Charaka

Saniliit^

gross members.
of

physiology

human system

thing other than the aggregate of molecules

same
former

not wholly a physical or organic force,

is

that

as

Vayu,

the

the

smelling, &c. But

within the scope of our

however,

The

from the

called

so

with

Sushruta derives

since

air,

how

as

some-

(i).

ShArirasthAnam, Chap. VII.

INTRODUCTI9N.

xli

The three fundamental principles of Vayu,,Pittam

and Kaphah: The actions of living matter vary and
may be reduced to^ three categories. They are
so
either (i), functions which affect the material conipositJDn
body and determine its mass, which is the baUnce of

of the

the processes of waste on one hand and t^hose of assimilation

on the other. Or

virtues of which
direct influence

or

of developing

are functions in

they

(3),

one part of the body

is

source

of molar

may be termed Sustentative,

exert a

able to

on another, and^ the body, by

becomes

whole,

whole,

detach-

essentially the

is

endowed with the powers

independent

an

into

part

of a

which

reproduction

of

process

ment

they are functions which subserve the

(2),

motion.

its

parts as

The

first

the second Generative, and

the third Correlative functions.

The above

is

the

sum and

substance of the works which a living matter has to perform.

But

setting

subject

for

processes

the

apart

discussion,

future

reproduction

of

we

now

shall

as

try

to

examine what the other two functions are as understood

by Oriental thinkers. In the Mahfibhiratam the Prdna
described as a force, akin to electricity.

vayu

is

what

like a flash of

lightning

This

(1).

fact

It is

some-

aHonce shows

the errors of confounding Prana vdyzi with an effete material

with gases generated

Shushruta describes

it

organism into motion.

HTOSIT^^^ JJcTRt

(i)

during the processes of digestion.

which

as a force, (2)

Self-evolved,

Mm

?sifvf^?j^

it

sets

MahSbMratam. ShAnti Pa^va

(2)

Fo'ce

a body at

may be

lesi, or to

Daschanel,
6

defined as

the whole

acts as the principal

ihat which

S. 39.

tends to produce motion

produce change of motion

in a

body which

is

in

movjng.

INJRODUCTION.

xlii

continuance and

factor that deLerinines the genesis,

tegration of the

livir-g

body.

that governs our organic as well

all-in-all

Its special

faQulties.

produqed

in

feature

is

disin-

the primary cause

It is

the vibration,

that

an

our cognitive

as

that

is

instead of travelling like light in a transverse

it,

direction, takes a course as the controller of the correlative

functions of the system.

It

maintains an equilibrium between

the Pittam and Shleshma which are said to be inert,

danger of being consumed

or

body has

tion of

Vdyu

like

by

fuel

internal

its

Sushruta attempts a

to perform,

Prana, Udana, Samana,

into

Apana, which,

in

detail,

heat

Western physiology.

nerves of the

abounds

in

the

descriptions

more

plexuses) and contains a

classif.ca-

Vyana

and

correspond to the divisions of

functions performed by the Cerebro-spinal and

tic

But

Taking into consideration the various functions the

fire.

living

(i)

adjustment the living body would stand in imminent

for this

the

of

Sympathe-

Tintric literature

Nadichakras (nerve

detailed account of the motor,

mixed nerves according to their differences in

functions and relations.
In short, the term Vayu may

sensory, and
their

not only be rightly interpreted to

is

(as

though the term

air.

The

when we speak
loosely

the

suspecting

atmospheric

air

of the

applied

now

V^yu
to

of the

signify

or

soil),

gas or

gave the name of V;iyu to the

Rishis of yore

bodily force in
little

is

the nerve force, but

any kind of electro-motor

often extended to include

molecular force

mean

absence of any suitable nomenclature,

that

it

might be confounded with the

by the foreign translators of their works.

Charaka, Sutraslh4nam. Chap. XII.

Inert

i.s

Pittam, inert

clouds, they

is

Kaphah,

go wherever they

arc!-

inert

are

the

Malas

carried by the V5yu,

&

'Jh^lus

Like

INTRODUCTION.

Pittam

The

metamorphosing
of organic

sperm

to

Pittam
a

women.

in

Western physiology.

But

substance like

Thus we

see that

has been

of Rasa and blood though

with

normal

those

respectively

Kaphah and

of

defiling principles

a confounding carelessness

b}?

portion

ultimately connected

circulation of blood

Doshas or

Again, as

Kaphah

ed to denote magnetism, kinetic energy and

The

physiological

as the

styled

Pittam.

the terms V^yu, Pittam and

molecules.

in

series

the Ayurveda corresponds to metabolism

of terms the excreted

case, of soil,

consists

graduated

protoplasmic

men, and the ovum

processes

the

of

chyle, .through

principles,

Pittam of

the
of

in

function

the

xliii

in

the

are extend-

humidity of

its

connected with the

is

the circulation of lymph chyle fRasa) is

Shleshmi the two combinedly forming what

Pittam, while
related to

the

called

is

sustentative

function

the Western

of

Physiology.

The term
the agent

Pittam,

which,

Ayurvedic physiolgists to
principles from an

product of the

Hence

denote

Sanskrit

in

bolism of tissues as

that Pittam

etymology,

its

loosely

two

signifies

used by our

different

organic

observed similarity in their nature and

Pittam

functions.

by

metabolism, has been

of

well

means both

as the bodily heat

bile

and meta-

which

is

the

latter.

commentators lean

few
is

the heat

the principal agent

in

real

import of

the

five

sub-divisions

of

performing

term
the

towards the

incarcerated

in

the

digestion

bile,
(i).

view

and

The

may be gathered from the

made by our Rishis

Pittam,

'

according

to

called the

Pachaka, Ranjaka, Sadhaka, A'lochaka and

(l)

their

functions and locations, and which are

5^^: ^g^Rim^^lfq

fqfl^ ^^WT^Sf'af?;f?I

'*

Madhukosha.

Xliv

INTRODUCTION.

'

Bhr^jaka. All metabolic

whether constructive or
wljich

be

to

said

is

whether serum,

in

processes

essential to the substance

Hence we learn that

lymph chyle,

performance of any organic function.

Pittam

is

albumen

latent

and

etc.,

Lasika (Serum),

in

in

the

blood,

and sight.

organs of touch

other words, metabolism goes

on

human organism

regions of the

which are either

body, or to the proper

the

of

sustentative

either as a

(i)

we have

First,

Pachakagni or the heat of digestion, which

is

tions of the liver

incarcerated

or fluid heat

(bile),

it

,,the

situated in

the region between the stomach and the intestines

fire

In

those principles and

in

or as a cognetic physiological process.

being a liquid

Pittam,

called

products of those processes

the

blood, albumen, etc.,

bile,

organism,

the

in

dj^structive, are

in

and

(2)

the secre-

primarily concerned in digesting

is

meet

the four kinds of food (as they

it

the abdomen).

in

Thus we see that the Pachakagni of our Ayurveda is the

same as the bile of Western physiology, its other function
being to differentiate (precipitate) the nutritive essence of
the food from

metabolism

in

portion,

unutilisable

its

other

and to act

is

this

Pittam,

parts of

the

bodv

excrementitious matter.

It

an

as

which makes

possible,

b)'

(3)

helping the organism in acquiring fresh energy.

(1)

iTfv(?:i9f?j:

l^rsjafil"

^^ft^^t^T^'PfT' Tw.

fqtrw TlfHT^ f^^r\

II

Bdgbhat (Sutra Sihinam

(2)

The

bile

assists

in

emulsifying

the

fats

of

ch. XII.)

the foods, and thus

rendering them capable of passing into the lacteals by absorption

bile has b*een considered as a

to

natural

purgative * * *

The

bile

The

*.

appears

have the power of precipitating the gastric proteoses and peptones,

together with the pepsin, which

is

excrementitious substance, the bile

* * *

As an

serve as a medicine for the

separa-

mixed up with them.

may

tion of certain highly carbonaceous substances from the blood.

Kirk's Physiology Ch. XIII. pp

^

(3)

tTf^iR^fqrTrr^t ^EfjiiTfitgg^T^'T

^i'lfh ^sT?T%ii ^\'^'^

siTfl

377-378.

rTfTnr.fTfl;

11

Bagbhat Sutra

ch.

XII.

INTRODUCTION.

xlv

'

The second kind

from

Pittam

of Pittam i^'called

circumstance

the

by coursing through the

located

it is

The

r.f

indirectly

contractions

Perhaps

(2).

The colouring matter

(l) A.

that

to

is

the

situated in

the performance of cognitive

many

of the

rhythmic cardiac

the

this

is

it

contraction that predisposed

related

and spleen, u^here

(Sadhak'a)

Pittair.

a5s*\sts in

man by keeping up

functions in

as

liver

the

transformed

is

it

(i).

third kind

and

heart,

imparting

its

lymph chyle

characteristic colour to th'e

into blood

RanjakaoV pigment

of

of the

heart's

physio-

our ancient

of

Ijilc is

view

derived from and

closely

is

blood, since the qualities of the bile pigment secreted

of

which

are markedly increased by the injection of substances into the veins

are capable of setting free haemoglobin

Kirk's Physiology

There seems

B.

to

(Metabolism

It

tl

at the

and

between these

and

seems probable that the spleen, like the lymphatic glands,

is

the

in

blood

formation of

\ III. p. 376.

For

corpuscles.

it is

quite certain,

blood of the splenic vein contains an unusually large number of

.also

coloured

In Kottikor's opinion, the development of colour-

i"

corpuscles

of

the

l)lood, is

functions of the spleen, into the veins of which the

pass,

the colouring
of

white corpuscles, t
less

'

one of the

new formed

essential

corpuscles

and are conveved into the general current of the circulations.

Ch. XII.

Ibid.

The

(2) A.

without

view that

is

contraction

(of

the

heart)

can

be long maintained

not

due supply of blood or of a similar nutritive

at present taken of the action of the heart

muscle, as in protoplasm generally,

is

* * *

The

that in

heart

fluid.

* *

metabolic processes are those of

the

anabolism or building up. which takes place during diastole of

* * *

p. 505.

that

'

urine (urobilin) and of the feces Ibid Ch.

c.

Ch. XII.

be a close relationship between

matters of the blood and of the bile, and

engaged

in the liver.)

and the katabolism or discharge which

tion of the heart.

is

manifested in

heart

the

the

contrac-

Kirk's Physiology (metabolism of the heart). Ch. VI.

*1T^ f ??t"

ffTffl

II

BSgbhat Sutra.

Ch. XII.

13.

xlvi

INTRODUCTION.

'

hold

to

logists

Sthanam).

it

iWe

as

The- fourth, which

the

sight; indicates

Albchaka

the

is

metabolic

( Viiddhi

to visual sensation. (2;

rise

Bhrajakagni

the

fifth is

or the Pittam of

process in the substance of

the retina (Drishti) which gives

The

cognition

of

seat

(l)

or the Pittam in the skin

which produces perspiration or hefps exudations from the

skin by evaporation.

In short

it

human

sweat and sebaceous glands of the

Kaphah

: Sushruta

body dies

"the animal

moment some

part

of

oie

is

daily,

of the term
his

Shariam

holding with Foster thgj

in

the sense

The

that at every

suffering decay,

is

etymological significance
wither

Shri, to

vSkr.

skin.

in

substance

its

undergoing combustion."'

is

the Pittam which keeps

is

under certain circumstances, the secretions from the

active,

up) testifies to

knowledge of the combustion that goes on within the

human

system. Three kinds of

fire

are detected in the bod}',

which are sure to feed upon

its

constituent

the absence of proper

in

the shape of food and

fuel

in
air.

food and the fundamental brdily principle of Shleshma,

It is

which

cooling

is

watery

or

essence,

in its

rescue of the organism, the latter

with

own

its

integration of

The

essential
its

The

moon

is

at

the sun,

seat of the

the

the

to

fly

(Sleshma) surcharging

and

chyle which

prevents

(i)

humidity

that

keeping intact

ii

the

component molecules.

Rasa, or lymph

ingested food,

sun

principles

is

the

spiritual soul) dwells

palate ami

Chittam
above

thai of

the

(or

the

from

fire-

the place of the air (or breath)

and mind dwells above the moon,

between the mind and the

bodily

the root of the

at

root of the navel

formed out of the

is

internal

sun.

is

the

above

passage

and

life

dwells above the moon.

Jn4na Sankallni Tantrani, International Journal

Tdntrik order
(2)

It is

upon the

supposed that

retina,

is in fact

the

(New York)

Vol.

change effected by the

V'.

No.

light,

which

a chemical alteration in the protoplasm,

this stimulates the optic nerve-endings.

Kirk's Physiology Ch,

of

5 p. 109.

and

XVII,

falls

that

INTRODUCT.PN.

upon the

preying

whole organism.
sort

vitals

The

by coursing freely th;'Ough the

the

undergoes

thus g^enerated,

Rasa,

of purification,

xlvii

purified

portion

being

Prasddabhuta, and the excreted portion Malabhttta,

are found as effete

Kaphah

the body.
fills all

products
or

deposited in certain

Sleshmd

them together

in a

kind of cooling embrace

would

kinds such

as

classified

the Kledaka,

Shlcsmaka according
locations in the

Dosha

the

to

Kaphah

(Skr. Slish to

organic

into

Avalanwaka,

their

thus holding

combustion which

the dreadful

have been caused by

otherwise

Our Acharjas have

(il

as

pores of

that pprtion of Rasa which

is

the intercellular^ spaces of the body,

embrace) and prevents

called
suc^>9

different

five

heat.

diflFerent

Vodhaka

and

functions

and

economy.

The lymph chyle,

born of the digested food,

and which courses through the body, potentially contains

the

elements which

human
it

is

organism.

progressively

build

the

Under the

diflferent

transformed into blood,

marrow, semen and

OJah.

In

other

sets free that part of its constituents (2)

^wftl*lK*!:

flesh,

fat,

A.

the

which possess blood-

Bagbhat.

%^Ttg ?}^Tli^T:

fi^^^n:

the

bone,

words, under

Charaka Chikitshasth,<.nam. Chap.

(2)

of

metamorphosis, the lymph chyle

process of physiological

(i)

tissues

influence of metabolic heat

TJ^f^rf

^Tg^^ ^f^T*i

f^f^(*ft;

^t^^ K^:

15.

II

Bh^va Mishra.

Chakra Datta's commentary on the Charaka Samhit^.

Cr.

XXVIIl.

SutrasthSrjani.

int;roduction.

xlviii

making
blood

and are ultimately

properties,

unuiilised^or excreted

(its

transformed

into

being eliminated

portion

through the natural apertures of the body), and so on,

thrqugh the progressive

metabolism

of

series

to

Oj'a/i

Thus with ihc derangement f)f the bodily Vayu

which causes the fr^e coursing oi the lymph ch3'le through
Dhd.iu.>

the Pittam

its vessels,

of the

cular part

imetabolismj,of tissues), in any parti-

body,

and thus

incarceration,

by reason

also affected

is

causes

tion in the excreted portion of the

an

increase

of

its

or

diminu-

is

another

Rasa, which

name for Kapham during the progressive metabolism. Thus

we see that Vayu, Pitta^i, and Kaphah, which, in their
normal

state, are

are transformed

the three supporting principles of the body

into

morbific

diathesis

by increasing or

diminishing the bodily heat, secretions, or excretions.

Thus congestion and

inanition

(atony)

the

are

two

main forms of disease recognised by the Ayurvedic Pathologists,

former being

the

held

amenable to resolution or

elimination, and the latter to local feeding or nourishment.

Agni and Dh^tvagnis

We can

this portion of our dissertation than

two about Agni. Sushruta

is

any kind of

Pittam
is

fire in

the

raises the question

human organism

word or

whether there

other than

the

or are they identical ? Sushruta holds that the Pittam

the only

fire

present in the system, in as

from the digestion of food

its

signification

what

Katabolism of Western

much

as all acts

to the disintegration of tissues are

performed with the help of the

within

not better conclude

by speaking

is

Pittam,

which includes

connoted by Anabolism and

Physiologists.

But Agnivesha and

certain sections of the Ayurvedic Acharyayas hold that there

^fTf^=5WWri^ ?^ ftqi

5f?T I,?TI:

II

Bh^vaprakeisha Part

I.

Charaka Sutrasthinam Chap.

/'

,/

I.

rxTRODrcTfoN.
are

of

five Anjali-fuls

This discrepancy

Yava

measure

Agni

Agni

of

in

(i)'

t)rganism.

ferment) in

(enzymes,

human

the

away by including one

explained

best

is

xlix

the

The

five
'

Anjali-measures of Pittam.

Physiology recognises the exist'ence of

A'yurvedic

another kind of Agni, which

plasm) and which

Dhatvagni

called

is

seven

into

cL\ssifies

it

different

(proto-

kinds,

Arunadatta, the celebrated commentator of the Ashtanga-

hridayam, holds that there are as

many Dhatvagnis

as the

constituents of the body. (2)

'(i) q'g fiiTT^ Charaka

(2)

q^ qT^vftffi^i

flfq

qigi?rfcT^(9rn

qi^:

Samhita.

'5Bra?f:

fT(?Tfq

v^

^'^tt^^^I

^^^ift?:.

qTf?f^T3I^rIo|:

^g

^rg<fl[inr

qif^^Till'flirw

3r:

Arundatta.

q^g
r.

-^

?Ttq3?^ 5I?Tq

q'^rfusrcrr^ffT

T^TTf ^^^^\ ^ig^TTit 'g^=^%

fqrnWl!;

fm'^'e^

l^a

^ \W^ '^m

HM

*Tf ^TfT

T^R^^^f^^ffT

II

^"^^1 q^^^fl?T

T?^f|c5J^ 5fT?r^Sf^ f^^t?^T*T

^frf?T fT^

^Tf^^T^j

ii^ffTOifir 1^55^
cHJiTri f{'^m,

f\\

#^

#f

^iaT^T9?lf^fvwiq

Ibid.

II

TW
f\-n\

5[r^'

fr5iTg?T

9^fq^'

^kli:
riff:

II

II

w,?t:
fT?f:

11

^qHsf^g

Charaka SamhiiS, ChikitsSsthSnam^ Chapter X\'.

I).

^ff

mJTTft >^?Tfr f^f^^

q^T^*Tf^f:

qi^

gif'Tf

ff ?

^:

q^l^rf:

"
I!

Vid

lljid

Chap.

XX.

intr6duction.

The tommeniator

Chhandagya Bhasyani has

the

of

emphasised the identity of the Pittani and the solar heat.

In

fact

was

it

doctrine

up

the solar heat pent

organic

produces

stomach,
but

are

and Udaragni

them

that sets

the

free

transformed into

is

"^

of solar
in

the organism.

these

All

The

heat.

Dhatvagni

It is

the

Vayu

and makes them operative.

The Dhatvagnis

muscle are not of

(protoplasm) of the

the same kind as that

of the

We

arteries.

quoting a

temptation of

the

solids

the Rishis that

of digestion, (i)

heat

inert

lie

among

which, becoming liberated in the

forms

different

faith

the

in

(Bhutagni)

heat

of

few

lines

cannot

from

resist'
<

Foster's

physiology on the subject.*

(I) A.

flra:

^< ^^\ M^m-^^ ^%^^\ ^f ^*

^q?")^r?T

^.^

ChhAndogya Upanisliad.

Chh^ndogya Bh^syam.
"

These facts and other considenitions, which might be brought

forward, lead to
substance

(if

tentative

tl\e

we may use

conception of protoplasm as being a

the word in

somewhat

loose sense)

not only

unstable in nature but subject to incessant change, existing indeed as

of incessant

the expression
cliange,

replacement
<:'hange.

much

ver3'

of

as

molecular,

a fountain

is

We may

water.

i.

i.

chemical

the expression

picture

to

and physical
of incessant

ourselves the total

which we denote by the term "metabolism," as consisting

on the one hand, of a downward series of i,Katabolic changes) a

of

many

with

steps in which

the

setting

the more complex bodies are

of energy

free

into

simpler

stair

down

broken

waste bodies, and,

on the other hand, of an upward series of changes (anabolic changes)

also

a stair of

simplicity
built

up

or
into

do'uble stair

of

it

many

steps,

complexity

is

by which ihe dead food of

with further

more and more complex bodies.

we

as a single

call

''protoplosm"

hodv

.'in

the

varying

assumption of energ}-

The summit

of the

whether we have right to speak

chemical

sense

of that

word or

as a

INTRODUCTION.

From whal
and

tions

now been sUted regarding ihe funcVayu, l*ittam and Kaphah,

has

significations of the

appear that the Achai*yayas of the Ayurveda contem-

will

it

three

plated

different

mixture
as

as the

Even
its

in

tlie

of

some way of several

be a simple

if this

existence

life, rolls

which

up the ascending step

o

Further the dead food

It

not

present

tell.

it is

made,

at

passing through the phase

is

the

t5

at

topmost summit,

one instance

temporary, at

the other side *

top and

forthwith

rolls

itself

from being wholly

fairly, but far

becomes more and more complex living material.

becomes more and more explosive and when

mit its equilibrium

embracing as well

or as

we can

substance forming the

unmade matter,

stable in character,

stair,

side,

are

Whether we should regard

bodies.

either

absolutely

is

it is

down on

in

domains of

Vayu, Pittam, and Kaphah

very summit of the double

topmost steps

the next

of principles in the

sets

Biology and Pathology.

it

ll

is

over-thrown and

it

reaches the sum-

The whole

actually explodes.

it

downward stair of events seems in fact to be a series of explosives

by means of which the energy latent in the dead food and augmented
by the touches through which
protoplasm,

is

Some

free.

set

again by the material

itself, in

dead

the
of

food becomes

energy

those freed

order to carry on

tliis

is

same

living

used up

vivification

of dead food, the rest leaves the body as heat or motion.

If this be admitted

what we

almost inevitably follows, that

it

have called protoplasm, can not be alwnys the sumo thing

tliere

must be many

varieties of

and with corresponding

must

difEer in

from glandular
ferment.

muscular

this sense,

in

it is

that

qualities

and composition.
oi'vious that the

numerous indeed, almost innumerable.

are

The molecular protoplasm,

state

witli dilVcrcnt

different molecular strncturL'

Using the word '"protoplasm''

varieties of protoplasm

protoplasm

whicli

nature, in

protoplasm

brings forth

composition, that
wliere

kata-state

contractile kata-

is

in

is

construction

mother

of

Fur* her the protoplaspi of a swiftly contracting striped

fibre

must

differ

fibre, the protoplasm of a

a sheep or a frog, the

that of another

from that of the

torpid, smooth, unstriatcd

human muscle must

differ

from that of

protoplasm of one muscle must

muscle, in the

aaine

differ

from

kind of animal, and the pro-

toplasm of Smith's biceps must differ from that of Jone's Foster.

Hi

INTRODUCTION.

,,

D/iaius

Called

when

fundaraental

or

in virtue of their

and sustentative func-

with the help of their subservient processes of

or

tions,

economy,

principles of the

correlative

metabolism and lymphatic circulation, they ensure an equi-

among

poise
in

the

u'hole

the

and physiological processes

essential

is

Biologically considered they are

health.

djniamics

subtle

diflferent vital

economy which
of

organic

life,

or as

to

but

healthy equilibrium

of any extrinsic or idiopathic factor,

agency
of

disturbed either

is

them

is

augmented

abnormally

two, thus altering their mutual

they are

said

to

morbific diathesis.

through the

when any one

in

economy,

the

arise

which form

Ayurveda

or in the parlance of the

have been

Even

it,

But when

or dominates the other

relation

naturally certain pathological conditions

the esse of a disease

primary

Sayana expresses

the three fundamental principles of the body.*

this

perfect

its

the

transformed into Doshas or

blood,

which, according to our

Acharyayas, forms one of the fundamental principles (Dhatu)

may be designated as a Dosha (morbific

when owing to its congestion in any particular
member of the body, it brings about a disturbance

of the organism,
diathesis),

organ or
in

its

general

conditions

vascular

which are offshoots of

disturbed circulation.

when observed
the

organism

lesions

system and produces pathological

still

They

are

in grosser

producing

its

own

denominated

or

those

superficial

excretions,

deficient

or

MalaS,

as

principles

or

of

organic

which appertain to the sphere of morbid Anatomy.

Thus we see that the Ayurvedic principles of Vayu, Pittam

and Kaphah embrace both the biological and pathologi-

.Sayanas Commentary Rig ^^

Chanika.

A.

INTRODUCTION.

Hli

cal

of

principles

organism

the

Ayurvedic physiology

or

other

in

and

elucidates

causes through which the 'same principles,

life

wOrds, the

investigates

the

which sustain

and the organism, are transformed into the

dynari\*ics

of disease, lastly pointing out the grosser excretory changes

and organic lesions

the external or "superficial plane of

in

which form thi subject of morbid anatomy and

are sometimes confounded with the disease itself.
In the

existence,

Vayu, Pittam and Kaphah of the Acharyayas we have

at

once a complete picture of the

of

the

human economy

sustentative forces

finer

as well as their antithesis, the construc-

tive as well as the expulsive

forces*

of

inner

the

man,

to-

gether with an exhaustive analysis of their grosser products

which legitimately

fall

within

sphere of morbid

the

ana-

knowledge of the nature and functions of

the Vayu, Pittam and Kaphah may be useful in giving a

tomy.

real

deeper and clearer insight into the principles of true biology

or pathology.

Kaphah

incorrect to translate Vayu, Pittam and

It is

as air, bile

and phlegm, except under certain

Viyu, Pittam and Kaphah are

cumstances.

phlegm only when they

organic

grosser

very

so

are

excretions

intimately

air,

transformed into

which

connected

or pathological, but they are not

air,

factors,

bile

cir-

and

Malas

supposed

are

with

bile

to

or

be

pathogenetic

and phlegm

in

those planes of their functions which determine the genesis,

growth and continuance

death,

decay

of

the

organism,

as

w-ell

as

and disinteg ation. -The knowledge of

region without that of

its

antipodes

is

its

but a half knowledge,

and the principle of Vayu, Pittam and Kaphah is the only

its kind that tries to embrace the whole sphere of

one of

organic existence.

Ojah-Dh^tU
it

will

the

From

what

has

been stated

before

appear that during the process of tissu'e-formation,

Ivmph

or

metabolic heat,

chyle,
is

under the influence of Pittam, or

transformed in^o

or un-utilisable portion of

it

being

the

same,

passed

off

the

refuse

through the

liv

IN*rRODUCTION.

apertures of

The Ojah-Dhatu

ihe body, is excretions.

present in the reproductive energy that

organic principle,

it

is

lymph

chyle,

sense of modern

&

when we

find

in

Ayur-

as

lying

Sbma, or Ojah-Dhatu mentioned

Ojah, Raktagata

male

female reproductive elements.

si.irprise

human organism

diffused in the

of the

&

not a matter of

vedic works this

is

every

lymph, blood, muscles, bone (synovia),

and in the *male

ma"Vro\v,

Hence

viz.

lies latent in

blood,

essence

aiVd described as the

&c.

(i).

The terms Rasagata

Ojah are therefore used perhaps

in

serum-albumen, blood-albumen, &c.

female reproductive elements,

the

The

according to this

view, form the essence of 'the body as a whole, and the Ojah,

which

is

abundantly found in these protoplasmic

the quintessence of a quintessence.

heart alone, according to Charaka,
this

energetic

which

substance,

colour &. possesses both cooling

In diseases caused by

is

is

&

cells,

The muscle

is

of the

chiefly associated with

of a

bloody yellowish

heat-making virtues.

defective assimilation

it is

(2)

said to

be ejected through the kidne\'s and to pass off with the urine
types

(as in certain

of

Prameha)

(3),

whereby the patient

gradually loses strength, flesh, and healthy glow of complexion inasmuch

^T\^

(l)

but the accompaniments of

as these are

^Wt^Tfprt ^^JflTlt RT'^^fW

Vagbhal

=^3f: aift?

^wm'

tT^mrar ftfjpfw

Charaka (Sutra StMnam) Ch. XVII.

A.

(3)

^?:mfJ?ll7T^ft^ ^I^T?I

^]
^

-^fm'

tT^

JI^ff?f

f^ ^^^%: ffWn

II

Charaka (Sutra Sthinam) Ch, XVII.

Charaka (ShSrira SthSnam) Ch. IV.

its

INTRODUCTieN.

Iv

"Health and

healthy continuance in the humi^n organism.

reside

strength," observes our Rishi,"

the Ojah-

latent in

dhatu, as butter (Ghritam)4ies latent in milk, (i)

Mishra,

Dallana

combustible

completely

in

course of tissue combustion

especially

Ojah

in urine

alone

consideration one

into

consequence

Ojah the question

of these

in

Taking
to

this fact

the

the nature of

"of

the

deposited

presence of Ojah

(3).

belief

sugar.

interpretations of

diflFerent

whether there

arises

human organism any such

either of these

The

inclined

is

is

which produces that

f.it

(2)

Ojah must be something

that

As

as

Madhumeha

said to induce

is

Thus

excess quantity

and elegance.

of the

su6stance

a fatty

as

character.

its

its

the female body

in

softness

peculiar

commentator

celebrated

the

Sushruta Samhita, has defined

present in

is

common element

two important oxidising

the

that produces

materials,

viz.

fat

and sugar.
It

in

demonstrated

is

glycogen

found

is

the liver.

as well as

Tissues

in

fact

other

in

modern

embryos and

of

Physiology that

and organs besides

tissues

young animals

of

newly formed pathological growths may be

to contain

The

glycogen.

the development of the

(i)

said

activity of the heart, as well as

fetal

A. '^]w. 'FT^at^T'??'

body

%^

(4)

aftct*

largely

is

f^T

f^ciH

dependent
I

Bh^VaprakSsha. Part

I.

BhSvaprakSsha.

Dallana Mishra.
(3)

See Note
(4)

^r\

(B) Page

iiv.

^TTmfl "wsf ^Tr^'Tff^m?^:

^TFr^TT-ffT'T'

^?^'

?1HlTr^^rrf

m ^X\

II

Charaka SutrasthSnam, Chap.

XXX.

IN-TRODUCTION.

Ivi
,

upon

Ojah-dhatu which may be best translated

this

glycogen

the parlance

in-

Western physiology.

of

In

as

fact,

our Acharyayas have used tke term ''ojah" to denote that

principle

xitzl

the organism which

in

maintenance of a healthy combustion

essential to the

is

due performance of their normal functions and

matter whether that principle

and to the

in its tissues

activities,

no

patent in the form of proto-

is

plasm, protoplasmic albumen, glycogen or mucosin (Prakrita

shleshma)* in accordance with the difference of their functions, geneses,

and conditions of protoplasmic metabolism.

In short, the}- were cognisant of the fact that

are evolved out of a

Goswami, B.
It is far

one

and

A., L.

M.

demonstrated by Dr.

S. in his

treatise

S.

N.

on Pumsavanam t

from our intention to thrust this opinion on an^'

we have simply

will

and sugar

fat

basic principle in the organism

been very eruditely

has

as

common

welcome the

stated our

conclusion in

the

on

result of fresh enquiries

matter

this subject.

Charaka SamhitS Sutrasth^nain, Chap. XVII.

Chakiadattas Commentary
1^

"From

countrymen
fat

these

did

and sugar

in the

extracts

appears to us

common

Indian

more

Pavy,

vividly

principle.

Ojah with albumen, as

commentators,

extracts have not as

we have

yet

it

if

has

reasons

received

we,

to

sufficient

and

rom want of attention on

at least,

the part of those

gate into the truths of Science.

To

are

which they

comparative

European,

not

inclined

been done by some modern

believe

that

been placed

is

aforesaid

them,

as

in short the subject

in

whose business

hold that Ojah

the

from

consideration

forming the nutri'ive basis of the procreative elements

has hitherto been neglected or,

in

(76-78).

therefore

that our

importance of

the

two systems of medical science, Indian

has led us to arrive at this conclusion

to identify

still

Dr.

like

animal economy, as well as the mode

can be elaborated from one

study of the

ii

discover,

also

Samhit^, Sutrasthanam Chap. XV.

S.

the back-ground,
it

kept

the heart, as a reserved food material, for the maintenance of

was
in
its

to investi-

deposit

in

own work

INTRODUCTld^'.

Ivii

Space does not permit us to giVe here even something

of the

like a satisfactory synopsis

enough

It is

an interest

purpose

for our

in the various

by our author

if

physiology of Sushruta.

we can

create for our readers

problems discuss'ed

physiological

in this part of his work, or in his

continuance

to the healthy

Hindu physiology

in

the

But

if

demonstration of the

its

as well as for the production of germinal seed,

reproduction depends entirely upon

essential

human economy.

of

startling

is

description

which are

of the various physiological processes,

is

to

admit that efficiency of

of this

efficiency

important sub-

stantt in the body."J

(76)

^?5%7>JT^SigTUT'?rf?T*TT^'

(77)

?fT'

(78)

^??tSt2IT^?l' '^^W.

Tfl^tTmj

21^ fifWtT#^:

q^TRTTRTW

Ibid.
76.

Those who partake of heavy and cooling food abounding

new rice, and beverages, or constantly enjoy sleep and

of

salts,

neglect the exercise of body and mind, or

use of corrective
bile,

fat

and

flesh

medicines,

and these

which causes the Ojah

to

who

hal)itually

in acids

and

luxuries, or

abstain from

the

help to accumulate in their bodiej phlegm,

interfere with the

be displaced from

its

functions

proper place

of

the

down

\'Ay\i,

in

the

bladder and produces glycosuria,

77.
all

the whole of milk,

As Ghee pervades

so Teja (f^yah)

permeates

the tissues of the body.

78.

Teja (Ojah) too

excess quantity of

which

it

gets

produces softness

is

combustible

deposited

in

course of tissue-combustion, the

especially in the female

and elegance.

body

as

fat

ifiTRonucTioN.

Iviii

not the only condition of Ufe, that vitali-

growth is
somewhat independent of the physiological processes,
that the inner man, with the he4p of Yoga, can long survive

fact tha'L

ty

is

even without food and respiration,* and

decay" may be arrested

to

the body,t which are considered ^j very essential

to

by the savants of the West, then Hindu pathology

is

in its

in

living

unique

conception of the nature of disease.

Sushruta's Pathology
ruta, that falls sick

The body
afflicts

that

and

by com-

physiological processes

those

pletely stopping nfany of

death

that

considerable degree

vitality

has

man,

the direction

of

it

whence

it

What

the

(self

man, asks Sush-

in a

we

treat medicinally

Purusha)

or

flows

in

the

disease!

is

and

spring of

inner

out to the surface, the external

everything else in

inherent

The shock
is

is it

that that

'Sushruta says that, "anything that

in

as

the circumference.
vitality,

is

primary seat

its

from which
In

nmer man

disease

body".

mind

or the

the

What

force

is

the

universe,

from the centre to

is felt first

at the

transmitted outwards and

centre of

thus affects

the energy which holds the molecules together, Dvyanuks and

Tryanuks (Binary and teriiary atoms) of which the gross

body is composed, and further opposes the dissolution of
those molecules into their elemental constituents in the living

organism.

Even

in cases of external injuries

bite, etc. the potency of the virus

centre from whence

it is

is

such as snake-

carried at once

through the external channels of the body to

ff^TTUr

*^^

to

that

almost instantaneously transmitted

its

surface,

Palanjala Uarshanani X^ibhudpAda 29

Pcitanjala

Daishanam.

30 A.

Vibhutipada. 21. A.

Sushruta samhitA.

Sulra.

Chap.

1.

INTRODUCTION.

lix'

>

Otherwise what purpose does the \iyu (nerve force),5erve in

human economy

the

system
first

What do

Nadis (sensory

vahini

In

the

diseases

all

to be experienced.

those myriads of Chaitanyaexist

ne,ivt^s)

am

"I

human

the

in

for

subjective sensations are I'he

"I feel hot," etc. are the

ill,"

voices of sensations, which form the "esse" of the

Disease then

disease.

a force ar^d not matter.*

is

Pathology of Tridosha : Sushmta, though adopting

the Vedic pathological dictum of Tridhatu,

He

a very clear opinion on the subject.

relation
force),

between

a disease

and the deranged Vayu (nerve

Kapham

Pittam (metabolism) and

of the

root of that disease,

principles

not

is

real

may permeate

it

when they
some distinct

only

is

lodgment, and are centred

in

become the exciting

they

part or tissue of the body, that

These

organism

whole

the

the

lie at

contingent.

but

without creating any discomfort, and

find a distinct

(unutilised product

and the pathogenic factors which

system),

morbific

has expressed

observes that the

factors of disease.

Drug Potency : The

theory of pathogeny,

medicine, or in other words,

what

is

that

cures

what

Sushruta, after closely

which naturally

question

next

such a

connection with

arises in

is it

in

the

investigating

the

all

theories on the subject, inclines towards the opinion that

is

the potency of the drug that

that inasmuch as potency

drug, a drug

is

of

is

it

though he observes

curative,

cannot exist independently

primary interest

is

drug

for p11

of a

practical purposes

in therapy.

Drug-Dynamisation :-"It is the potency of a drug

The potency is administered best
disease".

that cures a
*

That

Hahnemann's

.shadowed by Sushruta,

works.

Hahnemann

this spiritual

that

is

theory

will

observes

that,

primarily

deranged by
life

Orgenon.

disea.se

was

the

long

before

fore-

from the above extracts from

when a person

everywhere present

self-acting vital force,

agent inimical to

of

appear

dynamic

falls

in

influence

ill,

the
of a

it is

his

only

organism,
morbific

INiTRODUCTIOK.

Ix

when the

or

physical

This

annihilated.

chqjmical

the

In

heat or pressure.

of

drug are

performed by subjecting

best

"is

properties

Ghritas

n^edicated

to

it

or oils of

ouv.pharmacopoea, which are prepared by successively boiling

or

cocking them with drug-decoctions, we cannot

detect the trace of /Miy

we know how potent and

hands of our Vaidyas.

the use

hundred

Sahasrapak

of

washed

times

hundred years

oils

they prove in the

and Ghritas, and

or

old)

oil,

laid

(clarified butter,

water

with

Tailam (medicinal

still

Sushruta formulated the

Shatadhautam Ghritam

thousand times),
a

efficacious

When

mediciual

preparing

process of

down

even

component drugs, but

of its

in

succession),

successively

codked a

Kumbha-Ghritam (clarified butter,

it may be fairly
said that he was in

sight of the principle of drug-dynamisation.

Principles of A yurvedic Treatment: Ayurvedic physicians piacticallv recognise

in

two

dififerent

sets

of

principles

may be stated
Laws of Similars

the domain of practical therapeutics, which

in the terms of ::heir western colleagues as

and Contraries.*
fully

accounted

This apparent
for

and

contradiction

explained

the latter day commentators, but

it

in

the

does not

our province to enter into these disquisitions.

to those, Sushruta, in

time,

never

fails

i>\se

Contrary

within

fall

In addition

with the Acharyayas of his

in

of a disease Similar in
Similar in character both to the exciting

to the exciting factors

character to the sse of a disease

actors and

been

emphasise the value of psycopathy

to

* Similar in ch.iracter

common

has

writings of

of a disease.

in character to the exciting factors of a disease.

Contrary

in character to the sse of a disease.

Contrary

in character

both to the exciting factors and Esse of a disease.

M^dhava NidSnam Ch

I.

V,

8.

INTRODUCTION.
those

1X1

forms of mental or nerv;ous distempers fgr which

Mesmer

now

rightly

n\uch

so

receives

the creation of man, the tput'h of the

of curing

credited with the virtue

in India,

many

which was

the

sick

the,

miracles

first

in

the

of healing

art

was

it

i.e.

first

man.

Samshodhanam and Samshamanam : All

treatment may be grouped under two heads such
shodhanam and Samshamanam,

been

of ciairvoy-

country where

successfully practised for the welfare of

Since

has

and Av^feha

Samadhi (higher phases

(auto-hypnotism) and
ance) have achieved

honor.

"Saintly"

kinds of

Sam-

as

either the body should

be cleansed (Samshodhitam) of the morbific diathesis with

taken

the help of emetics or purgatives, or steps should be

Vayu, Pittam and Kapham to their

to restore the deranged

normal condition with the help of proper medicinal drugs

without resorting to any eliminating process.

But

any Sam-

of inflammation, Sushruta enjoins that, instead of

shamanam
In cases

remedies, diaphoresis should be

resorted to.

first

where counter-irritants are indicated and

which are directly

accessible,

leeching and

cases

in

parts

in

cauterisation

should be practised with a due regard to the season of the

year and the requirements of the case.

Samhita

We

find

in

his

account of the several species of leeches

a detailed

with their habits and habitats.

of medicine: Powders, lambatives,

Forms
as well as

medicated

forms

the

in

The

should

of

growing

Even the
ascertained

soil

drugs

virtues

in

wines are

Sushruta, medicines

the

seasons

proper

leaves,

to

each.

into five different kinds for the purpose

of

different

of different

regard

with

decoctions

different di ugs such as roots,

be culled

Reclassified the

Ghritas, confection and

according to

"-hich,

should be given.
etc.

oils,

therapeutic

flavours

properties.

and colours

were

to their respective actions on the

deranged morbific principles of the body.

Rasayanam

The Ayurveda

and health, the holy Agnivesha,

at

being the science of

life

the very commencement

Ixii

the

ot

INTRODUCTION.

th-erapeutical

several medicinal

and

of

porticMi

human

'

Theoretically speaking the

the A3'urveda recognises no preordained

By

medicines.

researches our

Rishis

be prolonged

can

Life

fexistence.

of suitable

with

devised

maay

an

and exhausted human

old

the

with

progress

of

health which

would

approach of senility
principles

elements

find
for

many
men in

fundamental

the

the

against

vital

body and preventing Vayu, Pittam and

of the

Kapham from being transformed

Diet "A good and proper
a

we

decay and guard

increasing

b}'

vital

which ebb away

body,

have been prescribed

arrest

help

such adjuncts which

Hence,

years.

rejuvenating medicines to

limit to

the

and patient

dint of observation

can rejuvenate an old man, and supply those

to

has described

compounds, which improve general health

arrest the ravages of time.

sciehrce of

work,

his

into morbific diatheses.

diet

in

disease

worth

is

hundred medicines and no amount of medication can do

good to
diet.''

who

a patient

Our

does not observe a

any
^J

of articles,

specific

therapeutic

general,

which should, or should not

mentions the
taken

be

Pittam or Kapham.

Vayu,

properties

human consumption,
in the

of a

number

large

as well as the chemical

digestive

apparatus of

The
of

dietic or

corns

medical

passed

Samhitas,

undigested

flwi^ii' J?^t[z^^^'

diflferent

mammals,

Chaiaka

in

our

such injunctions that barley-

with

^^^n

of

articles

changes they

have been studied and analysed, and so we find

physique,

in

malady, judged by the light of their properties

of aggravating

undergo

regimen of

A'jairveda, instead of being content with specify-

ing the nature of diet in diseases in

names

strict

the

^^' ^x

fceces

of

cow or

Sanihit^t Chikitsrt

Slli4nam

Ch

I,

)NTKuDUC'?ioN.

Ixiii

>

>

the diet of

horse, should foiiu

suffering

be given

should

milk of a she-camel

the

Prameha

'a

from a cutaneous

aflFection,

to

that

patielit

patient

and that the

flesh

any carnivorous beast or bird should be given to 'one

so on.
It
suffering from pulmonary consumption and

of

'

was

of

with Ayurvedic

doctrine

a cardinal

longing

patieni

shows that

in a certain disease, emphatically

is

want of those

in

composition
dietetics

to the

of

which

elements

the

most fastidious patient.

ascites

or

his

enter

of salt

and water from

down

anasarca patient as laid

chemical

knowledge regarding the

on

human system than many

the

the

elaborate

'

Samhitas shows that our Rishi possessed

our

organism
into

which cannot but be acceptable

Therapeutics: The exclusiont

the food of an

the

that

Hence

offered.

article

were formulated,

dietisls

any particular kind of food

for

effects of organic

of us

are

in

higher

matter

ready to

accord to these pioneers in medical science.

Medical Botany; After

therapeutics comes the subject

Sushruta divides the whole vegetable

of Medical Botany.

Charaka Samhiti, Chikiisa Sthanam, Ch.

t

The

efficacy of such

exclusion

researches of Dr. Benjamin

has

Horniman

\'I. 23.

been lately demonsU-ated by the

(Lectures,

Sanitarium,

Park

London.)

Charaka Chikitsha Sthanam Ch, XIIL

^bid Chap.

Charaka Chikitsha Sthanam Chap,

13.

2.

si.

Ixiv

INTRODUCTION.

kingdom into Vriksha,

Hindu Botany where we

Agravija (whose

Vanaspati and Virudha. This

Gultlia,

been minutely worked out

classification has

find

nice

si!ich

works on

in

subdivisions

toplings are only planted), Mulaja

as

(whose

roots only are planted), Parnayoni, Skandaja, Vijaruha (ger-

minated from seeds) ^nd Sannurudhaja.

But the botany

of

is more of the nature

of a" Materia Medica than
work on Botany proper, though sometimes he mentions

Sushrnta

the habitat and describes the

may

that they

plants

of certain

foliage

so

from others of a cognate

be distinguished

species.

The

,
^

uses of metals and 'minerals

poses in India

are

ruta describes the

methods

therapeutical

for

Rigveda

old as the

as

of preparing

or chlorides of the six metals as the case

* itself.

sulphates

oxides,

may

pur-

Sush-

Mercury

be.

has been only once mentioned in the Samhita and then very

vaguely too.

the

Processes

lixiviation

of ashes

the preparation of alkalis and

for

elaborately

very

are

Beyond these the chemical knowledge

of

described.

Sushruta scarcely

extends.

Hygiene and Public Health: A?

of cleanliness

both

of

disinfecting virtues have

Vedas t forms the

attributed to contrary
^/\

particles

so

body.

often been
of

Water whose

hymnised

discussion

in

the

an entire

of

Outbreaks of epidemic have been

seasons,

poisonous flower

sin or unrighteous

and

sririt

subject

chapter of the Samhita.

of

Hygiene

a writer of

Sushruta emphasises the importance

and public health,

to

the

of

floating

pollen in the

conduct of the community.

air,

minute

and to the

Earthquakes,

famines, and physical phenomena, which are at present attri-

buted to magnetic disturbances of the earth, have been

*

Lead crystal (including diamond) gold and mineral poisons arc men-

tioned in the

I. i6. I. 29. I 55.

and IV

10. of the

Atharva SamhitA.

Rik Samhiti

I.

23

s.

19,

'

INTRODUCTION.

IxV

described by Sushi ut a as the usual precursors of devastating

epidemics

Mortality

sucli as jilague etc.

among

unusual death

among

birds and an

and other burrowing rodents hav^

rats

been iricluded aiuo.ig other presaging indications of

tation by

Viyu

outbreaks, Dhanvautari observes that, the

energy) of the

soi' is

visi-

Interrogated as to the cause of such

Providence.

disturoed or affected by

(molecular

earthquakes,

and seasons of unnatural drought or deluge, deranging their

Pittam (kinetic energy) and Shleshma (humidity) which
produce morbific factors that
Sushyuta, as

regimen of

a true physician,

and conduct during the different seasons

diet

-U. T.

of the year (Ch. 24

act as a

whole community.

affect

has elaborately dealt with the

64) which, strictly followed, should

good prophylaxis against attacks of many epidemic

diseases,

being framed

conditions of

life

breakdowns

in

result of

most careful regard

with a

which obtain

in

and ward

it,

health, which are, in

many

to the

off those sad

instances,

the

an unsuitable mode of living in this country.

Twofold division of Time &C : It

fundamental

is

dictum of Sushruta that in a case of medical treatment

the

then prevailing season of the year should be taken into

In his Samhita

account.
of

seasons,

we

one based on

mena which distinguish the

find

the

two

distinct classifications

physical pheno-

peculiar

different seasons of the year, a fact

which emphaticall}' proves that Sushruta was an inhabitant

of the sub-Himalayan Gangetic Doab, the other is for the
purpose of showing the respective accumulation, aggravation and subsidence of morbific

the same manner the

different

(Doshas).

diatheses

quarters

night have been minutely charted or set

down

to

In

day and

of the

show the

spontaneous aggravation and subsidence of the deranged

Vayu, Pittam and

Kaphah during the 24

l^ours.

influence of planets as to the production of certain

such

as small-pox, measles,

proved

fact.

prevalence
9

As
of

it

scarlet

fever,

&c.

governs the' prevalence

certain

maladies,

the

is

The!

diseases

almost a

and

aggravation

non-

and

INTRODUCTION.

Ixvi

non-aggravation

much

existing disorders as

of certain

of tb.eir origin to this potent

kingdom from which we glean our

The

factor.

daily food

owe

well

vegetable

also subject

is

we exercise

to thi? influence, and hence the discrimination

our food on certain davs of the lunar month.

in selecting

have been divided into Jangala or A'nr.pa ac-

Countries

cording as their physical features partake of the character

of a dry plateau or

of

swamp or marsh, a Sadharana

common to both. Diseases,

one possessing features, which are

which are natural or are spontaneously relieved

in

each of

these kinds of countr}- have been treated with that scientific

which marks modern medical works on sea-side

insight

or spring sanitariums.

The

virtues of the waters of different

rivers of India

were ascertained

therapeutics.

The

for the

therapeutic

a she-goat, she-buflFalo, mare,

purposes of practical

properties

the milk of

of

cow-elephant, or woman,

well as of any of their modifications such as curd,

together with the properties of the flesh

practical

of a

disposal

diseases

different

fastidious patient,

enough

to cure

the help of

anj?^

physician

soothe

to

and which

as a diet in

at

the distemper he
special medicine.

and

is

the

of

taste

the same

the

at

dietarv in

of

list

most

time potent

suffering from without

Thus
many

consumption, goat's

colitis

the
is

Vaid\'as prescribing" the flesh of

milk in

and urine of the

were studied and analysed, thus placing

the land,

as

&c.

which are indigenous to

groups of she-animals,

several

whey

it is

that

we

find

our

carnivorous animals

meat

in

phthisis,

goat's

Tittira's flesh in fever &c.

Diseases of the Kidneys and Bladder: In treating

of the diseases of the kidneys, blatlder and the urethra,
Sushruta has described the symptoms and the colour of
the urine

mode

irii

each specific variety without laying

enjoined his readers at

to other

which

down any

But we know that Sn^hruta has

the ver}- outset of his work to refer

of testing the urine.

is

allied

not

branches of the science for

contained

in

his book.

In the

information

same manrier

INTRODUCTION'.

we can account
in

making

as

p'j'>se

any instiuctions

important auxiliary

We

diagnosis.

a correct

of.^

an

absence

the

for

regards the feeling of the

Ixvii

need but repeat

statement that the readers of this Samhita

this information in the

made our Vaidyas

as

-.the

must look

for

Kanada's Nadi Vijnanam, which has

such expert sphygmologists.

Kalpa: In the Kalpasth:inam of his Samhita, Sushruta

has described the symptoms of hydrophobia and snake bites,
etc as well as those developed in cases of vegetable poisoning,

together with their therapeutical treatment and

wkich,

new

if

liglit

rightly studied and investigated,

upon the

may

remedies,

throw

yet

subject.

Sushruta as an Observer : It has been lately discovered by a German physiologist that tubercular bacilli do
The importance of goat's milk
not thrive in goat's blood.
in

an efficient agent

colitis as

checking ferment

in

intestines, or of the close contact

of a

goat

auxiliary in curing tuberculous phthisis was

by

air of a

of

not

Not

Sushruta.

tend

destroy

to

to attract the attention of

fumigation
such

but

of

tlie

isT^T^wq

as

in its origin

the

(Asthanga

The

phthisis

of the

found

very often

to

germs did
;

the

antiseptic preparations

dhupas)

and in no way inferior

device where no medicines

to the

Indian

purely

is

modern introduction

microscopic germs that are said

disappear

^^^crrfvf

under

q^'lsj

f^^^j^

this

Indian

produce any impression. Thus

wonderful discovery like the above hails from the

dimness of
in

demonstrated

Indian Rishis

to propagate septic fever otherwise called

many

the

in

powerful

the inhalation

the

sick-room with

of Cogghill's respirators.

are

first

cattle-shed and especially the fact that exhalations

goats, bodies
fail

onl}' this

as

the vast

bygone age.

Manj'

truths

lie

embedded

medical literature of the Brajimanas which

claimed close attention

western savants.
pages can help a

We

and devout study, even by the

have not laboured

little

in

to reviVe the old

vain

if

these

genius of the

Ayurveda, or help the progress of human Science one step

onward towards the attainment

of its goal.

PLATE

1.

No.

I,

Z.Arsho yantra.

An^uli yantra.

M^HP^^PKf^^P^^H^

'^

3 Ashmaryaharna yantra

4.

Basti yantra.

S-Bhrin^amuklia yantra.
6 Darvyakritislialaka.
.

Garbhashanlcu yantra.

7.

8.

10

Kakamuklia yantra.

Jalodar yantra.

Kankamukha

yantra.

^
ILMuclititi yantra.
12.

14-.

13 Riksliaraukha- yantra.
.

SEE CHAPTER

VII.

Nadi yantra.

Sadansha yantra.

PLATE

15

No.

II.

Shamipatra yautra.
16.

17.

Shalaka vanira.

Sliarapunka ixmkha.
18. Sinliainiiklia yantra.

19.

Shvanaraukha y antra.

21.

20.

Shanku

yantra.

Snuhi yantra.
22. Tila yantra.

23 .Tarakshumukha.

24.Vrikaiimkha yantra.

25 Vrinapraksii.alana yantra,

26 Yya^hramukha yantra

27. Yugmaslianku yantra.

- %k

,,^M

SEE CHAPTER

VII.

Yofljaveksliana yantra.

PLATE

No.

Z.Atimukha

l.Ardhadhara shastra.

S.Ara

III.

4.

sliastra.

shastra.

Badisha. shastra.

<!>-

S.Dantaslianku shastra.

7.

Karapatra shastra.

'

6. Eshani shastra.

8.

Antarmukha kartarika.
J^aSKrJsniKU

SEE CHAPTER

VIII.

PLATE

No. IV.

1E^&

lO.Kushapatra shastra.
9.Kritharika sTiastra.

ll.Manda.la^ra shastra.

12.Mudrika shastra.

13.Na.kiia shastra.

14.

<5' -^

Sliaianmuklia shastra.

'^J=
iS.Trikurchaka shastra.

17.

Utpalapatra shastra.

18. Vetaspatra shastra.

15.

Suchi shastra.

ZO.Vndhipatra shaslra.
19 Yrihimukha shastra.
.

SEE CHAPTER

VIII.

J'j|

CONTENTS.
CHAPTER
Origin of the Ayurveda

I.

The eight divisions of the Ayurveda

History of Surgery

and the characteristic features of each of them

and

its

Gradual
Classification

primary importance

Definition

of

Purusha

exteiisi(jn

of the Ayurveda

of the mobile

and the im-

Definition and classification of disease Classification of

Oshadhis ^The four factors to be employed in successfully coping
15
with disease The four stages of a disease
mobile

'a

...

CHAPTER

...

n.

Ayurveda : Qualifications of a
Initiation Compact between the

Initiation of a student of the

medicine

of

student
preceptor

]\Iode of
Proliibited

and his disciple

Ayurveda

...

...

periods of

...

CHAPTER

hundred and twenty chapters among the

Samhita

each of

mode

its

Skilful

of studying the Ayurveda

finished the study of the

and

16

20

distribution of

five subdivisions

synopsis of the contents of

subdivisions

...

III.

Ayurveda &c. : The

Classification of the

the study of the

...

the

cliapters

unskilful

Duties

Ayurveda

its

.this

allotted

phj^sicians

of a pupil
...

of

after
...

to

The

having
21

.^2

CHAPTER. IV.

Necessity of a clear exposition of tlie

General explanations
Defects which flow from nonexposition of the same
:

Ayurveda

Duties of a student of the Ayurveda

...

...

33

35

'

ii

ONTRNTS.

CHAPTER
measures

Preliminary surgical
ope^-ations

Accessories

Qualifications

to

Classification
be

collected

of
at

surgical

the outset

a surgeon Modes of incision, etc. at the different

Measures to be adopted after surgical operations
prophylactic Mantra Directions for dressing wounds and

of

removing bandages according

the year

of

are

the body

parts of

The

which

V.

wound

granuliiting

wound

Acts

and

Measures

to

proliibited

CHAPTER

surgical

in a

30

...

...

...

with a

patient

removing the pain

for

...

...

the prevailing season

to tlie nature of

articles

44

VI.

the different seasons of the year

Characteristic features of

Time and its traitsand their influence on health and drugs

Etymology of the term Kala (time) Divisions of time and classifica:

seasons of the

of the

tion

Classification

Ayurveda

of

the

Inception,

year,

witli

seasons of

the

aggravation

or

Vayu, Pittam and Kapham according

season of the year

Aggravation or

Surgical

subsidence of

to the nature of

the deranged
the prevailing

subsidence of the same in the

day and night

CHAPTER
of surgical

respective features.

Causes of epidemics Pro Features of natural or unnatural seasons 45 55

dilferent qiuirters of the

phylactic measures

Iheir

year for the purposes of the

appliances,
instruments

their

Names,

use

YII.

and construction

dimensions^

Number

use and functions of

surgical appliances with points of their respective excellence or defect

Minor

siu'S'ical

accessories

Excellence of Kankaraukha

CHAPTER
:

Mode of

use and construc-

handling th^ different surgical instruments.

commendable features

03

VIII.

Surgical instruments, and their names,

tion

56

...

Sharpening, edging and

tempering,

Their

etc..

of

CONTENTS.
surgical instruments and enumeration

employed

...

Practice of

...

...

Essential qualifications

in

making

a diagnosis

of

Means

Things
...

of

Cases

alkalis

for

or defective features in an alkali

measures Symptoms
not

abuse

be

liminary

IMode
alkalis

for external

The
Commendable
and

after-

cauterisation Persons

who

of

its

application,

Dangers

which

attend

...

in different

is

its

7887

XII.
an act

of

cauterisation

measures Symptoms which manifest themselves

skin, or flesh, or a vein, or joint

77

prove injurious

application

...

CHAPTER
Accessories to

: Alkalis

alkalis

external

...

...

Actual cauteries

with

74

XI.

where

of satisfactory

treated

diseases
...

their comparative excellence

or scraping agents

application or internal use

should

and

of preparing alkalis,

potencies

to be observed

Cure, palliation and incurability of

incising, excising

three

before he formally

physician

of diagnosis

CHAPTER
Mode

7173

...

X.

Prohibited conduct of a physician

as

70

ami

(iiiiniiiies

...

CHAPTER
cntirs his profession:

on

siir^^ery

...

64

...

IX.

oi'

...

111

of cases where they should be

...

CHAPTER
Ti'iichiiig

surgery

suitable fruits, etc.

'

cauterised

Seats

Pre-

as

the

of caifterisation

diseases Different modes of cauterisation Characteristic

symptoms of burns and scalds, etc. Rationale of treating a burn or

a scald with heat Medical treatment of burns and scalds, etc.
Symptoms which appear when the nostrils, etc. of a person is choked
with

smoke Its treatment Medical

scorchings by hot Avind, etc.

...

treatment of sun

strikes,

and

88

97

...

IV

UONTENTS.

Leeches and their

of extracting the

ing the
ing

the

measures

leeches

CHAPTER XIII.
use Persons who may
blood

in'

such cases

Mode

Mode

of apply-

Classification, and mode of collecting and keep Bad leeches and their characteristics After98 105

leeches
...

,,..

...

...

CHAPTER
Origin and characteristic
location,

be leeched

vitiated

...

XIV.

features

of

lymph

and metamorphosis into blood

course

chyle .-Its

Menstrual

blood

Successive .metamorphosis of the fundamental

principles of the body Etymology of the terra Dhatu Blood
Swellings which should not be bled Two kinds of blood letting
\'enesectioii,
mode and different aspects ]\Iischief created by the
vitiated blood not extracted from the system Causes of excessive
bleeding and
effect upon the system Symptoms of satisfactory
l)leeding and
benertcial results Measures to be adopted in cases
of excessive or scanty bleeding Medical treatment of excessive
bleeding Various instructions
106 110
and

its

nature

its

its
its

...

...

CHAPTER
Development

or

XV.

non-development of the excrements and

constituent principles of
of the

thebody: Nature,

Normal Vayu, Pittam and Kapham,

chyle, blood, fat,

...

locations

as well as

marrow, semen, and ojah (albumen), and the symp-

toms which mark

their

human system Etiologies

increase,

decrease,

or disiodgment in the

of obesity and thinness

CHAPTER

Piercing and bandaging of the lobules of ears

Different

processes

bifurcated ear-lobe

of

...

120

140

XVI.

attend the acc\dental hurting of a local vein

lints

and functions

of the lymph

Medical

Evils wliich
unguents and

bringing about the adhesion

plastic and rhinuplastic operations

...

141

of

154

CONTENTS.'

CHAPTER
Distinction between suppurat\ng

ings

Different

types

actions

suppurating, suppurated,

and non-suppurating swell-

and the symptoms which mark

each type

in

XVII.

intiammatory swellings produced by the

of

deranged Vayu, Pittani, etc

respective

Characteristic

non-suppurated !5welling

or

Hints

suppurated swellings-r-Evils of opening an abscess

cising

their

symptoms of

on
at

in
its

Feeding and anftsthetising of a patient before

abscess Classification of surgical
operations in
an abscess
155 161

inflammatory stage
lancing

otf

an

connection with

...

...

...

CHAPTER

XVIII.

Dressings and bandages of ulcers

Classification

of medicinal

Use
Articles of bandaging Bandages
applications Tow Mode of introducing a

plasters according to their

thickness,

and function

application

of the different types of plasters

and
lint

names and

their

Renewals

of

bandages according

to the

nature

of the ulcer

Evils of non-bandaging
prohibited Hints
Benefits of bandaging Cases where bandaging
on the proper lubrication of the lint Incidental remarks on the
162 175
bandaging of fractured or dislocated bones
and the prevailing season

of the year

is

...

CHAPTER
Nursing and management

XIX.

an Ulcer-patient

of

...

Nature ot his
Prophylaxis

bed and chamber Articles prohibited to an ulcer patient

demons

against monsters and

patient

Diet

...

...

and

...

conduct

of

...

an

...

ulcer-

176182

CHAPTER XX.
and Non-salutary

Salutary
fication

(if

all

unwholeseme
or

otherwise

Injuriousness

articles

to

the

of

fare

human

effects of

etc.

Classi-

system, or are relatively wholesome

Foodstuff' Incompatibility
through

regimen,

according as they are wholesome or

through

combination

combination- Incompatibility through

pre-

VI

"CONTENTS.

paration,' quantity or Havour-rEffect of

as they blow

from

CHAPTER
The deranged
ulcers

winds on the human system

the'ditierent quarters of the

Vaf/u,

Seats of Vayu,

Pittam,

183193

...

XXI.

etc.,

Pittam, etc.

heaven

the exciting causes of

as

in,

human body, and

the

their

functions Different kinds of Vayii, Pittam and Shleshma, and their

functions and locations in the

aggravate the deranged

periodicity

economy

Vayu, Pittam

Symptoms of the deranged Pittam,

Expansion of the deranged Vayu, Pittam,

their

nature

of

and

incarceration in the difterent parts

etc..

Factors

Kapham,

Kapham and

The

body

Disease
in

Kapham

are involved

CHAPTER
of bad ulcers

as to the derangement of Vayu, etc.

Different

...

194

all

of

211

XXII.

Shapes and seats of boils

Secretions from ulcers Presumption

Secretions from boils and ulcers

Symptoms

...

to
its

of medical

nature of medical treatment in the case where two or

the Vayu, Pittam and

etc.

their

blood

and diseases dye

of the

development and occasions which necessitate the calling

aid

which

and

from the nature of the

secretion

kinds of pain wliich mark the different types of ulcers

Colours of Ulcers

...

...

...

...

CHAPTER

212219

XXIII.

an ulcer SympPrognosis
toms of an ulcer which readily granulates Symptoms of difficult

or incurable types, as well as of those which admit only of palliation

in ulcer cases -.Easy curability of

Symptoms

of a purified, granulating or healed ulcer

lead to the reopening of a healed ulcer

CHAPTER
Classification

surgical

of

: Further

congenital,

Factors

which

220227

...

XXIV.

diseases according as they are medical or

classitica'tioii

etc. Diseases due

uf diseases according

to

mental,

physical

or

as

they arc

providential

CONTENTS.
causes

Diseases

Relation

due to the derangeinent

between fever and

Kapham

...

...,

...

of

deranged

the

'

lymph

chj-'je,

and

228237

...

...

etc.

Pittam

Vaj'u,

CHAPTER XXV.
Eight

different

forms of surgical operation

Cases

where

incision, excision, scarification, aspiration, extraction, etc., should

respectively resorted to
surgical

tive

Mode

operations

and conditions of suturing

Symptoms

hurting of a vein, artery,

wliich

mark

lig.'iment, joint or lione,

which are manifested when any of

tlie

injudicious

tiie

as

other Alarmas

accidentally

'

hurt

...

...

...

...

those

as

well
is

be

Defec-

...

238246

CHAPTER XXVI.

Defi Flights

Exploration of splinters, deep-seated in the organism

nition of a

of arrows

Shalyam

Clpssification

shafts of arrows

of the

Characteristic symptoms

of

arrow-wounds Localisation

of a shaft of arrow lying imbedded in the body

show

shaft

the

that

or

the

splinter does not

Evils cf not extracting the

wound
a wound

...

...

shaft

of
...

...

CHAPTER XXVII.
Extraction of splinters Fifteen different
:

Symptoms which
lie

an

imbedded

in the

arrow from such

...

247 2.o5

processes

of extrac-

Two recognised modes of extracting splinters from all types

mds Measures to be adopted after the extraction Mode

'1

acting
'inter

splinters

from

from

veins,

wound

etc. Dangers of not

...

CHAPTER

...

...

of

of

extracting

2^6

265

XXVIII.

vourable or unfavourable prognosis of an julcer:

Fatal

symptoms Advisability of abandoning ihe patient

266 269
hese unfavouraole symptoms appear ...
...

avourable

VIU

"CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXIX.
Favourable or unfavourable prognosis in diseases as known

from messengers, omens, birds

same predicted from dreams, etc.

happy or

of

evil

augury

Remedies for inauspicious

under the circumstance Description of auspicious dreams

The

dreams

270

283

CHAPTER XXX.
Prognosis that can be obtained from the perverted functions
of the five sense organs

toms

Unfavourable

Arislitas

symptoms

or unfavourable

mental

symp-

connection with the faculties of

in

hearing, touch, taste, smell or. sight

...

...

284287

CHAPTER XXXI.
Prognosis
features

to

Other

gathered from the altered condition of

be

Aristha

symptoms

Cough, and (Edema. &c.

in

connection

CHAPTER

with
...

...

...

Asthma,

288292

XXXII.

Prognosis based on the perversion of the external appearances

of the

body and other Arishta symptoms

CHAPTER

...

...

293

297

XXXIIf.

Incurable diseases, and Incurable symptoms developed in connection

with diseases of the nervous systems, morbid urethral

discharges,
concretions,

abdominal glands,
Epilepsy

...

Haamorrhoids

Leprosy,
DitKcult

labour,

Abscess,
...

Ascites,

Fistula

in

Chlorosis, Ha?moptysis,
...

ano

Fever, Dysentery,

...

Urinarj'
Phthisis,

Insanity
...

and

298302

CHAPTER XXXIV.
Mode
the

of preserving the Ii<e of a

march

The four

factors of

king whose soldiers are on

Good which

medical treatment

CONTENTb.
lebiiUs

from a

butitifuolory coiiibinaliun oi

Commendable
nurse

features

...

and

medicine

yatient,

...

...

lour facloib

tlieso

all

physician,

in

303

...

...

307

CHAPTER XXXV.
Clinical Observations
or

Cliracteristic

Physical temperaments and

the body

Curable,

pathetic

and

Primary

capacity

Three

of

Pittam and

features of

long lived

man, or of one with an average duration of

short lived

stages

Kapham

life

dimensions of the limbs and members

incurable

or

diseases

suppressible

Sym-

Different kinds of digestive

man Relative preponderance of Vayu,

diseases

of

during

different

of

stages

life

of countries according to their physical features

Classification

...

308

328

CHAPTER XXXVI.
Miscellaneous remedies for swellings
ing suppuration in swellings

Plasters for

Piasters

for establish-

bursting, pressing out the

Aseptic pastes Fumigating comCompounds which favour granulation or

329 335
destroy the supergrowths around an ulcer
pus from, or asepsising swellings

poundsHealing pastes

in,

...

...

CHAPTER XXXVn.
Destructive traits of the different kinds of soil

the growth or culture of medicinal

soil

from which medicinal drugs

of drugs

are

herbs
to

be gathered

IMode of collecting drugs Commendable

to be used as a drug-store

of

for
the

Examination

traits in

...

...

commended

Examination
...

room

336

341

CHAPTER XXXVni.
A
tical

General Classification
properties;

medicinal

o^rdf^?'^-

according to

rhirty
umer^^
Enumerh^^jl^.^^
yU'irty
^

tl^eir

therapeu-

seven different groups of

II

drugs Their US'

y^jygj.
Pro^"''
"?yametc.-Pix)^".ption of the Vel'uoi.

^^^

^^^

^^^-f^^

^ lesh

group

CONTKNTS.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

EmeticsDrugs possessed of cathartic or soothing effects

Drugs possessed of lirith emetic and purgutive properties
:

Purgatives

Drugs

^.Errliines

whicli

Kaphaui

Pittaiu and

CHAPTER
Drugs and their flavours,
actions
or

flavours,

their

curing diseases
regards

as

disease

Causes

of

primary

the

...

importance

Specific properties of drugs

of

...

CHAPTER

digestion

drugs

of

Conclusion
curing

in

...

of drugs,

respect

in

...

364

374

XLI.

Classification of drugs

according

the preponderance of the virtues of elemental matter in them

to

Characteristic

of drugs of dominant earth

features

Periodicity of drug action

bowels

Reasons why purgative

Kapham Potency of

CHAPTER
Specific properties of flavours
ff

matter, etc.

drugs move the

Factors which lead to the aggravation or subsidence

deranged Vayu, Pittam and

of

reaction

different kinds of

...

363

and chemical

potencies,

the primary importance

chemical

or

potency',

358

XL,

virtues,

Disquisitions as regards

Vayu,

der inged

respectively soothe the

Mode of administering medicines.,.

drugs...

of

375

the

381

XLII.

: Reasons

for the

classification

a voms Relation of the elemental earth matter with the flavours

Reasons for the primary derangement of Vayu, Pittam, etc

Symptoms and aggravating factors of the deranged Vayu, Pittam
and

Kapham Virtues of

etc. Enumeration

of

the different kinds of ^iavour, such as sweet,

~

groups of

different combinations of fiavoi^rj?

Moae
the

>..

march

life

Tnc

drugs,

XXXI

of a

^actors of

king

etc. Sixty-three

3^2

393

w.>

medical treatuicnt

Good

whw

COMLMS.

CHAPTER
Mode

of administering emetics

Gompounds of Jimutaka

XI

XLIII.
:

Compounds of

Madana

fruits

394

...

...

399

CHAPTER XLIV.
Choice of purgatives Most efficient purgatives Purgative
compounds Purgative soups Asavas, wines, Sauviras, and Tushodakas, etc. Instructions as to the way of administering purgative
>

compounds of Danti,
Trivrit

etc., in

Ashtakam Mode of

manner of

the

using

Trivrit

purgative

compounds
and

fruits

milky

exudations of trees Administration of purgative medicines through

the media of wine, etc.

...

...

...

400417

CHAPTER XLV.
Rules to be observed in respect of liquid substances
group

Modes

Water

of purifying different kinds of water and their virtues

Milk groupVirtues of the different kinds of milk Curd

Virtues of the different kinds of curd Takra group Modes
of preparing different kinds of Takra, and their attributes Properties
of butter, Kilat, etc. Different kinds of Ghritas (clarified butter), and
their properties Oil group and the properties of different kinds of
etc.

group

oil Properties of the fat obtained from aquatic or domestic animals

Honey group Classification of the different kinds of honey and

their properties Sugar-cane group, and the properties of the different
preparations of sugar-cane juice, such as treacle, sugar,
Wine
group Properties of the different kinds of animal urine... 418 468
etc.,

CHAPTER XL VI.
Different kinds

of for

"Ah

Dlianyam, Shasht''
Barley, Wheat, Sp
to their jnatui'ity

'
,

and drink : Descripti^^ns

of

Sliali

udhanyam, Vaidal, Mudga, Sesamum,

..nanyametc.

Properties of

Description of the

Vei'udha

Dlianyas according

Dhanyas Flesh group

CONTENTS.

Xll

Classiticutiou of

General properties of
Etymology of the term Pratuda

tlesh The Vishkira group

the flesh' of Vishkira, animal^

Enumeration of the animals of the Pratuda group Cave dwelling,

and hole dwelling animals The Prasalia group of animals
use of flesh of the Prasaha group in, Phthisis

Detailed

Beneficial

classification

of animals with the etymology of their generic names, and properties

of their flesh

Group

Frvit group, and the properties of

different fruits

Flower groups The

properties The group of

of pot herbs, and their properties

group o edible leaves of plants, and their

bulbous plants
potash, etc.

The group of

salts

Properties of gold,

General properties

iron, silver

of nitrate of

and other metals

Deter-

mination of the properties of drugs other than those herein mentioned

Drinks and
meal General
types of

Rules of

causes of

indigestion

which mark
a

beverages

acts of

Medical

when

Rules

of

serving out the

treatment of

the

the same

different

Symptoms

over or insufticient eating, or an act of eating

meal before a previous one

hungi'y even

diet

indigestion Symptoms of

suffering

is

digested

Reason

from indigestion

of one's feeling
...

469

571

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHUA

SUTRASTHANAM.
CHAP T E R
we*

Well,

shall

now

describe the origin of the Science

of Medicine, as disclosed

by the holy Dhanvantari

Once upon

a time,

when

greatest of the

mighty

celestials,

of Divodasa, the king

"

The

of Kasi,

was

blissfulh^

Karavirya,

Gopura-rakshita,

him

"O

others addressed

much

incarnated in the form

Aupadhenava, Vaitarana, Aurabhra,

kalavata,

us

the holy Dhanvantari, the

to find

present

as follows

Paush-

Sushruta and
Sire,

it

grieves

men, though otherwise well befriended

work which

by the holy sage Dhanvantari

in its present

seated,

surrounded bv a concourse of holy

in his hermitage,
;

to his

(Vedotpattimadhyaryam).

disciple Sushruta.

Rishis

I.

originally

formed the subject of a discourse

to his disciple

Sushruta,

form by the venerable Nagarj una, and

as the Sushruta Samhila.

is

has been

compiled

accordingly designated

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

and

kin

b)' the'ir

mental, physical, traumatic,

wailing in agony
earth

with

the

we may

(Medical Science) so that

the duties

hereafter,
for this,

in

is

in

to

this

faithfully

discharge

Lord,

Bliss

the

this life

in

eternal Ayurveda,

we have made

bold to approach

To them,

"Welcome

hermitage.

blissful

alleviate

gift of this

the

Dhanvantari

hoi}'

Ayurveda

and

life,

thee as thy humble disciples."

the

Eternal

humanit)" at large.

of

sufferings

and

allotted to us

on

Lord, to illumine our

the

of

truths

I.

and piteously

friendless creatures

and we supplicate thee,

minds

and

or natural,

utterly

like

Chap

prey to diseases,

falling a

relations,

All

of

to

thus replied
all

you are

of

you

worthy

of the honour of true pupilship or tutelage."

The A'yui'veda

(which forms the subject of our

present discourse), originally

Athar\'a

sections of the

creation of mankind,
it

the

formed one of the sub-

A'eda

and even before the

self-begotten

together into a hundred thousand

divided

into

thousand

Brahma strung

couplets (Shlokas),

chapters.

But then

he

thought of the small duration of

human

and

human memory, and

found
into

the failing
it

character

of

life

on earth,

prudent to divide the whole of the Ayurveda

eight

different

branches

such

as,

the

Salya-

Tantram, the Salakya-Tantram, the Kaya-Chikitsa, the

Bhuta-Vidy.i, the KauniHr-Bhrityci, the Agada-Tantram,
the Rusa\"ana-Tantram and

the

\'ajeekarana-Tantram.

Chap.

I.

Xow

SUTRASTHAN'AM.

about

the

characteristi'c

features

of each

these branches of the Science of the Ayurveda

The Salya-Tantram* The

branch of Medical Science

is

any extraneous substanx:e such

particles of stone, dust, iron or

clotted blood,

hair,

may

be

presentation,

false

mode

of using

general,

and

to

nails,

(as

a dead

uterus

cases

in

surgical

and with the application of

fire

(cautery)

cavities

and

together with the diagno-

ulcers.

object the treatment of those diseases

upward (lit:

of

instruments in

The Sha'Ia'kya-Tantramt embraces

to the

case

the

deal with the principle and

and handling

and treatment of

ulcer)

splinters,

out of the

alkaline (caustic) substances,

sis

bone

bring about safe parturitions

foetus, or to

of this

iTagments of hay,

as,

condensed pus

or

draw

to

or

scope

remote from an

to

of

which are

region above the clavicles)

of the body,

as

its

restricted
fissures or

such as the ears, the eyes, the

cavity of the mouth, the nostrils, etc.

The Ka'ya-Chikitsar
of

treats
*

10

it,

the

Any
is

diseases,

diseases!

which, instead of being

foreign mailer, lodged in a

simply

human organism and proving

painful

called a Shalya.

The name
use

(General

is

derived from the Sanskrit term Slialak^, a probe or a rod,

and application of the instrument being primarily jincluded within

the scope of this branch of the Ayurveda.

J The term K^ya literally signifies the vital heat or fire which runs
through the entire system, and hence the II5ya-chikits6 deals with diseases

which may gradually invade the root-principles of a living human organism.

THE SUSHRUTA

an}^

restricted to

SAATHITA'

any

specific organ, or to

Cliap.

I.

particular

part of the body, affect the entire system,

as Fever,

Dysentery, Haemoptysis, Insanity, Hysteria,

Leprosy,

unnatural discharges from the urethra,

The Bhuta-Vidya'
down

lays
evil

demons,
cures

making

and

spirits

Gandharvas,

of

diseases

'Demoniacal diseases)

modes

and

incantations

etc.

of

offerings

Yakshas,

originating

exorcising

the

to

Rakshas,

from their

gods,
for

etc.

malignant

influences.

The Kauma'ra-Bhritya
children)

up of

deals

infants,

mothers'

Management

with the nursing and healthy bringing

with

peculiar to infant

and

life

and

purification

found

milk,

characteristic traits,

deficient

in

also with

and due

cures

to the

use

bettering

any

of

its

diseases

of

vitiated
stars

spirits.

The Agada-Tantram
with

hai

from

bites

worms, and
It

of

for

mother's milk or to the influences of malignant

and

of

snakes,

their characteristic

also for

object

its

Toxicology deals

spiders

venomous

and

symptoms and

the

elimination

antidotes.

of poison

whether animal, vegetable, or chemical (resulting from

incompatible combinations) from the system of a man,

overwhelmed with

The

its effects.

Rasa'yana-Tantram

Rejuvenation

has

for

its

specific

Science
object

of

the

Chap.

I.

SUa^RASTHA'NAM.

human

and

prolongation

of

memory and

the vital organs

invigoration

tl^e

of man.

which enable a man to

recipes
or

life,

deals with

It

retain

make

to disease

and

the

and which

human system

invuhierable

deca}'.

The Varjcckarana-Tantram
Aplarodisiacs,

of

man

becomes

manhood

his

youthful vigour up to a good old age,

generally serve to

of

treats

of measures b}' which the

scanty

naturally

shorn

(Science of

of

or

deficient

defects

or

semen
quality

in

purified,

if

humours of the body (such

as

its

is

deranged by the

^itiated

wind, etc.

invigorated and increased in quantit}'

(if

or

is

pure and healthy)

consistence
of youth\

or acquires

[In short,

it

make a man doubly endearing

entire science of the

into the eight preceding branches.

them

is

disciples

surgery

to be taught

Shalya

vantari

"Be

"We

are

and

To
it

all

Ayurveda

Xow

all,

let

Lord,

that

tell

of

Then
one

me, which
?

Said the

the science of

in

be the chief subject

which replied the

so."

classified

is

and to which of you

"Instruct us

of our study."

said

which increase

woman].

Thus the

of

and normal

health}'

deals with things

the pleasures of youth and

to a

its

thinned and enfeebled by indiscretions

if

'

the

mind

holy Dhan-

disciples
in

the

again
matter,

Lord, that Sushruta shall be our spokesman aiid .ask

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA'

you questions conformably

trend of our

to the general

what you

All of us will attentively hear

purpose.

Chap.

will

be pleased to discourse to Sushruta, [and that will save

you the trouble of teaching us

the venerable

replied

Sushruta, m}-

The

dear child.

To which

individuall)']".

sage ",Be

Now

so.

it

listen,

object or utility of the

science which forms the subject of our present discussion,

ma}' be gi^ouped under two distinct sub-heads such

and

as (i) the cure of diseased persons,

tion of health in those

who

are not

(2)

the presetva-

afflicted

with any

sort of bodily distempers."

The etymological
veda"

may be

meaning

term

life

exists,

to enjoy a longer duration of

[As regards time and importance

or

which helps a

of

among

surgery:
the other allied

branches of the Science of Medicine]. Hear

on the Science of Surgery

all

is

four classes of testimonies,

primary

and

fact that

Shalya-Tantram) which

fuither corroborated
viz.,

is

of this

time or

branch

origin),

by the

Perception, Inference,

Truths

Scriptural

position

(as regards its

me discourse

the other branches of the Science of

Medicme (Ayurveda) and

Analogv

in

life.

The primary position

the oldest of

"Ayur-

interpreted to denote either a science

the knowledge of which

man

of the

may

(Agamas).
of the

The

Ayurveda,

be inferred from the

Surgerv lends her aid materiallv towards the

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

I. ]

up

healing

reason

an

such

for

The

mlcers.*

traumatic

of

may

intWence

'second

deduced

be

from the replacement of the severed head of Yajna.

It

God

the

of Sacrifice

approached

them

the

follows

as

\''aj?ia

the

celestial

Ashvins,
twins,

of us

all,

Ashvins

divine

us

to

the god Indra

this

oldest of all

The Ashvins
his

body

reunited the

prayed

as

branch of the Ayurveda (Shalyanga)

its

"^^^ ^^

of

the

all

ofheauff

^receptacle

Ve|*Op

Jb|*/^getable world belongs

of
to

^^^

tllQ

other

be

the
the

branches of the

^^

^^^^^^

appliances

as,

o^ locomotion, belong to

^Jnav be areued here,

^

the

iustantaueous actious can be

'

is

suc^w

^^

r/VPQ
^

for.

subdivisions].

most imnortant
'

you

propitiated

celestials

'f

replied

lords, as

The primary importance

Shalyam All hold this Tantram
Mi^o See/'

head of

To them,
do,

are

portion of the oblations

of Yajna to

severed head

who

lords,

of a sacrifice, might be allotted

course

heavenly twins.

those

[Hence

Then the

do."

addressed

connect the

" We shall

in order that a

the

offered in

and

with his decapitated trunk."

command

to

Whereupon the gods

(Yajna).

"You

be the greatest

to

Rudra, severed the head of

that the god

told

is

to

since

nd sword-cuts had

to

be dressed and

iuindamental material the gods and the denwns,

long before

ff dQ^f]^ 'ippearance Oir) ], it is not ct' idiopathic maladies such-^ as, fever, etc.
ad Smgery contruvofold attril/ was demanded of her towards the healint;
;

"-

IP

up of those
the allied

u'cers.

li>.

brawhes of

But

s'

branch of the Ayurveda

thu-se in.ng art.

is

the oldest of

all

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

8
surgical

external

operatioi|s,

cauterisation,

contains

that can be found in

all

the

I.

alkalis,

inasmuch

as

it

other branches

of medicine as well, with

of the science

of

applications

and -.secondly

etc.,

Chap.

the superior

advantage of producing instantaneous effects by means

of surgical

instruments and appliances.

the highest in value

eternal

of

all

and a source of

and opens the

of

prolongs the duration

of

and helps men

in

the medical Tantras.

piety,

infinite

gates

Hence

Heaven

human

successfully

to

and earning a decent competence,

Gradual extension

is

It

is

imparts fame
its

votavies,

existence on

fulfilling

it

earth,

their missions,

in life.

vedic Knowledge :Bramha

Ayur-

the

of

was the

first

to

inculcate the principles of the holy Ayurveda. Prajapati

it

from Prajapati and

Indra,

who

entire

knowledge

am

The Ashvins learned

science from him.

learned the

has

me

favoured
thereof.

ready to impart

it

the knowledge

imparted
(

I,

Dhanvantari

for

to

with an

the good of mankind,

to those ^;-}-i^antram)-M^i^ earth.

anches of the Sci

The King

of

Kar?^,ther corroborate'^^

count Of himself
supreme and

original

Dhanvantifri. It

decay

fi-on\

is I

god

i._^

pe,ception,

i^^^^j^^

who warde

the celestials,

of the region of heaven,

now

^o
I

Kg
.

Inft'^^

(Agam?'

tl

j,-,^

ac'^^

*^"^^ ^^

disease

and

was an inmate

.carnated

on earth

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Chap. I.]

with the view to teach the Science of SurgeiV with

branches of study to men.

all its allied

In the present science (Ayurveda), the Piirusha

conscious oro:anic individual)

of the combination

administration

five primar>-

such

remedies and

or

cauterisation,

are restricted to the Piirusha alone.*

etc.),

Why

so

is it

world

created

The answer

composed

is

simply because the

is,

two

of

These two

Agneya

orders,

world

of

medicine

and

Saumya

science

purposes of the

further sub-divided for the

are

turn,

their

in

classes,

hot

composed of

is

* It

and Saumya
may be

alone

is

why

principles,

Agneya

twofold virtues,

of health

should be

they

confined to the

met by the statement

successfully

the receptacle

Hence

(cool.

(cool).i

questioned

Such a query may be

the two

into

material

fi^'e

though characterised by the

(hot)

classes,

distinct

such as the mobile and the immobile. f

the

surgical

as,

of medicinal

substances,

of alkaline

applications

and the

soul

All medical acts

material principles.
operations,

described as the resultant

is

of the

(self-

and disease

in

Puiusha

Purusha

the

that

contradistinction

to

the

Self or Ego.

The

vegetable world belongs

to the

latter

category,

while 'animals,

possessed of locomotion, belong to the former.

It

may be argued

air

and sky

possessed

here, since everything in

fundamental material principles

of the five

(ether)

of the

],

it is

twofold

(cool or watery), alone.

not

competent

attributes

But since

to

the

assert

Agneya (heated

fire

universe

of earth,

that

composed

fire

(heat),

the universe

or fiery)

(heat) or water (cold)

in all things in the universe in juxtaposition with ihe

is

water,

is

and Saumya
predominates

primary virtues of the

THE SUSWRUTA SAMHITA.

10

[Chap.

I.

Further cliassification of the mobile

and the immobile :- The animated world may
be divided into four subdivisions, such as the Svedaja

and moisture

of sweat or heat

(born

Andaja

the

(vegetable) and the

The Purusha
greatest

made

of

them

because

all,

abiogenous'

Udbhijja

the

),

(placental or viviparous j.

Jarayuja

all

(man)

other forms of

the

life

are

Sts Definition : The Purusha

the receptacle of any particular disease, and that

which proves a source of torment

or pain to him,

There are four

minated as a disease.*

is

or of extraneous

(Agantuka),

jNfenla]

Bodily (Sharira),

Natural (Svabhavika).
hurt

or

food

in

origin

and

(Manasa)

disease clue

to an extraneous

Agantuka.

Diseases

called

is

irregularities

deno-

different types

of disease such as, Traumatic

blow

is

wants on Earth.

to minister to his

is

e.

or the subjective personalit}'

Disease
(man)

oviparous

egg-born or

?'.

or

drink, or

due

incidental

to

to

deranged state of the blood, or of the bodily humours

acting either

singh'

Excessive anger,
miser};,

])ride,

or

grief,

greed,

other fundamental material

in

concert,

fear, joy,
lust,

principles,

are

called Sharira.

despondency, envy,

desire,

not

malice,

improper

etc.

are

to

classify

all

under the head of hot or cold, a third factor being non-existent.

Hence

the

world (^Trf)
*

is

disease

is

possessed of the twofold virtues, hot and cold.

may

be

defined as

(self-conscious personality),
afflict

it

something whicli

or those things

affiicts

or incidents which

the

Purusha

combine

the Purusha are usually interpreted to connote that meaning.

to

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

I. ]

the

within

included

distempers

whereas

(Svabhavika)

category

of^ mental (Manasa)

hm7.ger,

thirst,

the natural

derangements of the body.

The Mind

sleep,

and the Bodv are the

are

etc.

seats of the abovesaid distempers

either of them, or

according as they are restricted to

affect

decrepitude,

called

death,

imbecility,

both of them

in unison.

Samshodhanam
(Pacification of the

Samshamanam

and

(Cleansing),

deranged or agitated bodih' humours

giving rise to the disease^ and the regimen of diet

conduct

which should be duly

the four fectors

are

and

emplo3"ed in order to successfully cope with a disease.!

Food

is

the principal factor which materially contri-

butes to the strength, complexion and vitality (Ojah) of

animated beings. Food consists of

* The Self or Ihe feevitma of a person
as such, can never be affected
t Cleansing

by any

(Samshodhanam)

External purification consists

cauterisation

operations,

alkaline preparations

is

of the

above

human concerns

and,

viz.

External and Internal.

measures as surgical

two kinds,

affected

and medicated

part

or organ, external

the

plasters,

such measures as exhibition of purgatives and

intestinal

all

disease.

employing such

of

in

is

different tastes

six

internal

emetics,

enemas (Asthapanam) and blood-letting.

one

use

of

including

application

of

Diet comprises four

different factors such as, food, drink, lambative, etc., which, for the purposes

of the
the

Ayurveda, are again grouped under three different heads,

pacifier of the

peutical

(VyMhi-prashamanam)

Achara (conduct) appertains

to

and

arc

potent

enough

to

of each

combat
case

health-giving

three different

the speech, and the mental acts.

special exigencies

such as

deranged bodily humours (Dosha-prashamanam), thera(Svastha=Vrittikara).

factors,

such as the body,

The abovesaid measures, duly employed,

all

arc

sorts

of bodily distempers,

if

carefully taken into consideration.

the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

12

[Chap.

capnot exist independently of the subs-

(Rasa) '[which

tances] in which they are

These substances

inherent.

which are called the (3shadhis may be di^ided

into

immobile Oshadhis

in their turn,

under four sub-heads

such

two

The

such as the mobile and the immobile.

classes

I.

admit of being grouped

the

as,

the

^'"anaspatis,

Vrikshas. the Virudhas and the Oshadhis proper.

Those

trees

which bear

are called the Vanaspatis

without blossoming

fruit

such

as,

the Plaksha and the

Those that bear both

Oudumvura).

are called the \'rikshas.

fruits

and flowers

Shrubs and creepers that

trail

on the ground are called Virudhas, whereas those plants

which

die with

the ripening of their

Oshadhis proper such as cereals

The mobile Oshadhis

are

fruits,

called

or animals

four classes such as the viviparous,

divided into

are

the

oviparous,

the

sweat-begotten, and those that are born of decomposed

vegetable matter.

the

first

second

group
ants,

Man and

other

birds, snakes,

worms,

etc.

bark, leaves, flowers,

fourth.

to

belong to the

reptiles

belong to the third

and Indragopas belong to the

poses,

and

mammals belong

while frogs

For medicinal pur-

fruits, roots,

bulbs, the

ex-

pressed juice, and milky or resinous secretions of plants,

etc.*

are .obtained

* The use of

oil

from

the

vegetable

expressed oui of diutjs and

seeds, as

ashes or alkaline preparations are likewise indicated.

world.

well

as of

The
iheir

SUTRASTHAWAM.

Chap. I.]

skin,

wool, blood,

nails,

flesh,

I-^

marrow,

fat.,

bones,

are procured from the animal world.

and minerals such as gold,

JMetals

Manahshila

Realgar),

Kapalas (bones^,

etc.

should be

the earthy substances.

Gale,

windfall,

heat,

ness,

cold,

well

as

gems, and

silver,

as

clay

pearls,

included in

the

and

list

of

shade, moonshine, dark-

sunshine,

day,

rain,

night,

month,

fortnight,

seasons,

and

should be

etc.

solstices,

deemed

works of eternal time, which, by virtue of

contribute to the

effects,

pacification

or

humours (such

wind,

their natural

accumulation, augmentation,

diminution

as,

as the

of

etc.

deranged

the

bodilv

Authoritative verses on the subject

Physicians should look upon these

of ffood, conduct, earth and time

as the

four factors

accumulators,

aggravators and pacifiers of the deranged bodilv humours

and of the diseases resulting therefrom

due to causes which
affect the

body

mind

in the

inflammation

are

or the body.

in

man.

Diseases

extraneous to the bodv ma\'

When

it

would

affect

the

shape of any traumatic disease (such as an

due to a blow or a sword cut

>,

it

"should

be treated medicinally like the rest of the physical maladies,

while the remedy should consist in the enjovmentof

Oxide of

Gairika

Iron,

(ferruginous

sand, yellow sulphurale of

earth),

arsenic

(Orpiment),

sail,

Rasdnjana (antimony) should be regarded as

appertaining to the class of earthy substances.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

14

hap.

I.

pleasurable sound?, touch, sights, taste or smell where the

mind would be found

Thus

have

to be the seat of the distemper.

briefly dealt with

the Purusha, Disease,

The term

Medicine, Appliances and the Specific Time.

Purusha should be interpreted to include within

meaning the combination of

and

ponents,

its

five

material

its

com-

things resulting therefrom, such as the

all

limbs and members of the body, as well as the skin,

the

flesh,

the blood, the veins and the

The term Disease

to the several or

signifies

and

efficacy

their

virtues,

The term Medicine

tastes,

potency,

Prabhava and reactionary properties

Appliances (kriya

denotes such processes

operations, injections, emulsive

The term Time

etc.

distempers incidental

combined actions of the three deranged

bodily humours and blood.

drugs

all

nerves, etc.

signifies all

signifies

inherent

Vipaka

as, surgical

measures, lubrications,

opportune moments

for

medical appliances.

Authoritative

verses

on the sub-

ject The primary principle of the Science of medicine

:

has thus been briefly stated and will be fully dealt with
in the'following

buted among
of the present

one hundred and twenty chapters

the

fi-\e

work.

distri-

main sub-divisions or Sthanas

These

chapters will be found to be

hundred

and

elaborately

according to the specific import or significance

twenty
discussed

of their

denominations under the sub-heads of Sutra- Sthanam

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. I.]

Aphorisms

(Definitive

Nidanam

^Etiology",

Physiology

Fundamental

or

Chikitsa-Sthanam

in

and
and

(Therapeutics)

Subjects

preceding ones will be discussed

other than the

the closing chapters

book by wa}- of an Appendix (Uttara-Tantranv.

Authoritative verse
ject

principles,

Sharira-Sthanam (Anatomy

Kalpa-Sthanam (Toxicology

of the

15

The

Medicine
origined

man who

on the sub-

reads this Eternal

Ayurveda-Shastram

discoursed

Science of

by the

Brahma and propagated by the King

becomes noted

for his piety,

is

self-

of Kasi,

honoured by the kings

on earth, and attains to the region of Indra (the lord

of the celestials) after death.

Thus ends the

first

chapter of the Sutra-SthSnam

Samhitd which deals with the origin of the Ayurveda.

in

the

Sushrula

CHAPTER
Now we
with the

rites

of formal

Medicine

of

science

discuss

shall

II.

Chapter

the

which

deals

initiation of a pupil into

the

(Shishyopanayaniya-

madhya'yam).
Such an

initiation should be

imparted to a student,

belonging to one of the three twice-born castes such

as,

the Brahmana, the Kshatriya, and the Vaishya, and

who

should be of tender years, born of a good family,

possessed

of,

a desire to learn_, strength^ energy of action,

contentment, character, self-control, a good retentive me-

mory,

intellect, courage, purity of

simple and clear comprehension,

into

tlie

things studied,

mind and

bod)',

and a

command a clear insight

and should be found to have

been further graced with the necessary qualifications of

thin lips, thin teeth

and thin tongue, and possessed of a

straight nose, large, honest, intelligent eyes, with a benign

contour of the mouth, and a contented frame of mind,

being pleasant

in his

speech and dealings, and usually

painstaking in his efforts.

attributes

A man

possessed of contrary

should not be admitted into

the

sacred

precincts of) medicine.

lYlode of Initiation : A Brahmana preceptor

sliould initiate a disciple or student in the following

A square sand cushion or

way

platform, measuring a cubit

L"hap.

11.

SUTkASTHANAM.

jf

and breadth, should be

in length

smooth,

level

and

combination such

ground under the benign

sacred'

tion of the

The

the "Karanam,"

as,

compass whifch
cusliion or

is

and

etc.

dried

rice.

so

side of the square,

as to

meet the top of the

down

grass tied up in the form of a knot,

fire

having soaked the twigs of the

Palasha,

butter, he

furthest

a blade of

known

close to his seat.

four

as the

Then

sacrificial trees

of

Devadaru and Vilva, or of Vata,

Oudumvara, Ashvattha and Madhuka

clarified

across

side of the sacred cushion to his

and kindle the sacred

Khadira,

lines

and having sprinkled them over with

Brahmana, along the

right,

the gods, the

be worshipped

straight

holy water, the preceptor should lay

Kusha

a direc-

in

paddy, gems and sun-

fried

Then having drawn

the Sthandilara

or astral

and blades of

Then

it.

should

ph5''sicians

with oblations of flowers,

in-

should be plastered

the jilatform

grass should be strewn over

Brahmanas and the

of

held most auspicious to that

over with a solution of water and cow-dung

Kusha

plot

any auspicious phase of the moon

fluence of

end.

on

laid out

should perform

according to the rules of a Darvi

in curd,

the

Homa

rite

honey and
of

Homa

ceremony^ Then

libations of clarified butter should be cast into the sacrificial fire

with a repetition of the

preceded by the mystic Omkara.

clarified butter

Vyahriti Mantras

After that, libations of

should be cast into the

each of the gods and Rishis

3

Maha

(celestial

fire

in

honour of

physicians) invoked

THE SUSHRUTA

b}^

SAMHITA'.

Chap.

11.

Svaha Mantra, and the disciple should

repeating the

be made to do the same.

A Brahmana

preceptor

competent to

is

initiate a

student belonging' to any of the three twice-born castes.

Kshatriya

preceptor can

Kshatriya or

can

preceptor

alone.

the

parentage

Vaish3'a

initiate

Shudra

may

initiate a

caste,

student of

while

student

good

of

Vaishya

own

student of his

the

caste

character

T.nd

be initiated into the mysteries of the

A5'urveda by omitting

the Mantras

enjoined

to

be

recited on such an occasion.

Then having

circumambulated the

thrice

fire,

and having invoked the firegod

the

fact,

testimony to

the preceptor should address the initiated disfollows

as

ciple

to bear

sacrificial

: "Thou

shalt

renounce

lust,

anger,

greed, ignorance, vanity, egotistic feelings, envy, harshness, niggardliness, falsehood, idleness,
soil

pair

the good

thy

cloth,

name

of a

and

nails

ndij all acts that

man. In proper season thou

clip

thy hair and put on the sacred

dyed brownish yellow,

live the life

of a

towards thy preceptor. In sleep,

in rest, or while

about while

studv,

"^

The

at

Ashvins,

.Svaha to

and SvAh^

meals or

should

libations

Svah.4

truthful,

anchorite and be obedient and respectful

self-controlled

P,i-ahm4,

shalt

he

in

oftered as

Praj^pati (the lord

to

Indra, Sv.nhA to

to A'treva.

and

follows -Svah^

in

moving
all

acts

(obeisance)

to

of the created beings), SvahA to

Dhanvantari,

Sv^hA

to Bharadv^ja,

Chap.

il.

SUTRASTHA'NAAl.

my

thou shalt be guided by

do what

thou shalt incur

fail

gain

no

thee

unjustly

equal

ledge prove
or

and

whatever], and
not

treat

ability],

God

life

friends,
in life

who

it

come

live close

[to

the best

any remuneration

Thou

that.

medicinally a professional hunter, a

him who has been degrad-

and even by so doing thou

fame,

the

and thou shalt give them

bless thee for

will

elders,

shall

shall

and kinsmen

relations

and

thy

and those who

fowler, a habitual sinner, or

in

know-

indigent, the honest,

[without charging for

medicine

my

all

the

a distance;, or those

of thy knowledge

ed

may

Brahmanas,

helpless

as well as thy

shalt

obedience and

the

friends,

the

treat

with thy professional

help

shalt

knowledge,

thee (from

may

shalt

and never have any scope of work

Thou

anchorites,

by,

thy perfect

w'ith

hand,

other

the

with thee, and

futile,

preceptors and

to

on

I,

even

sin

display.

skill

If

and thou

conformity to the terms agreed upon,

in full

incur

thy study and knowledge

sin and' all

feme.

me, otherwise

to

to bear their wished for fruit,

shall

Thcju shalt

directions.

pleasant and beneficial

is

19

piety, wealth

and thy knowledge

and

all

shalt acquire

wished

for objects

shall gain pubhcity."

Prohibited periods of the study of

the Ayurveda The day of the new moon, the
:

eighth day of the moon's wane, the fourteenth day of the

dark fortnight, as well

as

the corresponding days in

tHE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

20

the brio^ht one, the day oi the

olday and night such

ings

occasions

when

Similarly,

the study of the

clap of thunder

moon, and the meet-

Ayurveda
heard

at

is

prohibited.

an

improper

a'

time when such pheno-

are naturall)' rare, or an evil befalling one's country,

relations,

king,

or

the

jnohibiting

riding

(an

elephant,

in a battle-held,

or

should be

study

one should not read

al

II.

Phalguna and Chaitra), or a

Hash of lightning occurring at

Chap.

(morning and evening) are

as

season (months of Pousha,

mena

tlill

nor

it

of the
in a

horse,
in

deemed

as

Ayurveda.

occasions

Moreover,

cremation ground, nor while

or

any) conveyance, nor

a place of execution.

the appearance of inauspicious omens,

festi-

and the

days of the fortnight usually avoided by the Brahmanas

in

studying the

the

Vedas,

as

well as

an unclean state of

body, should be regarded as occasions prohibiting

the studv of the Avurveda.

riuis lmhIn llic

sccijiul

clinitlci'

Sanihila which Ireals oflhc foniuil

ul

ihc

inil.i;Ui<jn

.SuLiasLhanaiii

in

llit;

SublmiUi.

of a .sUulunl intM ihc Aviiivcda.

H A

Now we

chapter which

shall discuss the

deals

with

Ayurveda and the order

of the

the classification

in.

P T E R

[in

which the venerable Dhanvantari discoursed on them

Adhyayana-Samprada'niyam.

his pupils].

It

has been stated before, that a hundred and twenty

among

chapters have been distributed

work,

or subdivisions (of the present

order

: Forty

in

six

(Sutra-Sthanam)

sixteen

ing the

in

(Sharira Sthanam); forty

;

and eight

their antidotes

these the

and connects by
Chapter

Ayurveda.
the

following-

Aphorisms

of the

human body

the part of Therapeutics

with poisons

In addition to

of sixty-six chapters.

The Sutra-Sthanam which

is

so called because

it

dis'jusses

arranges in the form of aphorisms

links

Describes

topics

relating

the origin

to

longevitv.

of the science of the

Relates to the formal initiation of a

science

of

parts

ten in the part explain-

in the part dealing

contains tbrty-six chapters,

into

Uttara-Tantram consists

the form of hints,

the

in

(Kalpa-Sthauam).

Metrical texts
in

in

five

the part dealing with the

Anatomy and physiology

Ciiikitsitam

the

the part of Definitive

Etiology of diseases (Nidanam)

and

to

medicine.

'

Deals

with

inipil

the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

22

III.

and order of the study of the Ayurveda.

classi^cation

Chap.

Dwells on general interpretations and explanations

of subjects studied,

Treats of preliminary preparations

for surgical operations.

Deals with seasons and their

on health and drugs.

influence

appliances.

Describes

of surgical

Treats

instruments.

surgi(l:al

on the

commencing

observed

be

to

practice.

which

and

in

to

Cauteries

12

their

use).

preliminary to

Pharmacy

1 1

cauteries).

(potential

men

of medical

duties

use.

13

Blood.

14

Dwells

10

practical instructions for surgical operations.

Gives

of

their

alkalies

and

the rules

how

Leeches
Dwells

15

on

of development and non-development of the

the study

humorous constituents of the body and excrements,

1

17

The ceremony

How

to

suppurating
of ulcers.

of

between suppurating and non-

swellings.

18

salutary
etc.

treatment of sores,
etc.

24

curable

of

The nature

different)

to

decisive

2J

know

and

incurable

of

The

the

(surgical

25

lost

extraction

favourable'

(deep
of

splinters.

treat-

diseases.

The

seated;

and unfavourable

the

in

of abscesses,

of using surgical instruments.

splinters

effects

modes

The opening

of diseases in general.

ways

exploration

body.

22

non-salutary

General rules to be observed in

2S

ment

etc.

of patients with ulcers,

and

The

?.i

bandages

and

Dressings

The management

19

regimen,

ears.

distinguish

The

20

etc.

the

of piercing the lobules of

(eight

26

The

in

the

28

How

terminations

Chap.

III.

SUTRASTHANAM.

29

in surgical diseases.

prognosis

The

favourable or unfavourable

as'

known from

diseases

in

omens

and

version

of sense

dreams.

body.

The

34

etc.

treatment

precautions

to

as

poisoning

of

water,

man

for

the safety

of

the march.

treatment

the
^y

The

of

medicines.

and

of the soil

products growing

of vegetable

38

by a

medical

etc.

subjects

injuries

examination

dangers,

king whose army

Miscellaneous

^6

sicians.

(against

made

connected

with

surgical

diseases.

the

selection

on

to be

it

drugs

used as

according to

The two

their

therapeutical

drugs

which cleanse the system [by evacuating

uses.;

39

humours] and drugs which pacify the

40
41

42

Drugs,

The

their

properties

Flavours.

choice

flavours,

of

43

of

The choice

purgatives.

45

and

specially

of

classes

irritated

properties

drugs

on

phy-

for

of

Classification

is

b}'

observations

Clinical

35

of the

of incurable diseases.

be taken

such

per-

Prognosis based

32

the external appearances

in

Palliative

33

the

Prognosis based on

31

the altered condition of features,

messengers,

from

Prognosis

30

perception.

on the perversion

o-

emetics.

Liquids.

46

of

bad

humours.
maturity.

considered.

44

The

Food

and

drink.

From

their

investigatmg the

and symptoms of

diseases,

they

(pathological)
'are called

(etiology) and are sixteen in number.

causes

Nidananij

THP: SUSHRL'IA SAiMHlTA.

24

[Chap.

III.

Chapter
wind.

Causes and S5''niptoms of diseases caused

Hoemorrhoids.

Urinaiy

calculi

Skin diseases

.Abdominal tiVmours and dropsy.

unnatural

Kushtha),

labours.

Carbuncles.

Tumours

1 1

'and disl(>."ations)

generation

by

caused

medical

component
Chapter
healthy)

and

ErN'sipelas

and

tumours. 13 Fractures

organ of

Minor .and

15

mis_

mouth.

devoted ten chapters to the

has

men and

contemplative saints to learn the

human body. They

parts of the

Cosmology.

condition

tion of the fetus.

foetus.

Component

(child-birth

\'enesection.

parts of the
7

and

Analytical

un-

female germs.

male and

of

are

Healthy

Investigation of each vital part.

and of

Abortion

of the male

Shuka.

Development of the

veins.

discharges.

Anatomy and Physiology (Sharira-Sthanam)

subject of
for

sage

great

10

16 Diseases of the

cellaneous diseases.

The

12 Scrotal

Diseases

14

Abscesses.

4 Fistulas.

Urethral

b}'

descrip-

body.

Description

Arteries.

and management of womt.-n

of the

Pregnancy

10

child-birtli

in

children).

The

division of Therapeutics, (Chikitsitam) includes

(amongst others; the

modes

of treating

diseases

medicines, expiatory ceremonies, propitiatory

tranquillizing efforts.

rites,

by
and

Torty chapters have been devoted

to this division. Chapter

'Prcatment of two varieties

Chap.

III.

SUTRASTHANAM.

of ulcers.

Treatment of instant wounds and

resulting

therefrom,

Diseases of wind.
6

25

Skin diseases.

Grievous maladies caused by wind.

Haemorrhoids.

ulcers

Fractures and dislocations.

Urinary

10 Grievous

calculi.

Fistulas.

skin diseases.

11

Urethral

discharges.

Warts,

12

urethral discharges,

scesses.

17

22

of

the

Diseases

male genital
of

organ

mouth.

the

for general debility.

Means

for

diseases.

caused

bv

Swellings.

2^

in general.

virile

debility.

2S Remedies for increasing

mental powers and duration of

innate maladies. 30

Tumours.

Minor

20

Ab-

16

18

Miscellaneous diseases. 26 Tonics for

27 Tonics

31

hibours.

Prophylactic treatment against diseases

24
2=)

unnatural

Erysipelas and Carbuncles.

Diseases

Shuka.

Abdominal Dropsy.

14

tumours and Syphilis.

19 Scrotal
21

13 Diabetes.

and

Abortions

15

and sores caused by

pustules

life.

Remedies

2g

removing wordly

for

distresses.

Treatment of diseases where oleaginous substances

are useful.

^^2

Treatment by diaphoretics.

and Purgatives.

J4 Treatment

injudicious use of emetics

and

pipes,

mishaps from the

and purgatives.

and enema apparatus.

injudicious use of enemas.

^S Clysters.

for

37

Nozzles

Enemas and

from

injections.

39 Treatment of complications in general.

etc.

their proposing remedies against poisons,

are called Kalpas,

4

35

^6 Mishaps

40 Inhalation, fumigations, gargarismata,

From

33 Emetics

and are eight

in

number.

they

THE SUSHRUTA

46
ChUpter
inorganic
4

poisons.

and

(for

Chap.

creation.

organic

Treatment of snake-bites.

ill.

and

A'egetable

Poisons from

treatment.

its

kettle-drums
for

Preservation of food.

Snake poison.

bite

SAMHITA'.

Rat-

Emitting the sound

the eh'mination of poison).

and treatment of venomous

ol

Antidotes

insect-stings.

Thus a synopsis of one hundred and twenty chapters

Now

has been given.

division called after

its

own name (Uttara-Tantram).

The Chapter on Sympathetic

as this division has for

the supplementary

here follows

diseases

Cornea.
pupil.
tic

6.

The

eyeball.

Sclerotic of the eye.

eyeball, as a whole.

Treatment of eye

3 Dis5

The

Diseases of the

diseases.

Prophylac-

and curative treatment of wind affections of the eye

and ophthalmia.

10

Treatment of Bile affections of the

eye and ophthalmia.

tions of the eye
affections

which

eye.

scarification
is

is

of the

Treatment of Phlegm

and

17

vision.

affec-

Treatment of Blood
aftections

Treatment by

15

regarding ophthalmic medicine

ment

14 Treatment in

ectropium.

pupil

Treatment of

13

needed.

needed.

Entropium and

diseases

1 1

and ophthalmia.

of the

paracentesis
16

The

Diseases of the

of the

(margin of the eyelids)

eases of the eyelids.

first,

main object the description

its

of such diseases and their treatment.

joinings

placed

is

in

which

incisions.

Treatment of the
18

General

and surgery.

of traumatic affections of the eyeballs.

rules

19 Treat-

20 General

Chap.

III.

and s3nnptoins of

signs
ol

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

ear

22

diseases.

affections.

ment

ear

diseases.

of nasal

cranial

diseases.

These

(twenty-six

ai^d

28 Prophylactic

grahas.

by Skandha.
Skandha.

affections.

Slueta-Putana.

of convulsions

Treatment

35

34 Treatment of
of

i"]

Mukhamandika.

Origin

of the

These twelve chapters together

genital organs).

nine

Vvith

included in (the last chapter of the division on

is

form the

anatomy,

division

fifth

of the

A5'urveda)

Kaumara Tantram.

Chapter

Fevers

39

Enteric Catarrh and

treatment.

their

31 Treat-

38 Diseases of the Vagina (and internal female

Grahas.

its

caused by

Treatment of Putana.

},2

36 Treatment of Naigamesha.

called

caused by the Nava-

Andha Putana.

of

of the

Shilikyam.

30 Treatment of Sakuni affections.

Treatment

what

affections.

treatment of diseases caused

29 Treatment

ment of Revati
33

of diseases

nose

34 Treat-

end

form the

ciiapters)

Signs

2-]

Treatment

sj'mptoms of

Ti;eatment of cranial

26

eight divisions of the A^'urveda, called

Chapter

affections.

25 Signs

catarrli.

and S3'mptoms of

Signs

Treatment of nose

2},

27

etc.

their treatment.

treatment.

their

treatment.

41

treatment.

40

Consumption and

42 Diseases of the abdominal glands and

treatment.

Pectoris

its

and

43

Diseases of the heart

Anaemia and

'Angina

diseases

and

45 HfCmorrhag^c affections and

their

44

allied

46 Apoplectic diseases and their treatment.

THE SUSHRUTA

2-8

SAMHITA'.

Chap.

ill.

47 Diseases from excessive drinking and their treatment.

48 Symptoms, causes, and treatment of excessive

thirst.

49

Causes, S5'mptoms and treatment of vomiting. 50 Causes,

s5^mptoms and treatment of Hiccough.

toms, and treatment of Dyspnoea.

and

toms

Entozoa.

treatment

symptoms

of excrements.

retention

and

treatment of Dyspeptic

Anorexia and

and treatment

Causes, symp-

diarrhoea.'

affections.

Kayachikitsa

the

describe

chapters
;

remaining

(which forms the

third

57

59

These twenty

Causes and treatment of urine diseases.

one

of

symptoms

Causes,

58

54

symptoms and

and urethral

of cystic

Aphonia.

and treatment

Choleric

treatment.

its

Causes, symp-

53

Causes,

56

52

cough.

of

Causes,

55

diseases

division

of

of the

Ayurveda \
Chapter
diseases

60

Causes,

caused by

svmptoms

and

symptoms

powers.

61

Causes

of Epilepsy.

62

Mania.

superhuman

treatment

and treatment of

These three chapters form the Bhuta Vidya

(the fourth

division of the Ayurveda).

Chapter 63
64

(leneral

rules

Deductions and
study
bid

the
for

different varieties

the preservation

inunctions drawn from

of the Ayurveda.

elements

to be

on

(h^^mours;.

66

On

of

of health.

tbe

texts

the varieties

These

four

flavour.

65

and

of mor-

chapters

are

understood as being supplementary, and as orna-

ments to

this division.

Chap.

III.

SUTRASTHANAM.

This

the

others,

(Uttarani).

From

subjects,

is

superiority

its

have called

sages

great

it

from

division

last

information

the

20

called the best, the

it

over

the

the

Excellent

gives

on varied

permanent and ihe

last.

In

this division

which

is

called the

last,

included four divisions (of the Ayiirveda)

(treatment
clavicles), 2
3

of parts

of diseases

virile

preserving
(fourth

The

ally

and

power,

vigor,

etc.)

have been

etc.)

doctrine of antidotes
this treatise

limbs

Bliuta-Vidya.

and Rasayanam remedies

included

comes under the head of

and Shah'am surgery

of

divisions,

tne

by the

world

the

in

called Chikitsa.

treated throughout the book.

eight

the

Vajeekaranam (on the strength-

division (of this treatise

Kalpa of

Shalakyam,

Kaumarabhrit^'am (management of children),

division (named)

ening of

are

above

situated

Kayachikitsa general diseases)

The

viz,

there

is

incident-

Thus these

are the

Science

of Medicine

Those,

proclaimed

to the

who

them with due care and make use of the

stU'ly

knowledge with caution,

men on

this earth.

It

the book should be read

should

attend

physician

who

ed by kings,

to

is

shall

original god.

preserve

the

li\'es

of

imperatively necessary that

and

after

the practice

having read

(of the science

has learnt these both,

is lit

it

one

The

to be honour-

THE SUSHKUTA

30

SAiMHlTA.

Chap.

III.

Authoritative verses on the subject : A ph^'sician, well versed in the principles of

the science of medicine (Ayurveda), but unskilful in

want of

through

art

practice,

bedside of his patient, just

end

wit's
first

time he finds himself

On

army.

in

condemned by

deserves

all

the

is

at

his

for the

physician, experienced in

knowledge of the Ayurveda,

good men

punishment

capital

at

when

do

to

wit

the ranks of a contending

the other hand a

his art l)ut deficient in the

is

his

coward

as, a

what

determine

to

loses

his

as

the

at

and

quack,

hands of the

Both these classes of ph3^sicians are not to be

king.

trusted, because

th}-

inexpert

are

and half educated.

Such men are incapable of discharging the duties of

vocation, just as a one-winged bird

their

taking flight

in

the

air.

Even

b)'

norant ph)^sician,

j^ositively

prove

incapable of

panacea or a medicine of

ambrosial virtues administered

will

is

an unpractised or

ig-

baneful as

draught of poison, or a blow with a weapon, or a thunderbolt.

physician, ignorant of the science and art of sur-

gery and emollient measures

a killer

of

on

carry

men

his

out of cupidity, and

nefarious

advertence of the king.

principles

of surger}-,

tice of medicine,

just as
field

Sneha-karma

is

trade

A
and

only

who

is

etc.

but

allowed to

through the

physician well

experienced

--ersed in
in

the

in-

the

prac-

alone caj^able of curing distempers,

only a two- wheeled cart can be of service

of battle.

is

in

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

III.

Now

hear me,

child, describe the

and

calmly

near

sit

who

mind,

recited

should teach

him

of st'adying

pupil having

body

pure in

should

prayers

daily

his

preceptor,

his

mode
The

the present science of the Ayurveda.)

worshipped

31

and

i^hloka or couplet

full

Ayurveda), or a half or a quarter part thereof,

of the

adapted to

his

make

full

intellectual

and

recited couplet or

individually to do

paraphrase

elaborate

any piwi

thereof,

same.

the

Then he should

capacity.

and ask

When

of

the

his pupils

pupils have

the

paraphrased the same to the satisfaction of the preceptor,

he should again recite the same stanza or couplet.

The passages
hastily, nor

or

shlokas

drawled out

should

in a

be recited too

not

timid or faltering voice, nor

with a nasal intonation. The voice should be neither too

loud, nor too weak,

and

but each

distinctly uttered,

brows, and the hands,

to

and the
etc.

sound should be clearly

lips,

should not be

keep time with the recitation.

allowed to pass between the pupil

eyes, the

the

lifted or

Xo

eye-

moved

one should be

and the preceptor

at the time of study.

Authoritative verses on the subject A pupil who is pure, obedient to his

:

preceptor,

applies

himself steadily

abandons laziness and excessive

to

work, and

sleep, will arrive at the

end of the science (he has been studying

.\

his

student or a pupil, having 'finished

tire

course

ol.

32

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

his studies,

would do well

fine

and make

unremitting

attainment of perfection (in the

Thus ends

the

ihird

Chap. III.

to attend to the cultivation

speech and constant practice

learnt,

in

ol"

the art he has

efforts

towards

the

art).

Chapter uf the Siilraslhanani

Sanihila wliich deals with the Classification of

tlie

in

Ayurveda.

the Sushrul.i

CHAPTER
Now we
with

General

which

Chapter

the

discuss

shall

IV.
deals

(Prabha'Saniya-

Explanations

madhyaryam).
The endeavours
Ayurveda

man who has

(shastra) but fails to

of the same, are

carries a

of a

load

able to enjoy

a clear

sandal

wood

(without

entire

exposition

vain like the efforts of an

of

its

make

studied the

that

ass

ever being

pleasing scent).

Authoritative verse on the subject A foolish person who has gone through a large
:

number

of books without gaining

any

the knowledge propounded therein,

is

insight into

real

like

an ass laden

with logs of sandal-wood, that labours under the weight

which

it

carries

without being able to appreciate

its

virtue.

Hence the preceptor

or a

half or

quarter

will clearly explain

part

thereof as contained

the present work, divided into

chapters

(as

well

or discoursed
difficult

to

a hundred and

as in the concluding portion

Uttara-Tantram appended to
the disciple shall

each shioka

it)

and the

in

twenty
of

the

student or

attentively hear everything explained

on by the preceptor.
classify

drugs,

Since

ta^te,

it is

extremely

virtue

(Guna),

potency (Virya), transform at ory or reactionary

effect

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

34

(Vipaka), fundamental bodily

principles

excrement (Mala), hollow viscera

cMarma\

veins (Sira),

Chap. IV.

Dhatu) bodily

Ashaya), vital parts

nerves (Snayu), joints (Sandhi),

bones (Asthi; and the fecundating principles of semen

and ovum, and to extricate any foreign matter lodged

an

ulcer),

ulcers or

or to

fractures,

able nature

or

and since these subjects

profoundest

the

and position of

the palliative, curable or incur-

of a disease, etc.

even

perplex

ascertain the nature

in

intellects

though

thousand times discussed and pondered over, not to

speak of

men

capacity, hence

of
it

comparatively
is

smaller intellectual

imperatively obligatory on a pupil

or a disciple to attentively hear the exposition

shloka^ or a half or a quarter part thereof,

of each

made by

the

preceptor (while studying the science of medicine).

For explanations of truths and principles quoted

from

other branches

of (science

or philosophy)

incidentally discussed in the present work,

is

referred to expositions

made by

sciences or philosophies;, since

with

all

branches of science,

the

and

student

the masters fof those

is

impossible to deal

etc. in

a single book (and

it

within so short a compassX

Authoritative verses on the subject

By the study of a single

Shastra,

man

can

never catch the true import of this Science of Medicine).

(

Therefore a physician

should study as

branches of (science or philosophy)

as

many

possible.

allied

The

Chap.

IV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

who

physician
h"ps

studies the Science of Medicine from the

of his preceptor, and practises medicine after having

acquired experience in his

art

by constant

the true physician, while any other

art,

35

map

practice, is

dabbling in tne

should be looked upon as an impostor.

The

Shalya-Tantras (surgical

works)

written

or

propagated by Aupadhenava, Aurabhra, Sushruta and

Paushkalavata, are the bases of the works or Tantras
written

by others

Thus ends

the

{^Karavirya, Gopura-rakshita, etc,

fourth

chapter of the

Sutrasthanam

Samhit^ which deals with General Explanations.

in

i.

the Sushruta

CHAPTER
Now we

discuss the

shall

Preliminary measures

V.

Chapter which treats of

connection with the curative

in

(Agropaharaniyam-

remedies of a disease).*

adhyaryam).
The

entire course of medical

with a

tion

disease

treatment in connec-

be grouped

ma)?'

under

Ihree

subheads, as the Preliminary measures (Purva-karma)

therapeutical

Principal

the

(Pradhana-karma'>

head of each disease

them.

with

deal

* Several

authorities

appliances

surgical

and the After-measures

These measures

karma).

or

we

as

hold

that

acts

included

treatise

principall)'-

such as fasting,

within

the

have occasion to

shall

As the present

of purgatives, etc. should be

(Paschat-

be discussed under

will

the

administration

preliminary measures

application of absorbent (Pachana) or healing medicinal agents, within

second

the

or

contrary, lay

first

emeticsr

measures

down

that measures

by the application of

(pacification

humours

bodily

deranged
the

principal

subhead
etc.,

Ijy

Purva-karma),

adopted

for

group.

the

oily substances)

sweating
the

humours
first

fully

grouped

be

administration of

employed

to

of the

under

active purgatives,

last

rice

while according

cope with the deranged

in the incubative stage of a bodily disease

elimination

or

on the

lubrication

under the second (Pradhana-karma) and the giving of

characteristic

measure

Others,

absorption,

should

meal, etc. to the patient under the (Paschat-karma)

to others the active medicinal agents

the

and the administration of tonics or

within the third or the after-measure

restoratives

till

the appearance of

its

symptoms, should be denominated as the Preliminary

measures employed for the subjugation of a disease

in its patent or

developed stage as the Pradhana-karma, and measures employed to

guard against the recrudescence of a disease and

health in a

patient

is

for

the

restoration

the sequel treatment or the Pasch^t-karma.

of

Chap.^ V.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

-^7

we

treats of surgical acts or operations,

discourse

shall

on them and their accessories at the outset.

acts or operations

Surgical
different

Puncturing

(Lekhj^as

probing (Eshya),

Searching or

(Visravya)

Secreting fluids

into

Incising (Chhedya),

kinds such as

(Bhedya), Scraping

divided

are

eight

Excising

(Vedhya),

Extracting

(Abarj'-a),

and Suturing (Seevya).

surgeon (Vaidya) called upon to perform any (of the eight

preceding kinds) of operations, must

equip

first

with such accessories as surgical appliances and

ments,

alkali,

fire,

Jamvavoushtha

shaped rod made of slate with

shape of a Jamboline

Tarpanara
tions

honey,

cotton,

fruit),

clarified

medicated

shall

secure

the

lard, milk,

butter,
in

oil,

water), decoc-

paste (Kalka), fan,

plasters,

services

thread, leaves,

lint,

cold water, hot water, and cauldrons,

he

kind of pencil

(a

top-end cut into the

its

(powdered wheat soaked

Kashaya

instru-

probe or director (Shalaka), horns,

leeches, gourd (Alavu),

tow(Patta),

himself

etc.,

and moreover

of devoted

and strong-

nerved attendants.

Then under the auspices

and having propitiated the

tions, etc.,

the physicians, with

and gems,

and

etc.,

uttered

commence
light

of blissful astral coi-Qbina-

food

gifts

of curd, sun-dried

and having made

benediction,

his

work.

Brahmanas and

offerings

etc.,

The

(before the act),

the

pa'dent

and

rice, cordials

to the gods

surgeon

should

should be given

made

to

sit

with

THE SUSHRUTA

38

turned towards the

his face

fastened (so

carefully

as

SAMHTTA'.

east.

Chap. V.

His limbs should be

to guard

against their

least

movement during

the continuance of the operation).

Then the

sitting

surgeon,

with his face towards the

west, and carefulh' avoiding the vital

(Marmas),

parts

Veins, nerves (Snayus), joints, bones and arteries of the

patient,should insert the knife into the affected part along

proper direction

tlie

till

the suppurated

be reached and swiftly draw

part opened (length of incision) should

suppuration, the

made

be

to

An

length.

measure two or three

(Vrana) which

incision

equally and evenly divided, should be

finger's

An

deemed the

which

is

wide,

and

patient,

is

well-matured as

kind*.

its

of the

etc.

time,

is

the

Courage, light handedness, non-shak-

non-sweating, sharp instruments,

and

self

command

Two

best.

extended, well

regards

ing,

a surgeon

in

the sub-

does not involve any vital part,

divided,

best of

incision

widths

wide, extended,

is

Authoritative verses on
ject

extended

out. In case of

it

would

part

are

self

confidence

what should be possessed by

engaged

in

or three

incisions should be

opening a

an abscess.

boil or

made

if

single

opening does not seem large enough for the purpose.

*

Certain

or an abscess

suppurated
is

the

commentators interpret

which

is

wide, extended,

in all its parts

fittest

the

couplet

as

follows

well

defined

in

its

and does not involve any

thing for a surgeon's knife

Tr.

vital

part

boil

shape, equally
of the

body

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap, v.]

ject

The

wherever

knife

a boil, so

in

sinus, or

as to ensure

the pus accumulated in

Lateral

should be

(lancet)

fissure,

on the 'sub-

verse

Authoritative

39

used

would appear

cavity

freely

a complete

flowing out of

it.

(tirjak) incisions

made

should be

in regions

of the eye-brows, temple, forehead, cheeks, eyelids, lower

lip,

gums, armpits,

An

incision

should be

made

made

and the

loins, belly

in the region of

groins.

the hand

to resemble the disc of the

root

moon, while

those about the anus and the penis should

semi-circular half-moon

or

be

made

in shape.

Authoritative verse on the subject An incision in any of the abovesaid regions not
:

made

as directed,

may

to extreme pain,

give rise

pro-

longed granulation (healing) and condylomatous growths

in

and about the

of the
or

local

ulcer,

veins,

instrumental

or

to an inadvertent cutting

In

nerves.

parturition,

stone in the bladder, in

affecting

owing

fistula

in

case

ascites,

in ano,

and

of
in
in

artificial

piles,

in

diseases

the cavity of the mouth, the patient operated

on should be kept on an empty stomach (before

Then sprays of
the face and the

cold

thS^act).

water should be dashed over

eyes of the patient to relieve the pain

and the sense of exhaustion incidental to the operation.

The
to

sides of the incision should be firmly pressed fso as

ensure a good outflow of the accumulated pus) and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

40
the

margins of

the

fingers

wound

the

may

they

that

(so

should

[Chap. V.

rubbed with

be

have a level surface

Then the

and be of uniform structure throughout.)

wound should be washed with an

(of

Nimba, Triphala,

etc.)

made thoroughly dry with

astringent decoction

which should be wiped and

Then

a piece of clean linen.

a lint plug 'Varti) plastered over with the (paste) Kalka

of sesamum, hone)'
disinfectant

(lit

Ajagandha,
of

etc.

wound.

the

and

purifying

and soaked

medicines

such

in

as

should be inserted deep into the cavity

After

that,

substances should

cinal

butter,

clarified

be

poultice

made

applied over

of

offi-

and the

it

whole should be bound up with thick layers of tow

(Kavalikas such as the leaves and bark of the Indian
figtree

etc.)

which are

cooling in their effect

should be

neither

and

too

nor too

irritant

finally scraps of clean

wound round them. The

limb, [or the affected

part] should be subsequently fumigated with the

of

(anodyne)

pain-killing

linen

fumes

substances and also with

those of drugs

which are supposed to ward

malignant

(from the bedside of the patient.)*

Then

it

spirits

should be fumigated with

Guggulu,

as

Vacha,

white

and the leaves of the Ximva

butter.

Even

The

residue

of the

the drugs,

soaked

clarified

known

Saindhava

mustard,
tree,

off all

in

butter

clarified

[dripped

the bedsheels, etc. of the patient should be fumigated as above.

This foreshadows the germ theory of the modern days Tr.

Chap. V.

down

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

and collected

from the fumigating corftpound

rubbed

be

should

above],

described

41

the

over

region of the heart and other vital parts of the patient,

and the

floor

chamber should be washed and

of the

sprinkled over with drops

of water previousl)^ kept

a (new) pitcher for the purpose.

The

from the influences of baneful

spirits,

by

performed
follows

reciting

its

the god

runs

as

against the malignant

and

conjured demonesses,

Brahma be

graciously pleased to approve

May

the Gods and deities and mini-

performance.
of grace

sters

should then be

Mantra which

thy person

of Rakshas and

influences

of

of protection

"I am about to practise the prophylactic incan-

tation for guarding

may

the

rites

in

disperse

confound the

and

hosts

of

wrathful Nagas (celestial serpents), Pishachas, Gandhar-

and

vas

Pitris

that

might

be maliciously disposed

to strike thee in thy sickly confinement.

which

stir

May the

abroad in the night and roam about

sky and on earth, defend thy person

May

Brahma-begotten sages 'such

Sanaka,

and canonised kings

(Rajarshis) in

in

in recognition

thy fervent devotion to them.

as,

spirits,

the

the
of

concourse of

etc.),

the saintly

heaven and the sacred

mounts, streams and oceans of the earth protect thee

from

evil.

wind-god

May

the

fire-god

protect thy

breath

guard thy tongue

;

the

and the Moon-god,

Parjanya, Vidyut lightning) and the spirit of the clouds

preserve the healthy coursings

th}'

of

those

vital

winds

in

organism which are respectively known as Vy^na,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

42

May

Apana; Udana and Samana.

deity of

physical energies, keep

all

May Manu

immaculate.
at

the nape

intellect

tion

the Ocean,

god, thy eyes

facult)^ of

of

faculty

desire

thy region of umbilicus

the Night, thy shadow

Oshadhis, thy hair

the

the Sun-

the Water,

Infinite

thy body

in

Vaishvanara, thy head

thy complexion

Stars,

thy vigour

the

Ether, the space which

thy body

\\isundhara,

Vishnu, thy

cogni-

of

the Quarters of the Heaven, thy ears

imprisoned

thy bodily strength

Varuna, thy faculty

the Moon-god, thy mind

is

defend the two side tendons

Gandharvas, thy

Indra, thy fortitude

Chap,

the presiding

Indra,

thy neck, as well as thy

of

the

moral courage

Purushottama (the foremost of beings), thy energy of

action (dynamical action of purposes);

Dhruva (immutable

and

being),

Brahma, thy

ensure thy

safe

enjoy a long

life

such

as,

May

May

thv eyebrows.

these divinities, which perpetually reside

self;

thy body,

in

continuance in being and

may

thou

May

the

gods

through their grace.

Brahma,

etc.,

confer blessings on

Moon, the twin

the Sun, the

thy head.

Narada and

sages

Parvata, the fire-god, the wind, and the other celestial

May

helpmates of Indra, bring thee good.

phylaxis devised by

Brahma keep thee from

thou be spared to

witness the return of

and happy year on

earth.

cal

of

phenomena
rain,

and

as,

May

such

germination

evil.

many

Mav
a long

abnormal physi-

droyght, deluge, excessive

excessive

the pro-

(or

downpour
wholesale

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap, v.]

which invariably

community,

as

abate and cease.

misery.

The

vermin

of such

extinction

We

portend

well

May

mosquitoes,

as) rats,

and

evil

bloody

as

life

kings,

pain and

an

occult

power

ailments which are due to the malignant

through the protective

phylactic prayer

(lit

the recitation of the

shall see his

May

thou acquire a

energy of the pro-

: incantation; now

Then having protected the body

read by me.

of the patient with

above Vedic Mantra, the surgeon

patient taken

to

his

own chamber, and

prescribe the proper course of medicine

ing to

all

"Svaha" (obeisance\

influences of conjured up she-devils.

long

among

thou be relieved of

close the prayer with a

flies

mortality in

feuds

present Vedic mantra exercises

in relieving

.,

43

the exigencies of each case.

and

The

diet accord-

old bandage

should be loosened on the third day of the operation,

when

the

wound

or

the

a fresh bandage should be

washed, and

ulcer should

be

wound round

as before.

The

bandage should not be loosened on the day following

the lancing of a
rise to

in

the

boil,

as

such a measure might give

a sort of excruciating pain and formation of knots

wound and

(healing).

On

retard

the

process of granulation

the third day, the surgeon (Vaidya) should

prescribe the proper medicated plaster,

fully considering the strength of

diet,

etc.

after

the patient, the nature

of the disease, and the then prevailing season of the year.

wound should not be

tried to

be healed up, as long as

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

44

the least morbid matter, or pus remains in

it

would lead

to the formation of fresh

surrounding

health}^

and

tissues,

Chap. V.

inside, as

its

cavities

the

in

ultimately

to

recrudescence of the disease.

The authoritative
subject

verses on

Accordingly a wound or an

the

ulcer should

be made to heal up after the perfect purification of both

its

inside

about.

Even

of

and

the

after

fatiguing

viands,

fully

all

brought

wound

healing of the

patient should studiously avoid

indigestive

been

has

exterior

the

sexual connections,

physical

exercises

and

indulgence in emotions of grief or fright, or in ecstasies

of joy, until the cicatrix has acquired enough toughness.

The

and bandages should be untied and

dressings

changed

ever}' third

day

in

winter, in spring and in the

season of Hemanta, and on each alternate day in

and

in the

But a physician (surgeon) should

rains.

not be guided by these rules

in cases

where there would

be reasons to apprehend imminent danger, and

cases

the

summer

wound

or

in

such

the ulcer, like a house in flames,

should be checked as speedily as possible.

Clarified

butter

applied tepid to
operation,
is

is

boiled

wound,

sure to alleviate

with

Yashtimadhu,

incidental

to

and

surgical

the excruciating pain that

usually experienced in such an affected part.

Thus ends

which

llie fifih

chapter, of the Sutiasthanani in ihc

treats of Preliminarv nieasiues.

SushnUa Sanihita

CHAPTER
Xow we

VI.

Chapter which treats of

shall discuss the

the characteristic features of the differetit seasons of the

year

and

their

on

influence

and

health

drugs

fRitucharya'dhya'yam).
The Eternal Time
self-l/egotten,

is

without origin, middle, or end,

and the lord of

all

non contrariety of the natural

or

endued

substances
sweet,

as

with

attributes. Contrariety

characteristic

are brought about

etc.,

of drugs or

attributes

such

tastes,

by time

and time

the principal factor that controls the births or deaths

is

of beings.

Ka'Ia (t^me):

Etymology of the term

The Kala
fact of its

or

Eternal

time

not suffering even one

or

particles

the

(Kala)

subdivisions

is

so

called from the

of

its

own minutest

perpetually moving, and in constant motion in

it

derives

its

its

destroying

itself

epithet from the. fundamental quality

all

or

of

beings and laying their dead remains in

Some

heaps in succession.
to

though

perish,

to

assert that the

the fact that time blends

kalanam )

name

all

is

due

beings with

misery or happiness according to their respective acts,

or to

its

The
eternal

leading

all

beings to destruction

Sun-god, by

time which

is

his

peculiar

kala).

motions,

measured by years

divides

Samvatsaras)

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

46
into

such

Nimeshas

as,

(lit

Chap. VI.

but smaller subdivisions)

'increasingly progressive
:

time taken

in closing the eyelids^,

Kashthas^ Kalas, Muhurtas, days and nights, fortnights,

months, seasons,

Time taken
(such

solstices,

years and Yugas.

any of the short vowels

in articulating

as A. etc.),

is

called an

Akshi-Nimesha.

Akshi-Nimeshas make one Kashtha.

Fifteen

Thirty Kashthas

make one Muhurta. Thirty Muhurtas make one day

and night.

Fifteen

days and nights make one

fort-

Two

fort-

night.

nights

make one month.

Magha,

fortnight

etc. are

is

either dark or

bright.

The twelve months such

divided into six seasons such as. Winter,

Summer, Rains, Autumn and Hemanta, each

Spring,

consisting of

two months.

The two months known

(Magha and Phalgunai
Spring consists

Madhava

of

Ashadha

The

'.

two months
Bh^dra\

as

constitute

two

months

(Chaitra and Vaishaka

two months known

as Shuchi

Tapas

Summer

These

marked by

is

marked by

as

Hemanta
'

is

Isha and Urja

is

called

the

marked by two months

Agraha5^ana and

seasons are respectiveh^ characterised

heat, rains, etc.

and

Jaistha

Nabhas and Xabhasya (Shravana and

Sahas and Sahasya

six

is

and Shukra

The two months known

season of Autumn.

Madhu and

called

rains or the rainy season

called

and Tapasva

the season of winter.

(Ashvina and Kartika) constitute what

called

as,

Pousha).

by

cold,

Chap. VI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

The two Ayanams

moon changing

The

one another

Solstice

Tropic of

Capricorn or

in

part

this

of the

possessed of acid,

sap)

strong and become

and

when
is

the

spring and

and sweet

Summer

the

Solstice

'

grow

tastes,

dominant when the sun

summer mark the

in

Rasas (Serum or

is

all

and energy more and more.

strength

is

Winter

gains

the Tropic of Capricorn ^Dakshinayanam) and

gain in

sun

the

in

moon

the
year.

saline

as the

autumn and Hemanta

rains,

(Dakshinayanami

strength

and Capricorn)

succession

in

afid the

heavens

in the

their respective courses

measurers of time.

over the

by the sun

are ushered in

(passing over the tropics of Cancer

follow

47

over

beings

Winter,

passing of the sun over

Uttarayanam

The sun grows

stronger in heat and light, and saps rasas of bitter, puni

gent and sour tastes increase

in intensity,

and

all

animals

gradually begin to lose strength and energy.

Authoritative verses on
ject : The moon
dity
his

to

the earth which

daily

with

imparts the

the

course,

sun

while

the sub-

moisture and humi-

soaked up by the sun

is

the

wind

in

in

conjunction

and the moon, contributes towards the

preservation of animal

life.

The

successive change of

the two solstices marks a year.

Five such complete years count as a Yuga. The subdivisions of eternal

time from the- minutest Ximesha to

a complete Yuga, are constantly revolving like a wheel_,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

48
and

this constant or perpetual

wheel

or

C5Tle

time

of

revolution

^,Kala-Chakra

[Chap. VI.

is

by

the

called

certain

authorities.

The

six

seasons such as, the Rains,

etc.,

have been

again adverted to in this chapter for the purpose of fully

describing the accumulation, excitation aggravation)
pacification

and

of the bodily humours, such as wind, etc.

According to some, the rainy season consists of two

months known

as

Bhadra and Ashvina

of the

two months

manta

consists of the

of Kartika

Chaitra
of

Autumn

consists

and Margashirshya

two months

spring consists of the

He-

Poushaand Magha

of

two months

of Phalguna

summer, of Vaishakha and Jaistha

and

and

Pr^^Tit,

Ashadha and Shravana.

Oshadhis

Medical

'

and

plants

during the rains and are enfeebled

Water

becomes

muddy

or

their

in

turbid

sprout

cereals

properties.

and the earth

is

covered over with fresh deposits of washed off or silted

mud.

The sky becomes

the wind, charged

the

appetite

with

overcast

and

with an excess of humidity, dulls

and organisms of beings.

food of beings

clouds,

Hence the

which principally consists of tender

and new-grown vegetables of feeble potency, considerably vitiated by the turbid water partaken of as drink
during the season, proves acid

and germinates
In

exce-ssive

in

bile in

autumn the skv becomes

its

digestive reaction,

the

human

cloudless, the mire

system.
is

dried

Chap. VI.

up,

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

and the

rains,

is

bile originated

liquefied

rise to bilious

by the

^g

and accumulated during the

the

rays of

and gives

sun

diseases*

Plants and vegetables (Oshadhis) tlmt grow or sprout

during the rainy season, are matured in course of time

and ripen

in their virtues

and potency

The water becomes

Hemanta.

in this season.

The

sun's

rays

the

human system

cool and heavy

clear,

become

and the winds moistened with

in

the

human

Hemanta

of in

to an accumulation of

phlegm

their heaviness, sliminess,

In spring, the

system,
in

are

after being

but they
the

Hence

heavy.

divested of their properties of acid reaction

assimilated

and snow, make

frost

water and vegetables partaken

and mild

feeble

numb and

little

the season of

in

give

rise

body owing

and cooling and

phlegm thus accumulated

to

oily character.

in the

body

is

hquefied and ushers in diseases due to a deranged state

of that bodily humour, t

The

said

plants and vegetables,

their sap, moisture

in

their turn,

and nutritive element

and become dry and extremely

light.

In

manner water becomes drought-making

state of parchedness in the
virtue,,

and considerably

loses

organism
its

in

summer,
the same

[produces a

Ruksha]

natural

in

This should be regarded as the excited, aggravated or agitated

This

is

called the excited or agitated state of

its

coolness and

of bile (Pitta) in the parlance of Ayurveda.

i

lose

phlegm

(Kafa).

state

thp:

50

sushruta samhita.
The

nutritive properties.

moisture of the

and vegetables

human

dryness,

up the natural

of in summer, give rise

in the

system owing to their

expansive and drought-making

or

Subsequently wind thus accumulated in the

properties.

summer,

wind

chap. vi.

and accordingly water

system,

largely partaken

to an accumulation of
lightness,

sun's rays dry

is

by the

agitated

rains

and cold winds

'^Cr^V^rt of the rainy season (V^^vrii)

the

in

when the ground

is

flooded witii water and thus gives rise to diseases \v^hich

are incidental to a deranged state of the bodily wind.*

The fundamental bodily humours such

etc.

bile,

augmented and accumulated during the

Hemanta and summer,

should

they become aggravated

as

autumn,

wind,

as,

be

checked as

(manifest

spring, or in the forepart

rains,

soon

themselves) in

of the

rainy season

(Pravrit;.

Diseases which
of bile,

rated

phlegm

owe

their origin to a

and wind, are

deranged state

respectivel}'-

amelio-

Hemanta, summer, and autumn by natural

in

causes, [such as the variations of atmospheric or earthly

temperature,
the

accumulation,

alleviation of the

Likewise
the

different

This

is

Thus

rainfall, etc.].

the

excitation

far

we have

and

discussed

pacification

or

deranged bodily humours.

which

features,

seasons of

specifically

the year are

called the excited state of

wind (Vayu).

mark

observed

to

Chap. VI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

complete day and

characterise the different parts of a

night, [or in other words] .traits

exhibit themselves in the

by

morning

those of the rainy season

autumn

and the hours

And

Ilpmiinta

the noon

summer

the characteristics of

all

peculiar to spring time

the evening by

r,

the midnight by those

dawn by

before

of heat,

cold,

etc.

[or

in

deranged bodily humours such as

those of

-/x.rked

b"^

other words] the

wind,

bile,

etc.

and spontaneously accumulate, aggravate, or

naturally

subside during the different parts of the

in

of

similarly, like the seasons of the year,

the diffeieftypkiLs'of the day and night arc

variations

marked

is

the different seasons of the

year

day

as they

do

[represented by

those parts of the day and night as stated above].

Water and vegetables

retain

their natural properties

when

the seasons are natural, and do not

trary

features,

appetite, vitality,

system.

then tend

and they
strength,

to

and power

exhibit con-

increase the

of the

Contrary or unnatural seasons

are

human

but the

consequences of sin committed by a whole community

and

portend

the

workings

season, exhibiting

affects

unnatural

of
or

malign destiny.

contrary features,

or reverses the natural properties of water

vegetables

peculiar to

it,

which, drunk or partaken

cause dreadful epidemics in the country.

guard

lies in

The

and
of,

best safe-

not using such defiled water and vegetables

when an epidemic breaks

out in the country.

THESUSHRUTA SAMHITA,

52

Sometimes a town or a

spell or incantation.

poisonous
winds,
sort

flowers

or

fever,

depopulated by a

epidemic

irrespective

Sometimes the pollens of

grasses,

invade a town
of

is

or

all

by

wafted

a village,

cough,
of

etc.,

asthma,

catarrh,

and

are

through

malignant

houses^ wives*,

have

to

beds,

seats,

carriages,

gems and precious stones assuming

riding

mances of

rites of pacification

of prophylactic

gems and

to

the gods, celebration

practice of penances, sell-control

initiation;

preceptors,

obedience

sacrificial fire,

of sacrificial

palms to

the

cere-

gods,

and charity, kindness,

to

like rules of

beneficial to the affected

Marriages with

girls

as well to have ushered

a country.

the

one's

elders

and

and devotion to the gods and the Bramhanas,

and observance of such

locality, perfor-

drugs), recitations of mantras,

monies, obeisance with clasped

spiritual

such cases

and atonement, (wearing

libations of clarified butter cast into

offerings

animals,

inauspicious features.

healthy or unaffected

to

through

or

Prophylactic measures: In
migration

fTowns

depopulated

been

influences,

astral

or

n^^nii-vit^^c

constitutional

bodily humours agitateS'l^/Lkll^^,

known

the

and produce a

kDr'^dei'Un^::!

villages

Chap. vi.

by a monster or a demoness conjured

curse, anger, sin, or

up by a

city

in

conduct

may

prove

have

been

known

community.

of prohibited

description

an epidemic which devastated a whole town or

Chap. VI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

53

The characteristic features of the

seasons Avhich

not exhibit un-

c|o

natural traits (Metrical

winds

from

The

Hemanta.

blow

north

the

quarters

in

the

with

over

The sun

aspect.

thin

or

flakes,

of

sky are enveloped

lambs and

Cro\^'s,

rhinoceroses,

become

excited and sprightly in this

buffaloes,

or

of

layers

in

hid

is

and lakes and pools are frozen

frost,

covered

season

the

in

of the

smoke and assume a dusky

texts) -Cold

lie
ice.

elephants

part of the year

and the Lodhra, Priyangu, and Punnaga trees begin to

blossom.

Winter exhibits the same features as above, only

in a greater

the

degree of intensity

sky are

showers of

and the quarters of

by strong gales of wind and

rain.

In spring,
are

agitated

when

the summits of the

besmeared red with the moist

brides

of the

perfumed

in

Siddhas and

the

mount Malaya
of the

foot-prints

Vidyadharas, and are

contact with the sweet-scented sandal

forests, the lively south- wind is

roused up from his

and winnows gladness to damsels burning with

lair

desires,

and kindles up the flame of love and appeases the

amorous anger of the beloved

fancies to

cleared

themes of

love.

up and look

pairs

The

joyful.

by turning

their

quarters of the sky are

The woods

are decked

with the full-blown flowers of the Kinshuka,

lotus,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

54
Vakula,

mango and Ashoka

the notes of

the

through the

skies.

Cuckoo

trees.

The bee hums and

heard

are

The south wind

[Chap. VI.

reverberate

to

fans

king of

this

hung with the festoons

the seasons, and the forests are

of tender and sprouting leaves in his honour.

The

sun's rays

become stronger and more intense

in

summer.

Unhealthy winds blow from the south-east.

The

is

earth

heated

the rivers run narrow and shallow

of the

sky glare with a

blazing light, the birds Chakravakas

with their mates

in their beds

roam about
water
with

the

in

quarters

ponds and reservoirs of

quest of cool

herds of deer are tormented and overwhelmed

thirst

trees, plants

and creepers are scorched by

the intense heat, and withered leaves drop

the trees which alone serve to

make

the

off

from

identification

of their parents possible.

In the forepart of the rainy season

packs

(Pravrit',

of detached clouds, spangled with lightning and driven

before the gales of the west-wind,

and envelop the

skies.

The Earth

with luxurious growth of

there

come thundering over

is

robed

corn, enlivened

here and

by the dark crimson of the cochineal

(Indragopa),

and Kadamva,

Nipa,

Kutaja,

green

in

insects

and

the

Ketaki trees begin to flower.

During the rainy season, the

banks, tumbling

down

the

trees

rivers

overflow their

which grow on them.

Ponds and lakes are decked with the full-blown

Kumud

Chap. VI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

and Nilotpala

All

vegetation.

The

earth

planets

is

covered with firofuse

between dry lands and

distinction

becomes impossible, and the sun

of water

resers^oirs

and the

flowers.

55

are

enveloped in dark clouds that

shower torrents of rain but do not

roar.

In autumn the sun's rays assume a mellow golden

tint.

Masses of white clouds are seen to

blue of heaven.

lands

retain

still

plains

and

by

the

wings of

The high grounds become

swans

their

covered

are

and

plants

the dark deep

Ponds are decked with the

flowers, agitated

lotus

sail

muddy

full

blown

the

diving

dry, while the

low-

The

level

character.

with shrubs and undergrowths,

trees

such

Vandhuka, Kasha and Asana, flower

The bodily humours such

Vana,

as,

in

Saptahva,

abundance.

as wind, etc. aie disturbed

and aggravated by the contrariety, excess

ations

in

Hence

it

the
is

in spring, to

features

characteristic

of

the

or

vari-

seasons.

prudent to check the deranged phlegm

conquer the deranged

bile in

to subdue the deranged bodily

wind

they develop themselves

any

in

autumn, and

in the rains, before

patent or manifest

bodily ailment.
Thus ends

the

sixth

chapter of

the

Sutrasthanam

in

the

Sushruta

Sanihit^ which treats of the characteristic features of the seasons and their
influence on health and drugs.

Now we

APT E R

Chapter which treats of

shall discuss the

Surgical Appliances, their Uses and

Construction.

(Yantra-VicJhimadhya'yam).
Surgical instruments
in

much

which the hand

of

all,

as

(all

principal

number one hundred and one

of

them

handled without

it

the most important, inas-

depend on the hand

and

auxiliary)

is

as

none

of

and further

operations pre-eminentlj^ require

Any

foreign

lodgment

in

their

them can

its

be
sur-

all

co-operation.

extraneous substance, which

finds

the Inunan system and becomes painful to

the body and the mind alike,

surgical

instruments

(from

seat or place

its

for

because

gical

or

are

called a

the means

where

(Surgical Appliances

is

and

of extracting

it

embedded

it is

may be

Shalyam

divided into six different

groups or types, such as the Svastika, the Sandansha,

the Tala, the

Nadi Yantras, and the Shalakas,

besides

those that are called the minor or accessory appliances

(Upa^yantras).

The Svastika instruments

(forceps) in their turn, are

divided into twenty-four sub-classes

instruments

(tongsi

into

two

* According to certain authorities hundred

a large number.

the

is

here

the

Sandansha

Tala

Yantras

indefinitely used

for

Chap. VII.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

two

into

Nadi Yantras

the

and the Shalakas

into twent)^

tubular)

(bougies; into twenty-eight

while

the Upa-yantras admit of being divided into twenty-

of

These instrumeijts are

different types.

five

which

iron

similar

ma}"

substituted

substance

suitable

or

be

where

all

made

any other

for

would

iron

be

unavailable.

The mouths

of these appliances

made

are usuall}'

to

resemble those of birds and beasts, and hence they should

be

made

animal

mouths of some

to resemble the

in

shape, or otherwise, according to the advice

of old and experienced ph3"sicians

ing

to

the directions

(Medical books
to the

particular

as

laid

surgeons;, or accord-

down

in

the

of recognised authority,

Shastras

or according

of the case, or after the shape and

exigencies

structure of other appliances used on similar occasions.

Appliances should be

Metrical texts:
neither too
or

edges

should

and

should

be

nor too small, and

large

be

made with

steadiness,

and

made sharp and

special

they

their

made

mouths

keen.

They

eye as to strength

should be provided with

convenient handles.

to

Appliances of the Svastika class should be

made

and

their

resemble those of

lions,

jackals,

deer,

measure

eighteen

fingers

mouths should be made

tigers,

wolves,

Erv^rukas

;a

hyenas,
species

of

to

in

bears,

deer,

length

cats,

crows,

cormorants,

THE SUSHRUTA

58
Kururas

owls,

falcons,

of

species

(a

bird

two blades
together
1

means of

lentil; in size,

in

ances

of

Avabhanjanas,

and

beasts

The

birds.

or halves of a Svastika should be welded

b}-

inward

sparrow

Bhringarajas

herons,

kites,

like

Chap. Vll.

(a species of

Anjalikamas,

Nandimukhas, and such

pulse

Hasas

la species of birdi,

vultures,

SAMHITA'.

resembling

bolt

Masura

and the handles should be turned

Apph-

the shape of a mace, or an Ankusha.

type

this

an}' thorn or foreign

be used

should

matter which

extracting

in

may have

entered

into the bones.

Sandanshas tongs are divided

thev

soldered together with

are

They should he made

and should be used

length,
like

to

from

substance

two

into
or

classes

as

without a bolt.

measure sixteen fingers

in

withdraw any thorn-

to

below the

skin,

veins or

tlesh_,

nerves.

The Tala Yautras which measure twelve

in

length,

mav

Tala

siiigle

be divided into

and

the

resemble the scales of

double
fish

in

two

the entire

Yantras

mouth
are

The

shape, while

according to certain authorities, are

as

classes

Tala.

made

the

to

in

extracting

splinters

the

former
latter,

resemble

of a fish of the Bhetuli species.

used

fingers

These

from inside

the nose, ears and other external channels or passages

ot the

body.

The Nadi Yantras

tubular instruments like syringe,s

Chap. VII.

enemas,
through
a

SUTRASTHANAM.

and

open

constructed

are

various

for

in

purposes.

one end, while

others

These instruments are used

for the

are

are open at both.

running

aperture

or

.length^

shapes

of

them

of

passage

entire

their

variet}'

Some

with a

etc,

^o

at

purpose of extracting any shalyam

has pricked

that

into the external canals or passages of the body, or for

inspecting the seat

of affection as in piles,

sucking (blood,

from any affected part

etc.

Nadi Yantra should be made to

of a

commensurate with those of the passage

of the

human system

introduced.

We

into

which

in

such

diseases

tumours and

Niruddha

in

Guda

as

as

ulcers,

or outlet

intended to be

is

it

of

those

injecting anything

into

used

in

connection

in

ano,

piles,

etc.

or

Mutradvriddhi (Hydrocele)

in
(

the
to

be

fistula

Prakasha

'Stricture

well

as

'Srota'i

shall describe, later on, the types of

Nadi Yantras which are to

with

or simply as

The length and

accessories to other surgical appliances.

circumference

or for

etc.,

Phimosis
rectum)

),

Niruddha

in

and

in

ascites,

purpose

be used for

the

the

the bowels,

urethra,

vagina and the uterus, or are used in

connection

of

the

with

medicated inhalation, or with those that are known

as the Alavu Yantras (gourd used for cupping).

The

Shalaka- Yantras

bougies

are

shapes and serve a variety of purposes.

and

girths of these

instruments

of

various

The lengths

should be determined

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

6o

shalaka

Four probes or directors

in a

purposes

the

used for

suppurated
cutting

uplifting,

from the part

it

such

transfer

Chalanam
i

or

limb,

body

connection

with

purpose

the

for

one place

from

of

another

to

extracting

The mouths

affected part.

it

of the

and of a Sharapunkha

Gandupada earthworm

while

Pers

hook.

in

are

serpent and a

couple of directors are used for the pur-

withdrawing

of

two

other

the

hood of

respectively headed like the

imbedded

pus

has pricked into, or with a view to

Tephrosia Purpurea,

pose

Eshana

of these directors respectively resemble those

two types

fish

or in

are

pairs,

and thereby withdrawing a shalyam

Shalyam from the

of a

two

in

searching

of

or

part

individual case.

each

of

necessity

the

according to

Chap. vil.

'Shalyam;

matter

foreign

any outer canal of the body (Srotas

top-ends of these directors are bent

they resemble a

lentil

seed in

size.

down

The

).

little,

and

Six types of directors

or probes are used in cleansing the pus from an affected

human organism and

part of the

with caps of loose cotton.

The

their top-ends are fitted

three sorts of directors

used in applying alkaline medicines,

ladles,

and their mouths resemble the

stone mortars (Khala.)

in

Of the

cavities

like

of

little

like the

Jamboline

kind of director used

in

or

used

(Agni-

cauterisation

while the other three are faced like a mace

(^Ankusha.

shaped

six sorts of directors

connection with the process of

Karma) three are mouthed

are

fruit,

spear

removing nasal

Chap. VII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

tumours,

mouthed

is

like the half of the kernel 'found

with a

in the inside of a Jujube-stpne,

middle,

The ends
Anjanams

medicated

the

to

collyria

wrought into two small round lobes

and

pulse

used
of

are

blunted,

while

in cleansing the urethra,

tht;

in

the

is

applying

used in

type of probe

the

of

dip

little

end having a keen or sharp edge.

or

lip

its

6l

eyelids

Matara

like the

the

made round

probe

of

sort

are

like the

end

stem of a Mdlati flower.

The Upa-yantras or minor surgical

accessories include

such

substances

the Venika (braided hair;, silk thread,

rope,

as

the bark and the

inner-skin of trees, creepers, linen, Ashthila 'stones large

,

oval shaped pebbles, a

the soles of

the
fire,

mane

hammer, the palms of the hands,

feet, fingers^

tongue, the teeth, the nails, hair,

of horses, branches of trees, a magnet, alkali,

and medicine, and such

acts

as

spitting, straining

(kunthanam;, exhilaration and intimidation.

IVIetrical

texts These
:

body of

applied to the entire

thereof such

according

as,

to

the

accessories should be

a patient, or to

the joints,

arteries, the ^'iscera, or

the necessities

of

each

any part

case

to

be

determined by the surgeon.

The Functions of Surgical Instruments are striking out Nirghatanam-lit with:

drawing

mjection

or

Shalyam
filling,

by

moving

binding,

it

up-lifting,

and

fro),

cutting

and

to

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

62

[Chap. vii.

thereby withdrawing a Shalyam, resetting by means

of

a twirling motion, removing of a

one place to

another,

to

the

pressure

surface,
all

round a

part, or

off,

attracting, bringing

lowering

uplifting,

from

expanding, pressing,

twisting,

purifying of a passage, drawing

Shalyam

down, applying

an organ, agitating, sucking,

searching, cutting or cleaving, straightening, washing or

flushing, stuffing the

twenty-four in

They number

all.

IVIctrical
exercise his

nose and cleansing.

texts : The

intelligent surgeon shall

judgment and determine the nature of the

surgical operation required in

each individual case, for

surely the shalj^as requiring a surgeon's aid are infinitely

varied in their character.

An

appliance A^antraUvhich

inferior

too thick, or.

made

of

metal and hence) not substantially made, or too

or does not admit of being

short or too long,

handled

is

and

incapable

is

of

taking

in

easily

the entire

Shalyam, or

is

loosely

tied

up with cords, 'should not be used

surgical

operations).

curved, loosely fitted, or soft-bolted, or

in

These are the twelve defects of a

surgical instrument.

Metrical texts

The

use

of an

instrument

devoid of the abovesaid defects and measuring eighteen

fingers in length,

is

commended

in

surgical

operations,

Shalyas which are manifest and visible to the naked

eye, should be

extracted

with the instruments

of the

Chap. VII.

SUTRASTHA'NAM,

6^

Sinha-mukha (lion-mouthed) type, while those that can

not be seen, should be removed with the help of the

Kanka-mukhas

heron-mouthed

according to the directions laid

medical

or

surgical

The Kanka-mukhas

instruments,

down

etc.,

in the Shastras

works of recognised authority).

are the best of

instruments, inasmuch as

the}'-

all

other types of

can be inserted and taken

out without the least difficulty, are capable

of drawing

out a'Shalyam with the greatest ease, and are applicable

to

all

parts of the

human body

'be

they an artery or a

bone- joint.)
Thus

end.s the sevenih

SamhitS which
appliances.

chapter

"( ihc SiUiasthSnam

treats of the shape, construction

of the Sushruta

and dimensions of surgical

Now we

HA

PT E R

I I I.

Chapter which treats

shall discuss the

of

instruments used in connection with a surgical operation.

(Shastrarvacharaniyamaclhya^am).
These instruments are twenty

number such

in

as,

the Mandalagram, the Karapatram, the Vriddhipatram,

Nakhashastram,

the

Mudrik^, the Utpalapatram,

the

the Arddhadh^ram, the

the Kushapatram, the

Suchi,

Atemukham, the Shardrimukham,

the Antarmukhanij

the Trikurchakam, the Kuth^rika, the Vrihimukham, the

Ar^i,

the Vetasapatrakam, the Vadisha,the Dantashanku,

and the Eshani.*

The

MandaMgram

measures

six

The term Vriddhipatram

modern saw.

the

patram measures seven fingers

in

length,

The Nakhasastram

is

the

five fingers.

patram resembles a lotus leaf

measures eight
middle,

and two

fingers

at

in

length,

the blade.

as

finger

length

and

is

the

same

as

is

a razor.

Vriddhi-

handle alone measuring

the

the

modern

in breadth.

nail-clipper,

The Utpala-

The Arddhadhfiram

shape.

in

fingers' breadth' in

signifies

same

blade of the instrument measuring a

the

fingers

The Karapatram

provided with a round or circular face.

being one

The

Suchi.

finger
is

the

(lancet)

broad

at

same

the

as the

The Kushapatram is so called from its resemblance to

An Atemukham resembles the bill of a bird of
The blade of an Atemukham measures two fingers

modern needle.

the

blade of a Kusha-grass.

the

Ate

species.

length,

the

handle measuring

length of seven fingers.

resemblance of
like

its

fingers

five

The SharSrimukham

and thus

(scissors) is so-called

blades to the bills of a Shariri bird and

a modern black-smith's clipper, the measure of

twelve fingers.

The Antarmukham

is

provided

with

its

three separate blades.

The

entire

equal to ihe width of a Vrihiseed,

its

from the

length
is

The Trikurchakam

being

provid(trocar)

intervening space between

the couple of blades attached to a handle measuring five fingers

is

in

entire

looks somewhat

semicircular in shape and

ed with a toothed edge like that of a hand-saw.

is

giving an

in

length,

entire length being eight fingeis.

Chap. VIII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Of the abovesaid instruments

65

Mandalagram and

the

the Karapatram should be 'used in incising and scraping.

The Vriddhipatram, the Nakhasastram, the Mudrik^,

Arddhadharam, should be

the Utpalapatram, and the

employed

incising

in

Chhedanam

and

excising

and the Kushapatram, the Shuchi, the

(Bhedanani)

Atemukham,

the Shararimukham, the Trikurchakam and

Antarmukham should be made use

the

of in exudating

The Kutharika, the Vrihimu-

or secreting (Visravanam.i

kham, the Ara, the Vetasapatram and the Suchi

should be used

in

The Eshani

The Vadisha and the

puncturing.

probing or search-

in

probe or director)

sohd bodies.

in extracting

Danta-Shanku should be used

ing the course or direction of the pus

a suppurated

(in

and the Suchi (needle; should be used

part),

Thus we
tions

ol

have

in suturing.

func-

the eight different

explained

with surgical

connection

instruments in

the

(needle)

operations.

The kutharika

(small, blunt axe) measures seven

handle, the blade

top

like

ten

half a finger in width

The Vrihimukham measures

cow.
its

is

is

The Ar5 resembles

projections.
fingers in

entire length,

the

the girth of a

Durva

its

sesamum and has

(knife) resembles the

in length,

one finger

ing four fingers

fishing hook.

six

in

length.

and

is

entire length

its

Gandupada (earth-worm).

is

seed of

The Vetasapatram

The blade

keenly edged,

The

and measures

wide as the

is

and

small thorn-

cut into

the

shaped

(pincers for extracting

resembles the Vrihimukham in shape.

like that of a

is

(grass) stem.

The Vadisha

The Danta-shanku

in

the awl of a cobbler

blade

in liic

blunted like the tooth of'a

fingers

leaf of a Vetasa plant.

in width,

and a half

lingers

is

and the edge

that of a Vrihi seed,

like

and

is

four fingers

handle measurlike

teeth)

face of an Eshani

modern

somewhat
(probe)

is

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

66

we

No^v

instruments. The

abovesaid

the

other instruments

for excising

caught

at

hold

of

and the handle.

of their

the

of a

tion

would

mukham

an

when any

be

and

the

The Kuth^rika should be

The handle

of a

index finger

Vrihi-

first

The

(Pradeshini).

supported on

the

third

Karapatram

of the

right.

Eshani,

should be caught hold of at their roots.

the

opera-

caught hold of

hand and then struck with the thumb and

of

blood, the Trikurchakam

of the hand and the blade should be

rest

or

kept concealed within the palm

be

with the thumb

in

specially in the

secreting or exudating

necessary.

should

man, a timid

old

woman and

child, a

The instruments

caught hold of at the roots

prince of the royal

should be used

blade

time of using them, while

king,

delicate person,

case of a

the

be handled with the

slightly turned up.

blades at the

case

Vriddhipatram and

between

should

should be

secreting

handling

In acts of scraping the Vriddhipatram

palm of the hand

for

ol

(Bhedanam; should be

part

MandaUgram

and the

mode

with the

deal

shall

Chap. Ylll.

the

Ara,

instruments should

surgical

left

finger

and

the

The

be grappled

according to requirements.

The abovesaid instruments

which

their

very

ready described.

names

The

measure eight fingers

are

shaped

imply, as

like

ha^^e

things

been

al-

Nakashastram and the Eshani

in

length.

The Suchi

(needle)

Chap. VIII.

shall

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

The top-ends

be described later un.

and the Danta-Shankhu pental

bent

down

sharp

and
or

thorns,

of a Mudrika

avera'ge height.)
in

made

of

made

index

the

rest

an

finger

of the

resemble

Eshani

closely

Tlie

lenj^th

that

of the

'of

man

of

mostly

instruments are

to measure six fingers in length.

instrument

a Surgi-

in

Instruments that are

with handles of easy

end

that are not jagged and

bluntness

Curvature,
hair

edgedness,

in

well

edges

with

formed points or

be deemed as the best of their kind.

tops, should

cutting

fitted

and are made of good and

grip

pure iron, well shaped, sharp, and are set

ness,

little

measures ten fingers

Commendable features
cal

to

equal to

A Shararimukham

The

length.

made

an earth-worm.

of

should be

top phalanges of

are

newly sprouted leaves of

the

mouth

of the Vadisha

pincers';

are

faces

The top-end

barley plant.

resembles the

their

67

Kuntha lit : incapable

unequal sharpness of

over- thickness,

the

edge,

should be used.

traits

Those possessed of contrary

Karapatram

But a

rough (dentated) edge

may

set

rough-

over-lengthi-

over-thinness,

and over-shortness are the defective

surgical instrument.

of

in

features

with a very

be used for the purpose of

sawing the bones.

surgical instrument

meant

*'or

excision

'Bhedanann

should be set with an edge as thin as that of a Musura

THE SUSHRUTA

68
pulse

'lentil

seed

while an

SAMHITA'.

Chap. VIII.

instrument used in scraping

should be set with an edge half as thin as that of

An

the former.

instrument used either in connection

with the measures of secretion or cutting by uplifting

(Vyadhanam) should be

human

hair,

set with

an edge as

fine as the

while an instrument of incision should have

an edge half as thin as that of the former.

Surgical instruments should

be tempered with
water, and

of the three substances such as, alkali,

Instruments used

in cutting

body, should be tempered with

made

are

the

human

whereas those that

use of in cutting, cleaving, and lopping off the

Instruments

water.

or

(Shira)

vein

in

used

upon

a species of stone-slab

and

colour,
in a

opening

in

oil,

made

resembling a

of Sh^lmali

.Sna)^!:

and should be whetted

their set- edge should

sheath

Vyadhanam)

open a nerve

cutting

should be tempered with

it

alkali,

into

from an affected part), should be tempered with

flesh

oil.

an arrow, a bone, or any

matter (Shalyami pricked

foreign

one

Masha

pulse in

be protected by putting

wood.

Authoritative verses on the subject : An instrument, well-ground, well-shaped, fitted

with

convenient handle and capable of (laterally)

cutting a hair
laid

down

in

in

two and made according to measures

the Shastras, should be

surgical operation.

alone used in a

Chap. VIII.

The
ments

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Inferior or substitutive instruAnu-Shastras

(the

fire, alkali,

The skin of bamboos,

nails,

the leaves of trees

crystal"*

known

as

and Shakapatra, the tender sprouts

Shephalika

Goji,

Kuruvindas Ca sort of

crystals, bits of glass,

leeches,

6g

of corn, hair, and the fingers, should be included within

the category of the minor instruments of surgery and

(which
for

may

be used

in certain instances in substitution

the principal and usual ones.

Metrical texts : The

strips of

bamboo

known

as Kuruvinda,

gent physician

articles

skin, crystals, bits of glass,

or

it,

cured.

and the rock

young

intelli-

Bhedanam

in incising or excising

of the knife, or too

such as

should be used by an

where the patient would be found

tions,

with

four

opera-

have a dread

to

upon

to be surgically operated

where the proper instrument cannot be pro-

The

nails of fingers should be used in operations

of incising, excising or extracting in (substitution for the

instruments enjoined to be used for the purpose),

such a course would appear feasible.

applying

alkalis, leeches

cavity

of the
or

phlegm),

may

be

processes of

will be dealt

affecting the eyelids or

mouth, operations
evacuating

secreting

Shakapatra,

and cauterisation

In Diseases

with later on.

The

when

'the

performed

for

Shephalika or Gojis.

a probe or director, searching

may

the purposes of

accumulated
with

the

the

pus

or

leaves

of

In the absence of

be done with the help

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

^o
of a

An

finger, or

duty

skilful

pure, strong
in

the

art

successful

practice

get

to

or with

hair,

physician

intelligent

perative

by

with

his

should

and sharp iron

steel

of using surgical
in

his

should be

it

im-

his

made

and

blacksmith,
>.

sprout.

instruments

of

physician, skilled

instruments,

professional practice,

of surgery

corn

deem

surgical

and experienced

Chap. vili.

is

always

and hence the

commenced

at the

very

outset of medical studies.

Thus ends the eighth chapter of the Sutrasthiinam

SamhitS which

treats of Surgical|Instruments.

in

the

Sushruta

CHAPTER
Now we

IX.

the Chapter which treats of

shall discuss

practical instructions in surgical operations

(Yogya-

Sutra).
The preceptor should
practice of surgery even

if

the

disciple attends

see his

he has already thoroughly

mastered the several branches of the science of Medicine,

or has perused

it

In

in its entirety.

with surgical operations of incision,

of

oil, etc.

all

acts connected

and

etc.

injection

the pupil should be fully instructed as regards

the channels

along or into which the operations or

applications are

to

be

made (Karma-patha\

pupil,

otherwise well read, but uninitiated into the practice

medicine or surgery)

is

not competent to take in hand

>

the medical or Surgical treatment of a disease

of

making

specific

making cuts
gourd
art of

The

a Pushpaphala

(a

kind of

Alavu, watermelon, cucumber, or Ervaruka.

making

upward

cuts either in the

direction should be similarly taught.

or

The

in

the

body of

bladder of a dead animal, or

in

pouch

The

full

of slime or water.

making

by making

water-bag, or in

full

the

side

The

downward

art of

excisions should be practically demonstrated

openings

art

forms of incision should be taught by

the body of

in

(ol'

of a

art of scraping

the

leather

should

be instructed on a piece of skin on which the hair

has been allowed to remain.

The

art

of venesection

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

72

[Chap. IX.

(Vedhya) should be taught on the vein of a dead animal,

or with the help of a lotus stem.

The

and

worm (Ghuna) eaten

stuffing should

be taught on

wood,

or

dried

Alavu (gourd).

be

on the reed of a bamboo, or on the mouth of a

taught by

Vilva or

ing teeth

trom

secreting

or

bee's

or hide.

of extracting

art

should

Jack

as

fruit,

The

dead animal.

the jaws of a

evacuating

well as by extractact

should be taught on the

Shalmali plank covered over with a coat

surface of a

of

The

withdrawing seeds from the kernel of

a Vimbi,

of

of probing

art

wax, and suturing on pieces of cloth, skin

Similarly the art

of bandaging

or

ligaturing

should be practically learned by tying bandages round

the specific limbs and
of stuffed linen.

members of

The

art of tying

should be

(severed ear-lobe)
soft

of a

lotus

lily.

The

art

made

up a Karna-sandhi

practically demonstrated

severed muscle or on

on a

a full-sized doll

flesh,

or with the stem

of cauterising, or applying

alkaline preparations \^causticsj should be demonstrated

on a piece of

soft

flesh

syringes and injecting

and

lastly the art of inserting

enemas into the region of the

bladder or into an ulcerated channel, should be taught

(by

asking the pupil) to insert a tube into a lateral

fissure of a pitcher,

full

of water

_,

or

into

the

mouth

of a gourd (Alavu).

Authoritative verses on the subject : An

intelligent

physician

who

has

tried his

IX.

Chap.

prentice
as,

SUTRASTHANAM.

hand

gourds,

in surgery ion

etc.,

of cauterisation

such articles of experiment

or has learnt the

things as stated above

73

art

with the help of

or has been instructed in the art

or blistering (application of alkali)

by

experimenting on things which are most akin, or simithe parts or

members

of the

human body they

lar

to

are

usually applied to, will never lose

mind

presence of

his

in his professional practice.

>

Thus ends
Samhit^ which

10

the ninth

chapter

of

the

SutrasthSnam

in

treats of Instructions in Surgical operations.

the

Sushruta

HAPTER

Now we
the

he

sliall

Chapter wliich treats of

discuss the

of

qualifications

essential

enters

formally

X.

physician

(Vishlkha'-

profession

his

before

nupravcshaniya-madhya'yam).
A physician

haying thoroughly studied the Science of

medicine, and fully pondered on and yerified the truths

he has assimilated, both by obseryation and practice, and

haying attained to that stage of (lucid kno^vledge, ^yhich
)

\yould enable

him

to

make

a clear

exposition

science (^vhene^er necessary), should open

conmience

career

practising)

He

the king of his country.

habits

with

his

He

medical

the permission

his

nails

wear white garments, put on

should

of

should be cleanly in his

and well shaAed. and should not allow

to grow.

of the

pair of shoes, carry a stick and an umbrella in his hands,

and walk about with

mild and benignani

friend of all created beings, read}- to help

and friendly
ing the
to be in

full

in his talk

all,

look

as a

and frank

and demeanour, and neyer allow-

control of his reason or intellectual powers

any way disturbed or

physician,

happy augury,

haying met

interfered with.

with

messenger

of

or having been encouraged on his journey

by the notes of auspicious

the house of his patient.

birds or sights, should go

to

[Then, haying entered the

X.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

>jz^

sick room], the physician should \ie\v the

touch

patient,

with

it

(about his complaint

own

and enquire

hands,

SeNcral authorities hold that these

three, (inspection, touch

the

his

bod>' of his

and questioning; largely form

means of our ascertaining the nature of a

But that

not

is

inasmuch

correct,

the

as

disease.

five

sense-

organs of hearing, sight, etc. and oral enquiry materially contribute to a better diagnosis.

which are to be diagnosed with the help of

Diseases,

the organ of hearing, will be fully treated, later on, in

the Chapter on Vrana-Srava (secretions from an ulcer).

The wind

(Vayu), making the blood ebullient, forces

it

up

with a distinctly audible report and thus affects the sense

But

of hearing.

be dealt with

this will

later

The heat and coldness

abovesaid chapter.

on

in

the

of the body,

or the gloss, roughness, hardness, or softness of the skin

of the affected part as in fever,

swelling of the body,

touch.
state

(from

or

the

the

^itality,

strength, complexion,

.-jwecl,

ur an}' olher

fad of

flies, etc.

iheir

inflamed mucous

Prameha

organ of taste.*

The

by the sense of

perceived by the sense of sight.

the urethral in

from

oedematous

an

Fullness or emaciation of the body (cachexia),

discharges

the

are perceptible

and indications of

etc. are

or in

etc.,

The

ta.'^lc

bting or

of

Secretions or

membrane

of

should be tested with

characteristic smell emitted

ihe

dibcharj^eb

not being

swarmed

should
wiili

Ijt;

hosts

inleiicd

of ants

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

76

by an

ulcer

in

f Arishta)

critical stage

its

Chap. X.

should be

determined with the help of the organ of smell.

While such

time or season

facts as the

(of the

first

appearance) of the disease, the caste which the patient

belongs

and things

to,

measures which tend

or

about a manifest amelioration of the

bring
or

prove

as

well

comfortable
as

tion of pain,
state

of

stool,

urine

the strength

and

digestion

maturity

of the disease, the aggrava-

cause

the

and

the

of

or

as

his

of

emission

the

and

stoppage,

their

disease

and

patient,

appetite,

flatus,

the

of

disease,

(Satm3'ami

patient

the

to

to

time,

regards

the

should

be specifically ascertained by directly interrogating the

patient (on those subjects).

Though the abovesaid

five

organs of sense, like the three fundamental vital humours,

help
still

us to

the

make

locally

objects

should not be

left

of a

correct diagnosis

the

perceived

by

out of account

these

disease,

senses

in ascertaining its

specific nature.

Authoritative verse on
ject A disease wrongly observed
:

described, or wrongly

diagnosed,

is

the subincorrectly

or

sure to

mislead

physician.

Ha^'ing

made

try to cure diseases that

measures

in cases

physician

these observations the

where

are

curable,

palliation

is

will

adopt palliative

the

only remedy

that can be offered, and give up a case which

is

beyond

Chap.

all

X.

SUTRASTHANAM

^7

medical treatment, and mosth' those which are of more

than a year's standing. Diseases affecting a Br^hmana

well versed in the Vedas_, or a king, or a
infant, or

to possess a

irascible

conceals his disease, or a

temperament, or a

cumstances of
are

life

man

or without

apt to run

appearing in a

The

an

or

in the

man who pretends

knowledge of the science of medicine, or a

over his senses, or a

him,

man

an old man, or a timid person, or a

royal service, or a cunning man, or a

man who

woman,

physician,

common
who

into

man

man who
in

of an excessively

has no

control

extremely indigent

any one

to

take

cir-

care

of

an incurable type though

form at the outset.

or curable

practises his art

with a regard to

these facts, acquires piety, wealth, fame and

wished

all

for objects in life.

Authoritative verse on the subject A physician should abjure the company of

:

women, nor should he speak

joke

with them.

anything but cooked

Thus ends
Samhiti which

the

tenth

physician

rice

private

in
is

to

forbidden

them

or

to take

from the hands of a woman.

Chapter of the Sutrasthanam

treats of the essential qualifications of

in

the

a physician.

Sushruta

CHAPTER
Now we
pharmacy

shall discuss the

XI.

Chapter which treats of the

of alkalis or potential cauteries

(KshaTa-

pa'ka-vidhi-madhya'yam).
In cases that require incising, excising and scraping,
alkalis or alkaline preparations are of greater

importance

than surgical instruments and appliances (both principal

and secondary or substitutive,

of subduing

the virtues

humours

as they are possessed of

three

the

deranged bodily

such as wind, bile and phlegm).

The etymological
(alkalis) is

signification

of the

term

Kshara

based on their property of corroding the skin

i

or the flesh of an affected part of the body), or on their

peculiar quality in destroying the skin

such an effect

is

desired

and

flesh

where

Since a variety of substances

enter into the composition of Kshara alkalis

they are

endued with the virtue of subduing the three deranged

bodily humours.

Owing

to their white colour,

be included within

should

the

Ksharas

category of cooling

substances Saumya'.
(

But since many drugs or substances of a hot or

nature

Agneya) enter into

their composition, KshiCras

endued with the properties of

(alkalis)

are

burning,

suppurating

fiery

Pachana

>,

opening

blistering,

etc.,

without

Chap,

XI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM,

involving any

79
iSanimya)

contradiction to their generic

nature, and lience

included within the

the}- are

list

of

those substances which are both hot and cooling (Saum^^a

and Agne^'a

absorbent,

corrosive,

and

sores

and

paralysing agents.

They

on aaimal

They

and possess the

propert}-

the intestines.

lations in

potency,

In

large doses,

destroying the

heads according to their

alkaline

be externally

antitoxic,

They tend

to reduce fat

^'irtue

used

mode

application)

such

skin

In

in

Charma-kila,

cases of

in

of

and the

the

bad

Tilkalaka,

external

abscesses

worms and poisoning

which

three types

alkalis

should

ano, tumour,

mouth, such as Upajihva,

applications

distinct

diseases as Kitima,

Mashaka and

Danta-Vaidarbha, and
external

of

of administration \ such

as well as in the seven forms of diseases

the

effect

Alkaline preparations

in

Vyanga,

of

and

of destroying skin

have the

'alkalis)

ulcer fDushta Vrana', sinus,

cavity

anthelmintic

mucous accumu-

external

for

potions

and hoemorrhoids.

action

of curing

Dadru, Kilas, Mandala, Fistula

Nacchya,

destructive

may be grouped under two

Kshara (caustics

Pania

and

styptic

potency of a man.

virile

as the Pratisaraniya

as

exercise

phlegm and they have the

diseases.

in

digestive,

irritant,

act

are

pungent

are

improve unhealth}'

liquefacient,

granulation,

tissues.

The}'

^'irtues.

a heat- making

of

taste,

their

in

act

like

affect the

Upakusha,
of Rohini,
substitutive

THE SUSHRUTA

go
surgical

should be prescribed in cases

of alkalis,

Gulma

of

[Chap. XI.

Alkaline potions or any other

instruments.

internal use

SAMHITA'.

(abdominal

appetite, indigestion, flatulent distension of the

with suppression
stone in the
intestines

of stool and urine,

any

Alkalis

potions

man

old man,

and they

will

work

patient

prove

positively

similar mischief in a

syncope and Timira (darkness of

same way

b}-

should be

filtering

weak

from vertigo, insensi-

suffering

preparations of Alkalis
the

will

of bilious temperament, to an infant, or to an

person, or in a
bility,

subduing

for

up with fever or hsemoptysis,

injurious to a patient laid

to a

in the

from the system.

sort of poison

alkaline

or

calculi,

worms

and hcemorrhoids, as well as

or eliminating

abdomen

urinary

internal abscesses,

bladder,

of

loss

Ascites,

glands;,

vision).

made

in

These
one and

and we reserve the

full

description of this process for another occasion.

Alkalis

three

external

for

different

potencies

strong (extremel}'
to

prepare

application

such

an

alkali,

by

auspicious

full

age,

soil

purif^^

his

autumn

combinations.

Then

hill,

grown Ashita-mushka (Ghanta

and growing on

first

wishing

a l^st on a day in

astral

having ascended the brow of

physician

should

in

middling and

mild,

irritant'.

body and mind, and observe

marked

the

prepared

are

he should select a

parul tree of middle

i

recommended

on pharmacy and not anywise

affected.

in

the works

Then having

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XI.

invoked

formally

the

which bears no

white

flowers)

on the day following,

fell it

reads as

" O

the

of

spirit

thou shalt

tree,

physician should

the

reciting the Mantra which

potency,

never decrease or vanish. Stay here,

my

aforesaid

thou possessed of mighty

thou endued with fiery

execute

8l

may

virtues,

potency

thy

thou

blissful one,

work, and after the performance thereof

be at

to

libert}-

ascend to the heavenly

regions."

Then

performed the

haA'ing

thousands

wood

should cut the

small

and

pieces

tected from

and red

white

of

ceremon}' with
the physician

flowers,

the

of

abovesaid

them

put

the wind.

Homa

place

in

tree

Then having placed

into

pro-

pieces

of

unslaked limestone over them, the physician should

burn them to ashes with the lighted faggots of dried

sesamum
burnt

itself

stored.

roots

leaves,

karna,

wood

Snuhi,

Kadali,

and

fire

has

the

fruits

of

wood
Kutaja,

Vibhitaka,

as

well

fairly

as

Putika,

Aragvadha,

Indra-Vrilvsha,

Saptachchhada,

the

Palasha, Ashva-

Tilvaka,

Apamarga, Patala, Naktamala,

Chitraka,

Ashvamaraka,

the

should be separately collected

Similarly

Paribhadra,

Arka,

after

the ashes of the limestone and the

out,

Ghanta-parula

and

Then

plants.

Vrisha,

Asphota,

Agnimantha,

Gunja,

and the four species of Koshataki, should be burnt

down

to ashes.
II

THE SUSHRUTA

S2

Then

SAMHITA'.

Drona measure of the ashes thus prepared*

should be dissolved and stirred up

pure

of

water

cow's

or

twenty-one times

in

filtered as abo\-e)

should

over a
ladle.

It

gradual

stirring, the

transparent,

then

and

The

succession.

should be taken

kept

be
the

dregs thrown

and a

measure

through

filtered

saturated

or

water

alkaline

ing over the

Following

fire.

the

Kata-Sharkara,

as

Sankhanabhi,

the

set

Kudaba measure

apart

in

an

known

abovesaid alkaline

by

it

Two

continuous

piuia of tht

ashes of Kuiaja,

n^Ic.

be

iron

as

basin

and

Kudava

the (abovesaid)

be

taken

the burnt
(fresh

burnt

as

limestone

red

hot

and

pressed

steady

in

water previoush"

above

described.

eight Pala measures

the

out

water oysters)

the Shankhanabhi

water,

linen,

substances laiown

of alkaline

Then having immersed

substances

clean

and then immersed

equal proportions,
in

should

should

It

be again kept boil-

this,

pre^iously obtained, Kshirapakas

and

of

should

of

ashes

would appear

of

of the caldron, and the rest should

with a

when bv

fire

After this a

Palas)

12

the

water

caldron

it

irritating.

away.

half

agitating

piece

filtered

large

water

and

red

be

('alkaline

in

down from

saturated

slimy,

and

urine,

])e

Drona measures

in six

and boiled by gently

fire

[Chap. XI.

physician
stirring,

buinl ashes of Ghanla-panila and

etc.,

of the
in

the

should boil
care being

one pari of ihc

Chap. XI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

make

taken not to

Then

consistency.

should be taken

after

filling

The

called the Kshara (alkali

if

prepared

without

or

name

of mild alkali

caldron

its

contents

covering

carefully

subsequent

'IVLi-idu

is

potency, which,

of middling

the

its

thus prepared

alkali

addition

throw-over) of the ashes of Katasharkara,

the

the

the oven, and

pitcher,
it.

thin nor of tod thick

basin

the

down from

poured into an iron

mouth

of too

it

8o

etc.,

(lit

goes by

Kshara). Similarly, alkali

prepared with the addition of the powders of the drugs

known

as Danti, Dravanti, Chitraka, Langulaki, Putika-

Pravala

Suvarchika,

Talpatri, \'idha,

Hingu, Vacha, and Visha, or with as

available, each

weighing four

Kshara (extremely

tolas,

Kanaka-Kshiri,

many

of

them

the strong

called

is

as are

These alkaline pre-

irritating alkali).

parations of different potencies, should be severally used

in cases

where

indicated.

An

their adnn'nistrations

would be

way weakened,

alkaline preparation, any

should be strengthened by adding to

clearlv

alkaline water

it

(water saturated with an alkali) as before described.

Authoritative verses
ject

based on

The commendable
its

whiteness, on

too strong, on

its

gloss

its

and

features in

On

the morbid

the other hand,

its

an

alkali

are

being neither too mild nor

sliminess,

the place of application, and on

(Abhisyandi

on the sub-

fluid,

its

on

its

sticking to

power of secreting

and on

its

rapid

defective traits consist in

effect.

its

being

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

8^
too

m'lld,

Chap. XI.

of excessive whiteness, excessive strength

irritability,

of over-sliminess,

thickness,

insufficient

component

ingredients.

patient

laid

and

boiling,

up with

stickiness

excessive

insiifiiciency

amenable

a disease

to

or

or

of

an

application of alkali potential cautery or caustic) should

be kept

in a spacious

chamber, and should not be ex-

posed to draughts and to the hot rays of the sun,

[Then the physician

appliances etc, as

having secured]

already laid

down

in

the necessary
the Chapter V,

should view the part of the patient's body to which

the alkali

is

to

The

be applied.

be then* rubbed or scarified t with an

overt

with a piece of linen.

part

affected
alkali,

The

should

and covered

alkaline prepara-

tion should be applied with a rod or director*

and kept

undisturbed for a period needed to articulate a hundred

long letter sounds).

Metrical texts
tering, should be inferred

skin of the affected part.

The

burning

perfect

(blis-

from the black colour of the

Madhuka and

included within the Amla-varga (group

the substances
of acid drugs)

pasted with clarified butter, should be applied to allay

the incidental burning isensation).

plaster

composed

In a case brought about by (Pitta) ascendency of the deranged bile.

t

It

sliould

be scraped with

the

alkali

where the skin would appear

hard and benumlied owinp; In ihc action of the deranged

vital

i In a case of deranged phlegm (Kafa) the affected part

by itching and swelling.

winds (V5yu).
being marked

Chap.

XI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

sesamum and Madhiikam

of the shreds of Amla-Kaiijika,

taken

g^

and pasted together, should be

in equal parts,

applied to the part burnt with an alkali

the event

in

of the latter having failed to produce the desired

owing to the disease being

deepl}" seated.

Madhukam

paste of sesamum mixed with clarified

and the Kalka

butter would cause such an

Now

effect

incidental; ulcer to heal.

you may ask the question how can an acid

which

subst'ance,

is

and heat-making

fiery in its virtue

in

its

potency, tend to subdue the effects of an alkali which

is

possessed of similar virtues and properties, instead

of augmenting them, as can naturally be apprehended

Well

by

my

child,

stating, that

all

tastes enter

composition of an alkali except

pungent (Katu

taste

is

LAnurasa).

tion

with

the

Xow

acid

its

this

one

is

of

acid

one.

The

minor or accessory

saline taste

renounces

sharp or irritating property and

one

the

the

into

the principal taste of an alkali,

while the saline :Lavana forms

flavour

answered

the question can be fairly

substances of

is

its

in

conjunc-

extremely

thus transformed into

sweetness or of soothing virtue.

Hence

it

that an acid taste tends to alla)^ the burning incidental

to

an application

same way

An

of alkali

(potential

as water tends to put out

caustic)

in

the

fire.

operation of perfect cauterisation with an alkaline

application brings about an amelioration of the disease,

or

the disease

is

entirely

subdued, accompanied by

THE SUSHRUTA

86

Hghtne^ss of the

limbs

the affected part

the

part]

local

alkaline preparation

of

also

[On

may

the

[of

gives

other

tire

an

with

part]

and

termination,

ha^'e a fatal

to

rise

attended by such symptoms as burning, suppuration,

secretion

redness,

symptoms

attended by

burning

hand], excessive

is

[of

and numbness,

itching

pain,

while an insufficient burning

the malad}' and

of

Chap. XI.

and absence of secretion from

generally

is

aggravation

SAMHITA'.

and from the seat of

in

upon

comes

and fatigue

of languor

feeling

affeqtion.

the

patient accompanied with thirst, swooning and an aching

An

sensation.

ulcer

by an

incidental to a burn

alkali

should be treated with a special eye to the nature of the

disease

and the deranged bodily humour

specifically

involved in the case.

A weak

person, an infant, an aged

person, a

timid disposition, a patient suff'ering

with

dropsy

woman,

a pregnant

or

discharges,

ing

from

anasarca or from

woman

in

lungs,

or

emaciated
or

haemoptysis,

her menses,

chronic

a person subjected

abnormal

virile

with

thirst,

or

a person

to

urethral

inflammation
fits

of faint-

person

suffering

impotency, or whose testes ha^'e become

deranged either upwards or downwards, or a

suffering

of

from abdominal

from an attack of high fever or

suffering

of the

general

man

from

retro\'ersion

uterus or prolapsus

of the

or

introversion

vagina, should be

woman
of

the

deemed

Chap. XI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

being

unfit

for

over

their

is.

the veins,

nerves,

cartilages,

sutures, arteries,

of Srotas

regions

over with

with

cauterised

application

other vulnerable parts

umbilicus, genitals,
parts covered

channels),

of flesh, inside

the

body, nor

of the

bones or

or tender

throat,

(external

a thin layer

More-

alkalis.

not to be sanctioned over

gristles

joints,

87

nails

and

diseases

in

of the eyes, excepting those which affect the eyelids.

Alkalis

to

fail

produce any beneficial

patient suffering from oedema of the

effect in a

limbs, or suffering

from bone- ache, or laid up with a disease affecting the

joints or the heart, or

who
is

has

lost

all

in a

relish

person of impaired appetite

food,

even when their use

verse

on the sub-

for

otherwise indicated.

Authoritative
ject

An

sician

is

to be

by an ignorant phv-

Alkali adnn'nistered

dreaded more than poison,

with a weapon, thunder-bolts, or

in the

hand of an

intelligent

enougli to speedily subdue

its

use

is

all

death

physician

serious

blows

fire,

itself
it

is

diseases in

while

potent

which

indicated.

Thus ends

the eleventh Chapter of the

Samhita which

treats of the

Suliasthanam

Pharmacv of AlkaHs.

in

the

Siishiuta

H A PT

Now we

XII.

E'R

shall discuss the

Chapter which

and the rules to be observed

cauteries

treats of

use

their

in

(Agni-Karma-Vidhimadhyayam).
A

fire

(cautery

healing property
fire, is

which ordinarily

to medicinal or
fire

The

far as its

burnt with

disease

knows no recrudescence
the

baffle

skill

and

of a surgeon

and never prove themselves amenable

or a physician,

to

concerned.

is

cured for good and

diseases

than an Alkali as

better

is

surgical

cauterisation

are found

remedies,

to yield

following drugs, articles and

substances should

be understood as accessories to an act of cauterisation,

viz.,

Pippali, the excreta of goats, the

honey, treacle,

oil,

or

made

any other

in

which

disease

similarly

the

Jamvavaustha,
copper or
is

surgical
as

silver

seated in

is

well

the affected part

only to the

instsument

known

appliances

skin
as

made

the
of

should be used in a disease which

the flesh.

be (boiled and

restricted

the

Out of

and the rod should be

in cauterising

as

known

of copper or silver,

oily substance.

these, Pippali, the Godanta, Shara

(made red hot and) used

cow

of a

instrument

Godanta'', Shara, a rod, the surgical

as the Jamvavaustha, articles

tooth

Honey,

employed

in

treacle

and

cauterising

oil

the

should
disease

Chap. XII.

which

SUTRASTHANAM.

affects

any of the

89
bones or'bone-

nerves,

veins,

joints.

Cauterisation

is

admissible

in

seasons of the

all

year except summer and autumn; but no such distinction

should be observed in cases of impending danger,
it

when

should be practised with the help of such appliances

of a contrary

nature,

(cooling)

[as

wet

sheets, cooling

drinks and cooling plasters, etc.]

In

all

diseases

and

of the

in all seasons

patient should be fed on

year,

the

a diet of slimy (mucilaginous)

food before actually applying the cautery

patient should be kept on an

while the

empty stomach before the

where the complaint would be a case of Mudagarbha

act

rfalse

ano,

presentation), fistula in

haemorrhoids or a

disease affecting the cavity of the mouth.

According to certain
cauterisation

authorities

the processes

may be grouped under two

as the skin or the flesh

is

cauterised.

of

heads according

The

present

work

does not lay an}^ injunction against the cauterisation of

any nerve,

bone or bone

vein,

burning of the skin

is

accompanied by a peculiar

The

bursting or cracking sound.

tracted and emits a fetid smell.

where the
a

flesh

is

burnt,

(the

dove color of (blackish

and a
dr)'

little

swelling,

joint (as stated before).

skin

Similarly,
affected

in

part)

a case

assumes

brown), marked by pain

and the incidental ulcer becomes

and contracted. In the case where a

12

becomes con-

nerv^e or a vein

THE SUSHRUTA

90
is

SAMHITA'.

ulcer presents

burnt, the

Chap. Xll.

raised (elevated)

black aspect with the stoppage of

all

secretions

and

while

an ulcer incidental to the cauterisation of any of the

bone

has

joints

a parched red hue and becomes hard

and rough.

The

regions of the eye-brows, forehead

be cauterised

bones, should

head as well as
In

in a

case of

the

affecting

diseases

diseases

in

and templethe

affecting

Adhimantha (Ophthalmia).
the eye should

ej'elids

covered over with a moist piece of Alaktaka

pad of red pigment principally used

in

d3'eing

be

(a

thin

the

feet

and the roots of the eyelashes should be duly

of ladies)

Cauterisation

cauterised.

is

specificall}'

enjoined to

be resorted to incases of glandular inflammation, tumour_,

fistula in ano, scrofula, elephantiasis,

Charmakila, warts,

Tilakalaka, hernia, sinus hoemorrhage, and on the occaa vein or a bone joint, as well

sion of cutting

the event of the vital wind (Vayu)

agitated

and

and lodged

the

pain in and

and giving

in

being extremely

in the local skin, flesh, vein,

bone-joints

as

rise

to

nerves

excruciating

about the ulcer which in consequence

presents a hard, raised and inert surface.

The modes
seat of the

Ring,

the

of cauterisation

disease,

and

vary according to the

number

four in

Dot, the Lateral or Slanting

Rubbing modes.

all,

lines,

viz.,

the

and the

Chap.

XII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

91

Authoritative verse on the subject

:

physician, after having tarefully

of the disease and judiciously

strength and

the

of

parts

the situations
patient's')

cauterisation with an

considered the seat

ascertained

the patient's

of the

Marmas

body,

should

the vital
resort

malady

to the nature of the

e3''e

to

and the then prevailing season of the year.

>

The

part, after being properly cauterised, should

rubbed with an unguent composed of honey and

butter.

A man

of bilious

be

clarified

temperament or with a quantity

of bad blood lying stagnant and locked up in

any part

of his bod}', or of lax bowels, a person with any foreign

substance (such as a thorn

his body), a

weak

or a splinter

or an old

man, an

still

lodged in
or

infant,

man

of timid disposition, or a person afflicted with a large

number

of ulcers, as well

any of the diseases

as

patient

which

in

suffering

diaphoretic

are forbidden, should be regarded as a

from

measures

subject unfit for

cauterisation.

Now we

shall

describe

the

characteristic

sym-

ptoms of the several kinds of burns other than those

caused

upon
etc.].

or

(for

fatty

surgical

and hard

Hot

purposes).

fuels,

[such as

Fire
oil

feeds

both

and logs of wood

or boiling oil has the property of permeating

entering into

the minutest

nerves and veins, and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

g2
hence,

it is

capable of burning the skin,

ingly an ulcer incidental

characterised

Burns

by extreme

may

a burning

(scald) is

pain, etc.

seat

its

burn characterised by the

and extreme burning and mark-

ed by the absence of any vesicle or

blister,

called the

is

Plushtam, from the root "plusha" to burn.

characterised

is

blisters,

viz.,

Dur-Dagdham, the Samyag-Dagdham

and the Ati-Dagdham.

which

Accord-

be grouped under four distinct heads

the Plush tam, the

discolouring of

such

to

etc.

Chap. Xli.

by the eruption of large

burn,

vesicles or

and assumes a red colour, and is characterised by

excessive burning

and a kind of drawing pain, and which

suppurates and takes a long time to heal,

Dur-Dagdham (bad burn

or scald).

is

called the

burn, which

and assumes the colour of a

is

not

Tala

deep

(superficial)

fruit,

and does not present a raised or elevated aspect

and develops the preceding symptoms,

Samyag-Dagdham
the

flesh

(fully

burnt one).

is

called

the

burn in which

hangs down, and where the veins, nerves and

bones are destroyed, accompanied with

ing,

ripe

thirst,

fainting

and such

which leads to a permanent

like

fever, burn-

disturbances,

disfiguration

of the

and

body,

retarding the healing of the incidental ulcer which leaves

a discoloured cicatrix even

after healing,

Ati-Dagdham (over burnt

try to heal

any of these

measures already laid

one).

four

down

is

called the

physician should

types of burns with

before.

the

Chap.

XII.

sutrasthanam

93

Authoritative verses on the subject. The

hot by

blood of

and the

fire,

excite or causes

it

a.

man

blood thus

to raise the bile.

and made

agitated

is

heated

And

since

tends

to

and

bile

fire

(Pittam) are similar in their taste, essence, effect, potency

and natal
etc.),

factors, the effects of

and augmented through a

are naturally aggravated

contact with

Blisters

fire.

Pittam (burning sensation

crop up in

or vesicles

and mark the seat of burning, and

rapid' succession

fever, thirst, etc., supervene.

Now
ment

I shall

the course of medical

describe

to be adopted for

applied to a burn
of hot food

warm

in

should be

plasters

the Plushtam type, and a course

and drink should be likewise prescribed

The blood becomes

the patient.
is

of

Hot and

the cure of burns.

dry fomentations, as well as

treat-

thin

when

for

the body

diaphorised by m.eans of warm fomentations, and water,

virtue

of

its

thicken the blood.

cations

exercise

natural cooling

properties,

Hence warm fomentations

curative

burn of the foregoing

virtues

in

the

tends to
or appli-

case

of

and water or cold appli-

t)^pe,

cations produce the contrary effect.*

Both warm and cold measures are to be adopted

in the case

of a

* By arresting the

burn of the Dur-Daghdha

radiation

of

favouring the elevation of the local

burning sensation.

the incarcerated

t5''pe,

the

heat and thereby

temperature and the increase of the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

94

medicinal remedies consisting of cold

unguents of

clarified butter.*

Chap, xil

and

applications

A plaster composed of Tugakshiri,

Plaksha, Chandana,

and Amritam Guduchi), pasted together with

Gairika,

clarified butter,

Samyag-Dagdha

type,

the flesh

or

aquatic or amphibious animals

over the

plastered

present

bum

should be applied over a

of the

domestic or

of

and

should be pasted

affected part.

burn

the

ol

marked by excessive burning, should

type,

be medicinally treated in the same manner as a case of

bilious abscess (Pitta-vidradhi).

In the case of a burn of the Ati-Dagdha (over-burnt

the

t3^pe,

and

loose

flesh should

dangling integuments

the

or

or

a plaster

Then

the

affected

over with pulverised

dusted

be

(skin)

be removed, and cold applications should

be made over the ulcer.

should

composed

of

Tinduki and

clarified butter

applied over

its

the

pulverised

pasted together,

The

surface.!

Shali

other aquatic plants, and

* Cold applications

part
rice,

skin

of

should be

affected part should

covered over with the leaves of Guduchi, or of

be

lotus, or

measures and remedial

all

and cooling measures should be resorted

in

the

case of a deep and excessive burn, while the contrary should be held as

the

correct
)

remedy
Several

in the case of a slight

authorities

and

superficial one.

prescribe Tinduki

powdered together and mixed with

a decoction of Tinduki bark.

to

clarified

bark

and human cranium

butter, while

others

prescribe

Chap. XII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

agents,

indicated in

should

be

of a bilious erysipelas,

the case
to

resorted

95

instance

present

the

in

as well.

composed

plaster

Manjistha,

Sarjarasa,

of

(red)

wax, Madhukam,

bee's

Murva

Chandanam and

pasted together and boiled with clarified butter should

be regarded as beneficial to burns of

types to

all

promote rapid healing.

In the case of a burn from boiling
or such

butter

oil, clarified

substances should be externally applied

like

promote

measures which

and

all

part

(Ruksha) should be adopted without the

dryness

of

the
least

hesitation.

Now we
manifest
are

which become

shall describe the s5''mptoms

in

[whose

person

choked with

smoke.

nostrils

The

and larynx]
becomes

respiration

laboured and hurried and the abdomen

distended

is

accompanied by constant sneezing and coughing.

red and seem

eyes look

breathes out

smoke and

than that of
affected
thirst

it.

the

and

treatment

fails

sense

sense of

if

The

burning.

down

hear

me

to

be

patient

catch any other smell

to

of hearing

taste

is

becomes

considerably
inert

a burning sensation supervene

patient drops

Now

The

as

The

fever,

and the

utterly unconscious.

discourse

adopted

on the course of medical

in

the

case

of

one

THE SUSHRUTA

g6

SAMHITA'.

over-powered with smoke. Emetics

clarified

with

saturated

sugar- candy
w^ater, or

the

dissolved

to

grapes,

lumps of
of

quantity

be

slightly sweetened, should

The

patient.

th.e

or

milk

or

juice

adequate

an

in

any acid potion

administered

of

juice

Chap. XII.

the shape of

in

mixed with sugarcane

butter

contents of

the

stomach are speedily discharged by vomiting the disten;

abdomen

sion of the

the breath
(its

mitigated,

is

removed

is

the smell of

restored

etc.

is

cough,

thirst,

and the patient

abated,

consciousness.

to

in

and the accompanying fever with

concomitants) of sneezing, languor,

laboured breathing

smoke

Gargles having

is

a sweet,

taste restore the

sense-

perception of the patient, and gladden his mind.

Medi-

saline, acid

or

pungent (katu)

cated snuffs in adequate quantities should be administered

his

by a well-read physician

head,

their
light,

eyes

to such a patient,

whereby

and neck would be able to resume

And

normal functions.

emollient and not acid

a course of diet,
in

its

which

reaction, should

is

be

prescribed.

Cooling
prescribed or

measures

made

in

or

applications

should

be

the event of any part of the body

being scorched by excessive heat, or by being exposed

to a draught of hot and

parched wind.

Similarly,

and emollient measures or applications should be

sorted to where
or shrivelled

hot
re-

any part of the body has become frozen

by snow

or cold winds.

person struck

Chap. XII.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

by lightning should be regarded

gy

as

beyond the pale

of medicine.*

Additional texts

derably extensive

unguents

up

etc.

: \\Tieie

the scorching would be found to be consi-

otherwise such measures as lubrication

with medicated

should be adopted in a case where the patient

is

picked

alive.

Thus ends the

Samhit^ which

'3

twelfth

Chapter of the SutrasthSnam

treats of Cauteries

and the rules

to

in the

be observed

Sushruta

in their use.

CHAPTER
Now we

discuss

shall

of leeches and of

XIII.

the

Chapter which treats

how and which to

use

(Jalaukar-

vacharraniyamadhyaryam).
Leeches

should

be

applied

where

would be found to be old or imbecile,

the

patient

or a

woman,

or an infant, or a person of an extremely timid disposition,

or a

person of a delicate constitution, and as such

not

fit

mode

to

be surgically operated upon,

of bleeding

The

devised.

(Vayu\

is

since

is

this

the gentlest that can be possibly

blood vitiated by the deranged wind

bile (Pittam),

and phlegm (Kapham) should be

respectively sucked through a horn^

by leeches and a

gourd appliance (Alavu-Yantra) or with whichsoever

of

them

of such

is

available at the time, irrespective of the cause

vitiation,

whenever such bleeding or sucking

would be found to be imperatively necessary.

Authoritative verses on the subject A CO whom is described in the Shastras as of a

:

hot or heat making potency, and as possessed of a

slightly cooling (Snigdha) or

perty.

Accordingly

it

soothing (Madhura) pro-

should be used in sucking the

blood vitiated through the action of the deranged bodily

wind. Leeches, which are born in water, are possessed of

Madhura (sweet

or soothing) properties, and hence they

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XIII.]

9^

should be used in sucking the blood vitiated throoigh a

deranged condition of the bile (Pittam\

(Alavu)

pungent,

is

and

parching

The gourd
irritating

potency and should be therefore used

its

in

in

sucking

the blood vitiated through the action of the deranged

phlegm (Kapham).

Mode

of application : The

which the blood

mouth

or the

thin piece

two

aperture at

it

three

or

gically

muslin tied round

its

edges should be

and sucked with the mouth through the

or top- end, or with a gourd appliance

its tip

term

Jalauka

interpreted

(leeches)

mean

to

(Ayu) or whose longevity

whereas

first scarified

and then the

places,

equipped with a lighted lamp placed

The

from

open end, of the horn, covered with a

of

placed over

to be sucked should be

is

or slightly cut in

part

the

is in,

derivative

Jalauka (leeches)

is

in its inside.

may

be etymolo-

whose

creatures

life

or depends upon, water,

meaning

the

of

term

based upon the fact of their dwelling

("Oka" dwelling place)

in

water (Jalam). Leeches

may

be divided into twelve distinct species of which six are

venomous, and
species

are

six

non-venomous.

named

Krishna,

The

six

Karvura,

Indrayudha, Sdmudrik^ and Gochandana.

of the first-named species (Krishna) are

venomous
Alagarda,

The

leeches

marked by thick

heads, and of a colour resembling powdered lampblack.

The

leeches

of the

Karvura type have extended or

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

lOO
elongated

bodies

indented and

like

thick

at

[Chap. XIIl.

the

Varmifishes,

the

waist.

and

The

are

Alagarda

leeches are hairy, thick and round at the sides, and black
at the

are

The

mouth.

marked on the

coloured

The

lines.

leeches of the
surface

Indrayudha species

with up-pointed rainbow

skins of the Samudrikas are black-

ish yellow, dotted over

with white spots of a variety

Leeches which are provided with narrow

of shapes.

mouths and

are

bottom

the

like

marked by
scrotal

bifurcating

of

sac

a bull

the

at

line

are

called

Gochandanas.

person bitten by any of the abovesaid venomous

leeches has an irresistble inclination to scratch

the seat

marked by a considerable

swelling.

Fever, with burning, retching, drowsiness and

delirium

of the bite

which

is

supervenes and ultimately the patient loses

The

ness.

remedy

the

consists in

conscious-

all

administration

an anti-toxic medicine known as Mahagada, as

potions and unguents, etc.

Venomous

bite

snuffs,

by an Indrayudha

usually proves

fatal.

for their bites,

have thus been described.

The non-venomous

of

leeches, as well as cures

species include Kapilas, Pingalas,

Shankhamukhis, Musikas, Pundarimukhis and Saravikas.

The Kapilas
at

the

are

sides,

coloured like Manah-Shila

and

their

glossy hue like that of a

have

reddish

colour,

backs

Mudga
are

are

tinged

pulse.

round

realgar

with

The Pingalas
in

shape

and

XIII.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAAI.

loi

capable of speedy locomotion.

The Shankhamuldiis

marked by

hue

blackish

red

with

provided

are

liver,

of the

that

like

are

elongated moutlis,

sharp

and are capable of sucking blood with the greatest

The Musikas

swiftness.

blind moles, and emit a

The Pundarimukhas

are coloured like the

fetid

The

lotus hhes

Saravikas have cold bodies

width

lotus

in

leaves

length,

IMudga pulse

of the resemblance

fact

mouths to the full-blown

ions like

their bodies.

are coloured like the

and are so called from the

their

smell from

common

of

TPimdarikas).

marked with impress-

and measure eighteen

fingers'

and they should be employed

in

sucking blood from the affected parts of lower animals.

This exhausts the

The

of

list

countries,

non-venomous

leeches.

such as Turkesthan

Deccan (Pandya), the

(Yavana), the

tract of land traversed

mountains (Sahya), and Pautana

(modem

the natural habitats of these leeches.

by the Ghaut

Mathura), are

The

leeches,

found in the aforesaid countries, are specifically non-

venomous,

strong,

greedy

large-bodied,

and

ready

suckers.

The venomous

leeches have their origin

composed urine and

fecal

matter of toads

in

the de-

and venom-

ous fishes in pools of stagnant and turbid water.

origin of the non- venomous species

decomposed vegetable matter,

the several aquatic plants

is

ascribed

to

The
such

as the petrified stems of

known

as

Padma, Utpalam,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

I02

live in clear waters.

the sub-

verse on

Authoritative
ject.

Chap. XIII.

Kumuda, Pundarika, and the common zoophytes

Nalina,

which

The non-venomous leeches swim about

scented waters, live on non-poisonous weeds,

lie

in

sweet

on the

leaves of flowering water plants instead of on the dank

and

ooz)^ beds of pools,

part of a

human organism without causing any discomfort.

Leeches

wet

and suck blood from the affected

should be caught hold of with a piece of

leather, or

to a large-sized

by some

new

similar article,

and then put

pitcher filled with

in

water and

the

ooze or slime of a pool. Pulverised zoophytes and powder

meat and aquatic bulbs should be thrown

of dried

and blades of grass and

the pitcher for their food,

leaves of water-plants should be put into

to

The water and the

upon.

lie

into

it

edibles

for

them

should

be

changed every second or third day, and the pitchers

should be changed each week,
transferred

to

new

(the leeches

pitcher at

the

should be

end of every

consecutive seven days).

The authoritative verse on the subject

Leeches that are venomous,

thick

middle, elongated, of slow locomotion,

do

not

appHed

to,

readily

take

to

the

about

the

look fatigued,

part

they

are

and capable of sucking only a small quantity

of blood, should be looked

the proper or the

upon

commendable

as

type.

not belonging to

Chap.

XIII.

SUTRASTHA'NAM,

Then having

seated or laid

down

103

the patient

ing from a disease which requires the

leeches, the seat of bleeding,

should be roughened
sition of loose

earth

b}'

if

'suffer-

application

of

not previously ulcerated,

dusting

it

over with a compo-

Then

and pulverised cowdung.

the leeches should be taken out of their receptacles

and sprinkled over with water saturated with mustard

Then

seed and pasted turmeric.

should be kept in a basin

full

for

moment they

of water, and after they

have regained their natural vivacity and freshness, they

should be applied to the affected part.

Their bodies

should be covered with a piece of thin and wet linen,

or with

should
blood,

The

a piece of white cotton.

be
or

sprinkled over
slight

with

affected

drops of

made

incisions should be

part

milk

into

it

or

in the

event of their refusing to stick to the desired spot.

Other fresh leeches should be applied even when the

preceding measures should prove ineffectual.
leeches have taken to the affected part

may

That the
be inferred

from the mouths of the leeches assuming the shape

of a horse-shoe, and the
of

their

the seat

should

necks after

covered

and arched

position

they had become attached to

of the disease.

be

raised

While sucking,

the leeches

with a piece of wet linen and

should be constantly sprinkled over with cold water.

A
seat

sensation of itching and of a drawing pain at

of the

application

would give

rise

the

to the pre-

^^^ SUSHRUTA

104

SAMHITA'.

[Chap. XIII.

sumption that fresh blood was being sucked, and the

leeches should be forthwith removed.*

Leeches refusing to

fall

off

even after the production

of the desired effect, or sticking to the affected part out

of their fondness for the smell of blood, should

be

sprinkled with the dust of powdered Saindhava (rock

salt.)

After falling

the

off,

should

leeches

dusted

be

over with rice powder

and

mouths should be

their

lubricated with a composition of

and common

oil

Then they should be caught by the

thumb and the

forefinger

of the

salt.

with the

tail-end

hand and

left

their

backs should be gently rubbed with the same fingers of

the right hand from

upward

tail

view to make them vomit or

to

mouth with

the

eject the full

quantity

a
of

blood they had sucked from the seat of the disease.

The

process should

the

fullest

above,

as

food

would

from
be

should

made

the

to

The

entire

their

to

the

l5nng

quantity

that,

blood sucked

of

move about

in

quest

of

the contrary should be

dull

disgorge
entire

Leeches

disgorging.

water, while

made
emit

of

briskly

placed in

if

inferred

"^

symptoms

vomited

had

be continued until they manifest

and

inert.

Leeches

again.

quantity

These

of

the

not

sucked

leeches, though a blissful dispensntion of Nature in themselves,

instinctively

draw

off the vitiated

blood from a diseased part, attacking the

healthy vital fluid (red blood) \Yhen the former has been completely tapped
or sucked.

-y.^

Chap, XIII.

blood
an

SUTRASTHANAM.

stand

in

incurable

which

as

then be put into a

laid

ulcer

being

attacked*

with

genus,

and

their

to

Indramada.

The

new

and treated as before

down, after they had

An

of

disease peculiar

known

is

danger

105

pitcher,

sucked blood.

fully emitted the

to an

incidental

should

leeches

leeches

of

application

should be rubbed with honey or washed with sprays

of cold water, or bound up with an astringent (kashaya)

sweet and cooling

plaster, according to the

quantity

of

blood removed from the part.*

Authoritative
ject

The physician who

the habitat,
cation

mode

In case of

full

clarified

in

which

butter

known

technically

(clarified

same substance,

applied

The

in

the

ulcer should be rubbed with

while

it

should

be

conversant with

their use

and proper bleeding (Voga)

hundred times washed) Ghritam

soaked

fully

and

honey

in

as

Shatadhautam
a

all

in.

be
(lit:

of cotton,

piece

a compress

a case

should

ulcer

the

as the

butter), or

indicated.

is

over

the part.

of insuflicient

bleeding,

washed with a copious quantity

excessive bleeding (Ati-Yoga) should set

the absence of any bleeding at

appli-

aspire to cure the diseases

well

which yield to them or

*

is

of catching, preservation

of leeches, can

rubbed with

on the sub-

verse

of

cold water

Similarly in a case

if

marked by

(Mithya-Yoga) a sour, sweet and cooling

plaster should be applied over the ulcer.

Thus ends

the thirteenth Chapter of the

Samhita which

14

treats of

Leeches and of

Sulrasthinam

how and which

in the

to use.

Sushruta

CHAPTER

XIV.

Now we shall discuss the Chapter which treats of

blood (Shonita-Varnaniya- mad hya'yam).
The food

of

human

composed of the

five

admits of being

classified

tastes or

of

is

or consists

under four different heads

two [cooling

of

eightfold

expansive,

dry,

of

food

fully

is

has six

It

different

or heat-making] potencies,

properties,

mild,

slimy,

other active

variety

usually

is

fundamental material principles,

drinks and edibles, etc.].

[as,

which

being,

or

sharp,

[viz.

hot,

etc.]

and of a

efficacious

cool,

virtues.

The

with the help of the internal

digested

heat and ultimately assimilated in the system, giving

rise

to

lymph chyle (Rasa) which

or attenuated in

its

is

extremely thin

consistency and which forms the

essence of the assimilated food.*

The lymph

chyle (Rasaj, though running through the

whole organism, has

it

its

primary seat

in the heart,

whence

flows through the twenty- four vessels which branch

off from the latter

(heart) to the

extremities of the bod5\

vessels,

is

the aforesaid twenty-four

ten are up-coursing, ten

and four have a

* It

Of

free

from

remotest parts and

are

lateral direction.

all sorts

of impurities such as

permeates the minutest vessels and capillaries.

down-coursing,

The Rasa
fecal matter,

or the

etc.,

and

Chap. XIV.

lymph

SUTRASTHANAM.

chyle, thus flowing out of the heart,

maintains,

soothes,

and

owing to the dynamical

lie

its

constantly

transudation the

irrigates b}^

body, and further contributes to

life

107

growth, and supports

of causes which

effects

beyond the ken of human understanding. The nature

and course of

this

lymph

chyle,

which runs through

the whole system, can be inferred from the growth,

attenuation, or other modified conditions of the bod5\

Now

may

it

be asked, whether the Rasa, which

permeates the entire body and limbs, and which by

flowing

through different chambers (visceras) of the

body

thus in constant contact with the excreta and

is

other morbid humours,

of a

is

heat-making (Agneya) potency

The

question

the Rasa or

cooling

is

stating that, since

fluid,

and possessed

of lubricating, vitalising, moistening, and nutritive

supporting) properties,
class of

Saumya

Saumya

(Ragam)

fluid,

it

(lit

must be included within the

(cooling) substances.

obtains

in its passage

or

may be answered by

lymph chyle

(Saum3'a)

its

The Rasa, though

characteristic

through the spleen and

pigment
liver.

Authoritative verses on the subject:The Rasa or the lymph chyle, coloured

through the effect of the healthy normal
of the body,
is

obtains

the

name

of blood.

transformed into the catamenial flow

commences

at the age of

d5''eing

in

heat

The Rasa

women which

twelve and ceases at

fifty.

THE SUSHRUTA

I08

SAMHITA'.

Chap. XIV.

Catamenial blood, though originating from

which

is

(Agneya)

of a cooling potency^,
in

its

character

impregnated o\'um (Garbha)

making

in its properties on

fiery or

is

and

the

Rasa

heat-making

fecundated or

both cooling and heat-

is

accoimt of

partaking of

its

the nature of both the menstrual blood (ovum) and

semen which are respectively possessed of the two

Hence

preceding virtues.

several authorities hold

blood to be identical with the

blood or with the

life

vital principle of a living organism,

the

and being such, to be

the product of the five fundamental material principles

(Panchabhautikam).

lYIctrical
as,

a raw

or

texts: In

fleshy

smell, fluidity,

which

and mobility,

blood the properties such

respectively

redness,

characterise

fundamental principles (of earth, water,

sky) are to be found

elements

in its

lightness

air,

fire,

thus representing those

the

and

specific

composition.

The chyle produces

flesh.

From

bones.

From bones

flesh

From blood

blood.

originates

fat

originate

is

which gives

marrow, which,

formed
rise

in

to
its

turn, germinates semen.

The Rasa which

assimilated food
all

is

originated

from the digested or

and drink pre-eminently strengthens

the fundamental principles of the body.

The Purusha

or self-conscious personality

is

Chyl-

SUTRASTHANAM

Chap.

XIV.

born

in its origin,

and hence an

intelligent person should

dymph

preserve his bodily Rasa

carefully

109

by

chyle)

adopting a proper regimen of diet and conduct.

The term Rasa

go,

derived from the root

is

and the substance

is

"Ras", to

from the

so called

fact of its

continually flowing through and permeating every vital

animated organism.

principle of an

The Rasa

successively transformed into each of the

is

remaining fundamental principles of the body, and

six

continues in the shape of each for the period of three

thousand and

fifteen kalas

modern computation

days according to our

five

Thus the Rasa

converted into

is

semen, or into the menstrual blood 'ovum)

the course of a month.*

in

The

of the

development

successive

body follows a

fundamental or root principles

the

of

distinct order.

The

essence

and

is

ultimately transformed into

it,

is

excreted and effete

its

The blood,

blood.

organic
it

is

transformed
or

assimilated

its

subtile

there,

its

blood

into

is

three factors, or

into

phlegm,

transformed into

essence

subtile

is

thick

factors,

or

fundamental

its

heat

organic

principle

latter,

it

is

is

of

The

flesh.

into the fundamental organic

by the native heat of the

of

excreted

condensed portion

metamorphosed into

merged

the

into

by the
viz.,

its

the

matured
into

fundamental
the

latter

portion

is

transformed
blood,
flesh,

principle

resolved

in

thick

metamorphosed

is

merged

and there

three

its

into the

is

resolved

thus

nascent stage.

transformed into and assimilated in

bile,

essence

newly formed,
and

of

resolved
into

is

is

thus newly generated,

principle

again

is

whereas

bodv,

of the

and

matter

excreted

its

or condensed portion

Rasa

latter,

being

chyle

becomes matured

enters into the bodily principle of Rasa,

it

the native heat of the

other words,

in its

of chyle,

residue

The

etc.

immature Rasa, or the Rasa

called the

Subsequently

formation

the

passed out of the organism in the shape of stool,

produced

assimilated food-

of the

matter under the heat of digestion goes towards

by

women,

in

and
thus

of flesh,

into

three

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

JO

Authoritative verse on
putation: In the present work, as

well as in other

Rasa courses through the whole body

said

upward

downward

factors,

vis,

excreta

as

flames of

direction) like

in

waves of sound,

invisible currents of zigzag shape, like the

(an

calculated to

is

and ninety Kalas.

consist of eighteen thousand

or in

com-

its

works of recognised authority, a month

The

[Chap. XIV.

fire,

or (in

formation

of such

direction like rivulets of water.

s

excreted

its

are found

portion

towards

goes

the

be deposited in the corners

to

of

eyes and

the

inside the integuments of the prepuce, or about the region of the glans penis,
its

thick

of

flesh

condensed portion

or

and

is

essence

subtile

its

transformed into the organic principle

is

metamorphosed

there,
?7-,

by the

native heat

portion

excreted

its

drops of perspiration,
of

principle

in

of bone, and there,

three factors, v!~,

mustaches,

subtile

its

fat.

',of

that

its

of that

principle,

it

resolved

thick

assimilated

is

name
is

in
;

its

its

native heat
is

is

resolved

is

into

into

assimilated into the

is
is

state,

metamorphosed

enters

into

the

into

organic

and there matured under the native heat of

resolved into three factors,

vh,

semen.

excreted portion

its

of gelatinous matter deposited in

The semen

resolved into two factors,

I'i:.

its

and

again,

name and

of that

thick

in

its
its

there

and

the

condensed portion
subtile portion

nascent stage,

matured under

thin.

The

thick

assimilated into the organic principle of semen, the thin one being

metamorphosed into (albumen). Semen,

casts off

skin in

organic

the organic principle

into

subtile portion

nascent

its

enters into the organic principle

portion

the

in

that principle,

assimilated into the organic principle of marrow,

metamorphosed

factors,

metamorphosed into bone.

is

enters

corners of the eyes, and the oily secretions of the skin,

is

three

the pores of the

condensed portion

or

contributes towards the formation

is

into

fat,

name, and

excreted portion goes towards the formation of hairs,

The marrow,

principle
that

portion

nascent stage,

its

organic principle of bone, and

marrow.

is

by the inherent heat of

its

etc,

latter,

discharged through

condensed portion

its

and

fat,

Again the bone,

of the

is

The

into

thus newly generated, enters into the organic principle

no dregs.

Hence

certain

like gold a

authorities hold

thousand times purified,

albumen (protoplasmic

matter) to be the eighth or the culminating principle of the body.

Chap. XIV.

Now

SUTRASTHANAM.

may

it

be asked, since the Rasa

transformed into semen

is

the

stimulating

upon

effect

which

The answer

(Vajikaranam.)

own

specific

organs

the

naturally

is

of a month, what

in .the course

of administering medicine

use

of their

1 1

has a

generation

of

that such medicines out

is,

potencies and virtue help the

speedy conversion of Rasa into semen and

its

profuse

emission [on the desired occasion] like purgatives aiding

the drastic evacuation of the bowels.

Again
is

may

it

not found in an infant

bud

as well ask

whether there

But what does not

is

in

its

in

lies

child,

seed organs,

so

and

appears with

in

or

may
not.

can not be evoked

latent

semen

a potential state

or

it

As the

development.

its

lies

in

in its earl}^ stage

of growth but becomes patent only with

of

semen

organ of smell you

exist in a thing

a flower-bud

that

it,

any perfume

subsequent course of

perfume

is

Since perfume in a flower-

imperceptible to the

is

in the

how

be asked,

the growth

catamenial

male

the growth

or

blood
female

of beards

mustaches, or with the enlargement of

and

the breasts,

uterus and vaginal canal and the appearance

of pubic

hair.

The same
serves only

Rasa, originated from the assimilated food,

to

maintain the vitality

in

the old

and

spontaneously decayed subjects owing to an exhausted

state of the inner vitalising principle, natural to old age.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

112

The abovesaid

Chap. XIV.

principles (of Rasa, blood etc.) are called

the root principles (Dhatus), inasmuch as they maintain

the

against

its

speedy dissolution).

weakness

or

human

the

of

integrity

And

abovesaid

the

of

and guard

organism

since the strength

bodily

principles

absolutely depends

upon the richness or poverty of blood,

we

on the

shall discourse

The

blood, vitiated

latter condition of the blood.

by the deranged bodily wind

(Vayu), becomes thin, frothy, transparent, quick- coursing,

and

expansive,

and

is

divested of

assumes a vermilion or
its

slimy character

black hue,

whereas vitiated

through a deranged condition of the bile (Pittam),

it

assumes a blue, yellow, green, or brown colour, emits a

fishy smell,

by

flies

becomes thin

and

ants.

in its consistency

Similarly,

blood,

and

vitiated

is

shun

by the

deranged phlegm (Kapham), becomes cold, glossy and

thick,

assumes a colour like that of the washings of

Gairika or that of a flesh tendon, takes time in secreting

or in

mnning down, and

slimy character.

The

is

marked by an

increase of

blood, vitiated through a concert-

ed derangement of the three bodily humours,

by

features

peculiar to

smell.

Similarly,

the

blood,

the joint action of any two of the

humours,
of them.

is

characterised

is

marked

each of them, and assumes a

colour like that of Kanjika (sour gruel),

fetid

its

by

features

and emits a

vitiated

through

(beforesaid) bodily

peculiar

to each

Cain

XIV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

The blood

in its

113

healthy and natural state

possess-

is

ed of a vivid red colour like that of an Indragopa

(Cochineal)

insect,

and

is

too

neither

nor

thin

too

transparent.*

Cases where blood-letting

hibited

pro-

is

person afflicted with an oedematous

swelling extending

all

unfit for bleeding.

An

over the body should be deemed

intumescence occurring

and enfeebled patient owing to

in a

weak

an excessive use of

acid food or in a person suffering from jaundice or laid

up with haemorrhoids or abdominal dropsy, as well as

in

an enceinte, or

in a

person suffering from Pulmonary

consumption (Shosha), should not be bled.

Blood-letting, with the help of a surgical instrument,

may
as

be grouped under two distinct heads, according

(Prachchhanam) or venesection

scarification

Vyadhanam)

is

resorted to for the purpose.

case the knife or the instrument

driven straight
straight,

and speedily so

such a

In

(Shastram) should be
as to

make

the incision

narrow, unextended, and of equal and slight

depth throughout,

as

(so

to

reach

only the

layer of the flesh and blood), and not to

way

(Sira-

surface

injure

in

any

the local veins, nerves, joints, and other vital parts.

Bleeding performed on a cloudy day or done with a

* Additional texts
the principles

known

Later

as the

on we

shall

have occasion

life-blood (essential

Sk. Jiva-Shonita) and of the process of blood-letting.

15

to

speak of

conditions of vitality

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

114

wrong

incision, or

little

or

Xiv

exposure to cold and wind,

full

empty stomach,

with an

or on a patient

with

Chap.

on a patient not previously diaphorised,

or performed

with

is

attended

no outflow of blood owing to the thickened

condition of the blood.

on the sub-

Authoritative verse
ject

Blood-letting surgically performed on a fatigued

or

exhausted subject, or on a person

or

anyway poisoned

swoon,

on a person

or

or intoxicated,

in

from extreme constipation of the bowels accom-

suffering

panied by suppression of the flatus Vayu) and urine, or

i

on a person of timid disposition, or on one overcome with

sleep,

is

The
rise

and

On

marked by the absence of any outflow of blood.

vitiated blood, failing to find out an outlet, gives

pain in

the part

(to

which

is

it

ignorant

or

diaphorised

inexperienced

injudiciously deep incision,

is

heated, or

or

surgeon,

or

sight (Timria,

principles

paralysis
thirst,

of

or

with

by
an

attended with haemorrhage,

which may be followed by such dreadful

Shirobhitapa

confined).

on the body

the contrary, blood-letting performed

of a person excessively

an

suppuration

to itching, swelling, redness, burning,

results as

violent headache, blindness or loss of

Adhimantham (ophthalmia^
the body

loss of vital

(Dhatu-Kshaya), convulsions,

(Ekanga Vikara), Hemiplegia (Pakshaghata),

a burning sensation,

jaundice and even death.

hic-cough,

cough, asthma,

Chap.

XIV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Authoritative verses
ject

Therefore blood-Jetting

on a patient not

properly

diaphorised

should be performed

much heated

too

is

the

(before

should be given gruel

on the sub-

an extremly hot or cold season,

in

who

on one

neither

n^

The

act).

im-

or

patient

Yavagu) before the operation.

of red flow would

spontaneous cessation

indicate

that there has been a free discharge of blood.

An

act of complete

followed
in

b}'

and successful blood-letting

is

a feeling of lightness and alleviation of pain

the affected part, by an abatement of the disease,

and a general sense of cheerfulness.

person, accustomed to blood letting, enjoys a kind

of immunity from

all

types of skin diseases, sarcomata,

oedema, and diseases brought about by a

aneurism,

vitiated condition of the blood such as, Ovarian tumour,

Carbuncle, Erysipelas, etc.

plaster

Tagara,

composed of

Agaradhuma,

Patha,

Shitashiva,

Ela,

Bhadradaru, Vidanga,

Chitraka, Trikatus, Ankura, Haridra, Arka,

mala,

or

three,

or

four,

or

are available, pasted together

saturated

the

mouth

fully

come

with

common

of the incision.
out.

orrhage, the

By

as

many

and soaked

salt,

Kustha,

in

and Nakta-

them

as

mustard

oil

of

should be rubbed over

this

means the blood

will

In a case of excessive flow or hcem-

mouth

of the incision should be gently rubbed

with a composition consisting of the powders of Lodhra,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

Il6

Madhiika,

Priyangii,

Pattanga,

Gairika,

Chap. Xiv.

Sarjarasa,

Shalmali flowers, Shankha, Shukti, Masha,

Rasanjana,

Yava and Godhuma, and

As an

the fingers.

firmly pressed with the tips of

mouth

alternative, the

of the incision

should be gently rubbed with the powdered barks of

Arimeda,

Arjuna,

Sarja,

Sdla,

Mesha-shringi,

Dhanvana, or the edges of the wound should be

dusted with the burnt ashes of a

up

rolled

with the

wound

the

in

silk

cord

lightly

piece of silk

(a

form of a cord}, and firmly pressed

tips of the

fingers

or

mouth

the

the

of

should be lightly touched with the powders of

Laksha and Samudra-phena, and

edges should be

its

similarly pressed together as above.

Then

the

should be firmly tied up

piece

of

mentioned

in

connection with the bandaging

The

(Vrana).

(with

wound
silk

or

with a paste of the substances

plastered over

linen;

and

should

patient

be

kept

of ulcers
in

cool

with a wet sheet and constantly

room, covered over

soothed with sprays of cold water.

medicinal plaster

of a cooling virtue and a course of cooling diet should be

prescribed

with

fire

opened
first

for

or
at

incision

him.

an

The wound should be

alkali,

a point a
in

case

or

the vein

little

cauterised

should be again

below the seat of the

where the

abovesaid measures

should have failed to check the flow of blood.

-patient should be

made

to drink a decoction

The

compound

of

drugs of the Kakolyadi group, sweetened with sugar or

honey

and

his

ordinary'

drink should consist of the

[Chap. XIV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

common

blood of the Ena or

or buffalo.

and

cribed,

according

complications
nature

the

to

humours respectively involved

soaked

be subdued

should

deranged

the

of

rice,

should be pres-

with clarified butter,

the

sheep, hare,

deer, or of a

composed of boiled

diet

in or saturated

II7

bodily

therein.

Authoritative verses on the subject: Excessive

appetite

blood-letting

is

followed

b}' im^paired

and an agitated condition of the

owing to the

loss

of the

Vayu

vital

fundamental principles of the

body, and, accordingly, to recoup the health of the

the patient

which

is

a course of

and not excessively heat-making, and

light

which contains a

fair

making matter, and

The

is

amount of emollient and blood-

marked by

four measures

bleeding

known

are

by contracting
(thickening

Pachanam

be prescribed

should

diet

or

indicated for
;

as

congealing

(process

part),

the

of setting

wound) and the Dahanam

taste.

the stoppage of

Sandhanam

the

the affected

no acid

Kttle or

(process

Skandanam

the

blood),

local

up suppuration

in

the
the

(process of cauterisation).

Drugs of astringent tastes

are

possessed

of the

property of bringing about an adhesion (contraction) of

the wound.
ice etc,

alkaline

Cooling measures such

as,

tend to thicken the local blood

applications of
;

preparations produce suppuration

alkalis
in

and

such a

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

Il8

[Chap. XIV.

woimci or ulcer, whereas cauterisation has the property

of .contracting a vein.

Remedies and appHances possessed of the virtue of

bringing about an adhesion of such a

wound should be

used where applications for thickening or congealing

the local blood would

fail

whereas the suppurating

measures should be adopted

event

the

in

of

the

former (Sandhanam) proving ineffectual. With any of the

three of these preceding measures a physician should try
to check the outflow of blood incidental to an operation

and

of bleeding,

the

lastly

process of cauterisation

should be resorted to in the event of the preceding

ones having pro^-ed unavailing, as

it

is

pre-eminently

the best means of checking the bleeding.

The
in

the

residue

least

affected part

but prevent

its

perfect

ing should not be

of the vitiated blood continuing

may

not aggi-avate the disease

In such

healing.

again

resorted

to,

a case bleed-

but the derang-

ed residue should be subdued by means of pacifying or

absorbing remedies.

Blood
maintains

is

the

vitality.

origin of the

Blood

is

body.

life.

It is

Hence

blood that
it

should be

preserved with the greatest care.

The Vayu

of

a person

who

has been bled, and

which has been aggravated by constant cold applications

Chap.

may

XIV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

give

rise

characterised by

to

swelling

piercing

of

pain,

119
the

incised* part

which

should be

treated with an unguent of tepid clarified butter.

Thus ends

the fourteenlh Chapter of

Samhit^ which

treats of Blood.

the Sutrasthan^m in

the

Sushrula

CHAPTER
Now we
of

treats

humoral

describe

shall

XV.
which

Chapter

the

development and non-deA'elopment of the

constituents of the
.

body

excrements

and

(Dosha- Dhai:u-IVIaIa- Kshaya-Vriddhi

Vijnaniya-madhya^am).
the

Since

human body

is

constituted of humours,

(Doshas), excretions (Mala\ and the fimdamental principles (Dhatus. of blood, marrow, etc.,

hear

me

discourse

on the features which are peculiar to each of them.

The Vayu. The

imparting of motion to the

body Praspandanam;, the carrsing of the sensations of

:

the respective sense organs (Udvahanam', the passing

down

of food to

its

proper receptacles (Puranam), the

separation of excretions from the assimilated food matter

(,Viveka

semen,

and the retention and evacuation of urine and

etc.

(Dharanam' should be

fimctions of the

five

kinds*

of

ascribed to the

Vayu

inerve

forcei

which support the body.

The

Pittam. Pigmentations

coloiu-ing

of food

and metabolism of

(Paktikrit), the vitalisation

and nutrition of the

(Ragakrit), the digestion

tissues

or

protaplasmic cells (Ojakrit), the origination and preser*

They

are called Pr^na, Ud<ina,

Samdna, \'y^na and Apina.

Chap. XV.

SUTR ASTHANAM

vation of eye-sight (Teja-Krit), the germination df heat

and maintenance of the temperature of the body (UshmaKrit), and the origination

of the faculty of intellection

(Medha-Krit) should be regarded as the functions of

the five

kinds*

preservation

which contribute to the

of Pittam,

body through

of the

thermogenetic

its

potency (Agni-Karma).

The Shieshma'.The
kindsf of Shieshma
joints

to

is

function

five

the interior of the

lubricate

(Sandhi-Samshleshanam), to contribute to the

gloss of the

body (Snehanam),

the formation

to aid in

of healthy granules in sores (Ropanam),

body (Puranam',

of the

size

the

of

to

add to the

to

build

fresh

tissues

(Vrimhanam), to impart a pleasant or soothing sensation

'

body

the

to

Valakrit

krit),

(Tarpanam),

it

with

its

or

the

Rasa

soothing effect upon

They

strength

are

named

as

watery element.

lymph

the

chyle

organism and

entire

Ranjaka.

exercises

P^chaka,

tends

SSdhaka (Medh^krit and

Alochaka and BhrSjaka.

They

its

thereby contributing to the welfare of the body

The

increase

and to give firmness to the limbs 'Sthairya-

by supplying

Ojakrit),

to

are

known

as

Shleshmaka,

Kledaka,

Vodhaka,

Tarpaka,

Avalamvaka.
A^.

B,

The V^yu,

translated as wind, bile

usual

Pittam, andShleshmS, (Kaphham), though ordinarily

and phlegm,

English synonyms.

We

a separate place in another

differ

reserve the

part

of

the

in

their

meaning from

book when

we

occasion to deal with the essentials of Ayurvedic Physiology

i6

their

treatment of these subjects for

shall

Tr.

have

THE SUSHRUTA

122
to

contribute

The

blood,

SAMHITA'.

the increased

to

in its

turn,

[Chap. XV.

formation of
the

increases

blood.

glow

healthful

of the complexion, leads to the increased formation of

flesh

and muscles and maintains

The

flesh contributes

of the

limbs

matter

in

the organism.

vitalit}- in

towards the stoutness or rotundity

and occasions the formation

the

The

system.

glossiness (formation

ness and growth

the

to

rise

albuminous matter) of

of oily or

the body and primarily

gives

fat

of fatty

contributes towards

The

of the bones.

the firm-

bones,

their

in

support the body, and contribute to the formation

turn,

of marrow.

The marrow

contributes towards the for-

mation and increase of semen, and

strength,

amorous

feelings

and

hilarity.

valour and courageousness,

the internal

and amativeness,

principle in the

is

The semen

makes

ously disposed towards the female

strength

in

of the bones, and fomis the chief soiu"ce of

canities

rise to

fills

sex,

the

male organism, and

sole

gives

man amorincreases

his

impregnating

possessed of the

is

virtue of being quickly emitted.

The

excreta or the

fecal matters of a

man

are in-

dispensably necessary for the preser\^ation of the body.

They

contain the wind and digestion

.being

primarily

connected with the movements of the bodily Vayu and

the feeling of hunger).

the bladder, and

is

The

urine

fills

the receptacle of

possessed of the property of washing

or draining off the waste or refuse matter of the organism

whereas perspiration tends to moisten the skin.

XV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

The Artavam (menstrual

same properties

as

its arterial

The

serves to

make

woman

and

suppl}'ing

it

in their

breast-milk

expansion

one of the

impregnation

matter (Garbha)

in

of

mammae

of

life

tends to

turn

its

of the

maintains the

her

lof

child

(by

with the necessary and nutritive element

These Vayu,

of food).

is

patent the features characteristic

an

about

bring

namesake, and

or impregnated

foetus

The

pregnancy.

endued with the

is

woman which makes

essential factors in a
possible.

blood)

123

should be duly preserved

etc.

normal condition.

Now we

attend the loss

of any

waste

or

symptoms

the

describe

shall

the

of

which

foregoing

principles of the body.*

The
bv a

loss of the bodily

state of languor,

Vayu

nerve-force)

shortness of speech,

is

followed

uneasiness

absence of hilarity, and loss of consciousness.

or

loss of fPittam)

is

marked

b}'

a dulness

of complexion,

diminution of the bodily heat and an

of internal

(Kapham)

fire
is

(digestive

The

heat).

The

impaired state
loss of

phlegm

marked by dryness, a sensation of internal

burning, a feeling of emptiness in the stomach and other

*

Such a

loss or

perceptible

pacifying

(Samshamanam) measures,

urgings of the body,

exercise,

or

to

or to

amorous

a course

or

cathartic
to

of violent

excesses, or

unsuitable food, or ta grief, etc.

of any of them

deterioration

ascribed to the use of exce^^sive cleansing or

to

the

repression
or

should be

(Samshodhanam) and
of the

overfatiguing

use of

natural

physical

unwholesome and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

124
cavities or

Chap.

chambers of the body, looseness of the

(a feeling as
ness,

if

the joints were

all

broken), thirst,

XV.

joints

weak-

and insomnia. In such cases the medical treatment

should consist of remedial agents which are capable

the growth

of directly contributing to

of the

humour

formation

so lost or deteriorated.

the loss of

Similarly

or

lymph chyle

is

marked by

about the region of the heart, Angina Pectoris,

pain

with

or

The

blood

The

and asks

and

The

and a craving

lips,

neck, and the calves of the

and

in

is

members.

thirst.

for

acid

cool

food
place

marked by emaciation

thighs,

breasts, armpits,*

The

legs.

arteries

seem

and the body seems to be dry and

accompanied by an aching or

inert,
in its

flabby,

of

and the veins become loose

loss of flesh

of the buttocks, cheeks,

loose

and

the viscus,

patient longs to be

for cool things,

flabby.

sensation

attended with such symptoms as

is

roughness of the skin,

or drink.

heart,

gone-feeling in

emptiness
loss of

the

of

palpitation

The

loss of fat

is

gnawing

pam

followed by such

symptoms.as the enlargement of the spleen, a sense of

emptiness
skin

in

the joints, and a peculiar dryness of the

and a craving

for cold

degeneration of the bones

is

and emollient meat.

The

marked by an aching pain

the bones and bone-joints, a wasting of teeth and

in

ffums,

and a general drvness of the body.

The

armpits look thin, narrow and contracledt

Similarly,

Chap. XV.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

the loss or waste of

mation of a

marrow

in

become marrowless. The

in

by the

characterised

semen, aching pain

lesser quantity of

bones and breaking pain

ed by pain

is

125
for-

in

the

the bone-joints which have

loss or

waste of semen

mark-

is

the penis and the testes, and by incapacity

for sexual intercourse. In such cases the emission of semen

but rarely happens, and

is

then perceptibly deficient in

its

quantity, the emitted matter consisting of a small quantity

The medical treat-

of sehien marked with shreds of blood.

ment under the preceding circumstances should

of remedies of such medicinal

virtues as

of the bodily principle (thus wasted or

The
of

fecal

at

the

matter
sides

is

attended with a sensation

and

the region of

and the upward coursing of

or

about

urine

as

region

the

Similarly,

it

accompanied

flatus,

is

the loss,

of

the

(the

with
liver

the

the heart,

incarcerated)

wind

rumbling

sound

and the

intestines.

absence or scanty formation) of

marked by an aching pain

dribble or to
in

lost).

absence, suppression or scanty forma-

loss

of pain

found to

are

and immediately contribute to the formation

directly

tion

consist

come out

foregoing

in thin

instances,

in the bladder, causing

and scanty
the

jets.

Here,

remedial

agents

should consist of drugs which directly contribute to

the formation of urine.

Similarly the waste, absence or

scanty formation of perspiration

symptoms

as

is

followed by such

numbness about the pores of the

hair,

and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

126

The

dryness of the epidermis (skin\

perceptibly affected, and perspiration

The medical treatment

the application
diaphoretics,

sense of touch

is

is

entirely stopped.

such a case

in

Chap. XV.

consists

in

medicated unguents, lubrications,

of

and adoption of measures

(that

tend to

produce a copious perspiration\

the

In
flow,

time

case

of loss

the menses
or

painful.

are

waste

or

do not appear

scant}'.

of the

the

at

The vagina seems

The medical treatment

in

catamenial

appointed
stuffed

and

such cases consists

in

the adoption of alterative or cleansing measures, and in

the administration of drugs of a

potency or

The

virtue.

loss or

waste of breast-milk

a shrunken condition of the

scanty secretion of the

in

such cases

generate

heat-making (Agneya)

lies in

is

characterised

mammae, and suppression

by
or

The medical treatment

fluid.

the administration of drugs which

Kapham.

The atrophy

or wasting of the foetus

(during the period

absence of any

of

gestation)

movement

in

is

in

the

womb

marked by the

the uterus

and the non-

distended condition of the sides or walls of the abdomen.

The treatment

consists

in

the application of Kshira

Vastis (enemas of medicated milk

utenis) in the eighth

into the region of the

month of gestation, and

prescribing

courses of emollient fare for the patient mother)*

* Several editions read invigorating

diets, egg, etc.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XV.]

Chap.

Now we

describe the

shall

127

symptoms which mark

the excess (excessive accumulation in the

fundamental humours,

of the

body of any
>

and excrements

]>rinciples

of the body.

The

secretion, are

humours, principles and

these

of

quantities

abnormally increased through the use of

substances that primarily contribute to their formation

organism.*

in the

An

excess

symptoms

of

Vayu

in the

is

marked by such

as roughness of the skin, t emaciation of the

body, darkness of complexion

little

body

tremor or

flit

blackness of hue), a

trembling of the limbs, longing for

heat, or for hot things, insomnia, thickness or increased

consistency of the fecal matter and decrease of bodily

strength.

(Similarly,

by

characterised

is

an abnormal) increase of Pittam

complexion

sallow

or

yellowish colour of the skin, a general burning sensation

the

in

body

as

well

insomnia, a craving for cold

as

diminution of strength,

contacts and cooling things,

weakness of the sense organs,

fits

of fainting

and

yellowness of the conjunctivae, stool and urine.

An

excess

of

Kapham

by such symptoms,

numbness of the
* Several Editions read
+

as

the

in

the

whiteness,

body, heaviness

it

as

body

an additional

text.

Several Editions read roughness of speech.

is

marked

coldness

of the

limbs,

and
a

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

128

of drowsiness

sense

and

Chap. XV.

somnolence, and a

languor_,

feeling of looseness of the bone-joints.

Similarl}',

(Rasa) in the
as,

an increased germination of lymph chyle

body

is

manifest by such

characteristics

nausea, water-brash, and an increased flow of salivary

secretion.

plethora of blood in the system gives a

reddish glow to the complexion and the

eyes,

and imparts

flesh

is

buttocks and the

An

fullness to the veins.

marked by the
lips,

rotundit}"

white of the

and

increase of

fullness

of the

as well as of the penis, arms,

and

the thighs, and an increased heaviness of the whole body.

An

body imparts an

excess of fat in the

skin.

The

abdomen

sides of the

and the body emits a

assailed with

as

and the person

fetid smell,

tion of bone (abnormal ossification)

symptoms

increased in bulk,

are

cough and dyspnoea.

oily gloss to the

An
is

excessive forma-

attended with such

the cutting of additional teeth and the

abnormal development of any of the bone-structures.

excessive formation of

of the eyes and to the

An

excess of

marrow

semen

in the

of the body.

body

and gives

marked

is

rise to

b}'

An abnormal

tion of fecal matter

abdomen and

An

is

known

increase in the forma-

attended with

colic pains in the loins

excessive formation of urine

an ex-

the fomiation

of gravels (concretions) in the bladder which are

Shukrashmari.

An

gives rise to a heaviness

members

cessive flow of that fluid

as

is

is

distension of the

and the

intestines.

manifest by constant

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XV.

129

and distension of the bladder,

urging for micturition

attended by a kind of gnawing or aching pain.

Similarly, an

An

of perspiration

secretion

excess in the quantity of catamenial blood*

gives rise to an aching of the limbs

and an excessive

flow.

So also an excess in the quantity of the breast-milk

attended with frequent secretions of that
inflaihmation and pain in

growth

anasarca,

or

uterus

An

the

of

is

and with
excessive

tends to abnomially

abdomen, and

dropsy,

fluid,

mammae.

the

of the faetus in the

swell .the region of the

by

is

an itching of the skin which emits a bad

attended with
odour.

increased

accompanied

is

lower

extremities

(phlegmasia dolens;.

These abnormal excesses of the aforesaid humours

and

body should be checked or

principles, etc. of the

remedied

with

measures as

would

be

natures, so as not to

than that

in

or

(cleansing)

corrective

indicated

by

pacifying

their respective

reduce them to a smaller quantity

which they

found

are

in

the

normal and

healthy state of a body.

IVIetrical

text

An

increased

quantity of a

bodily principle gives rise to a similar increase

of one

quantity

immediately

succeeding

order of enumeration as stated above

* An abnormal flow
woman to a considerable
weakness.

17

Il

tends
extent,

to

it

in

in

the
the

aud hence an

stimulate the voluptuous sensation of a

and

is

followed by a sense

of reactionary

emits a fetid smell and originates ovarian tumours.

130

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

increase in

any of the fundamental

Chap. XV.

of the

principles

body should be checked and reduced

to

normal

its

quantity.

Now we

shall

the characteristic features

describe

of the

strength-giving principles of the body, as well

as the

symptoms

quintessence

of

is

vitality

of

principles

lymph chyle and ending with

which

called the Ojas,

is

identical with

what

This view of oneness of

termed "vital power."

is

The

their loss or waste.

fundamental

the

all

the body, starting with

semen,

mark

that

with protoplasmic albumen has been adopted

in the present

work*
(albumen)

This Ojas

serves to impart a firm

strength-giving

or

the flesh (and the

to

integrity

muscles), exercises unbounded control

vitality,

voice and

improves the

helps both
^intellectual)

external

the

sense

over

all

complexion,

duly performing

in

acts of

and

and the internal

(operative")

organs,

principle

their

natural functions.

Authoritative verses on the subject:

the

to
*
it
it

Ojas (albumen

The

class

of

Sanskrit

lerm

Somatmakam
"Ojas"'

means protoplasmic matter

means albumen

as

being of a white colour belongs

we

as

shall

vitality

and

that the

substances.

has a variety of meanings.

found
describe

etiology and therapeutics of Prameha.

view staling that Ojas

(cooling)

in

cells

later

(Vindus).

on

in

the

Primarily

Secondarily
chapters

on

Several authorities hold a contrary

(albumen) forms only one of the essentials of

two are by no means

identical.

XV.

Chap.

It

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

cooling, oleaginous,

is

and firm

the formation and growth -of

or holds

from

it

and

firm,

one

place

It is further soft

to

and a

its

integrity

mobile or capable of moving about

organism. *

another within the

is

possessed of the most

(seat) of vitality.

members

limbs and

diminution in

loss or

maintains

and should be regarded

important element
its

(Sthira), contributes to

flesh,

and shiny, and

efficacious virtue

with

is

131

is

the most

The whole body

permeated with Ojas,

natural

its

as

quantity leads

to the gradual emaciation (and ultimate dissolution) of

organism.

blow, a persistent wasting disease, anger,

grief,

cares and anxieties, fatigue and hunger, are the causes to

which should be ascribed the wasting or disappearance

of this strength-giving principle (albumen) of the body.

The

bodily albumen, through the agency of the above-

said causes,
different

is

wasted through the channels carrying the

fundamental principles of the body. Albumen

is

transformed into strength which radiates from the heart.

A deranged or vitiated albumen (Ojas) is

firstly

by

its

dislodgment from

(Visransha), secondly,

native virtues

in

its

characterised

proper seat or locality

by a change or modification of

contact

its

with the deranged humours

or disordered organs (Vyapad)

and

thiidly,

by wasting

away (Kshaya\
* Several editions read
taste.

Rasam, meaning

it

to

be possessed of a sweet

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

132

The
gives

such

to

humours from

the deranged
tacles

symptoms

looseness

as

To

of

respective

their

and suppression of the (bodily and

functions.

XV.

the
of

dislodgment

numbness of the hmbs,

bone-joints,

Chap.

of the preceding properties (dislodgment)

first

rise

recep-

intellectual)

the second of the foregoing properties,

(change or modification of

its

natural

virtue through

contact with the deranged bodily humours etc) should be

ascribed such symptoms, as numbness and heaviness of

the limbs, dropsy due to the action of the deranged

bodily Vayu, discoloured or changed complexion, feeling
of malaise, drowsiness and somnolence.

perty of the deranged albumen,

on

third pro-

loss or wasting), brings

stupor, delirium

of flesh,

of fainting, loss

fits

The

and

ultimately death.

Authoritative verses on the subject: A deranged state of albumen is marked

by

the

from

its

natural

three

proper
virtues

abovesaid properties
seat (Visransha)

through

by wasting (Kshaya
(Visransha)

by an

by

is

a dislodgment of the

natural seats,
intellectual

dislodgment

by a change of

its

contamination (Vyapadi and

The

characterised

inert state of the

of

first

of

these

properties

by looseness of the

joints,

body, by a sense of fatigue,

deranged humours from their

and by a suppression of the bodily and

functions.

Numbness

and heaviness

of

the limbs, malaise, a discoloured complexion, drowsiness,

Chap.

XV.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

133

somnolence and dropsical swelling brought about by

a

deranged

of

the

Vyapad

the natural virtues of albumen

through

The

contamination).

by

marked

should be

Vayu,

bodily

t\\e

loss or

waste of Ojah (albumen)

symptoms

such

of

consequences

natural

considered as

^change

ot

state

as

of

fits

is

fainting,

emaciation of the body, bewilderment and distraction

mind, delirium and loss of consciousness and

of the

ultim?itely death.

The medical treatment

flowing

cases of dislodgment or

in

albumen from

external secretion) of

out

natural seat (Visransha), as well as in the

becoming contaminated by the

elixirs

its

it

of

quantity by

and remedies possessed of rejuvenating properties,

tending to increase the quantity of such

in the

event of

principles

vitiated

the body, should consist in improving

its

body.

owing

an

to

patient

who

excessive

has lost

all

waste

or

loss

fluid

(albumen

consciousness
of

albumen)

should be given up by a physician as incurable\

The
the

or

oily

internal

heat

and

succeeding

head

substances.

body

the

of

the

found

within

components of the other fundamental principles

(Dhatu)

the

matter

albuminous

of

as

regularly

ones)

should

fiery

or

metabolised

metamorphosed
be

grouped

thermogenetic

This fatty matter

by

iVas^'i

the female organism and produces

its

the
into

under

(Agneya))

predominates

in

peculiar softness,

^^^ SUSHRUTA

134

SAMHITA'.

[Chap. XV.

beauty and pleasing shape, causes the grovrth of scanty

but soft hair on

its

surface.

It strengthens the eyesight

and increases the energy of the body, improves

power of

digestion

plexion.

Fat

astringent,

is

glow and com-

its

deranged by such acts

bitter,

(indigestible

and heightens

food

as,

parchifying

cold,

which

remains

its

an abuse of

Vistambhi

or
stuffed

the

in

stomach^ substances, a voluntary repression of the natural

urging for evacutions of the body, by excessive sexual in-

and fatiguing physical exercise, or by the

dulgence,

draining action of any particular disease.

An

instance of dislodgment of fat from

or locality

is

its

proper seat

attended by such symptoms as roughness

of the skin, loss of the natural healthful glow of the body

and a breaking or an aching pain

in the limbs.

Anaemia

or a gradual emaciation of the body, impaired digestive

function

and a slanting or downward course of the

deranged humours, mark the case where the bodily

undergone a change

in its natural properties

foul contamination.

fat is

has

fat

through any

case of loss or waste of the bodily

marked by such S5aTiptoms

function, dulness of sight,

as,

impaired digestive

decay of strength and aggra-

vation of the bodily Vayu, and always ends in death.

The medical treatment

in the latter case (loss of fat)

should consist in the administration of oily or emollient

drinks,

Pradeha

use of medicated
(plasters

of

unguents
oleaginous

or

lubrications,

substances)

and

Chap. XV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

13^

Parisheka (washes) and a diet comprising

and well-cooked

lYIetrical
a

wasting

of

fundamental

articles of food.

texts
any

person

the

of

principles

as well as one

cooling

light,

constituent

humours

excrements of the

or

suffering

from

suffering

from

body,

Ojah (albumen)

loss of

naturally craves for drink and food

or

that tend to

con-

tribute directly to the formation of the matter (or bodily

principle) so lost or wasted.

food

or

from a

drink longed

loss or

for

should

a curative

virtue

person

upon

be looked
that

in

as

particular

bodily and intellectual

bodih'

functions

Vayu

should be regarded as past

possessed

lymph

Such a
of his

and extremely

to the loss of the vital fluid

all

cure.

be ascribed to changes

chyle.

of

through a deranged

Etiology of Obesity : Obesity

flesh (Karsha) should

fluids or

divested

ner\-e-force)

weak and enfeebled owing

tion of the

suffering

case.

consciousness and

person devoid of

of the

b}'

waste of any of the abovesaid

principles,

state

Conversely, the particular

in

or loss

of

the condi-

The lymph chyle derived from

the assimilated food of a person,

who

is

habituated to a

course of diet which tends to promote the quantitv of

Kapham

the bodily
belly even

when

digested, or

who

or

is in

the habit of pampering his

a previous meal has not been thoroughly

is

addicted to a habit of sleeping in the

day, or leading a sedentary

life,

or

is

averse to taking

136

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

any

sort of physical exercise, continues in

and

State

is

Chap. XV.

an immature

transformed into a serum of sweet taste which

moves about within the body, engendering the formation

of fat which produces excessive stoutness.

person

with obesity develops such symptoms as short-

afflicted

ness of breath, thirst, ravenous appetite, excessive sleepi-

odours

ness, perspiration, fetid

sound

in the throat

the softness of

dulness or heaviness

kind of work.
nished

fatty person

Capacity

etc.,

semen by phlegm

of

body such

as,

rest

lymph

and

of

fatty

is

dimi-

the

deposits

root-principles

chyle, albumen,

considerably arrested

is

unntted for every

for sexual intercourse

and the growth of the

of the

is

to

such a one), owing to the obstruction of the

(in

passage

Owing

of speech.

indistinctness

fat,

wheezing

during sleep or sudden suspension of

breath, inert feeling in the limbs,

of the body, and

the body,

in

owing

to

the

semen,
deposit

matter within the channels of the internal

of fatty

passages of the body, thus seriously affecting his bodily

An

strength.

be

likely to

such

as,

fever,

obese or excessively corpulent person

afflicted

is

with any of the following diseases

urethral discharges, eruptions, boils, carbuncles,

fistula

in

ano, or with any of the diseases which

are caused

by a deranged

and such

attacks are

in death.

Any

state

of the bodily

invariably

found to terminate

disease in such a person

into one of a violent

V^3ai

is

apt to develop

and dangerous type owing to the

obstruction of the internal channels with deposits of

fat.

Chap. XV.

Hence

SUTRASTHANAM.

conditions which foster the growth

things or

all

^2^7

of abnormal fat should be carefully avoided.

Accordingly medicated compositions, consisting of

such

and

drugs

substances

as

Guggulu,

Shilajatu,

Go-Mutram, Triphala, Loharaja, Rasanjanam, IMadhu,

Mudga, Koradusha, Shyamaka and

Yava,

which are
agents

anti-fat

internal channels, as

solutions

their properties, or of remedial

in

the

possessing

well

technically

Uddiilaka

cleansing

of

efficacy

the

enematas of liquefacient

as

known

Lekhana

as

Vastis

and

physical exercise should be prescribed.

Etiology of

Karshyam

: Loss

of flesh

or

a gradual emaciation of the body should be ascribed to

the partaking of food in the composition of which, matter

which aggravates the bodily Vayu

largel)' or

excessively

enters, to over-fatiguing physical exercise, sexual excesses,

over study,

up of

fright, grief

or anxiety, to the

keeping

late hours, to unsatisfied hunger, insufficient food,

and to astringent food which tends to

chyle.

The

chyle, thus parched up,

organism, but

fails

element owing to

to impart to

its

it

dr}-

up the lymph

moves about

in

the

the necessary nutritive

being insufficiently charged with

it,

thus causing the body to grow extremely emaciated.

A
body

patient suffering from extreme emaciation

fails

to bear the inclemencies of weather

variations of terrestrial heat,

all

of the

and the

and becomes apathetic to

movements and does but imperfectly perform the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

138

functions of vitality, and

The

thirst or hunger.

also incapable

is

[Chap. XV.

of enduring

bodily strength suffers a gradual

diminution, and diseases, incidental to a deranged state

of the bodily Vayu,
patient has to

meet

make

his

their

doom from any

as asthma, cough,

diseases

and the

appearance,

Shosha

of the following

(phthisis), enlarged

spleen or liver, abdominal drops}^, dyspepsia, abdominal

Any

glands and haemoptysis.

disease appearing in such

a patient develops into one of a violent type

owing to

the loss or diminished condition of the bodily strength

or protoplasm (Prina).

Contrarily, conditions

or

obesity should be avoided.

factors

which

produce

case

of patent

obesity

should be checked with a medicated compound, consisting of

such drugs

as,

Payasya, Ashvagandha, Vidari,

Vidarigandha, Shat^vari, Vala, Ativala, Nagavala and such

other drugs of sweet taste. Diets consisting of thickened
milk,

butter,

clarified

Yasthika, wheat, barley,

case

and sleep

in

ciu^d,
etc.,

meat, boiled Shall

should be prescribed in the

the day, sexual indulgence, physical

exercise, etc., should be prohibited.

tive substances

On

rice,

Enematas of

nutri-

can be likewise given with advantage.

the other hand, the

lymph chyle of

man, who

partakes of food belonging to both the abovesaid classes,

courses through his organism and strengthens the rootprinciples of his body, thus giving a middling or
ful

rotundity to his limbs owing to

its

health-

properties

being

Chap. XV.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

A man

equipoised.
of

possessed of such a body

He

kinds of work and movement.

all

j^c^

can

is

capable

fairly

stand

the inclemencies of weather and the keenness of hunger

and

thirst,

and

will gain in strength

and energy.

Care

should be always taken to have such a well equipped

body of moderate

size.

Authoritative verses on the sub-

Excessively

ject*:
persons

are

corpulent

regards

condemnable.

alike

neither too stout nor

as

and excessively

body which

too lean, but strikes the

plumpness,

is

the

best.

as a well- kindled

fire

temperament, constitution,

rand

since

the body vary in

body, in

the

its

gradual transformations as
age),

and changes

impossible to

its

lay

humours,

principles

(of

that

Hence

it is

state

lymph

may

be

different

found

in

and

youth
it is

and

such
old

absolutely

exact quantity

excrements
chyle,

individuals

turn, undergoes

infancy,

the

Since

it.

and the fundamental

each moment,

down

deranged

etc.)

size

etc., just

will evaporate

over

the water contained in a basin placed

principles of)

frame

lean

lymph chyle

principles of the body, such as the

^the

mean

humours dry up the fundamental

or aggravated bodil}-

same way

is

The enraged

should have the preference to a stout one.

in the

lean

of the

fundamental

blood, semen,

albumen,

human

organism.

the

necessary for a physician to ascertain their

state of equilibrium (their continuance in

normal

state

and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

[_,^0

quantity) at any particular time

pronounced

onl}' in

would

visible.

be

naturally

draw a

sigiis

of perfect health

experienced physician

organs

in

XV.

and which should be

contrar}- inference

of the

functions

where

cases

An

Chap.

would

from the improper

an individual.

person

with an uniformly healthy digestion, and whose bodily

humours

are

in

a state of equilibrium,

fundamental

the
state

vital

course

fluids

in

and

in

whom
normal

their

and quantity, accompanied by the normal processes

organic function, and intellection,

of secretion,

is

said

to be a healthy person

An
of

intelligent

health

in

physician should

healthy

individual,

preserAC

the state

he should

wliile

increase or decrease the quantity of the bodily humours,

vital fluids, or

excrements

in

sick

according

patient

to the exigencies of the case until his health

is

perfectly

restored.
Thus ends

ihe fifteenth Chapter

Samhit^ which

treats of the

of'the Sutrasthanam

in

the

Sushruta

Development and Non-development of the

humoral constituenls of the bodv.

CHAPTER
Now we

shall discuss the

XVI.

Chapter which treats of the

piercing and bandaging of the lobules of ears

(Kama-

Vyadha-Vandha-Vidhimadhyaym).
The

lobules of the ears of an infant are usually pierced

through

for protecting

mali^ant

stars

and

it

(from the

and

spirits)

influences

evil

for

of

the purposes of

ornamentation as well. The piercing should be performed

on a day of bright fortnight marked by the auspicious

lunar and astral combinations, and in the

sixth

seventh month of the year reckoned from

its

(Bhadra).
nurse,

The

child should be placed

the

beginning

on the lap of

and benedictions should be pronounced over

Then having soothed

playthings,
left

or

the

it

and lured

with

should draw

physician

hand the lobules of

it

its

ears with a

its
it.

toys and

down with

his

view to detect,

with the help of the reflected sun-light, (the closed up)

apertures that

are

Then he

localities.

with a needle held

or with

naturally

sliould pierce

in his right

thick needle

be found to be too thick.

should be

male

first

found to exist

them

in

those

straight through

hand, or with an awl (Ara),

where the appendages would

The

lobule of the

pierced and then the

child, while the contrary

left in

right

ear

the case of a

should be the procedure in

the case of a female. Plugs of cotton-lint should be then

inserted into the holes of the pricked ear-lobules,

which

THE SUSHRUTA

1^2

SAMHITA'.

Chap. XVI.

should be lubricated or rubbed with any unboiled

oil.

copious bleeding attended with pain would indicate

that the needle has passed through a

other than

place

the natural (^and closed up) fissure described above

whereas the absence of any serious

after-effect

would

give rise to the presumption that the piercing has been

Any

done through the right spot.

by an ignorant, bungling surgeon,

incidentally injured

may

be

of the local veins

symptoms which

with

attended

of K^lika, Marmarika,

described under the heads

be

will

and

Lohitika.

Karlika'

marked by

is

fever

in

the affected part and swelling.

to

pain and knotty (nodular)

affected

inflammatory)
(Lohitika)

fever

(the
last

characteristic

named type

Manya-Stambha (numb-

as,

forming the nape of the neck),

type of tetanus), Shirograha (headache) and

(a

themselves,

Karna-shula (ear-ache) exhibit

should be

gives rise

formations about the

while in the

symptoms such

ness of the tendons

Apatfinak

Marmarika

accompanied by

region,

and a burning pain

medicinal remedies laid

duly treated with

down under

their

respective

and they

heads.

The

lint

should

be speedily taken out from a pierced hole which

marked by extreme pain and

of

its

being

needle, or

made with

owing

to

inordinately large

its

lint,

is

swelling, etc.,

on account

blunt, crooked

or stunted

being plugged with a deep and

or to

its

being disturbed by the

aggravated bodily humours (Doshas), or to

its

being made

Chap.

at a

SUTRASTHANAM.

XVI.]

wrong

Eranda

An unguent composed

place.

roots, Manjistha, Yava, Tila,

Madhuka,

of

honey and

butter pasted together, should be thickly

43

clarified

plastered over

the affected part until the ulcers are perfectly healed

after

which the lobules of the ears should be again

pierced through according to

the directions laid

down

before.

The

thicker one should

successive

removed, each third

should be

lint

be inserted

occasion,

with (unboiled

oil)

stead

and a

on each

be rubbed

as before.

For the expansion of

Nimba

Apamarga, or rods of

lead) should be inserted into

of the accompanying

or

them

after the

subsidence

symptoms and deranged bodily

the locality).

t,in

lYIetrical

may

its

and the part should

the fissures, (sticks of

humours

in

da)'-,

Text The
:

fissures

thus expanded

ultimately bifurcate the lobules of the ears owing to

the effects of the deranged bodily humours (Dosha),

of a blow.

Now

hear

me

discourse on the

mode

or

of

adhesioning them (with suitable bandages).

These unions or adhesions admit of being

divided into

fifteen different

kinds,

viz.,

the

briefly

Nemi-

sandhdnaka, the Utpala-Bhedyaka the Valluraka, the

Asangima, the Ganda-karna, the Aharyaya, the Nirvedhima, the Vyayojima, the Kapata-sandhika, theArdhakap^ta-sandhika, the Samkshipta, the Hina-karna, the
Vallikarna, the Yasthi-karna, and the Kakaushthaka.

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

'^^^

144

Out

these, the

of

sandhanaka, should be used

the bifurcated lobes of the
thick, extended,

as

the

known

process,

and equal

cases

in

Nemi-

as the

where each of

would be found to be

ears

The

in size.

Utpala-Bhedyaka,

[Chap. XVI.

should be

process,

used

known

in

cases

where the severed lobes of the ears would be found to

be round,
process,

extended, and

Valluraka should be resorted

the severed lobes of the

and equal

short, circular
as the

The

equal in dimensions.
to in cases

where

would be found to be

ears

The

in size.

Asangima, should be adopted

process,

known

cases

where

in

the anterior surface of one of these severed appendages

would have a more elongated shape than the

The

known

process,

as

the

Ganda-Karna,

consists in

patch of healthy flesh from one of the

slicing off a

regions of the

cheeks and in adhering

severed lobes of the ears which

its

other.

anterior side than the other

is

it

to one of the

more elongated on

(Plastic-operations).

the case of extremely short lobes,

the

flesh

should be

cutoff from both the cheeks and adhered to them,

process being

known

as the

In

the

Aharyaya. The lobes of the

ears

which have been completely severed from their roots

are

called

Pithopamas.

The

process

as

the

cases

by

two Putrikas (Tragus and Anti-tragus

of

Nirvedhima should be resorted

piercing the

known

to

in

such

the ears.

The process known

made

use

of in

cases

as

the

Vyayojima should be

where one of the bifurcated

Chap. XVI.

of the

lobes

other

the

SUTRASTHANAM.

process

should be found to be dissimilar to

ear

regards

as

known

as

its

of the

thickness

bifurcated

consists

on the posterior

two

the

knoWn

leaves

of a

its

is

The adhesion

resembling the closing of

The

door 'Kapatam),

process

consists in bring-

Ardha-Kapata-Sandhika

as the

between

and another, which

lobes

so called from the fact of

bring-

in

side,

elongated on the anterior side of the ear.

is

The

thinness.

or

Kapata-Sandhika

ing about an adhesion,

one

145

about an adhesion on the anterior side between

ing

the shorter one of the two parts of a bifurcated earlobe

with the part, elongated on the posterior

side, like

a half- closed door.

The ten
successfully

of adhesion

aforesaid processes

brought about and their

easily pictured

may

be

shapes can be

from the meanings of their respective

names.

The remaining

five sorts

such as the

are seldom attended with success

impracticable

has

its

(Asadhayas'.

Samkhiptam

and hence are

The

process

etc.,

called

Samkhiptam

scope in the case where the auricle (^Shashkuli)

has been withered up and one of the bifurcated lobes

is

the other being reduced and shortened.

raised,

of

process

Hina-karna should be

adopted

in

The
cases

where the supporting rim of the lobe (pinna) has been

entirely

swept away and its exterior

are sunk
19

and devoid of

flesh.

sides

and the cheeks

Similarly

the adhesive

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

146

known

process
cases

the

as

The adhesion known

in cases

thin

short,

as the Yasthi

indicated

is

in

and unequal.

Kama

indicated

is

where the thin and severed ear-lobes are run

and made of knotty or nodular

across with veins

The

Vallikarna

where the lobes are

Chap. XVI.

flesh.

case in which the ear-lobe, being permeated with

little

in

a narrow tip

quantity

of
or

blood,

end,

fleshless

is

furnishes

the

and

ends

occasion for

Kakusthakapaii.

The five abovesaid

inflammation,

if

followed by swelling,

suppuration and redness of the affected

and found to be secreting a

part
or

adhesions,

studded

over

sort

of slimy pus

may

with pustular eruptions,

apprehended as not to be attended with

be

success.

Authoritative verses on the subject

The

exact middle point of the external ear

should be pierced (with a knife^ and the severed parts

should be pulled

both the

parts

down and
of

elongated in the case where

bifurcated

found to have been entirely

lost

ear-lobe

would be

or eaten away.

In

the case where the posterior one of the two bifurcated

parts

would be found to be longer or more elongated, the

adhesion should be effected on the anterior side

the contrary should be the

case

whereas

where the anterior

one would appear to be more elongated.

Only the

remaining one of the two bifurcated parts of an ear-lobe

would be

pierced, cut in

two and adhesioned on the

top,

Chap. XVI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

where the other part would be found to

in the case

be gone.

surgeon well-versed in the knowledge of

surgery ''Sh^stras
flesh

in

147

should

slice

a patch

off

of living

from the cheek of a person devoid of ear-lobes

a manner so as to have one of

former seat (cheek).

to

its

the

artificial

ear-lobe

(with

scarified

is

to be

knife),

ends attached

its

Then

part,

where

made, should be

slightly

and the

the

living

flesh,

blood'and sliced off as previously directed,

adhesioned to

it

(so as to resemble

of

should be

natural

full

ear-lobe

in shape).

surgeon, wishing to

effect

any

other than those described before, should

articles

enumerated

in

the

of adhesion

sort

collect the

first

chapter on

Preliminary

Measures to Surgical Operations, together with

water,

Dh^ny^mla (fermented

(transparent surface-part

Then the

earthen vessel.

of

rice boilings),

and

wine)

hair of the

milk,

Suramanda
powders

patient,

whether

male or female, should be gathered and tied up

knot, and the patient should be

keep up

(so

as to

his

digestion)

his

after

strength

which

his

should be asked to hold him firm.

by

incising,

affected

without
friends

lobes

as

whether the same

scarifying

found
is

hampering

and

relations

Then having
to

smgeon should examine the

excising,

in

given a light food

tained the particular nature of adhesion

in the case, the

of

or

necessary,

ascer-

be effected
local

puncturing

and

pure or vitiated.

blood
the

determine

Then having

THE SUSHRUTA

I_|8

SAMHITA'.

Chap. XVI.

washed the blood with Dhanyamla and tepid water,

if found vitiated

through the action of the deranged

(V^yu), or with milk and cold

water

event of

the

in

the same being contaminated by the deranged Pittam,

Suramanda and warm water

or with

being

by

vitiated

Kapham,

the

action

surgeon

the

the case of

in

the

of

bring

shall

its

disordered

about

the ad-

hesion by again scarifying the affected parts of the

ear, so as
(raised),

not to leave the

adhesioned parts elevated

Of

unequal and short.

course

should be effected with the blood being

parts that

adhesion
in

still left

the

Then having anointed

had been scraped.

them with honey and

the

they should be

butter,

clarified

covered with cotton and linen, and tied with strings

of thread,

too loose nor too tight, and dusted

neither

over with powders

should be given
the

patient,

of

as

regards

who may

regimen laid down

baked

in the

Then

clay.

the diet and

directions

nursing of

treated with the

be as well

chapter on Dvi-vraniyam.

Authoritative verses on the subject

Tlie patient should be

the bandage and

avoid physical

careful

not to disturb

exercise,

sexual intercourse, exposure to, or basking

of

fire,

fatiguing

talk,

consecutive days

unboiled

should

oil

be

the

and sleep by day.

ulcer

should be

and cotton soaked

placed over

each third day,

till

it,

healing.

in

the

which

is

over- eating,

the

in,

glare

For three

anointed with

same substance
to

be

altered,

SUTRASTHANAM.

XVI.]

Chap.

The

should not be tried to be

ulcer

incidental

14^

healed up as long as the local blood (blood

ulcer)

not fully

is

from the

haemorrhage

is

the

local

ed

with

purified

or

of

seat

blood continues feeble.

the

continuing in

It

pain, -burning, redness

and suppuration

being closed with a

blood incarcerated
a

little

an ulcer

Kapha

marked by

adhesion-

ulcer,

blood

in

the event of

quantity of Pitta-deranged

Adhesioned even with

in its inside.

quantity of
is

will

little

or

be again attended with

break open afresh.

its

affection

spontaneously burst or

will

inside,

its

An

the

there

as

Vayu-vitiated

the

of

least

long

so

the

in

fouled blood in

itching

cavity

its

and numbness.

An

ulcer

adhesioned with the continuance of an active haemorrhage from

its

inside

An

yellow swelling.
the local blood,

is

marked by a brown

or blackish

adhesioned at a time when

ulcer,

though otherwise good or pure, has

been thinned or weakened through excessive bleeding,

is

followed by a corresponding emaciation

of the

The

adhesioned part.

adhesioned should be

lobule

gradually

(thinness)

of the ear thus

pulled

down

and

elongated after the complete healing of the local ulcer

and the subsidence of

after

the

cicatrix

has

its

concomitant symptoms, and

assumed

skin of the surrounding part.

part

may

be characterised

the

colour

again

fall

off.

An

the

Otherwise the adhesioned

by

pain,

swelling,

mmation, burning and suppuration, or the

may

of

adhesioned

infla-

adhesion

ear-lobe,

un-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

I50

Chap. XVI.

accompanied by any of the distressing or unfavourable

symptoms, should be gradually elongated by rubbing

it

with an unguent composed of the milk,

marrow

and

fat,

of any such animals and birds as the Godha, the

Pratudas, the Vishkiras, the Anupas, or the Audakas as

would be

and

available,

clarified butter

and the

oil ex-

pressed out of the seeds of white mustard, boiled with

the decoction

AtivaU,

or

Kvatha

Arka,

of

Apamarga, Ashvagandh^,

Anant^,

VaU,

Alarka,

V.idari-

gandha, Kshira-Shukla, Jalashuka and the drugs forming the group

be

known

previously

the

as

Madhura, which should

prepared and carefully

stowed

in

covered receptacle.

IVIetrical

texts : Then

the

above medicinal

unguent should be applied or rubbed over the lobe of

the affected ear, whereby
able
firm

all

symptoms would be
and steady growth.

of Yava, Ashvagandh^,

the disturbing or unfavoursubsided, thus favouring

Similarly a plaster

its

composed

Yashtyahva, and Tila, pasted

together might be rubbed over the affected ear-lobe with

Oil prepared and boiled with the essence of

advantage.
Shatavari,

and Ashvagandh^, or Payasya, Eranda, Jivana

and milk increases the growth of an

of an ear, which refuses to

fomented
be

grow

ear-lobe.

The

lobe

in size in spite of being

and lubricated as above indicated^ should

scarified

with slight

anterior side (that

is

longitudinal incisions

on

its

on the side nearest to the cheeks)

Chap. XVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

I^l

and not on the posterior one, as such a procedure might

be attended with dreadful

An

ear-lobe should not be tried to be elongated just

after the adhesion of its

the centre

cause

results.

the adhesion,

of

them

to

two severed

inasmuch

being raw, might

still

the circumstance should be gradually elongated,

when
hair

only

would be found to be marked by the growth of

it

on

as

Thus an ear-lobe under

again.

fall off

parts,

surface,

its

assumed a

and the hole or the perforation has

circular

look,

and the adhesion has become

firmly effected, well-dried, painless, even

and

level in its

entire length.

The modes
two severed
a

about an adhesion of the

of bringing

parts of an e;f\-lobe are innumerable

and

and experienced surgeon should determine

skilled

the shape and nature

of each

according to the exi-

gencies of a particular case.*

* Additional

which

Text

: O

affect the lobule of

The deranged

Sushrula, again

shall

deal

with

diseases

an ear under the circumstance described above

bodily Vdyu, Pittam and Kaphani, either jointly or severally,

give rise to several types of diseases which affect the lobule of an ear.

deranged V^yu produces numbness and an erysipelatous swelling and

cer

about

locality

the

affected

ear-lobe,

while an

accompanied by swelling, burning, suppuration,

ascribed to the action of the

deranged Pittam.

swelling of the ear-lobe accompanied

locality

in these

erysipelatous

mark

Kapham.

means

of

diaphoresis,

plasters) or blood-letting as the case

lubrication,

may

be.

ul-

the

should be

etc.,

in

the

The medical

cases consists in effecting a subsidence of the

humour by

in

Heaviness, numbness and

by constant itching

the action of the deranged

ulcer

The

particular

Parishekas

affected

treatment

deranged

(medicated

These measures should be

moderately applied and a nutritive and invigorating food should be pres-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

1^2

Rhinoplastic operations
with the

deal

The

cribed for the patient.

of the deranged bodily

as alone entitled to take in

who

physician

humours

is

-Now

an

of affixing

process

[Chap. XVI.

shall

artificial

well familiar with

nose.

the actions

upon

as described above, should be looked

hand a

which

case,

falls

under the head of one

of the preceding types.

Now

enumerate the names of the several diseases which

I shall

a severed lobe

affect

and describe the sjTnptoms which each of them

of the ear

They

known

as

UtpStaka, Utputuka, Shyava,

Bhrisam-kanduj^ta, Avamantha, Sakanduka,

Akundaka, Granthika, J5m-

develops in succession.

vala,

SrAvi and

are

Now

Dihavdna.

me

hear

on the nature of

discourse

medicinal treatment to be adopted in each of them.

Remedies

plaster

Sarjarasa, Patala bark

oil

composed of the drugs known

Apamrga,

as

and Lakucha bark pasted togather, or a medicated

prepared and boiled with the preceding substances should be applied

in a case of the

Utpataka type, wherea' a case of the Utputuka type would

prove amenable to a medicinal plaster

Putika, the fat and
she-buffalo

or

marrow

of a

consisting

GodhS and

sow, pasted togather

^r

posed of the abovesaid substanees duly

cinal plaster

composed

of the drugs

Anantd, Tanduliyakam, or an
the preceding drugs,

Shamp&ka, Shigru,

known

medicated unguent com-

to

Lioiled

with

as

Similarly, a medi-

oil.

Gauri, Sugandhd, ShydmS,

prepared and boiled with

would prove

the

beneficial in a case of the

In a case of the Vrisham-Sakundakam

the desease.

part should

oil

of

the milk and bile of a she-deer,

extract

type,

the affected

be rubbed or lubricated with an unguent or medicated

prepared with the boiled extract of PathA, Rasanjanam,

warm Kdnjik5m.

or a plaster

of

Shyiva type of

oil

Kshoudram, and

composed of the same drugs and substances

should be applied over the diseased locality.

In a case of ulceration, the ulcerated ear-lobe should be rubbed with the
oil

known

prepared and boiled with the drugs

kSkoli, or with those

as

Madhukam and

Kshira-

which form the group known as the Jivakddi-Varga

while in a case where Vringhanam measures are to be adopted, lard

pared from the

In the

fat

of a Godhd, boar, or snake might be used with advantage.

Avamanthaka

type the diseased ear-lobe

covered with a plaster composed of the drugs

Madhukam, Samanga and Dhavam,

boiled with the same drugs.

with itching) would yield

to

oil

boiled and prepared

oil

prepared and

Kandu-Juta (accompanied

composed of the drugs known

as

pasted with goat's milk, or to the

salt

with

as Prapaundarikam,

rubbed with

or

a plaster

should be washed and

known

Similarly, a case of

SahadevA, Vishvadevd, and Saindhava

medicated

pre-

the

same drugs and substances.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XVI.]

Chap.

the leaf of a creeper,

First

to fully

cover the whole

off part,

should be gathered

equal

flesh,

long and broad

of the
;

of the

cheek and,

swiftly

adhered to the severed nose.

headed

physician

scarifying

after

should

enough

and a patch of

steadily

it

li\ing

leaf,

should

the

region

down upward) from

;from

1;^

severed or clipped

dimension to the preceding

in

be sliced off

with a knife,

Then the

tie

cool-

up with a

it

bandage decent to look at and perfectly suited to the

end

for

which

has been

it

The physician should make

severed

the

parts

the nostrils to facilitate

into

and to prevent the adhesioned

respiration,

with the

dusted

powders of

madhukam and Rasanjana

be

its

inside) the knotty

the formation

and

of knotty

growths or glandular formations should

of J^mvala

type,

powdered Saindhava

blood-letting

=^

ulcer

morbid

c^

Of

ild

ts.

be healed

case

inal plaster

vield to a

snd Mad'

..alil,

or of

of

purification

Srivi (secreting)

composed of

Madhukam

by

scarifying

washed with a spray of milk.

after the perfect

of the

Likewise, in

salt.

should be resorted to

the seat of the disease, which should be then

The

together

removed, and che affected locality should be bled with a surgical

first

instrument and dusted with

case

Pattanga, Yashti-

pulverised

In a case of the Granthika type (accompanied by

growths in

from

flesh

After that, the adhesioned part should

hanging down.
be

adhesion of

the

that

sure

has been fully effected and then

two small pipes

insert

employed (Sadhu Vandha).

the drugs

known

its

internal

would readily

type
as

Madhuparni,

pasted with honey, or to the medicinal

Uprepared and boiled with the same drugs and substances.

case

oil

of the

Jahyam^na (burning) tj'pe should be treated with a plaster composed of

known as the five Kalkas and Madhukam pasted together and
nixed with clarified butter, or with a pasted compound of the drugs which

the drugs

form the group of the Jivakadi Varga with a quantity of

added

to

20

it.

clarified

butter

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

154

[Chap. XVI.

the nose should be enveloped in Karp^sa cotton and

several times sprinkled over with the refined oil of pure

sesamum.

Clarified

should be given

butter

patient for drink, and he should be anointed with

treated with purgatives

after

the complete

to

the

oil

and

digestion

of the meals he has taken, as advised (in the books

Adhesion should be deemed complete

medicine).

of

after

the incidental ulcer had been perfectly healed up, while

the nose should be again scarified and bandaged in the
of a semi

case

or

partial adhesion.

The adhesioned

nose should be tried to be elongated where

fall

short of

its

natural and previous length, or

be surgically restored to
the abnormal growth of

mode

it

should

natural size in the case of

newly formed

its

would

flesh.

The

bringing about the adhesion of severed lips

of

identical

its

it

with what has been described

in

is

connection

with a severed nose with the exception of the insertion

of

The

pipes.

physician,

who

is

well

conversant

with these matters, can be alone entrusted with the

medical treatment of a King.
Thus ends

the sixteenth chapter of the Sutra-Sthina n

SamhitS which

treats of the Piercing

and Bandaging of

in the

Sushruta

.-lobes.

Jivaw
opted,
i

with

nd

d
2d
as

the
:es.

CHAPTER
Now we
the

XVII.

Chapter which deals with

shall discuss the

mode of distinguishing between

suppurating and non-

Ama-pakkaishaniya-

suppurating swellings.

madhyayam.
Diseases

and

(abscess)

such

as,

Alaji

(inflammation

Granthi

which subsequently develops

These diseases

and outward shape.

uneven

in its

(surface)

the

It restricts itself to

and

is

symptoms

admit

to

symptoms

differ in their

may

called

and

the

Shotha

flesh

of

several

appear at

(swelling).
its

locality

concerted

or

The Shothas

deranged bodily humours.

action of the

peculiar

round, elevated, even, or

is

skin

by

characterised

(swelling)

is

edge of the

of the

swelling which

any part of the body, and

Vidradhi,

by a preliminary swelling

cornea) etc. are ushered in

each of them.

(Aneurism),

being divided into six different

of

types according as they are caused by the action of the

deranged Vayu, Pittam,

to the

concerted

humours of the

Now we
maT'k

the

welling.

iyu

action

bod)'',

or

or blood,

of the

three

are

due

fundamental

or are of traumatic origin.

describe

shall

respective

Kapham

symptoms

the

actions of

the

which

humours

in

swelling due to the action of the deranged

a.'tsumes a reddish or blackish

1 its ciiif acter.

It

feels

hue and

rough and

soft to

is

shifting

the touch,

THE SUSHRUTA

1^6
and

is

marked by

SAMHITA'.

Chap. XVII.

a sort of aching pain (peculiar to the

deranged Vayu) which vanishes at intervals.

due to

swelling,

the

Pittam,

assumes

fluctuates

under pressure, and

yellowish

mulation of blood

action

deranged

the

hue.

It

swiftly

It

and

soft

is

marl^ed by

is

body.

in its

of

an accu-

from

shifts

one part of the body to another, accompanied by a

burning,

sucking

pain.

brought

swelling,

^bout

through the deranged condition of the Kapham, assumes

The

a grey or whitish colour.

cold,

and the swelling very

site, if it shifts

at

all,

becomes glossy and

changes

its

original

pain and itching.

b}-

through the concerted action

humours successively manifests the

symptoms and assumes the

to each of them.

slowl)'-

accompanied

swelling engendered

of the three bodily

skin

colours respectively peculiar

The symptoms which mark

a swelling

due to the action of the vitiated blood are identical with

those which are exhibited in a

of the

swelling

Pittaja

type with the exception of the blackness of the part

(and an

increase

of

heat).

swelling

external blow traumatic) manifests

due to an

symptoms

peculiar

to'the Pittaja and blood-origined types.

swelling,

which does not

to

3'ield

internal

and

external remedies on account of an excessive accumula

tion of the

deranged local humours, or through

insufficient or contrary effects

ame

of the remedial

shows sign of suppuration.

/
/

+'

can

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XVII.]

Now
tively

hear

me

mark

its

an unsuppurated, suppurating

The un suppurated

of

its

or immature stage

marked by

little

pain and heat in

and coldness, hardness and a

inside,

sup-

or

long as the skin of the swelling retains

natural hue,

its

which respec-

describe the symptoms,

purated swelhng.
continues as

157

slight elevation

surface.

The suppurating
pricking pain

seems as

in

to

sensation of

the affected locality.

The swelhng

being pricked with needles,

if it is

or wandered

stage gives rise

over by a host

knife, or pierced

of ants,

or

or

bitten

cut with a

with a spear, or thrashed with a club,

or pressed with the hand, or scraped round with fingers,

or burnt with a

of a

sort

fire

of sucking,

scorpion,

The

patient, as

does not find comfort in

The hue

or position.

of

the local skin

and the swelling goes on increasing

leather bag

patient complains

burning pain in the swelling of

a fixed or shifting character.

by a

The

or an alkali.

and

fever, thirst, a

like

if

stung

any place
is

an

changed
inflated

burning sensation and

aversion to food etc. gradually supervene.

The suppurated

stage

is

marked by an amelioration

of the local pain and a yellowishness of the skin over the

swelling,

which cracks and seems too

pu to folds

in the integument.

The

big,

thus giving

swelling exhibits

the uation under pressure and shows perceptible signs

large cdinution.

Moreover,

it

yields

to

pressure

and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

1^8
reaches

The pus

its

the pressure

or the suppurated matter changes

pressure hke
distressing

water

inclination

for

characterised

desire

removed.

is

its

scratching the

by a

sort

leather

subside

and

food,

for

of traumatic

cases

in

bloated

in

symptoms gradually

again evinces

characteristic

which

is

swelling or in those brought

to

the affected part

a constant

Sometimes,

of aching pain.

suppurating process

is

The

the patient

part

affected

of the

restricted

and hence

symptoms a

fact

Kapham, the

the deeper tissues

exhibit

to

fail

its

which often misleads

a physician (surgeon) as regards the

true

state

whether suppurated or not) of the accompan3'ing

ing.

or

place,

bag.

feels

about by a deranged condition

of

Chap. XVII,

from one part of the sweUing to another under

shifts

as

when

former height

(lit

swell-

But the knowledge that a process of suppuration,

occurring in the deeper tissues of an affected part,

accompanied by

alleviation of the pain

which becomes as compact

touch,

and the

local

would unquestionably ward

off all

and swelling

and cold to the

as a stone

skin resuming

is

its

natural

colour,

apprehensions for

error of judgment.

Authoritative verses on the subject : A

physician (surgeon)

who

is

fully

conversant

with the symptoms which are respectively exhibited

by (an inflammatory) swelling

in its unsuppurated, supT

purating and suppurated stages,

epithet

is

alone worthy of the

the rest are but impostors.

Since there can

Chap. XVil.

SUTRASTHANAM.

159

be no pain without the intervention of the deranged

V^yu

and no suppuration can

action

of the

deranged Pittam

action of the deranged

suppurated swelling

Kapham
marked

is

without the

in

set

nor pus, without the

evident that a

it is

b}^

combined and

the

simultaneous action of the three deranged humours of

the body.

According to

certain

the

authorities,

deranged

Pittam gets the preponderance over the local Vayu and

Kapham, and transforms the blood

own preponderant
The

its

energy.

incision or opening of a swelling in

matory or unsuppurated
is

pus out of

into

(lit.

joint,

excessive haemorrhage.

The

extremely painful.

Many

to manifest themselves

in

inflam-

immature, unripe) stage

attended with the destruction of the

ment, bone, vein, or

its

and

is

local flesh, liga-

by

usually followed

wound becomes

incidental

distressing

symptoms begin

succession

and

formed inside the wound which

may

cavities

lapse

are

into

case of Kshata-Vidradhi (a type of ulcerated abscess).

On

the other hand, a fully suppurated swelling,

unopened

for a

left

long time out of fear or ignorance by the

attending physician,

is

attended with symptoms which are

fraught with dreadful consequences.

pus, unable to find an outlet,

is

The accumulated

infiltrated

the deeper tissues of the affected

part,

large cavities or sinuses in their inside,

and attacks
and

forms

thus converting

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

l6o
the

disease

one

into

of

difficult

[Chap. XVII.

or incurable

type.

Authoritative verses on the subject

The physician (surgeon) who opens an

unsup-

purated or unripe swelling out of ignorance, as well as

the

man who

neglects a

suppurated one, should

fully

be looked upon as the vilest Chandala for his wrong

The

or incorrect diagnosis.

patient should be provided

with a meal before the surgical operation, or strong

wine should be given him,

if

he

The

to the habit of taking any.

found to be addicted

is

effect

of a good meal

under the circumstance will be to keep up the strength

of the patient and to guard against his swooning during

the operation, while the effect of wine will be to

him unconscious of the

pain.

The

rule as

make

regards the

feeding and anaesthetising (wine giving) of the patient

be

should

strictly

vital principle of a

of his

man

body which
of

essence
material

food,

adhered

is

is

since

to,

invigorated

the

internal

by the strength

the product of lymph-chyle, the

and the quintessence of the

principles.

swelling,

five

no matter whether

limited or extensive, spontaneously runs on to suppuration, if

not medicinally treated, or

left

to

base of such a swelling goes on extending.

nature.
It

The

becomes

unequally suppurated and reaches an unequal elevation,

thus affecting the deeper tissues of the part and swiftly

running into one of an incurable type.

swelHng, which

does not yield to the application of medicated plasters

Chap. XVII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

l6l

and

or to corrective or blood-letting measures, speedily

uniformly suppurates, and

restricted base

blazing

and a

fire

consumes a withered
the absence

healthy

of

flesh,

any

conical

circular or

by

fed

marked by a small and

is

As

elevation.

of favourable wind soon

gusts

forest, so the incarcerated

outlet, attacks

pus,

in

and eats away the

veins and nerves of an organism.

Surgical acts in connection with an abscess (Shotha)

may
tion
2.

3.

be divided into seven

(Vimlapanam)

Avashechanam

Upanaham

incision;

morbid

matter

ham

6.

(poulticing)

of

i.

by

swelling

4.

Patanam

(purification

an incised

Ropanam

(restoring

the

as

mutila-

massage,

(bleeding or application of leeches)

Shodhanam

5.

medicines)

of

kinds such

boil

(healing) and

of the natural

colour

of

(opening
the

or

internal

with corrective
7.

Vaikritdpa-

of the

skin

to

the cicatrix).

Thus
Siisliiul;!

ends the

.scvciUecnlh

and noii-suppurating swelhngs.

21

Chaplei

Sanihit^ which lieals ofhuw

of

ihc

to (hslinguisli

Suiiaslhfinam
Ijetween

in

ttie

suppurating

CHAPTER X V
Now we

1 1 1

on the Chapter which treats

shall discourse

(Vranarlepana-

of dressings and bandages of ulcers

Vandha-Vidhi-madhyayam).
A

medicinal plaster should

general

and most important remedy

We

(inflammatory) swelling.

of disease.

inasmuch as

and

purification

joints steady.

from

down

that

of the

be applied

it

local
(so as

of an

its

A
by

own

and keeps the

ulcer

or

hair

in

direction

(Pratiloma).

to run

contrary-

should

It

down with

the local

of

ducts),

follicles

the
thus

part,

never
hair),

and naturally

of the

vehicles

to

would firmly

applied as directed above,

orifices

the

contributes to

medicinal plaster should be applied

through the

(Sudoriferous

with

discuss

healing and curative

its

stick to the surface of the affected

external

presently

shall

materially

healing

upward

since a plaster,

percolate

cases of

all

bandage plays a more important part (than

a medicinal plaster) as regards

efficacy,

in

of plasters to be used in each specific form

nature

the

be regarded as the

hair

and the

perspiration

of

permeating the

organism

native potency and virtue.

medicinal plaster should be removed or replaced

fresh

one

as

soon

as

it

has

except in cases where the purpose of

become
its

dry,

application

Chap. XVIII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

l6^

would be found to be the drawing of pus to a

definite

head (Pidayitavya Vrana).'

dried

abortive,

medicinal plaster will

and may act

medicinal

plaster

prove

useless

or

as a caustic or corrosive agent.

admits of

being grouped under

any of the three subheads of Pralepa, Pradeha and

Alepana (according
IVIeciicinal
of the

Pralepa

made

is

to

thickness or consistency) etc.

its

plasters : A
class

applied thin and cold,

is

be endued with an

to

or non-absorbing

medicinal plaster

Avishoshi*)

and

absorbing (Vishoshi)

property

according to

the nature of the eftbct desired.

On

the

Pradeha
or cold,

other hand,

class

and

is

medicinal plaster of

applied

thick

either

or

thin,

the

warm

acts as a non-absorbent.

medicinal plaster of the Alepana class stands

midway between
Of

these,

a Pralepa and a Pradeha.

plaster

possessed of the efficacy

of the

Pralepana

of pacifying

or

class

restoring

is

the

deranged blood and Pittam to their normal condition.

plaster of the

Pradeha

class

Vayu and Kapham and tends

purification,

As

and healing

the deranged

to bring about the union,

(of

an

in the case of a Pidayitavya ulcer,

withdrawing or gathering of pus

pacifies

to a definite

ulcer),

described

head

is

causing the

before,

desired.

where the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

164

Hence

subsidence of pain and swelling.

used in

should be

it

types of swelling whether

all

Chap. XVIII.

ulcerated

or

otherwise.

A
ulcer

medicinal plaster (Alepanam) applied over an

is

...

by the changed epithet

called
f

Niruddha-Alepanam

The

(arrestive

function of such an

astringent

or

Alepanam

the formation

of pus

in

its

or

plaster).

consists in arresting a

withdrawing

local haemorrhage, in softening the ulcer, in

sloughing or putrifying flesh from

Kalka

of

its

cavity, in checking

and

inside,

correcting

in

the morbid matter or deranged humours (that retard

its

union and healing).

IVIetrical

Alepanam

class

Texts

A medicinal

would prove

beneficial

plaster of the
in

sweHing

marked by the absence of suppuration, inasmuch

subdues the characteristic symptoms

deranged bodily humours

(peculiar to the

to

the deranged

action

flesh

lies

state

of

the

of the

burning sensation

principally

burning

Kapham) and

disorder

and the blood of

removing

the

it

deranged Pittam), itching (incidental

pain (which marks the

Its

y/2,

of each

as

in

all

of the

the

bodily

aching

Vayu).

cleansing the skin, the

morbiferous diatheses, in

sensation,

and

in

alleviating

the piercing pain and itching.

physician

(surgeon)

should use an Alepana

(ulcerous) diseases appearing about

any other

vital part

the anus,

or

in

about

Marnias) of the body, with a view

SUTRASTHANAM.

XVIII.]

Chap.

to bring about the

humours).

In

of the

dition

purification of the (local

Kapham,

Vayu, Pittam or

deranged

deranged

caused by a

diseases

5^

con-

medicinal

mixed with a quantity

plasters should be respectively

of clarified butter, measuring a sixth, quarter,

and an

eighth part of their respective quantities.

has been said that the thickness

It

nam

"should

not be made to

newly-flayed skin of a buffalo.

should

medicinal

plaster

of an

Alepa-

that

of the

exceed

Under no
be

condition,

applied

at

night,

inasmuch as such a measure would arrest the escape

or radiation
its

own

of

heat from the swelling in

inherent

virtue

humidity, and thus bring on

of

an

aggravation.

Metrical Texts

In

which are

diseases,

amenable to the application of medicinal plasters of

the

Pradeha type,

as

well

as

swellings resulting

in

from the vitiated condition of blood and the Pittam,

or in those

to

which are of

the effect

extrinsic

of a poison

be applied cold, by day.

origin,

increase the local heat

A
day

plaster should

one,

before,

as

not

be

nor over

this

would

and aggravate the pain and the

burning sensation on account of

thickness.

due

or blow, the plaster should

applied without removing the previous

the one applied on the

or are

its

greater or increased

medicinal plaster, previously used, should

not be moistened and applied again

it

should be held

THE SUSHRUTA

l66

as absolutely ineffective

SAMHITA'.

owing to

Chap, xvili.

virtue having been

its

previously used or soaked in/

Articles of bandaging^ : Now we

enumerate the names of
bandaging

in

Kshauma

(cloth

Avika

plant),

Dukulum

which grow

inner

bark

made

of the

or

(Chinese
fibres

thrashed

Shyama

Naga

Antarvalkala

Charma

tion of the exigencies of each case

This portion of the

commentary
+

considera-

in

occurs.!

in

his

entitled the Bhdnutniifi.

In a swelling or ulcer caused

should consist of thin linen.

by the deranged

and Kapham,

\'a\\x

whereas

in

Similarly, a bandage, tied round

contrary rule should be observed,

any

and

seeds)

or hollow part of the body, should consist of a piece of thick

at

cord,

and the time or the

the bandage should consist of a piece of thick cloth;

it

or

been omitted hy Chakrapani

has

text

it

the

iskin),

string

These accessories should be used

(the

Lata-Vidala

the

gourd),

creepers),

season of the year in which

trees,

Paundra and Magadha),

the cream of milk, Tula-phalam (cotton

iron.

wool),

Patroma

the

of

fibres

tree),

of a

of Atasi

sheeps'

(silk),

cloth),

of a

fibres

of

Kausheya

Alfivu Shakala 'the skin

(half

made

in the provinces of

Chinapatta

the

woven with the

(loom-silk),

are required

are as follows

(blankets

kind of cloth

(a

They

ulcers.

which

articles

shall

when

the seat of the

summer

anv deep

cloth.

The

bandage would be

flexible part of the body.

Similarly, in the ca.se of a snake-bite, a ligature

.should

be- firmly

above the punctured wound with a string or twisted cord of cotton,

a fractured bone should be set right

by twisting bunches

shydmS creeper (LatAvidala) round the

seat of fracture.

iif

local

tied

while

half-thrashed

hemorrhage

Chap. XVIII.

SUTRASTHAN A M.

Bandag'es

The

fourteen

bandage are named as the Kosha

the

D^ma

(a cord or chaplet

Anuvelhta
road), the

the

Yamaka

the China

different

67

forms of

sheath or scabbard),

the Svastika

the Pratoli

twist),

Mandala

(a

(a

the

(cross),

winding street or

the Sthagika (a betel -box),

(ring),

(double or twin), the Khatta (a bedstead),

(a

Vivandha

the

streamer),

the

(noose),

Vitana (canopy) the Gophana (cow-horn), the Panchangi

Their shapes can be

(five limbed).

easil}' inferred

from

the meanings of their names.

Applications : Out
the sheath-shaped bandage

thumb and the phalanges

the

of these,

Kosha

or

should be tied round the

of the fingers

the

Dama

or

chaplet-shaped bandage, round the narrow or unbent

parts of the

body

the Svastika or cross shaped, round

the joints, round the articulations or the

as

the

Marmas known

Kurchakas (Navicular ligaments) round the

eye-brows, round the ears and round the region of

the

breast.

Similarly, the bandage,

vellita, should be used

would be found
and legs\

when

known

as the

Anu-

the seat of the affection

to be situated at

the extremities (hands

bandage of the Protoli

round the neck or the penis

class should

the

Mandalam

be tied
'ring-

should be arrested by binding the part with milk-cream, while the aflected
part in a case of Ardita (facial paralysis) as well as a broken tooth should be

bound with

strings of iron, gold or silver.

with Ela (cardamom

skins), while

bandaging ulcers on the head

dried

(scalp).

Warts,

etc.

should be bandaged

^ourd-skins should

be

used in

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

68

round the circular parts of the body

shaped),

Sthagika

Yamakam, round

the

contiguous ulcers

Khatta

the

over and around the

(bedstead-shaped),

between the ears and the eye-brows

parts

Gophana

over the skull, the

region of the chin

the confluent

and the

cheek-bones,

cheeks,

the

and the

round the glans-penis

(betel-box),

tips of the fingers

or

[Chap. XVlil.

the

(horn-shaped),

Vitdnam

round the

and the Panchangi, round the part

lying above the clavicles.

In short, a bandage of any

shape should

particular

be tied round the part of the body to which

Now we

be found to be most suited.

it

would

shall deal

with

admit of

the Yantranas (fastenings of bandages) which

being divided into three different classes according as

they are fastened above, below, or obliquely

round

an ulcer.

Kavalika' (Tow) : Any

(such as the leaves or
virtues)

tow).

physician

The tow

is

called the

or

the

(surgeon; having

hand should* place a piece of

*

tow

of medicinal

of trees

Kavalika (medi-

Kavalika

placed thickly (on the seat of affection)

pressed
straight,

Carefully examining whether ihe applied

dislributed

or

between the medicine applied over an ulcer

and the bandaging linen

cated

bark

the

soft stuffing

over

the

diseased

pattern of bandage would

l)e

surface

should

and then the

with

it

be

soft,

his

left

untwisted,

remedy had been unifurmly

and whether

actually suited to the case.

tlie

contemplated

Chap. XVIII.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

and unfolded or unshrivelled linen over

firmly tie up the bandage

and then

it,

manner

in

so

leave any knot over the seat of the ulcer,

69

not to

as

or

cause

to

any discomfort to the patient.

Introduction of lint : A
saturated

with hone}',

cinal paste should

clarified

Visheshika

and a medi-

butter,

be inserted into the

lint

dry, or oily (oversoaked in a lubricating

or

mucus

in

rise

to an

whereas,

the ulcer,

of

oily

medi-

friction

the edges

parched

its

substitute

and the

the ulcer,

of

lint

of slimy

formation

excessive

would bring about the

breaking

extremely

inasmuch as an over-lubricated

preparation),

would give

Care

ulcer.

should be taken not to introduce the

cinal

(lint)

consequent

like

one mis-

placed or wrongly inserted.

bandage should be

ways

of

Gadha,

Sama

the

shape

according to

tight

tied

in

and
and

any of the three

Shithila

seat

fastenings

the

of

bandage (Gadha- Vandha) should be

tied

ulcer.*

round

the buttocks, round the sides, round the arm-pits, round

the inguinal regions,

round the breast or round the

Sama

pattern should be

fastened round the ears, round the

extremities (hands

head.

bandage of the

Additional

affected part of the

patient,

is

called a

text

A bandage,

tightly

tied

round an ulcerated or

body without causing any pain or discomfort

GAdha-Vandha, while the one which

is

loosely

called Shithila, the one neither too tight nor too loose being called a

V'andha.

22

to the

bound

is

Sama-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

170
and
the

round the

legs),
lips,

[Chap. XVIII,

round

round the throat,

face,

round the penis, round the scrotum, round the

back, round the belly and the chest.

loose bandaging

(Shithila-Vandha) should be the rule in the region of

the eyes and locations of important joints or unions.

An

b)^

the

symptoms of the deranged Pittam and occurring

at a

ulcer,

brought about or characterised

place where a tight bandaging

is

indicated,

Sama-Vandha

fastened with one of the

a Shithila bandage where one of the

be indicated

whereas

The same

class,

and with

Sama type would

should not be bandaged at

all

bandage (Shithila-Vandha) being

in the event of a loose

indicated.

it

should be

rule

should

be observed in the

case of an ulcer caused through a diseased

nated state of the blood.

Similarl}'', in

or

contami-

the case of an ulcer

produced through a deranged condition of the Kapha m,

a loose bandaging, otherwise enjoined

should be substituted

tight

for

to

be adopted,

one of the same pattern.

bandage should give place to a lighter one

under the same circumstances, and such a procedure

should be deemed as holding good even in the case
of

caused by the action

an ulcer

of

the deranged

Vayu.
In

summer and autumn,

the bandage of an

ulcer,

due to the vitiated blood or Pittam, should be changed

twice a day

while the one tied round an ulcer of the

deranged Vayu or Kapham, should be changed on each

Chap. XVIII.

third

day

SUTRASTHANAM.

in spring

and Hemanta.

171

Similarly, an

ulcer,

marked by the action of the deranged Vayu, should be

"

bandaged twice a day.

Thou

and vary or adopt the preceding

discretion,

own

shalt exercise thy

rules

of

bandaging according to the exigencies of each case."

medicated

lint

augment the

rather tends to

have any efficacy but

to

fails

local

pain

and swelling

where a bandage, enjoined to be loosely bound, or bound

up with moderate and uniform steadiness (Sama-Vandha),
is

replaced by a tight

Vandha,.

loose

where a

case

deep fastened one (Gadha-

or

bandage, injudiciously used in a

tight

or

moderately firm

bandage

should have been used, would cause the medicine to

fall

off

friction

from the

and

Similarly,

lint

and give

rise

laceration

of the

moderately

firm

(Sama-Vandha; fastened

in a case

edges

and

effect.

proper

bandage

subsidence of pain, and the

of the

softening

light or loose

fail

would

ulcer.

bandage

steady

where a

bandage should have been used, would

any

the consequent

to

produce

to

lead

to

the

edges of

of the

the ulcer, thus bringing about a purification of the local

blood.

Evils
left

of

non- bandaging :~An

ulcer,

uncovered and untied with a suitable bandage,

soon assailed by gnats and

sweat and cold wind,

etc.

being irritated by deposits

flies.

It

moistened

is

and stands
of

many

in

is

by

danger of

foreign

matters

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

172
such

the

as>

bone,

of

particles

Chap. XVIII.

weeds,

dust,

etc.

Moreover, a constant exposure to heat or cold brings on

varied

pains,

malignant

the

and

type,

develops

ulcer

one

the applied medicinal

are dried, encrusted and speedily

IVIetrical

into

Texts :A

of

plasters

fall off.

smashed, lacerated,

frac-

tured, dislocated, displaced bone, or a vein or a ligament

similarly jeopardised,

may

be soon healed or set right

The

with the help of a surgical bandage.

enabled by such a means to

move about with

rest or

ease.

movement

is

down, or stand up or

lie

And an

increased facility

of

leads to speedy healing.

Cases where bandaging

ed

patient

is

Ulcers should not be bandaged

prohibitat all that are

due to the deranged condition of blood or Pittam,

or to the

of a

effects

blow

or of

any imbibed poison,

and characterised by a sucking, burning

or suppuration, as well

as those

to burns, or to the applications

cauteries

well as

potential

marked by a sloughing or phagedenic

character.

a carbuncle
a fleshy

venomous

at all.

Different reading

in

of actual

ulcer due to a scald in a

a diabetic patient (Pidaka) as

condylomata due to a

rat, or

be bandaged
*

which are incidental

or

Metrical Texts : An
leper or

pain, redness,

any other poisonous

The same
: Pricking,

bite

ulcer should not

rule should be

burning pain.

from a

observed

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XVIII.]

in

73

the case of a dreadful suppuration about the anus, or

An

in that of a sloughing ulcej.

familiar

with

physician,

intelligent

the specific features of ulcers,

observe the shape

should

one under treatment, and

of the

prognosticate the result from

seat

its

or locality

and

the nature of the deranged bodily humours involved

The season

in the case.
first

is

of the year in which

an ulcer

seen to appear also determines the nature of

the pfognosis.

Bandages may be

tied

up either from above, below,

Now

from the sides of a diseased locality.

or

fully describe the process of

the Kavalika or

tow should be thickly

seat of the ulcer and

unshrivelled

bandaging an

linen

after that

ulcer.*

First

laid over

of soft

piece

shall

should be placed upon

it,

the

and

and the

bandage should be loosely or tightly tied up according

to the directions laid

The

lint

and the

down

before.*

(inserted)

medicine should not be

over-lubricated and must not be inordinately oily in

much

as such a lint or medicine

would give

formation of excessive and abnormal

the ulcer.

On

the other hand,

would

up

friction

set

have included

it

text to

the

slimy mucous in
lint

and laceration of the edges of

Several authorities such as

of the

to

an extremely dry

the ulcer, like the one wrongly or

portion

rise

as-

GayadAsa,

be an interpolation.

improperly inserted
Brahmadeva,

etc.

hold

this

Both Dallana and ChakrapSni

within their commentaries with nearly the same remark.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

174
into

and

numbness, excessive exudation

cavity, causing

its

unevenness

Chap, xviii.

of

surface.

its

properly

lint,

saturated with a medicinal plaster and

rightly

into the cavity of an ulcer, leads to

speedy healing.

secreting

All

measures

in

its

with an ulcer

connection

should be continued or stopped according to

tion,

condi-

its

whereby the nature and shape of the bandage

should be determined as well.

to

inserted

An

ulcer,

deranged condition of blood

the

or

due either
Pittam,

the

may

should be dressed and bandaged once a day which

be extended to a number of times

ulcer brought about

The pus
by

in

the

pressing the base or the bottom of an

gently moving the hand along

;

of an

by the deranged Kapham and Vayu.

or the local morbid matter should

(down, upward

case

and

all

it

be secreted

ulcer

in a contrary'

around

bandages

and

b}-

direction

joints

and

Gudasandhis) should be duly tied up.

The

rules laid

down under

the head of adhesioning

the parts of a bifurcated ear-lobe would hold good in a

case of severed lips as well.

The measures amply

dis-

cussed in the present

Chapter should be extended by

means

analogy and judgment to apply

of inference,

mutatis mutandis to the bandaging of a fractured or

dislocated bone.

An

ulcer, properly

of not being affected

other

movement

bandaged, has a greater chance

by lying down,

of the

patient,

sitting up,

or

any

nor by the joltings

Chap. XVIII.

of a

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

conveyance he

may

ulcer affecting a vein or

ficial)

the

or

flesh

without bandaging
internal

chambers

it.

or

ride

or

be carried

in.

7^

An

a ligament or the skin (super-

the bones cannot be healed

An

ulcer

situated in

(cavities) of the

bod}',

at

any junction of the limbs or organs,

its

seat in

any of the

or occurring

etc. or

having

a bone and whether of a deep, superficial,

malignant, or corrosive character, cannot be brought to

a successful termination without the

Thus ends

lielp

of a bandage.

the eighteenth Chapter of the Sutrasth^nam in

Samhita which

treats of the dressing

and bandaging of

ulcers.

the

Siishruta

CHAPTER
Now we

XIX.

Chapter which treats of

shall discuss the

the

management

etc.

(Vranito-pa^saniya-madhyaryam).

or nursing of a patient with an ulcer

First of all a suitable

chamber should be sought and

selected for a patient, suffering from an ulcer.

be roomy and spacious and situated

able

in

It

should

commend-

site.

IVIetrical

Text : Diseases,

mental or traumatic
a person

who

in their

which are physical,

can never attack

origin,

dwells in a clean and spacious chamber,

protected from excessive heat, and strong gusts of wind.

The bed

should

comfortable, with

towards the

be

spread

clean,

ample

and

the head of the beadstead turned

east,

and provided with some kind of a

weapon.

rVIetrical

Texts : In

and well-

spacious

spread bed, an ulcer-patient can toss about and

his limbs with the

greatest

comfort.

The reason

the head being turned towards the east

patient

may

and) celestial
sky.

easily

make

spirits,

Thus the patient

who

is

obeisance to the
inhabit that

shall lie

in

move
for

that the

(demons

quarter of the

comfortable posture,

attended upon by his sweet-talking friends and relations.

Chap. XIX.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Metrical Text : The

of a patient shall alleviate

not

sleep

of the ulcer, increases

An

the day time,

in

and

ulcer-

as

it

redness

and gives

exudations,

its

relations

and by solacing him

aggravate the pain, swelling

tends to

77

of his ulcer with

pain

the

speedy recovery.

with the prospect of a

should

and

friends

pleasant and interesting topics,

patient

rise

to itching and heaviness of the limbs.

The

patient must carefully protect

moving any
sitting

of his

limbs,

down, or turning on

such

the ulcer

when

standing up,

as

his sides, or

or

while moving

about, or speaking in a loud voice.

IVIetrical
he

feels

Text

strong

himself

a standing or sitting

and day-sleep.*

An

ulcer-patient,

even

and capable, should

posture,

as

well

as

if

avoid

locomotion,

These acts done to excess, or a long

confinement to bed would aggravate the bodily Vayu,

thus causing pain in the ulcer.

He

should studiously avoid the

and even conversation with,

of,

company and touch

women

with

whom

he

can legitimately have intercourse.

Metrical Text

The sight

of a

woman

etc

might lead to the secretion and emission of semen and

Different reading

garrulousness.

23

Ridint;

in

carriage

or

on horseback,

and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

178
give

to

rise

all

Chap. XIX.

the distressing symptoms, which

are

consequent upon an act of actual coitus under the

circumstance.

diet : A

Prohibited
newly
Kalaya,

by an

The

ulcer-patient.

goat's flesh, mutton,

(a

sesamum, Masha pulse and

curd, milk

rice,

which

close to water,

lard,

composition prepared with

P^yasa (a sweetened

rice),

milk and sugar boiled together),

and whey should be regarded

as

Texts : Vegetables

iVIctrical

as Haritaka-

meat of animals which are amphi-

Krishara

preparation of

avoided

meat, dried pot-herbs,

dried

bious in their habits or which live

water,

Sesamum_,

be

known

pot-herbs

of

pungent substances, treacle and

modifications, cakes,

cold

pulse,

Kulattha, and Nishpaba should

shaka, acid, saline or

its

Masha

harvested Dhan3''am,

consisting

diet

unwholesome.

and

articles

belong to the groups commencing from

the

one technically known as the Nava-Dhanya-Varga,

and ending with the one known

Takra-Varga,

as the

should be understood as possessed of the property of

'

increasing the pus in an ulcer

deranged bodily humours.

and of aggravating the

If in

the

habit of taking

wine, an ulcer-patient will do well to avoid the use

of spirituous liquors, such as Mairaya,
Sidhu, Sura and
*

The

its

varieties.*

species of wine

and are antacids

of Haemoptysis,

An

ulcer

may

Asava,

develop

which are made of the expressed juice of grapes

in their virtues, as well as those

may be

Arishta,

mentioned under the head

given to an ulcer-patient.

Chap. XIX.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

malignant type through the use of a

into one of a

wine which

179

acid

is

heat-making

in

or

taste,

in its

potency,

its

sharp,

is

or

dry and

by

followed

is

almost instantaneous intoxication.

An

ulcer-patient should avoid all things that

retard

the progress of a rapid cure, such as wind, dust, smoke,

exposure to heat and

sounds and

sights,

unpleasant

over-eating,

cold,

envy, humiliation,

fear,

anger, grief,

scheming, keeping of late hours, sitting or lying in an

uneven posture,

garrulousness,

fasting,

physical

exer-

leaping or a standing posture, locomotion, ex-

cise,

posure to cold winds, ingestion of unwholesome, in-

compatible or

on the affected

IVIctrical

substances,

indigestible

and

locality.

Texts : The

food, partaken of

a weakened and emaciated ulcer-patient,

digested owing to
multifarious

the above

is

mentioned,

The undigested food

causes.

by

not fully

and other
violently

and aggravates the bodily humours, which move

disturbs

about

flea-bites

in

the body and give

rise

to swelling,

secretion,

burning pain and suppuration in the ulcer.

An

ulcer-patient

should always be clad in

and white garments, have

clipped
to the
rites

unto

and pared

off,

his

and

hair

live

in

and

nails

clean
closely

humble devotion

Br^hmans, to the gods and the preceptors.

of benediction

him.

The

and divine peace should be done

Wherefore

Because the monsters and

the SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

j8o

of mighty

demons

who

prowess,

are

about in quest of prey, and

visit

the attendants

roam

Kum^ra,

gods Pashupati, Kuvera and

of the

[Chap. XIX.

the bedside of an

ulcer-patient out of their fondness for

and blood,

flesh

being attracted thereto by the smell of the secreted and

morbid matter

away

to take
is

doomed

the

ficial

is

evil

of a patient in a

life

to terminate

case their advent

These

the ulcer.

in

fatally,

spirits

come

case

which

while in a successful

due to the desire of extorting

oblations from him.

Authoritative verse on
ject These
:

honour-seeking

evil

sub-

the

spirits

should be

worshipped and propitiated with the whole

and

sacri-

of burning incense

offerings

sacrifices,

be

should

etc.

made

sticks,

to

heart

edibles

and

them with the

greatest humility.

The

evil

spirits,

above, spare the

of compassion

worshipped and

life

of a self-controlled patient

Hence he

'.

propitiated

shall

as

^out

be kept in a chamber

furnished with flowers, garlands, weapons, fried paddy,

and lamps kept continuously burning.

relations

him

should regale

topics to drive

away the

His friends and

with fond and loving

feeling of sleepiness

with the

prospect of a speedy cure.

Metrical
cheered

with

Texts : A
the

patient,

constantly

suggested prospects of a

speedy

SUTRASTHANAM.

XIX.]

Chap.

and beguiled with

recovery,

l8l

and congenial

pleasant

discourses, soon gets rid of his complaint.

Morning and evening, the physicians and the Brdh-

mans should perform the

as laid

down

benediction, over him^

rites of

in the Rik, Yajuh,

Saman and

the Atharva

Vedas.

Texts

IVIetrical
the

room

For ten

consecutive

days,

of the patient should be diligently fumigated,

morning and evening, with the fumes

Arishta-leaves,

clarified-butter

kind of incense

stick.

Drugs such

and

salt

as Chhatra, Atichhatra,

of

mustard,

made

into

Languli,

Jatil^,

Bramhacharini, Lakshmi, Guh^^ Atiguha, Shata-viryaya,

Sahasra-viryaya and

white mustard seeds

should be

placed on the head of the patient.

Texts : The

Metrical
fanned

may
during

with

blowing

be

not
the

chowries

any

in

The

fanning.

The

scratched or pressed.

that

thrashed or
ulcer

should

the

be

ulcer

lacerated

not

be

patient should be carefully

in the

from the presence of an ulcer-patient pro-

tected as above,

where

so

should

Demons, that get abroad

watched, while asleep.

night, fly

way

patient

as herds of deer

lions are found.

Regimen
ulcer-patient

of diet

living

fly

from the

forest

and conduct : An

on a diet consisting of old and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

igo
boiled

Shall

treated

with

extremely

not

rice,

and

clarified-butter,

liquefied,

and

with

the

taken

cooked meat of animals of the J^ngala

gets rid of his disease.

the pot-herbs

known

Chap. XIX.

soon

species,

diet consisting of boiled rice,

as

the Tanduliyakam, Jivanti,

Sunishannaka, V^stuka,

immatme

Mulaka, Vartaku,

Patola and K^ravella, fried with Saindhava (rock-salt)

and

clarified-butter,

and seasoned with the expressed

Dhadima and Amalakam,

or

of

Mudga soup

treated as above, should be prescribed

for

the patient.

Juice of

Barley

powder, Vilepi, Kulm^sha and boiled water,

should

be likewise given to

and drink.
the

ulcer

Fatigue
to

increases the

the

redness.

while a coitus

food

for

exercise

causes

keeping of late hours

A
may

day

sleep during the

under the circumstance would give

affected part,

patient

physical

or

swell, while
local

the

rise to

bring

pain in

the

on the death

of the patient.

An

ulcer-patient,

and ^ing

and

room protected from

strictly following the instructions

(surgeon)

and

in

not given to sleep in the day,

is

will

gusts

of wind,

of his physician,

healed in the course of a very short time

enjoy a long

life

through the observance of

the abovesaid regimen of diet and conduct.

This

is

the

dictum of Dhanvantari.
Thus ends

the nineteenth Chapter of the SutrasthSnam in the

SamhitS which

treats of the nursing or

management

Sushruta

of an ulcer-patient.

CHAPTER
Now we

the

shall discuss

XX.

Chapter which treats of

the salutary and non- salutary

of regimen,

effects

etc.

(H ita'h itiya- madhyayam)

According to certain eminent medical authorities, an
article or

a substance which

may

ments of the bodily Vayu

ous in a
to
or

Pittaja

name an

article

universally

disease,

humours involved

pothesis,

(substances

by
or

are,

hence

it

impossible

is

(^irrespective

injuri-

absolutely

is

of the

nature

and of the deranged bodily

therein}.

cannot

since

derange-

in

prove positively

substance which

or

wholesome

and type of a

But we

affection

beneficial

is

subscribe

nature

or

to

the

foregoing

combination,

become endued

hy-

things

with properties,

which prove absolutely beneficial or unconditionally

harmful or exert a mixed virtue (both beneficial and
injurious) according to the difference in

the

natu^ and

type of the disease in which they are employed. Things

or

articles

such as,

boiled-rice, etc.

beneficial

may

owing to

suitableness to the

clarified- butter,

be

denominated

their

congeniality

human

as absolutely
to,

or natural

organism.

Similarly, substances such as

may

milk and

water,

fire,

alkali

and poison,

be designated as unconditionally harmful

in virtue

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

184

of their burning,

lit

upon the organic bodies

effect

which
ous

suppurating

is

as

innocuous by nature,

in general.

may

and

boiling)

XX.

fatal

substance,

prove equally

injuri-

any active poison through an injudicious or

incompatible combination
article,

[Chap.

which proves

whereas a substance or an

beneficial in a

Vayu, ma}^ prove otherwise

within the food stuffs of

in a disorder of

which

Articles or substances

all

bers of the group Varga)

derangement of the

may

human

known

be

the Pittam.

included

safel}'-

beings are the

as

the red

mem-

Shali,

the

Mukundaka, the Panduka,

Shastika, the Kanguka, the

the Ashanaka,

the Pitaka, the Pramodaka, the Kalaka,

the Pushpaka, the Karddamaka, the Shakunahrita, the

Sugandhaka, the Kalama, the Nivara, the Kodrava the

Uddalaka, the Shy^maka, the
etc., as

Godhuma and

the Venn,

well as the flesh of the Ena, the Harina (copper

Kuranga, the Mriga, the Mriga-

coloured deer), the

Shvadanstra,

matrika, the

Kapota

the

the

Karala,

Krakara,

Tittiri,

the

Kapinjala, the Varttira, and the Varttika, and such

like

the

beasts and birds.

the articles of
the

the

(pigeon),

The

human

Vana-Mudga,

Lava,

varieties

of pulse

known

food are

the

the

as

which form
the

Mudga,

Makushtha, the Kalaya, the

Masura, the Mangalya, the Chanaka, the Harenu, the

the Adhaki

and the Satina.

species of pot-herbs, which

to give a greater relish to

Similarly,

may
his

the different

be safely used by a

food, are

named

man

as the

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XX.]

Tanduliyaka, and

Mandukaparni,

the

known

the salt

butter,

85

V^stuka, the Sunishannaka the Jivanti, the

the

Chilli,

the

as

etc.

Saindhava,

Clarified-

and

the

pomegranate and the Amalakam,

luscious juice of the

should be generally deemed the most wholesome articles

of food.
Similarly,

the practise of self-control, residence in a

room protected from the strong

gusts of wind, sleeping

only at night, tepid water, and moderate physical exercise

should be regarded as absolutely conducive to a better
preservation of health.

We

have already enumerated the names of sub-

stances which

absolutely

are

human

tionally injurious to

beneficial

health.

or

uncondi-

Things which are

both wholesome and injurious are those, which,

example,

may

prove

beneficial

the bodily. Vayu though

tion.

The

Valli

Amla-phala, the
oil,

fruit,

salt,

in

otherwise in
the

for

a distemper of
Pittaj a affec-

Karaka, the

Karira,

the

the Kulattha, the Pinyaka, curd,

Virohi, cakes, the dried pot-herbs, goat's flesh, mutton,

wine, the Jamboline

fruit,

the Chilichima

of the Godha, and the Varaha

(wild boar)

simultaneousl)^ with milk, furnish an

which

may

act

as

fish,

the

flesh

being eaten

example of

articles

deadly poisons through incompatible

combinations.

Metrical Texts: An

intelligent

physician,

considering the nature of the disease, the strength and

24

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

86

temperament of the

patient,

and the

Chap.

state of his

XX.

diges-

as

well as the seat of the affection, the physical

features

of the country and the then prevailing season

tion

of the year, should prescribe a diet which he thinks

the most proper and suitable to the requirements of

the case.

Since the

conditions infinitely vary in the

different types of diseases

do not obtain

in

one and the same type,* physicians

generally prescribe a

diet of their

determined with regard to

preference

to

and even the same conditions

its

own

selection,

one

general effect on health, in

one that has been

laid

down

in

books

of medicine.

If

asked to prescribe either milk or poison to a

healthy person, a physician would naturally prescribe

the former, and thereby, prove the absolute wholesomeness of milk and unconditional harmfulness of poison.

Thus

is

verified,

Sushruta, the correctness

tum, that things such as

water,

etc.,

are

of the

dic-

absolutely

and unconditionally wholesome or otherwise, by virtue

of their respective natural properties.

Things which are

through combination

unwholesome
:

Now

shall

enu-

merate the names of substances which become positively

unwholesome through incompatible combinations.

*

The

propriety and improprietyof a particular diet should be

mined with a

full

regard

of a particular malady.

to

the antecedent

The
deter-

and attending circumstances

Chap. XX.

flesh

of

SUTRASTHANAM.

87

any domestic (Gramya) or aquatic (Anupa)

the flesh of those which live in

beast or bird, as well as

marshy ground (Audaka), should not be eaten with

boiled rice

menced
or

sprouting,

of

The

Masha-pulse.

Rohini and the

in

com-

has

honey, milk, treacle

lard,

known

pot-herbs,,

the

as

should not be partaken

J4tu-shaka,

with milk and honey

combination

flesh of a heron,

with

or

which

paddy

prepared from

nor the

eaten simultaneously with Kulm^sha

and the spirituous liquor known as V^runi. Maricha

and Pippalis should not be eaten

(black pepper)

known as the Kakam^chi.

combination with the pot-herbs

The

pot-herbs

known

Nadima and

as the

Siddhi should

not be simultaneously eaten with curd, and the

flesh

a cock.

Honey

should not be taken immediately

drinking

warm

water,

nor

be simultaneouly eaten.

in

treacle

honey and

boar's

flesh

fish

and

and Mulakam, treacle and the

or

(wine),

bile

and

after

should

Similarly,

modifications

Kdkam^chi,

flesh

of

Krishara and

combination.

Souviraka and sesamum paste,

of sugarcane juice,

and

meat

Sura

Payasa should not be taken

in

honey

of a wild boar,

should not be taken

in

combination.

Similarly,

Jamboline

milk

fruit

and Mulakam,

and the

flesh of

mango

fruit

and

Godh^, Porcupine and

hog should not be eaten together. All

fish,

specially

those of the Chilichimi species, should not be taken with

I'HE

88

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

[Chap. XX.

milk, nor the fruit of a plantain tree should be

neously eaten with Tila

known
or

simulta-

The

milk or whey.

fruit,

fruit

Lakucha should not be taken with milk, curd

as

meat soup, nor with honey and

immediately before or

nor

clarified-butter,

after the drinking of milk.

ncompatible preparations of food:

Now

we

stances,

enumerate

shall

names

the

of

sub-

which become unwholesome through incom-

patible preparations. Flesh of pigeon fried with mustard

should

oil

not be

Myura (peacock, L^va,

with castor
plants,
in a

should not

vessel

be

of Indian

substance

spring

and

been

and

Godha,
twigs

autumn.
in a

boiled

of castor

kept

Clarified-butter,

metal

bell

ten consecutive

for

Honey

combination with an

heated by

Kakam^chi, boiled

had

of a Kapinjala,

of the

fire

eaten.

should not be used in

or

flesh

be rejected as unwholesome.

should

days,

Tittira,

and on a

oil

The

eaten.

nor

fire,

article

the seasons

in

of

The pot-herbs

known

bowl

fish

or ginger

prepared,

should be

which

in

previously boiled

or

as

the

rejected as positively injurious.

Similarly,

the pot-herbs

known

as

the

Upodika

should not be eaten by boiling them with the levigated

paste of sesamum.

The

flesh

of a

heron

prepared

with hog's lard should not be taken with the pulp

of the cocoanut

on a

fruit.

The

flesh of a

Bhasa

spit over a charcoal fire, should not

bird, roasted

be eaten.

XX.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

189

Objectionable proportions : Now we

enumerate the names of substances which become

shall

unwholesome by being mixed

Two

portions.

clarified butter)

substances,

taken
after

substances

oily

honey

or

mixed

objectionable

in

(such

any

and

in equal proportions,

as

pro-

and

oil

the

of

oily

should not be

nor should rain water be drunk immediately

having taken honey and clarified-butter.

Incompatible tastes, potencies and

chemical actions : Now we shall describe
the substances enumerated in couples, and possessed of
different

tastes,

other through

which
their

chemical actions
or sweet

and

prove

respective

tastes

patible to each other

tastes,

Sweet

Vipaka).

saline

incompatible

to

each

potencies and

and

acid

tastes,

should be deemed incom-

in respect of their

inherent properties. Sweet and

potencies and

acrid tastes are incom-

patible to each other in all the above three respects.

Similarly, sweet

things should be

and

bitter, or

sweet and astringent

deemed incompatible

respect of their tastes,

and chemical

to each

action.

other in

Acid and

sahne things are incompatible to each other as regards

their flavours.

as

regards

flavour

bitter, or acid

to

Acid and acrid things are incompatible

and

chemical

and astringent

action.

things,

Acid

and

are incompatible

each other, both as regards their respective flavours,

potencies,

and digestive or chemical transformations.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

IQO
Saline

XX.

Chap.

and pungent things are incompatible to each

and

other as regards their respective flavour (Rasa)

digestive (chemical) transformation.

things

bitter

each other

to

in respect of all the three abovesaid relations

Pungent and

gories.

to

other

each

transformation,
or

astringent

compatible
spective

of

respect

in

flavour

whereas substances

and

bitter

to

potencies, flavours

and

and

pungent

regards

as

cate-

digestive

are

in-

their

re-

tastes

astringent

another

one

of

and

incompatible

are

tastes

bitter

and

saline

or

incompatible

are

things

astringent

and

saline

Similarly,

and digestive

chemical)

action or transformation.

Degrees

incompatibility

of

-Sub-

stances that are incompatible with, or antagonistic to, the

system through a difference of degree or intensity, as

well as things which bring about an
of the
their

extreme dryness

organism, or those which are extremely oily in

composition

or

are

characterised

by

extreme

cold or warmth, should be categorically rejected.

Authoritative verses on the subject :Things or substances which are incompatible

to

one another

in their respective tastes, potencies

reactionary transformation
lutely

should be denied as abso-

unwholesome, while the

dered as possessed

of

and

mixed

rest

should be consi-

virtues

^wholesome

or

Chap.

XX.

injurious

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

under

certain

191

circumstances'

described

as

before.

By

taking substances which are incompatible to one

another as regards their tastes, potencies and digestive

transformation,

becomes

and

greed}^

person

intemperate

with disease and weakness of the

afflicted

sense-organs, and ultimately meets with his doom.

Anything, which being taken enrages or agitates the

bodily humours without
(

effete matter) to

causing the

food

be evacuated out of the bowels, or

possessed of a taste contrary

necessary

assimilated

for the

to, or

other than

what

is
is

purposes of vitalization, should be

looked upon as the primary source of

bodily

all

dis-

tempers.
Diseases, brought about

by a food

or drink

of incompatible substances, are amenable to

purgatives,

emetics,

or

pacifying

deranged humours) medicines

when found

composed
the use of
of

the

diet,

even

(corrective

and such a

unavoidable, should be preceded by the use

of drugs or substances potent

enough to neutralise

its

baneful effect.*

meat,

in

the composition of which

substances of

incompatible virtues and potencies largely enter,

fails

to

develop any distressing or harmful symptoms in subjects

who
*

are habitually

addicted to

it,

or

who

This couplet occurs also in the Charaka Samhita.

takes

it

in

THE SUSHRUTA

192

SAMHITA'.

Chap. xx.

small quantities, as well as in persons of youthful

and strong
invigorated

or

iappetite,

by the use of

who have become

those

in

oily

vigor

and albuminous food and

healthful physical exercise.*

The

winds : Now

effects of the

we

describe the effects of the winds on the body, (as

blow from the

it

they

dfferent quarters of the heaven)

The East wind : The East wind,

and sweet in

shall

its

which

is

cool

potency, is heavy and charged with

salt;

aggravates blood and Pittam and gives rise to an acid

digestive reaction.

aggravates the disease

It specially

in a patient suffering

from a wound or an

from

ulcer, or

the effect of any poison, and affects persons of Shleshmdla

temperament.

It

highly

is

to

efficacious

fatigued

persons, as well as to those of a Vatala (nervous) tem-

perament, or
disease
ulcers

if

who

though

are afflicted with

it

sweet ('produces

like a thing of

It

is

South wind

same soothing

the

sweet

an astringent after-taste

eyes,

Kaphaja

there be any.

reaction.

sort of

increases the slimy secretion in their

The South wind The

organism

any

taste)

and

is

effect
is

light,

on the

followed by

(Anurasa) being antacid in

the best of winds, gives vigour

increases the strength,

to

Different

ReadingIn

the

and soothes the blood and

the Pittam without aggravating the bodily Vayu.

'

its

a child or in a

man

of voracious appelitc.

Chap. XX.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

The West wind : The

non- slimy, dry, rough to
absorbs the albumen
absorbs

or

parched

condition

dries

193

West wind

pure,

is

the perception, and keen.

or oily principle of the body.

up

fat

in

the

and Kapham, produces

body when exposed

to

It

It

a
it,

and speedily diminishes the strength of a person.

The North wind

crisp, mild, of a

one.

It

sweet taste terminating

does not in any

deranged bodily humours.

increases the strength

the different orfices

etc.).

It

: The North wind

way

cold,

an astringent

enrage or agitate the

In healthy

subjects

it

and the running secretions from

of the

body (such

as

the nostrils

proves extremely salutary to patients suffering

from consumption, cachexia and the

Tims ends the twentieth Ch.ipter

sanihila wliich iieals

25

in

is

(if

snlutarx'

of (he

effects of poison.

.Siitiasthanrtiii in

and nonsnlutai^-

the.Sushiuia

efiVrts of the reginien.

CHAPTER
Now we

shall discuss the

ulcers

Chapter which investigates

humours, as exciting causes of

of bodily

nature

the

XXI.

(Vrana-prashna-madhyayam).

The Vayu, Pittam and Shleshma should be considered

as the primary

human

stitution of
vital

and the most essential

factors in the con-

These fundamental and

organism.

humours, occupying respectively the lower, middle,

and upper parts of the body, maintain

human body

is

humours

the

in

supported by

same way

the
as

fundamental

three

house

dwelling

propped up by three supporting poles or stays

which

the body

fact,

(Tristhunam) by certain authorities.

dition

of these

about

its

dissolution

or

death,

from

deranged con-

may

bring

on their

con-

fundamental humours

three

is

three-supported one

called the

is

The

integrity.

its

while

tinuance in a normal state depends the vitality of the

These three humours,

organism.
the

fourth,

principle

in

combination with a

of blood, determine

the

origin,

preservation, and dissolution of animated organism and

permeate

moment

it

with their respective

There

Pittam,

till

the

of death.

Authoritative
ject

properties

verse on

can be no

Kapham and

organism

blood, which

the subwithout

are

Vdyu,

necessary to

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XXI.]

maintain

constantly

Pittam and Shleshma (Kaphami are

(Vayu),

move

derived from the roots 'Va', to

tively

Tapa,' to burn or to

'

The terms Vata

integrity.

its

195

with the

and

heat,

respec-

or

added.*

suffix 'Ta' thereto

Seats of the bodily humours

we

Now

shall describe the locations of the foregoing vital hu-

The

mours.
in

smell,

" Shlisha," to embrace,

Vaj'^u

may be

briefly described

as

located

the regions of the pelvis (Shroni), and the rectum

(Guda

The Pittam has

its

between

seat in the region

the stomach Amashaya) and the intestines (Pakvashaya)

1

which

is

above the pelvis and the rectum and below

umbilicus, while

the

Kapham

the

is

ensconced within

the cavity of the stomach (Amashaya.

Xow we
vital

the

shall divide the

humours into

Vayu

will

five

of each

locations

parts

The

of

the

localities of

five

be described under the head of Vata-

Vyadhis (nervous diseases), while those of Pittam are the

liver

and the spleen, the

heart, the pupils

located in the

region

of the

the

breast,

eyes,

The Kapham

the skin and the intestines (Pakvashaya\

is

of the

throat, the

head, the joints and the stomach (Amashaya).

The

fore-

going regions are the seats of the vital humours in their

normal

state.

From

allriljutes

this shiiuld

of ihe

viud

he infenetl that niotion and

\^yu,

union and inlegraliun arc

heal

iho.sc of

sim-ll

and ImininL; arc

Kapham.

arc

lliosc uf

ilic

nalural

I'iUam, and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

196

Texts :The

IVIetrical

Kapham

Pittam and

animated

[Chap. xxi.

humours ^Vayu,

vital

maintain the integrity of the

by

organism

creating,

same way

diffusing strength in the

and the winds maintain the

and

assimilating

as the

moon, the

of the

integrity

sun,

terrestrial

globe.*

The Pittam
the Pittam

is

something

: Now

may

it

identical with the

other than

that

be asked whether

elemental

symptoms,

Since such

digestion (boiling

and

all

other

is

it

the same

a burning

as

as

sensation,

of

characteristics

can never exhibit themselves in the

human body

out the intervention of Pittam. Pittam therefore

internal

is

The question may be

answered by stating that the Pittam

fire.

or

fire,

fire

with-

is

called

fire.t

Consequently, an enfeebled action of Pittam

is

re-

medied by the administration of drugs and substances

which are akin to the elemental

fire

in

their attributes,

while an abnormal or excessive action (secretion) of

Pittam
kindled

is

subdued by cooling measures as an over-

fire is

subdued by moisture.

(heat making

fire

The moon

laves

factor) in the
the ea.rlh

There

is

no other

organism than Pittam.

and imparls

lo

it

the

vitaHsing principle

own ambrosial lii^ht. The sun draws off the moisture

own attractive force, and the Vdyu distributes the heal and

with her

in virtue

of his

moisture

over
t

its

surface.

The analogy

is

based

on the healing (and metabolic) actions of

Pittam, and does not extend to

former attributes

permeate

its

liquid

in its entirety,

secreli<jn
it is

,'bile).

Bui

since

designated the Inlernal

the
fire-

Chap. XXI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

The Pd'Chakygni

: By

the ordination of fate

or necessity (unfathomable natural

located in the region between

and the
of the
etc.

cause \ the

Pittam,

the stomach (Am^shaya

<

(Pakvashaya), helps the digestion

intestines

such as drink and edibles

kinds of food

four

1^7

partaken of by a living subject, and purges off the

residue or impure morbiferous matter

shape of

the

in

urine and excreta after the completion

of the

Even thus

temperature

in

of

its

its

located,

keeps up the

it

other distant locations (skin,

native

heat-giving attribute.

called the

Pachakagni

etc.)

Hence

(digestive

fire

in

virtue

Pittam

this

or

process.

heat)

in

is

an

animated organism.

The Ranjaka'gni
Pittam, which has

its

consists in imparting

to the lymph-chyle
(lit

dyeing

fire

or

seats in the

and

is

is

or

operating heat or

is

to

bring

liver

as

and the spleen,

pigment Ragakrit
(

bile.)

: The Pittam

seated in the

the Sadhakagni (performing

fire;

about the

the

hence known as Ranjakagni

pigment

denominated

of

function

characteristic

its

The Sa'dhaka'gni
heart

: The

inasmuch

fruition

or

as

action

its

realisation

of

one's desires.

The Alochaka'gni

:The

located in the pupils of the eyes,

kagni

(the

Pittam or

fire

is

Pittam,
called the

of sight) as

its

which

is

Alocha-

office

is

to

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

igS

catch the image

the

any external object presented to

of

e5'es.

The Bhrarjaka'gni
its

[Chap. XXI.

seat in the skin,

ing

or

is

irradiating

:-The

called the

Pittam, which has

Bhrajakagni

inasmuch as

heat)

(illuminat-

it

absorbs the

substances used in the shape of imguents.

lubrications,

etc.

and

irradiates the

IVIetrical
and warm

glow of one's natural complexion.

texts :-The

or yellowish

(in

is

a keen, sharp

is

normal

deranged condition).

its

kind of fleshy smell and

which

Pittam

liquid, of a blue colour (in its

It

state),

emits a

possessed of a pungent taste

is

transformed into an acid one

when deranged

or

vitiated.

Seats of Shiesh ma'

shall describe the locations

(Amashaya), which

same

is

the

position as regards

Kapham : Xow we
Kapham.

of

seat of

its

The stomach

Kapham,

location to

that

as the sun holds in relation to that of the

the stomach (Amashaya;

since

pancreas (Pittashaya^-, and

(cooling) contrary to the

is

is

occupies the
of Pittam

moon.

situated

endowed with

And

above the
a property

primary virtue (heating) of

Pit-

tam, and, since the heat emitted by the receptacle of Pit-

tam

is

naturally radiated in an

upward

direction, the four

kinds of food, brought in to the stomach (Amashaya), are

boiled and transformed into a soft placid mass (chyme;,
like

rice

boiled

in

a bowl

full

of water placed

over a

Chap. XXI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

The

burning oven.

stomach,

is

by coming

thus brought

food,

down

99

into the

and digested

easily moistene'd, disintegrated

into contact with the oily secretions of the

stomach (Amdshaya).

IVIetrical

Texts : The Kapham

originated

is

through the sweet, slimy, watery, exudating character

of the

(Amashaya)

food brought into the stomach

and hence the

Kapham becomes endued

with similar

attributes.

The Kledakam
principally

located

: The Kapham, even though

the

in

other distant

localities

humid essence

in virtue

stomach, permeates

with
of

its

The Avalamvaka

its

its

four

watery or

peculiar

inherent attributes.

: The Kapham,

located in

the region of the chest, protects the joints of the arms,

the neck and the sternum,

perform

its

natural

and enables the heart to

functions

with the help

of the

lymph-chyle derived from the assimilated food and

own

its

intrinsic potency.

The Vodhakam

: The Kapham,

the throat and at the root of the palate,

situated

lends

its

in

aid to

the perception of tastes by maintaining the moist or

humid character

of the tongue.

The Tarpakam
the

head, cools and

: The Kapham,

situated

in

bathes the different sense organs

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

200
with

own humid

its

humid

essence,

the

their

virtue of

in

Chap. XXi.

its

natural

attributes.

The Shimcshakam
in

joints,

keeps

articulation

them

and

: The Kapham,

situated

firmly

protects

united,

opposes their separation and

disunion.

Metrical Texts : The

heavy,
is

oily,

slimy and cool.

Kapham

In

possessed of a sweet taste, which

saline

reaction

one

in the

when deranged

liver

helps

its

is

state,

it

followed by

in its reactionary transformation (chemical

or vitiated.

Seats of blood : The

it

normal

its

white,

is

seats

ot

blood are

and the spleen, as stated before, whence

other receptacles

serve

to

their

proper

functions.

Metrical Texts : The

glossy, a

little

warm, and

is

blood

red,

or

oily

possessed of an attribute

similar to something of a sweet taste.

it

is

It is heav)',

and

emits a fleshy smell and resembles the Pittam in

reactionary process, or in

which derange the Pittam,

other

words, those

vitiate the

its

factors,

blood as well.

These are the locations of the deranged humours,

which are respectively accumulated

of the aforesaid causes.

such symptoms

in

them on account

The deranged humours

as, fullness

exhibit

and stuffedness of the abdo-

men, or of any of the viscera (due to the action of the

Chap. XXI.

SUTRA8THANAM.

deranged Vayu
to

the

20I

yellowness of the affected part (due

action of the deranged Pittam

and diminution

of the bodily heat, heaviness of the limbs, and

of languor .^due to the action of the

and a natural repugnance

for

sense

diseased Kapham),

causes

which

(factors)

lead to their respective aggravations or accumulations.

The medical treatment should be commenced

as the

symptoms, peculiar to

become

their accumulation,

soon

would

manifest.

Humours and
Xow we

shall

their aggravations :

enumerate the causes which agitate and

(aggravate) the deranged

is

as

The bodily Vayu

humours.

aggravated by such factors (conduct, practices and

diet,

etc.)

as,

wrestling

strength, violent

with

wrestler of superior

gymnastic exercises, sexual excesses,

excessive study, a headlong plunge into water or a leap

from an inordinate height, running, a violent pressing

blow, leaping over a ditch, a bounding

gait,

swimming,

keeping of late hours, carrj'ing of heavy loads, excessive

riding,

of a

walking a long

food into the

distance

composition

astringent, bitter, light or

and
of

dusha,

partaking

which

parchifying articles,

stances of cool potency, largely enter.

of dried pot-herbs,

the

pungent,
or

sub-

Diets consisting

Vallura, Varaka, Uddalaka, Kara-

Shyamaka, Xiv^ra, Mudga,

Masura,

Adhaki,

Harenu, Kalaya, and Nishpava tend to aggravate the

bodily V^yu.
26

THE SUSHRUTA

202

unequal

Fasting,

SAMHITA'.

over-eating,

meals,

irregular

or

Chap. XXI.

voluntary suppression of urine, semen, and tears, or of

the mucous secretions

or

forced

coryza,

sneezing

from the nose as

stoppage

the factors, which

are

may

as the aggravating causes of the bodily

Metrical Text : The

aggravated

bodily

a cold, cloudy or

in

during the rains,

in

down

be set

Vayu.

Vayu

is

windy day,

naturally
in winter,

and

and evening

morning

the

eructation

defecation,

of

fluent

in

especially at the close of digestion.

Symptoms of aggravated Pittam

The Pittam

is

aggravated by anger,

(reaction) of the assimilated

fasting, acid transformation

food,

of pungent,

indulgence, partaking of a food consisting

acid or saline, keen, heat

well

acidity.

reactionary

sesamum
Atashi,
flesh
its

oil,

of a

or of

Godha

aggravation,
Similarly,

spissated

if

or

is

milk),

followed by

aggravated by the use of

is

paste.

known

as

Kulattha, Sarshapa,

Haritaka,

the

fish,

may

a goat or mutton

lead to

taken iniudiciously.

the use of curd, whey,

Amla-phala (sour
oil)

It

sesamum

pot-herbs

the

or light substances, as

whose digestion

those

of

as

making

sexual

unnatural

digestion,

deficient gastric

or

fatigue,

fear,

grief,

Sauviraka,
fruits),

different

Kurchika,
kinds

or Katvara i.curd

and excessive exposure

by the same consequences.

to

the sun,

may

of

(in-

wine,

mixed with
be followed

Chap. XXI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Metrical Texts : In
the Pittam
in

addition

to

these,

all

spontaneously and abnormally aggravated

is

summer,

203

autumn,

in

during the process

of

partaking of hot or

warm

at

noon,

digestion,

mid-night

at

well

as

and

by the

as

substances.

Symptoms of the deranged Kapham The deranged Kapham aggravated by

is

sleep in the day time,

sedentary habits.
of substances

the following of lazy or

or b}'

The partaking

which are

heav)',

of

composed

food,

sweet,

slimy,

acid

or saline in their taste, or of one consisting of substances

which increase the mucous secretions from the

of the

body^ ma}' be likewise set

vating

factors.

called

the

The

of food

use

Hayanaka, the

down

which

Yavaka, the

Godhuma,

aggravation.

the Payasha (sweetened rice

Curd, milk, the Krishara,

porridge^ the various preparations of cane-sugar

things which produce the

same

result.

The

flesh

beasts and birds that are aquatic in their habits

in
if

or

swampy

lands, as well as lard,

used as food.
of

The

are

Naishadha,

the Itcata, the Masha, the Mahamasha, the

its

aggra-

as

grains,

the Tilam, or of rice cakes ma}-- lead to

fissures

use

of

Kasheruka, Shringataka,

effect,

lotus stems

Madhura-phala,

phala as well as eating before digestion

of

or live

have the same

bulbs and

are

or

the

Valli-

par-

taking of food consisting of both wholesome

and un-

wholesome substances may aggravate

humour.

this bodily

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

204

Texts :The Kapham

lYIetrlcal

aggravated

and spontaneoush'
evening, in

Hemanta, and
Likewise,

after a meal.

cold food or drink,

specially

it is

Spring,

in

and

just

aggravated by the use of

etc.

Symptoms
blood: [Owing

aggravated

the

of

to a natural similarity

and the Pittam, and through a natural

causes,

their attributes],

naturally

is

morning and

the

in

Chap. XXI.

which tend

between blood
between

affinity

aggravate the

to

deranged Pittam, tend to aggravate or agitate the blood

as

well.

Moreover, frequent meals or repeated use of

of which

food, into the composition

heavy substances largely

enter, are followed

turbed or aggravated condition of the blood.

the day time, anger,
or

fire,

by

a dis-

Sleep

in

exposure to the glare of the sun

over- fatiguing labour, an external blow, ingestion

of indigestible or
before

and

liquid

cool,

the

well be set

incompatible substances,
digestion of a

full

down

causes

as

and eating

previous meal,

may

as

which tend to aggravate

blood.

Texts:As

IVIetrical

the bodily humours are

never aggravated independently of the

aggravation

humours gives
the

thirst,

their

goes together with a disturbed or agitated

condition of the blood.

in

blood,

bowels

rise to
;

it

The aggravated

condition of the

pain and moves the

further occasions

burning sensations, aversion

to

acid

wind A'ayu)
eructations,

food,

vomiting

Chap

SUTRASTHANAM.

XXI.]

Any

and nausea.

symptoms should be

of these

ed as the second occasion which

Expansion

mours Now

we

aggravated

humours,

and

expand

any ferment

new

of
is

manner

enzyme

or

ferment

night,

the limits

same

the

in

localities

and

hu-

expansion

The deranged

cakes, soaked in

kept

through

attributes.

causes,

of their respective

as,

and

rise

and unseen

aid.

the above mentioned

b}-

overflow

medical

the

describe

shall

regard-

deranged

deranged humours.

the

(Prasaram) of

calls for

the

of

205

standing
the

over

acquisition

The V^yu,

which

possessed of locomotion or extreme mobility, should

be looked upon as
or over-flowing.
in

reality

the

(creative or cohesive

Rajas

is

only

the

of

their

expansion

The Vayu, though an inanimate

possessed

is

cause

the

of

and the

energ}'),

essential

quality

of

qualit}'

thing,

"Rajas"
of the

or motive principle in the

universe.

As

vast

and mighty expanse of water, which

has been divided into two

barrier,

will

expanses by a

sweep away the

to form one sheet of water

sometimes singly, sometimes

latter

dam

or

and unite again

so the deranged humours,

in

combination with two

or all of their species, or in unison with blood,

expand

and over-run the organism

As

example, the Vayu,

the

blood

are

singlv

the

in

all

Pittam,

directions.

the

for

Kapham and

expanded, whereas the bi-hu-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

2o6

Chap. xxi.

moural expansions involve the simultaneous overflow

two deranged humours,

of the

humour and

blood,

Kapham, Vayu

Kapham and

Vayu and

as the

blood.

and enraged humours,

fi)

may

Pittam,

Kapham and

Kapham and

Kapham and
numbering

blood, the

fifteen in

blood,

two of the deranged

(5,1

(4)

irritated

{2)

(3)

the expansion of
the expansion of

the expansion of Vayu,

expansion

the

different

types

of Pittam,

of expansion

all.

Metrical Texts: The

abnormally

expansions,

be classified as the expansion,

blood,

Pittam and Kapham,

Vayu and

and blood, and

The tri-humoural

the Vayu, Pittam and blood,

the Vayu,

any deranged

Pittam,

and blood, Pittam

which involve the blood and any

of

of

or

deranged

aggravated,

or

the

humours, whether per-

meating the whole or half of the system or restricted

to

any particular part or member of the body, give

to disease in the place of their incarceration,

clouds pouring

down

in

the

quarter of the

like

rise

rain

sky where

they are formed. The deranged humours, not excessively

slightly; aggravated, lie inoperative coating the internal

passages (Margas) of the body and thus bring about a

fresh disease,

if

subsequent!}' agitated

by any disturbing

causes.

The deranged and aggravated Vayu, ha\ing moved

into

any

specific seat of Pittam,

should be medicinally

treated as a case of Pittaja aggravation.

Similarly,- the

SUTRASTHANAM.

[Chap. XXI.

207

deranged and aggravated Pittam, or Kapham, changing

their

respective places with. each other, should be medi-

humour

cinally treated as the

The Vayu,

lound.
to

from

deviate

whose location

in

is

it

thus aggravated and expanded, tends

right

its

passage and gives

rise to

swelling or distention of the abdomen, accompanied

a rumbling sound in the intestines.

by

The Pittam, under

the similar condition, gives rise to heat,

and a

sort

of

sucking, burning pain in the affected part, together with

a sensation of radiation or evaporation of heat from

The Kapham, under

surface.

the circumstance, would

usher in a complete aversion to

food, inertness

and impaired digestion.

limbs, ^omiting

its

of the

The preceding

symptoms, caused by the aggravation and expansion

of the bodily
for

humours, should be the third occasion

medical treatment

Stha'na-Samshrayam : Now

we

shall

enumerate the names of the peculiar diseases, which are

originated

by the deranged and expanded

incarcerated

the

in

different

These humours, confined

Gulma

abdominal

(Vidradhi),

chikai

of

the

abdomen, give

body.
rise

to

glands) tumours, internal abscesses

abdominal

in the bowels,

in the

parts

humours,

dropsy,

constipation

impaired

(Anaha',

digestion

cholera

fVisu-

and dysentery.

Lodged

in

the

Prameha (morbid

bladder,

these

humours usher

urethral discharges),

Ashman

in

(stone in

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

2o8

Chap. XXI.

the bladder), Mutrakrichchhra (stricture of the urethra)

Mutraghata

and

the

affecting

of

'retention

renal

secretion,

urine),

and diseases

Restricted to the

etc.

penis they tend to bring in syphilis, Xirudha-prakasha

(phymosis

known

and

the

inflammatory

local

the Shuka-dosha, etc.

as

Similarly, lodged

in

the region of the anus,

deranged and expanded humours beget

Confined

they give

rise to

tumours,

etc.

the

scrotum,

the

of

region

that

the

to

above the

region

humours originate diseases peculiar to

while

locality,

about

hydrocele and other types of scrotal

Restricted

clavicles, these

that

in

these

fistula in ano,

growths

polypus

and

hccmorrhoids
locality.

diseases

erysipelas,

cutaneous

affections

(Kushtha and other minor diseases supervene, when they

.

restrict

themselves to the flesh and the skin (lymph-

chyle)

and

blood.

humours tend
(scrofula),

only the

Affecting

to originate

(inflammation of the eye at the edge

elephantisis,

Kantaka,
irive

rise

in

(goitre)

(a

kind of

and

Alaji

of the cornea.*

lower extremities, they

Vata-Rakta

etc.

to

the

these

Granthi (Aneurism), Apachi

Arvuda (tumour', Galaganda

Lodged

fat,

leprosy

bring on
,

Vata-

Permeating the whole organism, they

such diseases as

fever,

SarAangaroga,

etc.

which invade the entire system.

*

Additional text: Reaching

down and

confined in the bone -systems of

Anushayi,
ihe body, ihey produce Vidradhi (abscesses),

cte.

Chap. XXI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

209

The aggravated and expanded humours, thus

firmly

ensconced in the different parts of the body, exhibit

the premonitor}''
fully

dealt

symptoms

with under

manifestation

diseases which will be

of

of these premonitory

be considered

the

as

The

respective heads.

their

fourth

symptoms should
medical

for

occasion

treatment.

Development

Disease- Its
shall deal

with the

of a disease. The
swelling,

full

Now we

development or manifestation

full

manifestation of a disease, such as a

tumour, aneurism (Granthi), Vidradhi (abscess)

and erysipelas (Visarpa)

etc.,

fever or dysentery, signifies

the complete development of the

characteristic

symp-

toms, which should be regarded as the fifth occasion for

medical treatment.

The

sixth occasion for the calling in

should be considered to have

(abscess, tumour, etc.)
teristic

symptoms

arisen

of medical aid

when

swelling

would burst and exhibit the charac-

of

open

an

lingering or continuance

of a

ulcer.

fever or

persistent

dysentery,

etc.,

should be considered as marking, or forming one of

may

its

particular stages,

and which

incurable type,

neglected or not sufficiently cared for

if

run

into

one of an

at the outset.

Authoritative verse on the subject:

The

physician,

who

fully

knows about the accumula-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

2IO

[Chap. XXI.

(Sanchaya), disturbance or aggravation rPrakopa},

tion

expansion

Prasaram), and differentiating traits of the

deranged humours (Bheda), and

the

the

confined in

well conversant with

which they are respectively

localities in

specific

is

expansion

of their

course

(Sthana-

samshrayam), and with the symptoms which they respectively exhibit in connection with the incidental

(Vyakti),

is

alone worthy of that epithet.

The deranged humours, checked

accumulating stage,

fail

to exhibit

quent development, but,

in

disease

strength and intensity

if

in

left

or

subdued

their

in

any further or subse-

unremedied, they gain

the course

further

of their

development. The humours, deranged either singly, or

couples, or in a triple combination as regards one or

in

two

of their virtues, push on, follow and blend with humours

similarly

deranged as regards their qualities and com-

binative numbers.

The medical treatment

(three) of the
in

in a case,

where two or

deranged humours are involved, consists

conquering the strongest one

in

the combination, but

so as not to enrage or aggravate the minor or the

humours

in

all

the

group

and specially so

in a

weaker

case

of

Sannipata."

THl- cuniliinaiinii

hlond niav liki'wisf Uc

conil.iTiaticin.

nfany iwnot ihc

iiiicrpiL-tL-d

IkkIIIv liuiiKiuis

in signify

wiih the

viiiaied

SAnnip^tika (tiihuninuial)

Chap. XXI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

concourse of deranged humours, affecting and ap-

pearing in a particular part of the body,

or

211

an ulcer (Vrana)

"Vri"

to cover

covering a
leaving a

and

particular

cicatrix

which
is

"is

is

called a boil

derived from the root

so called from the

part

of the

body

fact

or

which remains the whole

of

from

its
its

life-time

of the patient.
Thus ends
Samhili which
rise to

an

ihe l\vcnl\-Hisl chapter uf the

Sulraslh^nam

treats of investigation into the nature ol

ulcer.

in

the

the

Sushnila

humours giving

CHAPTER
Now we

from

which

chapter,
or

boils

ulcers

of

(Vranasra'va-Vijna'niaya-

types.

different

the

discuss

shall

secretions

of

treats

XXII.

madhya'yam).
A
the

boil or an ulcer has its

following components

eight

body such

or

the bone, the skin,

as,

in

one of

principles

of the

generally

seat

the

the

flesh,

the ligaments, the joints, the viscera and the

(vital

may

type

skin,

boil

up or appear

crop

mentioned

parts of the body).

in

an

readily

which

ulcer,

medical

to

yields

is

remaining types, as well as those,

suppurate and bursty are
ulcer usually assumes a

any one of the above

confined onl)' to the

treatment, while the

which spontaneoush'

hard to cure.

or

triangular

difficulty.

abscess) in a patient,

who, from the

of an

should be

Any Vrana

who

outset,

an

while

those,

have forms

looked upon

which can be cured only with

as belonging to types

utmost

boil or

either diffused^

is

irregular or indefinite in shape, (or

other than the preceding ones

ment

an ulcer of any

or

shape which

spheroidal

rectangular,

the

Marmas

localities.

boil or

which are

veins,

is

(burst

or

incised

observes a strict regimen, and

placed under the medical treat-

experienced physician (surgeon), will

be

while an ulcer, affecting a person

of

speedily healed

Chap. XXII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

and treated by a quack or an ignorant

habits

irregular

213

physician, will dcNelop into

one of a malignant type,

which can be healed only with the greatest

on account of

it

becoming aggravated

b}'

difficulty,

the deranged

bodily humours involved therein.

Symptoms of Dushta-Vranas : Malignant ulcers (Dushta Vranas) are known by the following
indications

They

mouthed. They

either too

are

narrow or too wide-

extremely hard or soft to the

feel either

touch and present either a raised

pressed aspect.
or

They

they

hgaments,

and

flesh

they

characterised

by extremes
unusual

checkered with networks

are

etc.,

are

Exhibiting strange and

of temperature.

and are

filled

of

fea-

veins,

with putrid and sloughing

Indefinite

fetid pus.

or a de-

are of either a black or red, yellow

white colour, and

tures,

elevated

and

irregular

in

shape,

found to exude a sort of dirty, fetid pus,

are

which runs
oblique or

into

fissures

upward

and

course.

cavities,

They have

following
a

an

cadaverous

look and smell and are characterised by extreme pain

and burning sensation, attended with swelling, redness,

itching

and suppuration.

ulcers,

which largely secrete

unhealed

These
ing

as,

for

Pustules crop up round

vitiated blood,

and

these
linger

an inordinate length of time.

ulcers

may

be divided into six classes [accord-

they are severally

bodily humours

caused by the

deranged

fVayu, Pittam and Kapham), or are

^^^ SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

214
due to

their

Chap. XXli.

concerted action '^Sannip^ta), or to the

of a blow

effects

(traumatic)

or

to

vitiated blood.],

and should be medically treated according to the nature

of their respective exciting factors.

Secretions from ulcers : Now we

describe the characteristic secretions from

Secretions from a

ulcers.

well

as

as

shall

types of

all

contused or lacerated skin,

from an ulcer confined only to

it),

whether

spontaneously bursting or surgically opened, are thin

and watery
by

ised

An

in

raw

their consistency.
(fleshy)

flows

incidental

out

ulcer,

in

moreover

is

and slimy

An

hue.

in

its

while the

suppurating stage,

secretes a

of cold

a sort

mucous,

detached,

character

confined

ulcer,

and thick

though

copious quantity
cut,

copious secretion, like water flowing

which

of a vein recently
its

character-

exudes a slimy, thick and

white secretion like clarified-butter.

of blood

are

and a yellowish colour.

smell

ulcer, affecting the flesh,

They

out

thin,

of a hydrant,

pendent (ropy),

and has a brown or frosty

only to a ligament, secretes

secretion, like

expectorated

sometimes marked with streaks of

blood.

bone, mjured, tractured,

idiopathic causes
loses
its

its

internal

or

suddenly cracked by

(derangement of the bodily humours),

marrow and appears

as

if

washed

(loses

natural gloss\ It assumes the colour of an oyster shell,

whereas the secretions from an

ulcer,

which

is

seated in

Chap. XXII.

a bone,

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

cold and

are

lumps of marrow. An
joints,

marked

215

b}^ streaks

Mood and

of

ulcer, 'situated in an}' of the

bone-

does not exude any secretion under pressure,

but secretes a sort of slimy, pendent, frothy and bloodstreaked pus,

expanded,

when

the affected limb or part

lowered, as in running (moving

or

raised

flexed,

is

about), sitting or standing erect, or at defecation.

An

ulcer, seated in the

abdominal cavity (Koshtha),

exudes a secretion, which

urine, fecal

pus or blood, and a thin or watery (serous)

matter,
fluid.

mixed with

is

The

any

secretions from an ulcer, affecting

part of the body, need not be

separately

vital

described, as

such a part naturally involves the organic principles

skin, flesh, etc.

necessarily

and hence an

ulcer,

exude a secretion, which

invading
is

it,

must

peculiar to

of the aforesaid bodily principles (skin, flesh,

etc.)

of

any
that

has become affected.

The deranged V^yu makes

of the

ulcer, seated in an}^

such

as,

the

secretions

from an

seven abovesaid principles

the skin, flesh, veins, ligaments, bones, joints

and the abdomen, respectively coarse, and rough to

the touch, brown, grey, frosty, or white like the cream
of curd,

and coloured

that of

meat

or

like the

washings of an

paddy husks.

alkali, like

Similarly, the action of

the deranged Pittam should be inferred from

the secre-

Gomedha

(a species

tions assuming

of

bluish

the colours of a

yellow

agate;,

or

that

of

the

urine

of

THE SUSHRUTA

SAMHITA'.

[Chap. XXII.

a cow, or that of water saturated with the

burnt ashes

2,6

of

conch-shells

of Kashaya

that

or

water

or that

wine known as the Madhvika or that of

of the

according as the skin,

flesh, etc. are

The

deranged blood,

nature

the

of

action

of the

sajd locations,

secretions
is

oil,

respectiveh^ affected.

changing the

in

of ulcers in the seven above-

identical with

Pittam with the exception,

the

that

deranged

of the

that

secretions

are

characterised by an extremel}'' fishy smell.

an epidermic (confined

In
of a

part)

butter-like

the

or

the

ulcer

superficial

Kapham

deranged

to

or

manifests

itself

Kasisha (sulphate

They

secretions.

have

the epidermis

to

onl}'

action

the

of

by imparting
of

iron)

colour

hue or a

lard-like

or that of water tinged

colour like that of rice paste,

with sesamum, or a colour like that of the internal

water of a cocoanut, or a colour like that of

juice or

hog's lard, according

a bone

or a joint

as

the flesh, a vein, a

through the combined action of

humours of the

body

become coloured

like

soakings

of

On

attacked.

is

sesamum

water

seeds,

or

other hand,

the three deranged

all

(Sannipata),

the

the

ligament,

those secretions
tinged

with

the

the internal sap

or

water of a cocoanut, or the juice of the Ervaruka or the

transparent surface layer of rice gruel, or the washings
of the
of the

Aruka

fruit, or

the water tinged with the

Priy^ngu, or like the liver or the

Mudga

fruits

pulse.

Chap. XXII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

217

Authoritative verses on the subject

An

domen and
husks

in colour, as well as

secretion

incurable.

like

liver

the

in

one located

alkaline

Trika,

(articulation

secretion, coloured like

should be regarded

(incurable).

of the

the

as

seat in

its

or

deemed

be

the

the region

in

with the

clavicle

and exuding

notch)

intraclavicular

and exuding

should

water,

an ulcer having

Similarh',

the viscera

in

Raktasha^'am)

cavity of the stomach (Amashaya),

of the

cavity of the ab-

exudation resembling paddy

an

secreting

of blood (spleen or

situated

ulcer,

watery

thin,

washings of Kalaya pulse,

belonging to the same

type

physician should only take in hand the

treatment of an

ulcer-patient

after

having examined

the abovesaid nature of the discharges.

Pain and
describe

the

all

experienced

character

its

different

the

in

kinds of

several

:-

Now we
which

pain,

shall

are

types of Vrana (ulcers)

described before.

Vartaja pain

Pains

of

pricking,

piercing,

thrashing, cutting, expanding, gnawing, churning, shooting,

tingling,

uprooting,

breaking,

burning,

uplifting,

bursting,

aching

quivering,

pinching,

of

different

types, shifting, stuffing, benumbing, indurating, contracting,

and pains of a spasmodic character are usually

felt in

ulcers.

pain,

which comes on or vanishes

without any apparent cause, or

28

is

varied and

shifting

in

SUSHKUTA SAMHITA.

'I'HE

2i8

to

ascribed

Chap. XXII.

the effects

deranged Vayu.

of the

Pittaja pain
the

be

character, should

its

A sensation of burning

accompanied by a

ulcer

is felt

sort of sucking pain.

in

and a burning sensa-

feeling of inhaling heat or vapour,

tion running through the

whole body, should be looked

upon

of the

the resultant

as

same

the

strewn
heat

or

shows

with

(the

incidental to the
solution

is

of the

one

of

if

experienced

in

The

locality)

the

like

one

the ulcer.

The

an ulcer due to

blood are

pain and
the

other specific
condition

vitiated

with those developed by

identical

of the Pittaja type.

Kaphaja pain

An

ulcer, characterised

numbness, heaviness, coldness, itching and a

in

had been

it

affected

pain

At

application of alkaline water (caustic

Raktaja pain
features

of the

and

rise,

as

glowing charcoal.

of

bits

temperature

steady

body seems

time the

over

deranged Pittam.

the

affected part,

and which seems

as

slight

by
pain

has been

if it

plastered over with a paste, and which proves insensible

to

touch,

should be ascribed to the action

of

the

deranged Kapham.

Sannipai:ika pain
scribed

under

humoural

the head

types

of

of

ulcer,

-.The
each

symptoms,
of the

de-

preceding

simultaneously

exhibit

Chap. XXII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

themselves
action of

in the

one brought about by the concerted

the deranged

all

humours

Colours of Vranas
the

cribe

219

assumed

colours

Sannipatikam).

Now

by

we

de-

shall

types

the several

of ulcers.

An

\'ayu,

rough and black, red, or ash- coloured,

is

is

due to the action of the deranged

ulcer,

of the colour of a bone, or a pigeon.

by the action of the

is

deranged

An

ulcer,

blood

or

caused
Pittam,

or

coloured either blue, yellow, greenish-brown, black,

reddish-tawny or flame-coloured.
the

and

of the

action
gloss)'.

An

deranged
ulcer,

An

Kapham

ulcer
is

due

to

grey

white,

due to the combined action

of the three deranged bodily humours,

may assume any

colour peculiar to them.

Authoritative verses on the subject

Not only

(inflammatory)

in

the

swellings

cases of Vrana,

of

whatsoever

physician should carefully observe the

local pain,

Thus ends

but

in

all

the

type,

nature of the

and the colour of the epidermis.

the

t\vcnl_\--second

Chaplcr of the SulraslliAnam

in

SushruUi Sanihila which Heats of secretion from different types of ulcers.

llic

CHAPTER
Now we
with

the

shall

Prognosis

XXIII.
chapter

the

discuss

of an

which

deals

(Kritya'kritya-

ulcer

Vidhi-madhya'yam).
A

an ulcer appearing

boil or

young, muscular

(in

in

frame\ strong, or

who

patient

is

possessed of an

is

indomitable courage and fortitude, proves readily amenable to healing measures and applications

more

so

when one appears

in

patient

how much

in

whom

all

these four conditions simultaneously obtain.

An

ulcer

in

owing to the
of the

body

of strong
ful

fresh

young patient
and vigorous

speedily

is

vitalizing

whereas the one, which appears

and muscular

build, finds a

termination owing to the

healed

principles
in a

person

speedy and successof the

inability

incising

instrument to cut deep into the hard and tough muscles

of the affected part and to reach down, or in any
destro}"

the underl3nng veins and nerves, etc.

and vigorous patient can

amount
b)'

easily endure a

of burning pain, etc.

strict

regimen of

and does not

diet.

A man

way

strong

considerable
feel distressed

of stupendous

endurance and fortitude can sustain the fatigue and

worry of even

the

most painful

surgical

operation.

Accordingly, a boil or an ulcer, appearing in a patient of

the above said description,

is

easily

and

speedil)' healed

Chap. XXIII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

whereas the one, which

221

an old, emaciated,

affects either

or timid person or one of small strength

and endurance,

takes time to heal.

which appear

or ulcers,

Boils

in

the regions of the

buttocks (Sphik), or about the anus, and the

generation,

of
lips,

or

in

on the back, forehead, cheek, or

or

the

region

the

of

external

the testes or the abdomen,

or

in

mouth, or about the nape

of

the

the clavicles,
the

seated in

eyes,

or

ribs,

or

on

neck,

or

above

Those, that are

the gums, the nostrils or the

in

or the umbilicus, or

body, hips,

ears,

the cavity of the

can be easily healed.

exterior angle of the e3^e, or in the

abdomen

organs of

cavity

of the

ears,

about any suture of the

arm-pits, chest, breasts,

joints, as well as those, that secrete frothy

sides,

or the

blood or pus

with a gurgling sound, or contain any foreign matter em-

bedded

in their inside, are

healed only with the greatest

difihcult3\

Similarl}^

an abscess or an

ulcer appearing in the

nether region of the body and pointing upward,

the

or

one appearing on the extremity of scalp (Romanta)

or about

the

vulnerable

end of a

parts

of

finger-nail,

the body, as

affecting either of the thigh bones

or

well

or

an

ulcer

affecting

'Shronikanda- Acetabulum),

as

as

(femurs),

looked upon as equally hard to cure.

abscess

an)" of the

in

the

one

should be

Likewise an

a bone

of

the

pelvis

well

as

fistula

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

222
in

[Chap, xxill.

ano opening inward should be regarded as hard

to cure.

ject
or

An ulcer (Vrana) appearing in a leper (Kushthi

a

person

or

from Shosha

in

meha
or

sub-

verse on the

Authoritative

from the

from

suffering
(lit

of

effects

iMadhu-

diabetes

pulmonary- consumption)

poison,

as

well

the one

as

appearing in a pre-existing ulcer, should be looked upon

as curable only with the greatest difficulty.

Ya'pya ulcers
affecting
viz.

the

Avap^thika
or

(phimosis),

the

(glandular

the

of

in

mucous

or

and

the

diseases,

Niruddha-Prakash
of

(constriction

in

by

characterised

cavity

secretions

and infested with

the

well

as

interior,

its

as

abdomen

of the

linings of the intestines, or

about by the corrosi>'e

(Pratishyaya),

following

abdominal-dropsy), or Granthi

parasites

one appearing

affecting the

of the

and

incidental to,

Sanniruddha-guda

inflammation),

germination

ulcer

paraphimosis

Jathara

or

anus),

any

of

seat

:--An

_,

or

brought

of a nasal catarrh

should be

parasites,

considered as onh- admitting of a palliative treatment.

Similarly palliation

is

the only remedy

an ulcer which appears

in a patient

the

in

suffering

case

from any

morbid secretion from the urethra (Prameha) or

any form of cutaneous

affections,

of

from

marked by worms

in

its inside.

Likewise

case

of gravel

Sharkara

or

urinary

Chap. XXIII.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Shikata

calculi

which the urine

in

223
found to be

is

charged with concretions, or leaves a deposit of sandy

sediment, can not be radicalh' cured by medicine alone.

Upakusha, Kantha-

case of V^ta-kundalika, Asthila,

Danta-sharkar^,

saluka,

Danta-veshta,

^'isarpa, Asthi-

may

kshata, Uru-kshata, or Vrana-Granthi,

not perfectly

gums

yield to medicine alone. In an inflammation of the

resulting

from the use of poisonous twigs as brushes

for teeth

Xishkoshana) a temporary amelioration

that

can

be

expected

from

good and

all

is

efficient

treatment.

texts : In

IVIetrical
disease

at

observing a

its

patient neglecting a

preliminary stage,

strict

regimen) even

otherwise not

(or

speedily develop into one which admits

tive measures,

while a disease of the

soon transformed into

curable disease

an

which only admits of a

last

incurable

Just as a prop or a pillar

edifice,

by a

An

is

in-

with a disease,

palliative treatment, lives so long

will die almost simultaneously

applied

named type

one.

patient laid up

as the course of the medical treatment

tumbling

only of pallia-

under the circumstances speedily finds

a fatal termination.

malady ma}'

a curable

can

with

is

its

continued, and
discontinuance.

prevent the

so palliative measures,

skilful

inevitable in a disease

physician,

may

which knows no

collapse

of

judiciously^

keep

off

the

radical cure.

Incurable diseases : Now we

shall

de-

'^^^

224

SUSHRUTA

An

ulcer

(\'rana) cropping

tumour, painful and containing pus

which

is

characterised

by

[Chap, xxili.

which are usually held as

scribe the types of diseases

curable.

SAMHITA'.

up

a fleshy

like

with

a copious secretion,

edges raised like those of the genital of a mare,

be understood as belonging to the

condylomatous (papillomatous
raised like the horn

cow, or

of a

moderately raised or elevated at

its

its

should

incurable type.

ulcer

and

its inside,

in

in-

which

is

soft

and

one which

the
base,

is

and secretes

an exudation of vitiated blood, or a thin slimy secretion,

An

should be likewise regarded as incurable.

ulcer

with an embossed or heaved up centre, and one dipped or

fissured at its extremity should

remedy.

An

be

ulcer

all

ulcer covered over with shreds of ligaments,

and looking as
should

be regarded as past

if

given

studded with loose shreds of hemp,

up

as

incurable.

Similarly,

an

due to the deranged condition of any of the funda-

mental humours, and secreting an exudation composed

of

coagulated blood,

marrow and

fat,

brain-matter

should be deemed incurable.

Likewise, an ulcer, in a

which

is

located

weak and emaciated person,

within the cavity of the

abdomen,

(Koshtha: and which assumes either a black or yellowish colour,

and exudes a secretion composed of

pus, blood

and

fecal matter,

which

finds

through the upward and downward

its

urine,

outlet both

fissures of

the body

(the mouth and the anus) making a rumbling, gurgling

Chap. XXIII.

SUTKASTHANAM.

225

simultaneously secretes pus and blood

sound, or which

through both the channels, should be regarded as belong-

An

ing to the incurable class.

patient,

is

situated either

and which

throat,

by

which

network

on the head or

narrow-mouthed and

is

of

and

capillaries,

fleshy or papillomatous eruptions,

as incurable.

heard

in

these

an emaciated

in

ulcer

distinctly

audible

in

the

tra\ersed

is

studded

with

regarded

should be

sound or report

is

which are found to be charged

ulcers

with wind.

An

ulcer

in

an emaciated patient, which secretes

blood and pus, and

painful respiration

case

is

attended with indigestion, cough,

and non-relish

for food,

well as a

as

of fractured skull, attended with cough, dyspnoea,

secretion of brain-matter,

and symptoms peculiar to the

concerted action of the three deranged humours of the

body, should be given

up as past

all

remedy.

Authoritative verses on the subject A traumatic ulcer, which exudes a secretion

:

of

fat,

marrow

or

brain- matter,

to medical treatment, whereas a

may

prove amenable

humoural ulcer under

the circumstance will prove incurable.

An
than a
its

ulcer
vital

appearing

at

an}' part of the

one (Marma), and which

successive

is

body other

found to invade

elements though without affecting any

vein, bone, joint, etc. should be

29

regarded as incurable.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

226

[Chap, xxili.

Just as a tree, that has grown old and that has spread
roots deep into the

its

can not be uprooted, so a disease

soil,

can not be eradicated that has gained

in strength

and

maturity with the process of time, and that has gradually

invaded the different essential principles of the body.

been neglected at the outset,

disease, which, having

on to one of a lingering or persistent type

has run

by invading

the

successive

and has thereby gained

baffles
just

medicines,

and

strength

in

(of tested

as malignant astral

elements of the bod}',

intensity,

marked

and

eflicac)^,

combinations tend to nullify

potent incantations.

Symptoms
ulcers

An

Fiealthy

not belonging to

ulcer,

may

above said types,

cleansed

of

any of the

prove easily amenable to the

curative efficacies of medicines. In other words, an ulcer

of recent origin

is

easily uprooted like a

of recent gi^owth.

An

ulcer,

which

is

tender sapling

unaffected by any

of the three deranged bodily humours, and which assumes

a dark

brown hue along

its

by the absence of any

secretions,

and which

elevation throughout

cleansed (asepsised

is

its

or

edges,

and

is

characterised

eruptions

pain,

pustular

of an

even or of an equal

length, should be regarded

healthy),

and divested of

or

as
all

morbid matter or principle (Shuddha-Vrana).

Symptoms
ulcer,

which

is

of

Healing

Ulcers:An

dove-coloured (yellowish dusky), and

is

Chap. XXIII.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

not lardaceous at

its

base, and

is

227

further characterised

the absence of any muco-piirulent

along

secretion

by
its

margin, and which has become hard and surrounded

shreds

b}'

of

dead

skin,

and presents symptoms of

healthy granulation, should be looked

upon

as

in

course of healing.

Symptoms of Healed
with

its

Ulcers: An

edges firmly adhered and characterised by the

absence of any pain and swelling and

not appearing

knotty or glandular to the touch and that has

cicatrix

ulcer,

of the

same hue with the surrounding

left

skin,

should be considered as perfectly healed.

Causes, such as mental excitements, as excessive grief

and ecstacies of joy, anger or

fright, as well as

an exter-

nal blow, or excessive physical exercise, or an abnormal

excitation

of

any of the deranged humours, or an

impaired digestion,

may

recently adhered and

tend to

healed.

reopen

an

ulcer

Accordingly such acts

and conditions should be avoided by an ulcer-patient.

Thus ends

the

twenty-third

Chapter of

the

Sutrasth^nam

Sushruta Samhita, which treats of the prognosis of ulcers.

in

the

HAP

Now we

XXIV.

ER

on the Chapter^ which deals

shall discourse

according to their

of diseases

with the classification

(Vya'dhi-Samudcihcshiya-

nature

specific

madhya'yam).
Diseases

be grouped under two broad

may

divisions, such

and Medical, that

Surgical,

as

sub-

those

is

that yield to the administration of purgatives, emetics,

oils,

diaphoretics,

The

use

unguents,

and unguents.
of medicated

or administration

etc.,

not prohibited

is

while a case,

which

in a

oils

surgical

disease,

exclusively medicinal

is

and

in

its

character, does not admit of the adoption of

any

surgical

remedy.

the

nature

Onl}^

and S3miptoms of
been briefly

dealt

fully

in

with

general bearing upon

will

of

be found to have
This work

the present work.

scope

its

outline

diseases

all

down

within

includes

been

laid

general

in

all

subject matters

which have

other books (having only

the several branches of the

science of medicine).

It

either

both,

has been stated before that anj^thing that

the
is

body

called

or the
disease.

living

This

afflicts

personality self, or
pain

or

affliction

XXIV.

Chap.

ma}^

SUTRASTHANAM.

either physical*

be

mikam), or due to

God

of

pain

may

character (Adhyat-

its

the physical

disturbance in

an}'-

man

environments of a
acts

in

229

(Adhibhautikam), or to the

(Adhidaivikam)

This

etc.

three- fold

ultimately transformed into

be

the seven kinds of diseases such

as,

the Adi-vala-pravritta,

Dosha- vala-pravritta,

Janma-vala-pravritta,

of

an)'

Sanghata-

Daiva-vala-pravritta

vala-pravritta, Kala- vala-pravritta,

and Svabhava- vala-pravritta.

A'di -vala-pravritta : The
Adi-vala-pravritta
in

is

the semen or the

ascribed to any

ovum

disease

termed

inherent defect

which forms

of one's parent,

"

one of the original and primary factors of " being

and

includes leprosy (Kushtham), hemorrhoids, phthisis etc.

This type

may

be

divided

according as the disease

is

into

two

subdivisions,

generated by the deranged

paternal or maternal factor at the time of incubation.

J an ma -vala-pravritta :The
or

type

usually

conduct

on

the Janma-vala-pravritta

such causes as an improper

of the

mother during the period of

embraces such defects

blindness,

or

Congenital

the

part

gestation, etc.,

maladies

deafness, dumbness,

follows

and

(congenital)

as

nasal-voice,

and such

monstrous aberrations of nature as congenital cretinism,

* Certain

to

mean body

commentators interpret the term "Atman"

only,

and accordingly designate

manifest in the body as AdhyAtmikam,

all

in

"AdhyStmikam"

phenomena

that

may

be

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

230

and the births of

in its

the disease

and pigmies.

dwarfs

turn, admits of

two

Chap.

This

XXIV.

type,

sub-divisions, according

as

due to the action of the deranged lymph-

is

chyle (Rasa-krita), or to an

ungratified

mother during

to

gestation, or

any improper longing or

her

desire of the

gratification

of

conduct during pregnancy

(Dauhridyam).

Dosha-vala-pravritta
(idiopathic)

pravritta

type

-.The

due

is

to

Dosha-vala-

the

action

of

any of the fundamental bodily humours deranged by an

improper

diet, or resulting

such as (Rajas and Tamas,

of the mind,

type

may

from the dynamical energies

This

etc).

be classified under two sub-heads, according

as the disease

is

found to have

Amashaya

origin in the

its

(stomach), or in the Pakvashaya (intestines), and each of

may

these again

be

further divided

sub-divisions such as the physical

two main

into

The

and the mental.

three preceding kinds of diseases include

within their

category disorders which are called mental or psychical

(Adhyatmikam).

Samghala-vala-Pravritta : The

Trau-

matic type (Samghatha-vala-pravritta) includes diseases

that

are

caused by an external blow or

may

according

wound,

or

due

with an antagonist of superior strength.

to wrestling

They

are

be

as
to

sub-divided

the
the

into

disease

is

bite

from

due

any

minor
to

an

fierce

divisions,

external

beast

or

XXIV.

Chap.

poisonous

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

These types belong to the Adhi-

reptile, etc.

bhautikam

t5'pe,

i.

231

by

(brought about

e.

physical

causes).

Ka'Ia-vala-pravritta: The
(K^la-vala-pravritta)

Periodical type

includes diseases that are brought

about by the variation of atmospheric heat or humidity

with the change of the seasons, and admits of being

grouped under two different sub-heads, according as the

seasons,

which usher these changes

in,

exhibit

natural

or contrary features.

Daiva-vala-pravritta : The

Providential

('Daiva-vala-pravritta^ type includes diseases that are the

embodiments of

curses, divine

wrath or displeasure, or

are brought about through the mystic potencies of charms

and

spells,

type

may

as

as described

is

the Atharva-Veda.

This

be divided into two minor divisions according

the disease

man

in

struck

influences of

is

by

due to such acts of God as when

lightning,

etc.,

or

to

demons and monsters, and

further grouped under

the malignant
these

may

two main sub-heads, according

be
as

the disease assumes a contagious character (epidemic), or

is

purely

accidental,

and

restricts

itself

to

isolated

cases (sporadic).

Svabha'va-vala-pravritta: The Natural

or

the

includes

Spontaneous
such

(Svabhava-vala-pravritta)

natural

organic

phenomena

type
as,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

232

decrepitude,

hunger,

thirst,

are

either

Kalakrita

death,

These phenomena

They

Akalakrita (untimely).
the}^ occur at the

[Chap.

XXIV.

sleep,

etc.

are called Kalakrita

who

proper time in persons

or

(timely)

when

strictly

when they

observe the rules of health, and Akalakrita,

appear at the improper time (morbid or premature)

These diseases belong

as the effects of unhealthy living.

have

Thus we

Adhi-daivikam typet.

to the Providential or

classified diseases into their several types.

The deranged bodily humours such

as,

Vayu, Pittam

and Kapham should be looked upon as the primary

sources of

diseases,

all

them may be detected

of each of

teristic

inasmuch as symptoms charac-

(which usually

of whatsoever type,

a disease

in the case of

abates

with their corresponding subsidence), and also because

of

have

Shastras

the

ascribed to

maladies that

all

As the

the

human

fatherhood

the

frame.

Tamasi

three qualities of Sattva, Rajas and

are inherent

in,

and inseparable from,

menal appearances

assail

them

Accord. ng

lo

in

pheno-

the universe whicli are, in reality,

aulhorilies

certain

the

all

"Death" may

also

mean death

of tissues.

hand include such diseases as

+ Several authorities on the other

hunger

etc.,

indications

appear

in

within
of

the

the

the

Adhy^tmika

want
mental

of

class

certain

plane

vital

thirst,

inasmuch as they are but the

principles

in

(Adhy^tmika) only

as

the

body and

longings

for

water, food, ttc

The

Sattva

ciple of Action

: Illuminating

or

psychic

principle.

Rajas

and Co-hesion. Tanias -.Principle of Nescience or

Prin-

Illusion.

Chap.

XXIV.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

but modifications of their

fundamental
of,

own

underlie

and run through, the course of

the

so

qualities,

hum'ours

bodily

233
three

at the

root

known forms

all

of

bodily distemper.

The deranged bodily humours (Dosha"

Dhathu) and excrements

with the different elements,

(Mala) of the body, together with the

their

locations

contact

in

and pathological

effects,

difference

of

give

to

rise

the different forms of disease.*

The nomenclature

upon where

of a disease depends

the affection of the several elementary principles of the

body by the deranged bodily humours

accordingly styled as

it is

the blood or the flesh, or

and which

lies,

seated in the lymph- chyle, or in

it is

in fat, bone, or in the

Rasaja Distempers : Distempers

and

is

of relish

semen.

such as

aversion

to,

aching

the limbs, fever, nausea and a sense of reple-

in

loss

for

'

food_,

indigestion,

tion even without food, heaviness of the limbs, diseases

affecting

the heart, jaundice,

ternal passage of the

of the

body

of the hair,

of any

in-

body (Margo-parodha), emaciation

^cachexia),

feelings in the limbs,

constriction

bad taste

in

the

mouth, weak

premature whiteness and

and s)^mptoms

falling off

decay,

indicative of senile

should be regarded as having their seat

in

the deranged

l5"mph- chyle (Rasa).

*

This answers the question,

bring about a disease

due

to the

"how

can

of the Adhi-vala-type

the deranged bodily

a disease which

derangement of the innate and primary

30

factors of

is

hmnours

specifically

life."

THE SUSHRUTA

SAMHITA'.

[Chap. XXIV.

Raktaja Diseases Maladies

such as Kush-

234

tha (cutaneous affections in general

Pidaka

las),

Indralupta
scess*,

eruptions,

(pustular

Tilakalaka (specks),

Nachhya

alopecia),

Arsha

the hmbs^

Visarpa (erysipe-

Mashaka,

Nilika,

Vyanga

(stains),

(tans),

enlarged- spleen,

Gulma abdominal

of leprosy),

Vidradhi (ab-

glands), Vata-shonita

(piles),

(a

kind

Arvuda (tumours), aching of

menorrhagia, hemopt3'sis,

as

etc.

well

as

suppuration in the regions of the anus and the penis

deemed

should be

having

as

their

blood Raktaja contaminated by the

origin

in

the

deranged bodily

humours.

IVSa'nsaj aArvuda,

Arsha,

Diseases : Similarly

Adhi-mansa,

Upa-jihva,

Upakusha,

Adhi-jihva,

Gala-sunthika, Alaji, Mansha-sanghata (condylomatous

Astha-prakopa,

growth),

(scrofula), etc.

their

Gala-ganda,

Garjda-mala

should be regarded as diseases having

seat in the flesh, vitiated

by the deranged bodily

humours.

IVledaja- Distempers : Diseases, such

as

Granthi, \'riddhi, Gala-ganda, Arvuda, and Ostha-prakopa

are due to

tlie

action of the deranged

(diabetes), obesitv

fat

origin

in

etc.

the

should

humour-

of the body.

Asthija- Disease : Adhyasthi,

Asthi-toda,

Madhu-meha

and abnormal diaphoresis,

be regarded as having their

deranged

fat.

Asthi-shula

and Ku-nakha,

Adhi-danta,
etc.

are

the

Chap.

XXIV.

diseases

SUTRASTHANAM.

235

which should be regarded as the outcome of

the deranged bodily humours affecting the bones.

IVIaJJadoshaJa Diseases : The

vanishing

of sight, epileps}'; vertigo, conjunctivitis and the appear-

ance

of

broad-based

about

ulcer

sthanam and a sense of heaviness

in

the

Parva-

the thighs and

knee-joints should be regarded as having their seat

in

the deranged marrow.

Shukra-doshaja : Diseases

such

as,

im-

potency, entire aversion to sexual intercourse, Shukra-

shmari fseminal concretions). Spermatorrhoea, and other

seminal affections, should be regarded as having their
seat in the deranged semen.

Cutaneous

affections, constipation or looseness of the

bowels, and diseases impeding or arresting the proper

functions of the

about

sense-organs or in an}"

their aberrations,

tively located in

wa}" bringing

should be regarded as respec-

the receptacle

of the faeces and

the

sense organs.

Thus we have
diseases,

be

will

the
full)'

briefl}'

specific

enumerated the

nature

names of

and symptoms of which

discussed later on under their respective

heads.

Authoritative verse
ject : The

on the Sub-

deranged and aggravated humours, freely

coursing through the body, give

rise to a disease

at the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

:J36

place

they are incarcerated owing to an

which

in

Chap. xxiv.

obstruction in their natural passage.

Now

may

it

be again asked, whether the relation

of a disease, such as fever, etc. with the deranged bodily

humours

human
falhng

constant and inseparable, or otherwise.

is

beings would
ill

in

be

in

danger

separate existence,
terstic

is

it

etc.

as

but

case of their

in

the

existence,

with

one

being simultaneously present

of

they

found to be

are

in reality.

deranged

bodily

such

with

And

as, fever, etc.)

humours have a separate

and are not pritna facie intimately co-related

another

falls

to

the

On

ground.

other hand, the assumption of their separate

invalidates

them-

manifest

separately

accordingly the theor)', that diseases (such

and

relation;

but natural that their charac-

symptoms should

selves instead
fever,

perpetually

of

the event of the said connection

being constant and unseparable

All

the

the

existence

incontestable conclusion, that diseases

as, fever, etc. are

fathered by the deranged humours

of the body.

Hence

it

may

be safely asserted that no disease can

occur without the direct mediation or intervention

the deranged bodily humours.
(relation)

which

exists

constant nor separable.

lightning,

storm,

independently

Yet the

the

connection

between the two

is

neither

As the physical phenomena of

thunder and rain can

of

of

sky (cloud)

not

and

happen
yet

they

Chap. XXIV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

237

sometimes do or do not occur with the presence of a

cloud

again

the

modifications of

up on

its

though

bubbles^

as

surface

in

but the

reality

underlying water, do not swell

at

times,

all

so the

connection

between a disease and the bodily humours

is

neither

universally separable or inseparable.

Authoritative verse on the subject

quality

the

We

shall describe the

of diseases

number

of

will

intensity

and

with their complications and give

their

[omitted to be mentioned
(aetiology)]

nature,

different
in

the

Diseases

t3'pes.

chapter

on

be found fully dealt with

Xidanam
in

the sup-

plementary part of the present work (Uttara-tantram).

Thus ends the Iwenty-fourlh

Chapter of

the

SulrasthSnam

in

the

Sushruta SamhitA which treats of the classification of diseases according

to their specific nature.

CHAPTER XXV.
Now we

on the Chapter which deals

shall discourse

with the eight different forms

of surgical

operations

(Ashtavidha-Shastra- Karmanya
dhya'yam).

Texts : Bhagandara,

Metrical
Granthi,

Arvuda,

Tilakalaka,

Jatumani,

Shlaishmika

Charma-Kila,

Arsha,

Mansa-Samgh^ta, Gala-Sunthik^, Valmika,

Vrana-Vartma,

Upadansha,

Adhrusha,

Shataponaka,

Mansakandha, Adhimansaka,

as well as ailments

the lodgment of a foreign body in the flesh

and a sloughing of ligaments,

diseases in

ma-

which

Bhedyam

incision

a bone,

or

flesh or veins

are

(Bhedyam)

resorted to in the following diseases,

viz.,

be

should

Vidradhis, the

three types of Granthi other than the Sannipatika

Visarpa due either to the deranged

Kapham,
in

diseases

Avamanthaka,

Kumbhika,

the

cutaneous

or

pustular

swellings

mammary

Anushayi^

Pushkarika, Alaji,

types of Vrinda,

minor

affecting

one,

Vayu, Pittam or

Vriddhi, Vidarika, Prameha-pidaka,

general,

the

Chhed)^am should be made.

-Excision

due to

organs,

Nadi, the two

Kshudra-roga

diseases),

the

(all

three

types of Puppata, Talu-puppata, and Danta-puppata

Tundukeri,

and the diseases which are caused

Gil^Cyu,

by suppuration

in

the local flesh or any soft part of the

SUTRASTHANAM.

[Chap.

XXV.

body

^siich as fistula in ano),

as

239

well

stone ni the

as

bladder and diseases due to a derangement of fat.*

Lekhyam The

surgical

Lekhya; should be resorted to

scarification

ing diseases,
hva,

viz,

diseases

known

operation

as

in the follow^-

the four types of Rohini, Kilasa, Upaji-

having their seat

in

the deranged

fat,

Danta-Vaidarbha, Granthi, Vrana-Vartma, Adhi-Jihva,

Arshah, Mandala, Mansa-kandi, and Mansonnati.

Vyadhanam The

Surgical operation

as

Vyadhanam

should be

in

connection with a vein, or a case of

(aspiration;

(abdominal dropsy),

director should be

Mutra-Vriddhi

or

Diseases, in connection
used,

witli

are

use

of

Dakodaram
(hydrocele).

which the probe or the

Nadis

wMth an}^ extraneous or foreign

inside,

made

known

and

sinus)

body lodged

and those which follow abnormal

ulcers

in

their

(lateral

or

oblique' directions.

A'harryam : The

process

(extraction or drawing out)

known

Aharanam

as

should be adopted in the

three types of Sharkar^,t in drawing out

anj^

morbid

matter from between the teeth or from the cavity

of the ears, or in extracting
seat of
*

lodgment

in

the body, or a

Granthi (gland), Galaganda

(scrofula)

any foreign matter from

(goitre), \'riddhi

stone
(scrotal

its

from the

tumour) Apachi

and Arvuda (tumour) are the fat-origined diseases contemplated

as instances.

Such as urinary

SharkarS.

calculi, calcareous deposits

on the teeth, and P5da-

THE SUSHRUTA

240

bladder, or in drawing out

SAMHITA'.

feces

Chap.

XXV.

from the constricted

anus, or a foetus from the uterus, (as in

the case

of a

false presentation or difficult labour).

Srarvyam : Secreting
be

should

(Srav5'^am)

diseases, viz, the five

or

evacuating

measures

the

following

adopted

types

in

of Vidradhi excepting the

Sannipatika one, Kustha of whatsoever type,

ment

of the

bodily

V^yu with

pain

the affected

in

region, inflammatory swellings restricted to

lar part

to

(elephantiasis^

Visarpa

(tumours),

blood

particu-

Terysipelas),

of

Upadansha

Arvuda

poisoning,

Granthi (glands due

any of the deranged Vayu, Pittam,

three types

any

body, diseases affecting the ear-lobes,

of the

Shleepada

derange-

or

(syphilis),

Kapham)

Stana-roga (in-

flammation! of the mammae), Vidarika, Shaushira,

Krimi-dantaka

Shaluka, Kantaka,

the

worm-eaten

Galateeth),

Danta-veshta (inflammation of the gums), Upakusha,

Shit^da, Danta-puppata,

diseases of the lips

through the action of the deranged blood,

Kapham, and

originated

Pittam or

a variety of other diseases passing

under

the denomination of Kshudra-Roga (minor ailments\

Sccvyam
resorted

the

to

action

in

of

Suturing

rSeevya*

the case of

an

deranged

fat

the

should

be

open ulcer due to

after

its

vitiated

contents (morbid matter) had been fully scraped out, as

well as in the case of an uncomplicated (curable"^ Sadya-

Vrana (wound

or

instant ulcer) at

any of the

joints

x.w.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

24

which are connected with the acts of movement or locomotion.

Conditions of Suturing: An
cidental to the application of

in-

any

al-

or

(canter}'),

fire

ulcer

kaline preparation (caustic), or treated with any poison-

ous drug or substance,

bedded Shalyam

whose

or from

the

inside

em-

been removed,

(foreign matter) has not

sewed up without being thoroughly

should not be

cleansed and purified asepsised inasmuch as any foreign

=

matter, whether a hair, nail or a particle of dust or bone,

lying

embedded

suppuration, accompanied

Hence such

secretion.

cleansed (and

might

in its cavity,

by extreme pain and excessive

be thoroughly

should

ulcers

foreign

all

up an abnormal

set

indigenous morbid matter

or

should be extracted therefrom) before being sewed up.

Mode

of

Suturing : Then

the ulcer up into

its

proper position,

sutured with strings of any of the

of thin cotton thread,

taka tree or

Guduchi,
hair

or

hemp

or

Sevani

following kinds,

with strips

animal sinews,

of

Atasi,

as

etc.

any

of

the

the ulcer
fingers

should be gently
during

suturing.

Murva

the

or

horse-

officinal

Gophana, Tunna-

the
or as

suited

pressed

viz.

Ashman-

plaited

leather,

into

known

and Riju-Granthi,

of the

or

shape and position of the ulcerated part.

of

should be

it

of the fibres of the

plants,

shapes (of suturing)

having pressed

the

to

The margin
close

with

round needle

to

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

242

[Chap.

the length of two fingers' width should be used

in

XXV.
sew-

ing up an ulcer occurring about any joint or in a part of

the body where the flesh

body

of a triangular

width

fingers'

tri-hedral),

in length,

semi-circular

in

a case where

or

flesh}'

in the case of

of the body.

part

bow-shaped needle should be used

the

seat of the ulcer

would be found

to be on the scrotum, or on the skin of the

about any of the

needle

and measuring three

recommended

is

an ulcer appearing at any

thin and scanty.

is

Marmas

abdomen, or

(vital parts).

Needles of these three shapes should be so constructed as to be fitted with sharp

points capable

of being

handled with the greatest ease, having a girth equal

that of the stem of a Malati flower.

The needle should not be pricked into

or too remote from the fissure, or the

a part too near,

mouth

of an ulcer,

as there might be the danger of the suture being broken

off (at

the

instance
ulcer,

least

pressure

and of genesis

thus

properly

over with cotton

compound

movement)

or

pain

of

sutured,

in

the

first

the second.

xAn

in

be

should

covered

and dusted over with a pulverised

consisting of

the

powders

of Priyangu,

Anjanam, Yasthyahva and Rodhra, or with the ashes

of a burnt piece of
of the Shallaki

Kshauma

fruit.

cloth, or with the

Then the

powders

ulcer should be properly

bandaged, and measures and rules regarding the regimen

of diet, and conduct previously laid

down

in

the chapter

Chap.

XXV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

on the nursing of an

243

(Ch. XIX.

ulcer- patient

should

be adopted and observed.

The

eight kinds of surgical operations have thus been

They

briefly described.

will

be dealt with later on in

the Chikitsitam.

Defective Surgical Operations: These

may

eight forms of operations

of four

kinds such

different

insufficient

an

those arising from an

as

over performance, or from the slanting

or

or oblique deviation (of the

or from

be attended with dangers

knife

on

of self-injury

act

the

or

the

instrument),
part

of

the

physician.

A physician
the

body

surgeon

of his

making

patient

either

through the want of necessary

out of greed,

fear,

wrong operation on

through mistake, or

skill

or

nervousness or haste,

knowledge, or
or

in

conse-

quence of being spurned or abused, should be condemned

as the direct cause of

many new and unforeseen maladies.

instinct of self-preservation,

patient, with

any

would

do well to keep aloof from such a ph\sician, or from one

who makes

wrong

or

injudicious application

cautery, and should shun his presence just as he

shun a conflagration or a cup of

On
what

is

surgical

necessary

would

fatal poison.

the other hand, a surgical

excess, (or a

of the

operation,

carried

to

instrument inserted deeper than

is

attended

with

the

danger of

THE SUSHRUTA

244

cutting or destroying

a vein,

any

body.

vital part

of the

an ignorant surgeon brings

SAiMHlTA.
ligament,
'

bone, joint,

or

operation

by

surgical

about,

in

xxv.

Chap.

most

the

cases,

instantaneous death of the patient, or consigns him to

the pangs of a life-long death.

The symptoms which

generally manifest themselves

connection with the injudicious hurting of any of the

in

five vital parts

or

principles

of the

body (such

the

as

joints, bones, veins, ligaments, etc.) are vertigo, delirium,

loss of bodily
state),

functions,

incapacity

semi-insensibility

of supporting

mental functions, heat,

difficult respiration,

oneself,

comatose

looseness of the

fainting,

of

cessation

limbs,

excruciating pain or pain peculiar to

the deranged Vayu, secretion of blood or a thin watery

secretion like the

washings of meat from the injured

part, or the organ, with

the senses.

coma

or inoperativeness

of

all

vein* iShira) any wa}' severed or injured

is

attended with a copious flow (haemorrhage

of deep red

blood, resembling the hue of the cochineal

insect,

the ulcer
all

its

and the deranged

local

essential characteristics,

Vayu

from

readil}' exhibits

and ushers

in

diseases

which have been enumerated under that head

in

the

chapter on the description of blood.)

Similarly, an injured ligament gives rise to a crooked-

ness or bending
*

of,

as well as to a

Other than ihc one silualcd

the body.

in

gone feeling

any of the abovesaid

vital

in

the

parts

of

Chap.

XXV.

SUTRASIHA'NAM.

injured limb or organ,

attended with pain and loss of

and the incidental

function,

245

long time

takes a

ulcer

to heal.

An abnormal

increase in the local swelling, together

with an excruciating pain,

strength, breaking

loss ol

pain in the joints, and in-operativeness

part,

mark the wounding

joint.

Similarly, in the

of a

case

of the affected

flexible or

immovable

where a bone

is

injured in the course of a surgical operation, the

tormented

is

and

night,

with

indescribable

no comfort

finds

pain,

hurt or
patient

da}'

and

any position what-

in

soever.

Pain and swelling specifically mark the affected

locality,

and

the

list

thirst

and inertness of the limbs add to

of his sufferings.

case of

arterial

any injured Sira-Marma

combination or plexus

symptoms which

characterise

vein, as previously described.

(anaesthesia^

venal or

vital

exhibits

same

the

the hurting of a single

Loss of actual perception

and a yellowish colour of the skin mark

the case where

the

injury

is

confined to

the vital

principle of the flesh.

patient,

who

is

discreet,

and

is

hurry to end his earthly sojourn,

shun the presence of a

who

can

not

even

bungling,

keep

course of a surgical operation.

not in a

special

would do well to
unskilful

himself

unhurt

surgeon,
in

the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

246

The

evils,

xxv.

LChap.

which attend the obhque insertion of a

surgical instrument,

have been described before

accordingly care should be taken not to leave any

occurence of those evils

for the

and

room

connection with a

in

surgical operation.

The
and

patient,

who may

mistrust his

relations, should repose

physician, and put his

own

the least apprehension

an implicit

life

into his

of danger

may

to a

yield

require two, three, four or

live in

faith in his

own

hands without

hence a ph5'sician
begotten child.
or

single incision,

to

humanity with

fessional skill, a physician achieves glory,

plaudits of the

parents, sons

may

more than that number to

By doing good

effect a cure.

own

should protect his patient as his

surgical case

own

good and the wise

his pro-

and acquires the

in this life,

and

shall

Paradise in the next.

Thus ends the

Samhita which

twenly-fiflh Chapter of the Sulrasthimim in the Sushruta

tieats of the eight

forms of Surgical operations.

CHAPTER
Now we

shall discourse

XXVI.

on the Chapter which treats

of the exploration of splinters lost or deep-seated in the

organism

(Pranashta-Shalya-Vijna'niya'-

madhysryam).
Definition

The

Shalyam

term

is

derived

from the root "Shala" or Shvala" (to go swiftly) joined

to the

Unadi

"Yat." Shalyas

affix

two kinds according

may be

divided into

Agantuka)

they are extrinsic

as

or idiopathic (Sharira) in their origin.

Shalyam usually serves to

as an

act

impeding or

obstructing agent to the entire organism, and, hence, the

science which deals with
is

its

and characteristics

nature

An

idiopathic

hair, nail,

embohsed

called the Shalya-Shastram (Surgery).

(Sharira) Shalyam

blood (Dhatus)*,

humours of the

may

etc.,

be either a

excrements (Mala), or deranged

body

while

(Dosha),

an extrinsic

Shal3'am should be regarded as one which

body and

is

originated

stems of

of horns,

etc.

specifically

grass,

scrapings

of

But an Agantuka

denotes an

the

from a source other than any

of iron

and

bamboo, and

bits

of the preceding ones, including particles

bone,

afflicts

article

(extrinsic)

of iron,

Shalyam

inasmuch as

it

Embolism and Thrombosis have been included within Shalyam by

the Ayurvedic Pathologists.

ITHE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

248

pre-eminently sqvvqs the

most

irresistible of

purpose of killing and

sharpness can

be imparted to the point of an

made

and since

of iron

from a distance, iron

is

the

is

any amount of

Since

metals.

all

Chap xxvi.

article

it

can be easily discharged

the

metal exclusively chosen

in the construction of darts or arrows.

Classification of Shafts Arrows (Shara)

may be divided into two classes according as they are
:

feathered or unfeathered

constructed

in

or are

fruits,

and

the shape

made

their

barbs

of trees, leaves,

to resemble the

usually

are

or

flowers,

mouths of

and

birds

wild and ferocious animals.

Flights of arrows: The

may

tions of an arrow (Shalyam)

different kinds, such as the

direc-

or

flights

be divided

into five

upward, the downward, the

backward (coming from the back), the oblique and the

Either through

straight.

its

diminished

momentum,

through any external resistance, an arrow

down and

penetrate

the skin,

into

internal channel of the body, or into

cavity, causing a

of

its

wound

may

arteries,

or

drop

or

any bone or

any
its

or an ulcer (Vrana) at the spot

penetration.

Symptoms Now hear me describe the symp:

toms which are exhibited

wound
*

An

(Shalya*-Vrana).

in

connection with an

These

arrow or an iron barb, from "Shala"

symptoms
to kill.

arrow-

may

be

Chap.

XXVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

249

grouped under two sub-heads, such as the

the

The

general.

follows

The

general

ulcer,

swelling and presents

which

The

as

and

marked by pain

is

a water bubble, assumes a dark

soft to the touch.

are

characteristics

raised

and

specific

bloated aspect like

or

brown hue and appears

seat of the ulcer

seen to be

is

studded over with pustular eruptions and a constant

bleeding sets in from

its inside.

which mark a Shalyam lodged

The

in the skin, are

ness and extended character of the

the darkness (discolouring) of

local

the swelling increases in

ulcer refuses to be

terised

by a

All

the

is

preceding symptoms,

and

sucking

pain

fibres

The

According

unquenchable
?>2

together with

where the

ligament.

of

An

arrow-lodged vein.

case

in

is

least

charac-

with

the

fthirst

exception

according to

where the arrow

Similarly, the

aching and swelhng of a vein mark a case

distension,

the

healed and cannot bear the

(Shalyam) has penetrated into a muscle.

its

lodged

and the incidental

size

others), manifest themselves in a case

of

and

sort of sucking pain.*

of swelling

of an

swelling

Suppuration sets in and the ulcer

pressure.

the hard-

its skin.

In a case where the arrow Shalyam)

flesh,

symptoms,

specific

shaft

upheaval and swelling

intense pain

characterise

(Shalyam) has lodged

in

internal passages or channels (Srota)

to certain authorities
thirst.

the patient

is

of

tormented with a sort

THE SUSHRUT.A

250

become

the body are choked up and

the shaft

SAMHITA'.

lodged in any one

is

Chap,

when

inoperative,

of them.

xxvi,

flow of red

and frothy blood with a gurghng sound, accompanied

by

when

arrow

the

where the

appearance

of

sets in

lodged in an artery (Dhamani).

is

pain and swelling of diverse kinds

Similarly,

case

and aching of the limbs,

nausea,

thirst,

shaft

goose

embedded

is

flesh

on

the

mark

The

a bone.

in

skin,

stuffed

and

sensation inside the cavity of the affected bone,

mark

a violent piercing bone-ache,

shaft

has

bone.

as

a case where the

found a lodgment inside the cavity of a

pierced joint exhibits the same

described

connection

in

with

an

flexing

case

and expanding the

affected

where the shaft (Shalyam) has

symptoms

arrow-lodged

bone, with the exception that the patient

of

is

incapable
In a

joint.

lodged

the

in

abdomen (Koshtha), the bowels become constipated the

;

abdomen becomes distended with

testines

and the suppression of

ingested food matter, as

well

found to ooze out of the

Symptoms,
themselves
vital

parts

symptoms
ficial

similar

when

to

flatus

and urine
and

urine

as

fissure or

mouth

feces

of the

and
are

ulcer.

those above described, manifest

the arrow

(Marmas'i

a rumbling in the in-

of

is

the

lodged in any of the

body.

The preceding

are but faintly exhibited in a case of super-

penetration.

An

ulcer incidental to the penetration

of an

arrow

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XXVI.]

25

(Shalyam"), along the direction of the local hair, in* the

throat, in

the

any internal channel of the body, or

skin, or

affected

bodily humours,

but

may

it

may

by the action of the deranged

speedily and spontaneously heal

break open and become painful afresh

the

if

humours become deranged and aggravated by a

bodily

blow or physical

exercise.

Localisation : The
(Shalyam) embedded

by applying a
Yava,

and

a muscle, or into a cavity of the bone,

way

not in any

in a vein,

exact position of a

in the skin

plaster

should be ascertained

composed of

Godhuma and cow-dung

shaft

clay, Masha-pulse,

over the injured limb

or part.

The

with

and diaphorised (by fomenting or applying

oil,

heat to

its

part (hmb)

surface)

before

should be duly lubricated

the plaster

is

applied.

shaft (Shalyam) should be considered as lodged

part which would be

marked by

(Samrambha)

such

after

tive, the affected part

butter,

common

is

that

pain, redness, or swelling

application.

an alterna-

x\s

should be plastered with clarified

clay and sandal paste.

(Shalyam)

shaft

in

The

The embedded

then exactly located at the spot

where, owing to the heat of the affected part, the

clarified butter,

or

earth,

or

sandal

paste would be

found to have melted, or dried up.

Similarly, the

So

locality.

mode

as not to obstruct the

of localising a shaft

coursing

of the

blood

or

(Shalyam),

serum

in

the

252

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

embedded

in the flesh is as follows

Chap. XXVI.

First, the

patient

should be duly lubricated and diaphorised with mediagents suited to the requirements of his case.

cinal

Then, the part or the limb having been thus reduced

with depletive measures, the shaft would be found to

have been dislodged from

about

(^within

its

seat

the deeper tissues

and to be moving

of the

giving rise to pain, redness and swelling.

exact location

the

In such a case

of the shaft should be fixed at the

and swelling,

spot where the pain

which

abdomen (Kostha),

the

In
artery,
in a

the

case

of a

embedded

lies

would occur.

etc.

The same measures should be adopted

shaft (Shalyam)

the case of a

in

the cavity of

in

or in a bone, or joint, or muscle

Shalyam lodged

in a vein,

in

an

any external channel (Srota) of the body, or

in

ligament, the patient should be

made

to

carriage with a broken or lopped oif wheel

up and down
swelling,

part

affected

etc.

that part

in

it

pain and

would occur

at

shaft (Shalyam}

is

incidental to the jolting,

where the

in

and dragged

The

on an undulating road

of his body,

ride

embedded.
In

the

case

of

shaft

Shalyam)

bone, the affected bone should

in

lubricated

and

and heat respectively,

after

which

should be firmly pressed and bound up.

The

seat of

diaphorised with
it

be

lodged

oil

the pain or swelling, caused

mark the exact

locality

by such a procedure, would

of

the

embedded Shalyam.

Chap.

XXVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

253

Similarly, in the case of a shaft (Shalyam) lodged

joint,

the same

in

lubricating, diaphorising, compressing,

and expanding measures should be adopted, and the

painful swelling caused thereby

No

locality.

method can be

definite

regards ascertaining the

lodged

in

any of the

exact

co- existing

of ulcers, such

as,

its

exact

down

laid

location

vital parts of

inasmuch as they are

locations

would indicate

as

Shalyam

of a

(Marma

the body

',

with (the eight different

the

skin_,

the flesh, the

bone, etc.)*

General rule
at

painful

occurring

swelling,

any part of the body and incidental to such physical

natural

or

endeavours of the patient, as riding on an

elephant or on horse-back, climbing a steep

ing of a

bow, gymnastic

hill,

exercises, running, wrestling,

swimming, high -jumping,

walking, leaping,

bendr

yawning,

coughing, singing, expectorating, eructating, laughing,

practising

of

Pranay^ma

(regulating the breath prelimi-

nary to the practice of Yoga), or an emission of semen,

urine or flatus,

or

defecation,

the exact location of the

embedded

Authoritative
ject

The

part

would

clearly

shaft (Shalyam).

Verses on the Sub-

of the

body, which

is

marked by

pain and swelling, or which seems heavy and

*

shaft

indicate

is

marked

Accordingly measures enjoined to be adopted in connection with a

(Shalyam) lodged

in

any one of them should be applied

mutandis to cases in which these

affected.

Marmas would be found

to

wufati.-:

be similarly

THE SUSHRUTA

254

by complete

SAMHITA'.

anaesthesia, or the part

[Chap.

XXVi,

which the patient

repeatedly handles, or constantly presses with his

own

hand, or which exudes any sort of secretion, and

which he

marked by a

sort

involuntarily

withdraws from, or constantly

(an

against

of excruciating pain,

imaginary

or

guards

should be

contact),

painful

is

regarded as clearly indicative of the exact location of

the embedded Shalyam.

physician, having tested with a probe

of the incidental ulcer or the

locality,

and found

of

interior

to be characterised

it

able

symptoms and

treatment,

and

swelling, after a

after

having been

healthy look and the softness of

the

by

and absence of any aching discomfort

cavity

the

affected

little

or

unfavour-

course

of proper

satisfied as

its

pain

to

its

margin, and after

having ascertained that any remnant of the embedded

arrow can not be perceived with the end of the director

by moving

it

to

any embedded

and

fro,

should pronounce

foreign matter (Shalyam),

be further confirmed by the

full

flexion

free

it

from

which would

and expansion

of the affected limb or organ.

particle of soft

lodged
bits

in

bone, horn

or

iron,

in

the body, assumes an arched shape

of wood,

grass-stems,

or

chips

an}' wise

whereas

of bamboo-bark,

under the same circumstances, putrify the blood and

the local flesh,
of

odgment.

if

not speedily extracted from their seats

Bits of gold, silver, copper, brass, zinc, or

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap.

XXVI.

lead,

anj'how inserted into a human organism, are soon

255

melted by the heat of the Pittam and are assimilated

and transformed

into the fundamental principles of the

Metals or substances of kindred softness, and

body.

which are naturally

melted and become amal-

cold, are

gamated, under such circumstances, with the elements

of the organism.

hair,

or

a particle of hard bone,

wood, stone, bamboo scraping, or

cla}^

which remains

lodged in the body as a Shalyam, does not melt, nor

undergo any change or deterioration.

The

who

fully

conversant with the

five different courses or flights of

an arrow 'Shalyam),

physician,

is

whether feathered or unfeathered, and has minutely

observed and studied the symptoms due to

ment
in

the

in

any of the eight

its

lodg-

different seats of ulcers (Vrana)

human organism such

as,

the skin,

etc.),

is

alone

worthy of attending on kings and nobles.

Thus ends

the

twenly-sixth

Chapter of the

Sulrasth^nam

Sushruta Samhit^ which treats of exploration of spHnters.

in

the

CHAPTER XXVII.
Now we

modes of

deals with the

on the

discourse

shall

which

Chapter

extracting sphnters

(Shalyar-

pa n iya- mad hyaryam)

There are two kinds of
either

We

loose

or firmly fixed to

shall presently

Shalyas.

speak of the

its

Shalya

is

seat within the body.

modes

different

fifteen

of extracting a loose Shalyam, which are as follows,

Extraction by natural expulsive functions

viz.

body

of the

(Svabhaba), by suppuration or putrefication (Pachanam),

by excising (Bhedanam), by bursting

Daranam), by

pressing Pidanam), by rubbing i^Pramarjananr,

ing with the

mouth of medicinal powders

ed part (Nirdhmapanam),

by the

emetics (Vamanam), by an

(Virechanam) by

with
the

the

time

fingers

into the affect-

administration

exhibition

of

washing (Prakshalanam
(Pratimarsha),

by

of

purgatives

by

straining

(Pravahanam),

of defecation

blow-

b)''

by

friction

as

at

sucking

(Achushanam), by applying a magnet (Ayaskanta) and

by exhilarating Harsham).
;

An embedded
from the eyes,
eructation,

etc,

matter

is

usually

expelled

by inducing lachrymation, sneezing,

coughing,

the emission of

foreign

micturition,

defecation,

and

flatus.

Shalyam, or any other foreign matter which has

SUTRASTH/VNAM.

Chap, xxvii.^

penetrated
extracted

setting

b}'

The

locah'ty.

The
should

seat

should be

the

in

would loosen the

affected

fixture of the

or

down.
the

opened

be

up suppuration

flesh,

weight of the secreted pus and blood

to drop

it

deeper tissues of

putrid flesh

Shalyam, the
causing

the

into

257

of a

locality

by an

incision

Shalyam

fixed

event of

the

in

not being ejected even after the establishment of

its

the local suppuration.

even after the

pressed with

the virtue

over

its

If

the Shalyam
the

incision,

the

of exerting
surface.

or

fingers,

affected

of

particle

accidentally dropped into

the

endued with

should

pressure,

should be

part

medicines,

come out

to

fails

an}-

be

applied

fine

matter,

eye, should be

removed

with sprays of cold water, or by blowing into

the mouth, or by rubbing

residue

any food

of

it

of digested

with

it

with hair or the fingers.

food or mucous, a remnant

matter (Ahdrashesha) misdirected into

the nostrils, or any small splinter loosely pricking thereto

CAnu-shalyam), should be expelled by breathing hard,

or

by coughing upward through the

nostrils

or

by blowing through the nose.

acting as an

the

stomach

obstructing

Shalyam

(Am^shaya),

should

morsel of food,

in

the

be

or

against the region

while such a morsel brought

33

down

cavity

ejected

rubbing (Pratimarsha) the fingers against

of the throat,

(Utk^sha),

the

of

by

lining

of the epiglottis,

into

the intestines,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

258

by

evacuated

be

should

[Chap, xxvil.

administering

purgatives

(Virechanam).

The pus

or

any other morbid matter found within

the cavity of an ulcer should be removed by washing

while

it,

or retained

down and

Any
in

obstructed

scybala

urine, or obstructed foetus, should

be borne

incarcerated

or

flatus,

expelled by means of straining.

deranged Vayu or watery secretion incarcerated

anv part

of the

body, as well as poisoned blood

sucked off with the

or vitiated breast-milk, should be

mouth, or with a horn.

loose,

unbarbed arrow, lodged

mouth and

a broad

in

an

wound with

Anuloma

direction,

magnet

withdrawn by applying a

should be

lying

in

to

its

heart

by any

of the multifarious emotional causes, should be

removed

end.

driven into the

shaft of grief,

by exhilaration and merry-making.

be withdrawn from

ways known

Anuloma
a

way

A
spot

as

the

is

two

Anuloma and Pratiloma.

The

place in

either

withdrawing a Shalyam through

than that of

its

penetration, while the

called the Pratiloma.

Shalyam lodged
of

may

of the

its

consists in

other

contrary

whether large or small,

(Shalyam),

shaft

its

in

penetration

extracted through the

place

lying

(Arvacheenam)

wav bv which

it

to

the

should

be

close

has entered

Chap. XXVII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

On

(Pratiloma).

piercing deep

the other hand, a

259
Shalyam,

or

shaft

any part of the body,

into

coming out by the other

be drawn out through

side

but

not

(Par^cheenam), should

way

other than that of

its

penetration (Anuloma).

deep into any part of the body

shaft, piercing

so

as to reach

the other side

or

part,

to

the diminution of

not cutting out

(but

remaining protruded

its

in

clean through

heaved up

flesh,

be extracted through a channel other than

which

or

striking

The heaved up

when found

flesh

it

should
that

by

with the hand or a hammer.

should be opened with an incision,

possible

of being so

opened,

embedded Shalyam should be drawn out by

striking

and

has originally penetrated (Anuloma), and by

it

stirring

owing

it

momentum),

original

the

wounded hmb

of the

it

with the hand as laid

Shalyam, lodged

in

any

down

cut open or struck with

be removed with

the

stirring or

before.

soft part of the

chest, arm-pits, inguinal regions or

and

ribs,

abdomen,

should not be

hammer, but should be

the hands through the

tried to

wa)- of

its

penetration (Pratiloma), in failure whereof the Shalyam

should be extracted with surgical

or

any other

surgical instruments

appliances (Shastra)
(

Yantras),

Authoritative Verse on the Subject A patient, fainting away (during the course
:

of such

surgical

operation),

should be enlivened by

THR SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

26o

dashing cold water over his face.

many

with

ing diet

a hopeful

such

vital parts

his

etc.

extracted the Shalyam,

be fomented with

lieat or

be so treated

i.e.,

the

incidental

been wiped

of,

by apph'ing warm

surface in the event of

its

him, and

should be given

or ulcer, the blood having

butter to

should be solaced

should be protected.

Then having

wound

XXVli.

Chap.

and cheering word, and a nourish-

milk,

as,

He

it

should

clarified

being found

'devoid of pain and unattended

Cauterisation should be

further bleeding).

fit

to

with

resorted

to

where the condition of the wound would indicate such a

measure.

After

tliat,

wound should be

the

plastered

(Pradeha) with honey and clarified butter, and bandaged

with a piece of clean linen

diet

and directions as to the

and nursing of the patient should be given

(as

previously laid down).

Shalyam, lodged

should be extracted
shaft (Shalyam),

vein or a

in a

with

lodged

the
in

help

the

ligament
of a

(Snayu),

probe.

The

body and lying buried

under the incidental swelling, should be extracted hy

firmly tying blades

of Kuslia grass around

shaft (Shalyam;, lodged in a spot situated

close to the heart,

by which

it

should be

has entered

body.

anywhere

withdrawn by the way

and the patient should be

enlivened with sprat's of cold water,

operation.

its

etc.

during the

Chap.

XXVII.

Shalyam, lodged

and that
and

SUTRASTHA'N'AM.

in

any other part of the body

to extract, and

is difficult

261

produces pain

that

removed by cutting

local inflammation, should be

which

In the case of a shaft Shalyam)

the part open.

has pierced into the cavity of a bone, the surgeon should

firmly press the affected

bone with

out the embedded shaft with

it

with

surgical

man

strong

instrument,

the

and

legs,

pull

might by gripping

his

all

failure

in

should be asked to

the patient, and

his

whereof a
hold of

catch

firmly

Shalyam should be pulled out

with the help of a gripping surgical instrument as before.

As an

bottom of the shaft should

alternative, the

be tied to the string of a bow, strung and

down

means

and the Shalyam should be ejected with the

of

full

As an

twang.

should be harnessed

in

Panch^ngi-vandhanam

(lit.

the

known

fashion

bound

a horse

alternative,

as

so

tied

to

the

whipped as to

the

embedded

ment by the

bridle.

raise

its

of

its

head

head.

first,

from

tied

to

the

preceding case.

bent

its

As an

of lodg-

seat

alternative,

end of the shaft as

The bough should be then

thus pulling out the shaft (Shalyam

force.

be

thus pulling out

high and tough bough of a tree should be lowered

and

down

Then the horse should

shaft .Shalyam)

jerk

the

the five parts of the

in

body), and the end of the Shalyam should be bent

and

bent

fully

with

its

down

in

the

let loose,

rebounding

THE SUSHRUTA

262

shaft (Shalyam), lodged in a

truded

[Chap. XXVII.

SAMHITA'.

bone and lying pro-

the heaved up local flesh (situated in a place

in

other than the inguinal regions, abdomen, or arm-pits,

etc.),

should be stirred by striking

an Asthila a round stone,

it

on the head with

hammer

short

hammer, and

to certain authorities), or with a stone or

way

should be taken out by the

The

of

penetration.

its

feather of a barbed shaft, lying

bone situated

of such a

existence
to create

at

any

part

of

the

embedded

in

organism where the

matter

foreign

according

is

calculated

special discomfort, should be

by putting pressure on the heaved up

first

not

crushed

or protruded

flesh,

and the shaft then should be gently pulled out

of

seat of lodgment.

its

In

the

case of a bit

of shellac

being accidentally

pricked into the pharynx, a metal tube

inserted

rod should be reached

through

its

inside.

down

The

first

and then a heated metallic

the passage,

into

should be

to the

shellac,

obstructing shellac

thus melted by the

heat of the inserted rod, would naturally stick fast to

it,

which should be then condensed by an injection of

cold water poured

down through

the aforesaid tube

rod should be withdrawn thus carrying

after

that the

away

the melted shellac at

its

end.

According to certain authorities, any other obstructing foreign

matter accidentally

introduced into the

pharynx should be withdrawn with the help of

rod,

Chap. XXVII.

soaked

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

263

melted wax or shellac, and then inserted into

in

that passage,

all

other procedure being the same as

in

the preceding instance.

Shalyam

In the case of a bone

of

fish

throat,

having accidentally stuck

etc.)

bundle of

should be

inserted

Then

quantity

some kind
and the

of emetic

string

should be pulled

obstructing bone

or

the

or

down

stomach.

in his
of

any

into his

After that

should be given to the patient,

bundle of hair would be

felt

out as soon

to have

as

the

below the

struck

Shalyam, which would naturally

come out with

the

end of a

twig, as

soft

his

fill

string

of water,

other liquid substance, should be poured

entirely

in

of thread,

string

other end of the

a copious

throat, so as to

fast

gullet of the patient, the

the

into

physician holding the

hand.

to a

hair, tied

the bone

as

(such

As an

pull.
is

alternative,

the top

generally used in cleansing

the teeth, should be bruised into the

shape of a brush,

and the thorn or the Shalyam should be removed with

its

help.

The

incidental

making the patient

butter

lick

wound should be
a

compound

treated

of

by

clarified

and honey, or of the powders of the Triphal^,

saturated with honey and sugar.

The body

of the patient should be pressed or rubbed,

or he should be whirled round

ly

by the

ankles, or general-

measures, calculated to induce vomiting, should be

adopted

in

case

where he would be found to have

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

264

swallowed a stomachful of water

As an

ing).

Chap. XXVIt.

(as in a case of

drown-

alternative, he should be buried under

the

ashes up to his chin.

Strong wine should be given

the patient,

to

or

he

should be slapped on the shoulders, so as to cause him

to suddenly start in a case

where a morsel

be found to have obstructed and stuck

of food

would

fast in his gullet.

tight gripe about the throat of a person with a creeper,

rope or the arm of an antagonist, tends to enrage the

local

(Kapham), which

the

producing salivation,

passage (Srota)

mouth and

obstructs

loss of

cavity

foaming at the

The remedy

consciousness.

cases consists in lubricating and diaphorising

with

of the

patient

strong

errhines

and heat, and

(Shiro-Virechanam),

of meat

extract

oil

which

is

the

of

in

such

in

the

body

administering

and the

juice

or

possessed of the virtue

of

subduing the deranged Vayu.

Authoritative Verses on the Subject: An

intelligent

Shalvam with due regard

adaptability

of the

should

physician
to

its

shafts

his

own

(Shalyas)

shape, location and the

types of surgical instru-

different

ments to the case under treatment.

exercise

remove

discretion

in

physician should

extracting feathered

from their seats of lodgment, as well

as those that are difficult of extraction.

A physician

is

and wisdom, and

at

liberty

to exercise

to devise his

own

his

original

own

skill

means

for

Chap. XXVII.

the

SUTR.ASTHA'NAM.

extraction

surgical

Shalyam with the help

of a

when

instruments

would prove

abortive.

the bod}'- and

left in

265

its

abovesaid measures

the

Shalyam, not removed from

place

of lodgment,

brings

swelling, suppuration, mortification of the affected

and a

sort

of excruciating pain,

lead to death.
to extract a

Hence

and

may

its

part,

no pain

seat of lodgment.

Thus ends the twenty-seventh Chapter of

ihe

Sutraslh^nain

Sushruta SamhitS, which treats of extraction nf Shalvam.

34

on

ultimately

a physician should spare

Shalyam from

any

of

in

the

CHAPTER
Now we

XXVIII.

on the Chapter, which deals

shall discourse

with the fa\ourable or unfavourable prognosis of an ulcer.

(

Viparitarviparita

madhyaryam

Vrana - Vijna^niya -

).

Text : Certain

IVIetrical

fatal or

unfavourable

symptoms (Arishtas)* unmistakably presage the death

an ulcer-patient, as

of

respectively herald a

the ignorant

smoke and cloud

flower,

and

fruit, fire

In most cases,

rain.

cannot interpret aright these

toms owing to

fatal

symp-

their extremely subtile nature, or out of

ignorance or stupidity, or because such symptoms are

very closely followed by the death of the patient.

These

death in

of

of

blessings

low

desires

serve

indications

fatal

patient,

Brahmanas,

hoi}'

animal

or

unless

men who

or death

are initiated

life-giving elixirs

*
in the

organism of a

those

Ariahtas,

warded

who

Yo^a and

off

by the

are

free

from

and

are

also

other religious

be averted with the help

into the

of

mystery of concocting

(Rasayanam".

The symptoms which

medical cure,
for

may

precursors

sure

propensities,

accustomed to practise the

penances

as

man

at

are developed by the deranj^ed bodily

time

when

they

humours

have passed beyond

all

and when the body serves as a mere passive back-ground

phenomena, awaiting

its

impending dissolution, are called

Chap. XXVIII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Man}'' such

on death

bring

but

supposed

indications

b}'

some

267

do not prove instantly

fatal

in

course of time, just as diseases,

to be

due to the influence of malig-

nant planets, take time before they become patent out

An

of their incubative stages.

patient

attempt to cure a doomed

only repaid by failure and the ridicule of the

is

world, and hence an intelligent

it

worth

and study these

his while to carefully observe

fatal indications.

of the natural

contrariety

colour, taste, (sensation, sound, touch, etc.)

indicates a near

An

and

fatal

ulcer

termination of the disease.

ulcer emits a pungent, sharp, or fishy smell under

An

and Kapham.

ulcer,

Pittam

deranged by the action of

emits a smell

blood,

vitiated

(Loha-gandhi),

while

one,

smell characterised

by the

of them.

On

action

the deranged

'^of

like that

like

the deranged
that of linseed

humours, emits a

distinctive features

of each

Vayu and 'Pittam), emits

;

Vayu and Kapham, emits

oil

oil.

a smell

due to the action of

one,

smell like

whereas one, brought

about by

the action of the deranged Pittam and

somewhat

the

the other hand, an ulcer, due to the joint

of fried paddy

sesamum

that of iron

through

originated

concerted action of the deranged

like

smell,

of an

the respective influences of the deranged Vayu,

the

make

physician should

All

those

odours,

fishy character, should

Kapham,

smells

marked by a

be deemed the natural

odours of ulcers, and any other smell should be held as

a contrary or unnatural one.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

268

An

ulcer

fragrant

or

flower,

emitting
aloe

XX\

111.

a sweet smell like that of wine,

wood

Champaka,

[Chap.

(Aguru),

clarified-butter,

any

sandal, lotus or

Jati

celestial flower

(Divyagandha), should be regarded as the precursor of

death.
ises

Similarly, a smell like the

one which character-

a dog, horse, mole, crow or a bug,

or

like

the one

emitted by dry, putrid meat, or resembling the smell of

earth or slime, should be

likewise

deemed unfavourable

or fatal in an ulcer.

physician should give up a case

though

it

where an

ulcer,

has assumed a blackish, saffron or Kankustha

colour (a sort of mountain

of the aggravated Pittam,

earth)

through the action

divested

is

sucking and drawing pain, which

is

of the

burning,

peculiar to

that

morbiferous diathesis. Similarly, an ulcer, which, though

brought about through the action

Kapham, has become

of

the deranged

and whitish as natural

cold, hard

in

one of the Kaphaja type, should be given up as soon

as

it is

marked by

a burning

pain.

Likewise an

ulcer,

due to the action of the deranged V^iyu, and characterised

by a blackish hue and a thin

secretion,

found to invade the

vital principles

be abandoned by a

physician,

and which

is

of the body, should

whenever found to be

entirely devoid of pain.

An
or

ulcer,

which makes a gurgling or groaning sound,

one which

is

characterised

by an extreme burn-

ing sensation, oris confined to the skin and the

flesh,

Chap. XXVIII.

and

marked by the emission

is

report,

one,

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

is

have a

sure to

which

wind with a loud

of

Likewise,

fatal termination.

by extreme

characterised

is

269

though

pain,

not otherwise seated about any of the vital parts of the

body, or which

cold on the surface, though attended

is

with an extremely burning sensation

deemed

vice versa, should be

in

like the

of barbed

barb

of a

or

spear),

dart

spear,

or

horse, or an elephant, or like a

and

precursor of death.

the

Similarly, an ulcer should be regarded

shaped

inside

its

as

or

like

that

fatal,

Kunta

is

kind

(a

banner, chariot,

cow, an

ox,

temple,

or a palace.

wise physician, witli any regard to his

tation,

own

should abandon a patient laid up with an ulcer

which appears to have been dusted over with a

pulverised crust, or

companied by
respiration

who

and strength, cough,

loss of flesh

and

sort

of

has been suffering from one ac-

aversion

to food.

An

occurring at any of the vital parts of the

a

repu-

ulcer,

body

difficult

which
secretes

copious quantity of pus and blood, and refuses to

be healed even after a course of proper and persistent

medical treatment,
Thus ends
Sushruta

the

is

twenty-eighth

SamhitS, which

prognosis of ulcers.

sure to have a fatal termination.

deals

Chapter of
with

the

the

SutrasthSnam

favourable and

in

the

unfavourable

CHAPTER XXIX.
Now we
treats

shall

favourable

of

diseases, as

on

discourse

unfavourable

or

known from

which

the Chapter,

prognosis

in

omens and dreams

messengers,

(Viparitarviparita-Duta-Shakuna-

etc.

Svapna- Nidarshaniya-madhyaryam).
IVIctrical

Texts: The

able termination of a

messenger sent to

may

disease

the appearance, speech,

dress

and demeanour of the

nature of the asterism and the

the time of his arrival,

wind (Anila) blowing

be predicted from

a physician,

in

call

favourable or unfavour-

time,

from the nature

or

omens (Shakuna) seen by him on the

of

marking

lunar phase

from the direction of the

or

at the

from the

or

the posture, temperament or speech

road, or from

of the

physician

himself.

messenger belonging to the same caste as the

patient*

should be regarded as an

auspicious

omen,

whereas one from a different caste would indicate a

fatal or

A
*

an unfavourable termination of the disease,

eunuch, a husband of

many

wives, a messenger

P^shanda messenger should be despatched

where a member of the same community would

in the case of a patient of the

of a

BrShmana

patient,

same

social order

and so on

would be looked upon as an

evil

omen.

while

to

call in

fall ill

a physician

a householder,

a BrShmana, in

the case

an infringement of the rule

Chap.

XXIX.

StJTRAStHANAM.

^fl

sent on a different errand and incidentally

physician's house, or one
or messengers

who come

on foot

in carts, or

who

at

has quarrelled on the road,

riding

on camels, donkeys or

one unbroken

in

calling

should be

line,

looked upon as inauspicious messengers.

messengers,

Similarly,

who

holding in their hands a

physician,

any other weapon,

or

who come

house of a

at the

call

rope,

dressed in

blacky red,

the upper

yellow, wet, dirty or torn garments, or with

sheets

placed or arranged on

their

or

club,

shoulders

right

(Apasavya), or clad in single cloths without such upper

who

sheets on, as well as those,

tional or smaller

number of limbs,

whose bodies are

agitated, or

such, as look fierce

in

possessed

are

of addi-

or look disturbed

and

any way mutilated or

and haughty, or speak

in

a rough

and harsh tone, or utter any term implying death,

should be regarded as augurs of

evil.

Likewise^ a messenger, tearing off a blade of grass or

wood with

a chip of

his

fingers, or

handling the tip

of his nose or the nipples of his

breast, or

ends of his cloth or

the

hand, or brushing his

with his fingers

in

or

hair,

nails

his

and

ears

or

pulling the

ring-finger
hair,

or

nostrils,

or

of his

standing
waiting

with his hands placed on his cheeks, chest or head,

or about
one,

with

who

the

regions

of

the

arm-pits,

as

well

as

has arrived at the house of the physician

bits of

human

skull or stone, or

with ashes, bones,

272

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

"

paddy husks or charcoal

one,

who

digs

at

the

messenger of

house,

evil

messenger,

XXIX.

or

with his toe-nails, or

stones or brickbats,

physician's

Chap.

the palms of his hands,

the earth

into

wantonly breaks

in

while waiting

should be

regarded as

augury.

who

at the time of visiting a physician

for his professional help

comes smeared with

oil,

or with

red sandal paste or mud, and carries a red garland or a

ripe but sapless fruit, or
in his

like

nature

hand, or brushes together the nails of his fingers

with the hand,

or touches his legs

in his

any other thing of

hand, or

a foul

who

or

carries

appears to have been suffering from

who

loathsome disease, further one,

or

heavily, or

a shoe

weeps or behaves

breathes

contrarily, or stands with

the palms of his hands united and

his

turned

face

to-

waids the south, or waits on one leg on an uneven

ground with the other raised and placed on a higher
support, should be

looked upon as the precursor of

evil.

messenger,

while he
state

is

facing the

of the

killing

reporting
south,

errand to the physician

his

or

body, or engaged

an animal, or

is

remaining

found to be lying on the bare

who

is

an unclean

in

in kindling
in a

nude

floor of his

fire

state, or

sitting

or

anointing himself with

with his hair dishevelled, or

oil,

is

chamber, or

performing an afiection after attending to a

nature,

or in

call

of

or perspiring, or

in a state of

mental

[Chap.

sOtrasthanam.

XXIX.

perturbation,

boding

is

upon

to be looked

27;

as a messenger fore-

evil.

messenger, seeking the interview of a physician

M'hile

he

is

engaged

in offering oblations to his

who

manes, or to the gods, or one

morning or

or at midnight, at

calls

departed

on him at noon
the

at evening, or during

happening of any abnormal physical phenomenon, or at

an hour under the influence of any of the
asterisms (lunar mansions),

the Maghd, the Mula, the

viz.

the Ardra,

the

following
Ashlesa,

two Purvas, and the Bharani,

on the day of the fourth, ninth, or the sixth phase

or

of the

moon (whether on

as well as

on the

the

wane

or on the increase),

days of months and fortnights,

last

should be considered as a messenger of evil augury.

hot and perspiring from being seated

messenger,

near a blazing

fire,

and

calling

upon a physician

midday, should be deemed as an

the

in

case

of

one

inauspicious

distemper

Pittaja

in the

whereas

messenger of similar description should be looked upon

as foreboding

the favourable termination of a disease,

if

due to the action of the deranged Kapham. The favourable character of a messenger should be likewise

mined

in diseases originated

deranged Vayu,*

rain

A
or

messenger,

etc.

through the action of the

and an

visitin;; a |)liy.sician

storm, or at a time

when

deter-

intelligent

in

the vital

physician

ihe afternoon or during a

wind

agitated, indicates an unfavouraljlc prognosis.

is

is

hea\}'

naturally disturijed and

THE SUSHKUTA SAMHITA.

274

at liberty to exercise his

the omen.
or

own

determining

discretion in

Similarly in a case of haemoptysis, dysentery

any morbid discharge from the urethra (Prameha j,

the

first

interview between a messenger and a physician

near a reservoir of water

[Chap. XXIX.

learned physician shall

character

of a

an omen of happy augury,

is

tluis

messenger

in

determine the ominous

with

connection

other

diseases as well.

IVIessengers of

happy augury : A

and handsome messenger, who

is

and white

clad in clean

garments, and belongs to the same caste

fair

or spiritual

clan (Svagotraj as the patient himself, forebodes the successful termination of the disease (for

aid

is

needed).

on foot or
intelligent,

in

A messenger, calling
a

bullock cart,

which the medical

on a physician either

and who

is

contented,

capable of acting according to the rules of

decorum, time and circumstances, and

original in his thoughts

and other auspicious

is

and ideas, and

articles

independent and

carries

ornaments,

about his person,

is

alone

capable of rendering the best services in connection

with the calling

first

in of a physician.

time, interviewing a physician,

messenger, for the

when

the latter

complacently seated with his face towards the

east,

is

and

on a clean and even ground, should be regarded as a

messenger of happy augury.

Raw
a

meat, a

pitcher

Bramhana, an elephant,

full

of water,

a cow, an

an umbrella,

ox and an

article

XXIX.

Chap.

SUTKASTHANAM.

of a white colour, should be

on

a physician

way

his

cow with her

mother, a

decorated virgin,

fish,

deemed

]to

calf,

unripe

shaped religious insignia),

vessel

horse,

the house of a patient.

blowings

of

Svastika (a cross

sweetmeat, curd, gold, a

gems, flowers (according
king), a blazing

swan, a peacock, a bird of the Chasha

conch-shells,

verses,

notes

wheels, roar of lions,

chariot

fruits,

by

pitcher of water, a

a small

rice,

chantings of Vedic

species,

auspicious sights

commentators a well disposed

to certain
fire,

of sun-dried

full

275

claps

of lutes,

lowings

of thunder,

sounds of

of cows and

bullocks, neighings of horses, trumpeting of elephants,

of geese,

cacklings

hootings of owls, and the pleasant

conversation of persons going to the

palace of a king,

should be regarded as lucky sights and sounds by a

physician on his

way

(to

the house of a patient).

harmonious melodies of birds chirping

Similarly,

on the boughs of healthy

the weight of

dowry of

fruit,

beautiful

birds perched

Kshira trees, bent

and looking gladsome with

blossoms and

foliage,

under
their

or notes of

on the terraces of palace towers or on

the tops of banner poles singing melodiously, or birds

following the messenger

seated from
following
as sights

with their songs or singing

the auspicious quarters of the heavens, or

him on

his

left,

should be equally regarded

and notes of happy foreboding.

bird,

seated on the withered trunk of a blighted

THR SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

2/6

a thorny

or thunder-blasted tree, or on

over with creepers, or on

ordure

or

harsh

in

on

or

with

voice

deemed

Similarly, birds,

quarter of

which are possessed of names of

by a physician on

left

a patient, while birds, on

names have feminine

bv him on the

omens

right.

is

left.

a similar

hare,
is

seen on

house of

occasion,

are auspicious

endings,

if

the

to

dog or a
left,

jackal,

if

whose
if

seen

seen run-

hapjn-

is

a mongoose or a Chasha bird

of the road,

the

way

his

ning from the right to the

and so

the

as portending evil.

masculine terminations are happy

the

skeletons,

head turned

its

towards the blazing or inauspicious

sky, should be

amidst

or

dried

xxix.

covered

knoll

ashes or stones,

husks of grain,

and singing

Chap.

omen,

seen on the

a serpent, or an owl, seen on either side

an

inauspicious

The

sight.

sight

and

sound of a Godha or a Krikal^sha an animal of

of the lizard species) are both inauspicious.

If

man, other than

messenger of inauspicious

character but possessed of features alike

way

should happen to cross the

starting

on a professional

call,

The

of evil.

equallv

full

of Kulutha pulse, or of husks

ashes,

clay

or

charcoal,

or of

Similarly, the sight of a vessel

or

witli

of a physician, just

he should be regarded

as

indicative

unfavourable,

of grain, or of stone,
oil,

filled

wine other than whicli

of a vessel

sight

is

is

inauspicious.

with red mustard

clear

and mild

Chap.

XXIX.

SUTRASTHANAM.

should

(Prasanna)

deemed

be

an

277

omen

of

evil

augury.
the sight of a parched corpse,

Similarly,

withered tree or Pal^sha branch,

is

or of a

equally inauspicious.

meeting a member of any of the

physician,

degraded castes or a blind or indigent person, or

inimically

disposed

vile or

man

towards him, should consider the

character of the disease to be unfavourable.

cool and

gentle,

breeze,

fragrant

blowing from

the direction of his destination, should

be regarded as

an auspicious omen by a physician.

is

and

hot, dry,

is

charged with the

of putrid matter, and which

of his

starting

point,

wind, which
exalations

fetid

blows from the direction

should be

regarded

as

an

evil

omen.

The word

"cut," used

by another and

accidentallv

heard by a physician fon his wa^O to the bed-side of a

patient laid

up with Granthi (aneurism)

(tumour), should be regarded as a

Arvuda

or

good omen

while the

term "open", heard under similar circumstances and

connection with a case of Vidradhi (abscess),

(abdominal gland\ or Udara

as

"stopped"

is

haemoptysis.

commended

in

Thus

physician

the

Similarly, the

case

term

of dysenter}'

should

the auguries according to the nature of each

case.

Gulma

should be regarded

(ascites),

an equally auspicious portent.

or

in

or

interpret

individual

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

278

curse, imprecation, or wailing like

[Chap.

"woe

to

as well as sobs, groans, reports of defecation or

brayings of an

ing, the

an

a camel,
a

obstacle

physician, or

any

of

falling

ass,

sudden

in

the path

of

of

breakage, collapse, or the

sad

without any assign-

or dejected spirit of the physician

able cause, should

vomit-

from a cupboard, and a

article

me",

frightened sound

the

impediment

or

XXIX

be regarded as

evil

omens

at

the

time of his starting.

These omens should be observed or attended to

at the time

or

at

of

first

entering

the threshold

The

commenced

its

of a

the medical treathairs,

ashes, bones,

bedstead

grain, cotton, thorns, a

legs upturned, wine,

patient,

walls, but not after

its

sight of a knot of torn

wood, stone, husks of

with

within

or

the physician has once

ment.

the house

water,

fat,

oil,

sesamum,

dried grass, straw, a eunuch, a deformed person

or one

with a broken limb, a nude man, or one with a clean

shaved head, or clad in a black garment, should be

regarded as
b}'

him

evil

at the

omens by

whether noticed

a physician,

time of starting or after getting into

a sick room. Pots or utensils placed in pendent brackets,

and found to be spontaneously moving about without

any

definite cause, as well as

digged

in,

sick-room

up

smashed
a ph3^sician

in his seat,

cast face,

in

any other
or

sitting

and the patient

or pricking his

body

thrown
dejected
sitting

or

at

fallen

out

articles

of

the

and gathered
with a down-

the bed clothes

XXIX.

Chap.

SUTRASFHANAM.

279

while talking with the physician, or shaking his hands,

back or head, or taking hold of or placing the hands

of the physician

own, or on

pressing his

own

physician

limbs,

up-turned

when he

return,

in

his breast, or

an

with

physician

gating the

the

in his

is

interroface,

or

interrogated

by

considered

as

should be

unfavourable signs.

The

patient,

in

whose house a physician

duly honoured, can never

not

The due honouring

rally.

a physician leads to a speedy

is

recoAery.

of

messenger

good omen forebodes the favourable termination

of

of a

while the

disease,

contrary

observe the

carefully

shall

portend

malady.

The

the south

fatal

patient,

or

sees

or

quarter by a dark

or

or

close

of going

doom.

of riding on

himself

woman

clad in a blood- red garment

vile castes

dreams,

by
of

his

the

towards

on the back of an elephant, or on that of

on a buffalo,

his

patient,

successful

who dreams

any carnivorous animal,

meets

describe the

which either being dreamt by the

relations,

physician

ominous character of a

messenger (despatched to seek his aid

Dreams Now

by a

indicated

Hence

messenger of the opposite type.

shall

is

with

carried

a boar or

towards the

dishevelled

hair

and

laughing and dancing, soon

dream by a patient that members of

have been drawing him southward, or that

ghosts or anchorites have been

embracing him, or that

THE SUSHRUtA SAMHITA.

28o

xxix.

Chap.

savage beasts with diabolical faces have been smelling

earthly days are numbered,

his head, predicts that his

while

dreams

such

indicate an

occurring

impending

healthy

in

subject

disease.

Similarly, the patient,

who dreams

of drinking

oil

or

honey, or of diving into a bed of dank or oozy slime,

or of laughing

and dancing mud-besplattered,

threshold of death.

A dream

at the

is

entwined a

of ha^*ing

wreath of red iiowers round one's head, though otherwise nude or stripped of clothes,

or

bamboos, or palm trees growing on

his

impending

the

hand,

death

such dreams,

of

occurring in

or thinks he
into a dark

is

falling

into

On

the

healthy

other

subject,,

I.ikewise, the patient,

of being eaten up b}'

himself again entering

chest, portends

patient.

forebode the advent of disease.

who dreams

of seeing reeds,

the

who

or

fish,

womb

of his

fancies

mother,

from the summit of a mountain or

and dismal cave, or

as being carried

away by

the current of a river, or assailed and overwhelmed by a

pack of crows,

is

already a

doomed

The dream

being.

of a clean shaved head, or of falling stars, or

lamp

light, or

of the extraction of one's

own

of dying

eyes, or of

shaking divine images, or of earthquakes, purgings, vomitings

The
or

or falling out of one's

patient,

own

teeth,

who dreams of climbing a

always

fatal.

Shalmali, Kinsuka,

Pari-bhadra tree, or of ascending an

funeral pyre, or of witnessing himself

is

ant-hill

bound

to

or

sacri-

XXIX.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

stake,

ficical

levigated

or

sesamum

or drinking

rice,

oil

of

receiving

paste,

iron,

wine

or

a healthy

in

sesamum, boiled

salt,

doomed

may

be,

such

being, while

indicate the

subject

cotton,

eating,

or

(Sura), as the case

should consider himself as a

dreams

281

impending

attack of a disease.

A
is

dream should be regarded

as ineffectual

temperament of

quite in conformity with the physical

dreamer (such

the

as,

one of scaling

by a person of Vataja temperament

a blazing

by

fire,

man

flash

of Pittaja temperament

nessing reservoirs of water, etc. by

the heavens

one of seeing

of lightning,

which

or a

meteor-fall

and one of wit-

man

of Kaphaja

temperamentj as well as one which has been forgotten

or followed

by another of an auspicious type or

outcome of premeditated thought

like

the

is

one dreamt

in

the da}' time.

A
a

fever patient

dreaming of friendship with a dog,

consumptive one dreaming of making friends with a

monkey

or a monster

a hysteric patient

who dreams

of

making friendship with a ghost a Prameha or dj'sentery

;

patient dreaming of drinking water

drinking

on

oil,

or a

Gulma

his belly, should

afflicted

of a

a leper dreaming of

patient dreaming of a tree grow-

count his days as numbered.

A person

with any disease of the head, and dreaming

tree

growing on

his

head, or one suffering from

vomiting and dreaming of eating sesamum cakes

36

or

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

282

an asthma patient, or a person,

afflicted

dreaming of making a journey on

foot

dreaming

patient

turmeric

or a

eating a

of

food

XXIX.

[Chap.

with

thirst,

or a jaundice

prepared with

person suffering from hecmoptysis and

dreaming of drinking blood, should be considered as about

to depart this

life.

aforesaid dreams, under

up

in

having had any of the

patient

the

circumstances, should get

make

the morning and

of Masha-pulse,

gift

sesamum, iron and gold to the Brahmanas, and repeat

the blessed Tripada Gayatri (Mantras

Having dreamt a bad dream

night, a person should meditate

and then

subject,

controlled,

gods.

An

down

upon a holy or auspicious

again with

evil

dream should

of the

for three

consecutive

would become

Now we
castes, gods,

nature.

nights,,

and

cows, bullocks,
relations,

predict or predicts to
future, while

reside

holy

in a

and worship the

whereby

its

evil

the dreams, which

are

Members

the twice born

of

kings,

a blazing

sheet of clear water seen in a

indicate

senses fully

nullified.

describe

shall

of auspicious

friends

all his

dream should not be related to another.

deity with the most fervent devotion,

effects

watch of the

and repeat the Mantras sacred to any of the

The dreamer
temple

lie

in the first

fire,

one's
a

own

living

Brahmana, or a

dream by a healthy person

him a pecuniary gain

in

the near

such dreams occurring in a diseased person

a speed}'

recovery of the disease he has been

Chap.

XXIX.

SUTKASTHANAM.

dreams of meat,

suffering from. Similarly,

of white

and

flowers, cloths

speedy cure, as the case

Dreams

may

palace, of climbing

predicts

money

river,

gain

healthy or diseased.
or stung
bliss

by a

serpent,

by

hill,

above.

may

dream of having
leeches, or

by a

unhesitatingly

been

bit

bad health
auspicious

as a long-lived

taken

is

bee, indicates

The man, who usually gets such

be

an

dream of

according as one

cure,

dreams, should be looked upon

and

royal

or of riding

or cure, according to one's good or

at the time.

or

pool or sea of turbid water

or

of

terrace

elephant predict similar results as

one's sailing over

garlands

be.

or

tree

fish,

predict a gain

fruit

the

ascending

of

28"

under

man,

medical

treatment by a physician.
Thus ends

the

Uventy-nintli

Chapter

of

the

Sushruta SamhitS, which deals with favourable or

from messengers, birds, omens

etc.

Sutiasthinam
unfavourable

in

the

prognosis

CHAPTER XXX.
Now we

on the Chapter which treats

shall discourse

of the prognosis that can be obtained from the perverted

Pane he nd riyartha- Vi prati pattf - madhyaryam)

of the

functions

organs

sense

five

Metrical texts

A perversion or contrariety

mind or brain

of the

of the

functions

of the

organs of sense-perception,

symptom

unfavourable

(an

hear

me

describe,

is

and

(Shilam),

Arishtam

called

foreboding

brief detail, the

in

Now

death).

symptoms which

are called Arishta (fatal indications).

The man, who

hears

variety of divine sounds

of

any of the

(such as, the Siddhas, the

Gandharvas

even

in

tlie

he

that

moanings
cloud,

who

absence

hearing

is

of the

uproar

the

sea,

the

or

celestial beings,

of a

thinks

or

etc.),

city,

or

rumbling of a

the
rain

without their actual presence or proximity, or

is

incapable

of catching

their sounds even

when

they are actually present and sounding, or assigns to

them causes other than the

regarded as a

doomed

the uproar of a city

being.

or the

actual ones,

The

person,

rustling

emanating from other sources, or

of his

devoted

enemies,
friends,

and

is

or

who

annoyed

should

who

forest

be

interprets
as

sounds

rejoices at the voice

at

that

suddenly loses

of his

the

own

faculty

XXX.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

of hearing

285

without any manifest or tangible reason,

should be deemed as already on the threshold of death.

who

The man,
or

warm

when touching

vice

hot

complains

versa,

even when suffering from a

of

boil,

Kaphaja type (characterised by

postule of the

cold

and,

substance,

a burning sensation
or

feels

numbness, shivering, etc, or shivers when the temperature of his body

The

it

feel

considerably high,

has lost the faculty of touch,

any pain

in

any part of the body

amputated,

or

struck

is

who

person,

and does not

when

to be

looked upon as already on the point of

should be
death.

is felt

body had been strewn over with

or

feels

as

particles

if

his

of dust,

or suffers from discoloration of the skin

which becomes

marked with blue

who

by

hosts of blue

red stripes, and

or

flies

after

should be regarded as one

confines of

a bath or

who

is

harassed

an anointment,

has already passed the

life.

Similarly, the

man whose body emits a

fragrant smell

without having been rubbed with any kind of perfume,

or to

whom

sweet,

or

a sweet thing tastes acid, and an acid tastes

who

version of the
of)

different

exhibits
faculty
tastes

symptoms of a general

of taste, or

(administered

order of enumeration') tend to

bodily humours,
a dulness

in
in

whom

(articles

their

officinal

aggravate the deranged

or bring about their pacification

of appetite

if

per-

partaken of

in the

and

inverted

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

286

should be regarded as a departed

order,

who

the one

perfume, or one

the

entirely lost

The man,

to

should be looked

of the

who

one

as the peculiarities of

snowfall,

the

sky appear to be reversed or

has lost

specific

and the

etc.),

joy and

all distinctions (of

misery, storm and sunshine, heat and cold,

whom

attributes

broad day-light or fancies

by night

on the

sees stars ablaze in the

seeing the

mellow

an.d the

to

appear to be

of things

The man, who

point of death.

or

etc.),

contrary and reversed, should be regarded as

the sun

has

the twin attributes of heat and

drought,

storm,

(as

different quarters

inverted

whom

and pain, as well

pleasure

weather

of smell,

faculty

who

dead man.

as a

cold,

of a burning

at the smell

been extinguished, or

just

fragrant

one who does

to be fetid, or

fragi'ant

lamp wick that has

upon

like

soul,

a fetid odour to be a

any discomfort even

feel

XXX.

Chap.

has lost the faculty of taste.

The man, who deems

not

fiery

orb

moon

of the

disc

of

by day, or who seems to witness the phenomena of

rainbow and lightning even
rain

cloud,

rain-cloud

or

the

even

in

formation
a

speedily gathered to

the

reflected

cars

in

the

fire

clear

the

sky,

is

sky

gods,

sees the

or

sure

to

be

The man, who observes

images of chariots, palaces

or

any

absence of

of a lightning-spangled

blue

his rest.

the heavens,

and

in

to

and

aerial

embodied images of

whom

the

earth

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XXX.]

appears

be

to

enshrouded
with cross

enveloped
a sheet

in

in

of

or

linen,

fine

chequered

water, or to whose sight the Pole Star and the

asterism

Way

Arundhati (one of the Pliades) and the Milky

remain

or

flooded with

or

fire,

smoke,

or

frost

or blazing with

lines,

287

should be reckoned as already with

invisible,

the dead.

The man, who

in a mirror, in

but distorted
animal,

to see his

reflections

dogs,

Yakshas, Rakshas,

cows,

and

resembling

hue

the

of

it is

the

natural

its

these
in

phenomena

one,

who

is

indicate

other

ghosts,

to

accom

possessed of a colour

breast

from any disease).

sees

The man,

life.

feathers

peacock, should be regarded as doomed,

to be suffering

or

Nagas, should be

of

free

paniment of smoke, or that

vultures,

storks,

Pishachas

appears to be

fire

reflected

of any

of himself or

regarded as about to depart this

whom

own image

the moonlight, or in hot water,

of

or

foils

On

the

the approach

(if

of

happening

other hand,
of a disease

found to be as yet in the enjoyment

of apparent health.

Thus ends

the thirtieth Chapter of the Sulrasthdnam

in

the Sushriita

Samhitd which deals with prognosis from the perverted functions of the
live

sense ortrans.

CHAPTER XXX
Now we

discourse

shall

on the

I.

from the

with the prognosis to be gathered

deals

altered condition of features

patti

which

Chapter,

(Chhd'yar-Viprati-

madhy^yam).*

IVIetrical

Text: The

man, whose complexion

suddenly assumes a brown, red, blue or yellow shade,

should be regarded as already gathered to his

man, who has

lost

all

The

rest.

sense of modesty or propriety,

and whose complexion, and whose strength

memory have suddenly undergone

and

(ojah)

discolouration

or

extreme deterioration, should be counted with the dead.

Little

chance there

lower

lip

is

of the

of a

life

whose

patient

hangs down while the upper one

drawn

is

or

turned up, and both of them have assumed a black

that

colour like

whose teeth
*

fall

of a jamboline

fruit.

The

out or which have assumed a reddish

Physicians of the Ayurvedic School, however, observe a dislinclion

between Chhiyd (shade of complexion),

PrabhA (healthful glow

complexion), and Varna (natural colour of the complexion)

Chh%d

patient,

or

the

shade of one's complexion

as clear, rough or cool, etc.

The Prabhd, on

is

visible

from a distance and admits of

of being divided into seven different types,

brown, greenish, pale, and black.

towards the

fair,

man

is

The

be easily distinguished

and can be detected only on a close view.

the other hand,

the complexion of a

may

of the

itself.

such as red,

The Varna

found to be either

or

fair,

black, dusky

according to his race and habitation.

includes natural modestv, look and ease.

yellow, while,

the natural colour of

leaning

The term

also

Chap.

XXXI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

brown

or a dark

or

colour,

Khanjana bird (dark

blue),

289

colour like that of a

should be reckoned as already-

gathered to his fathers.

The

whose

patient,

swollen,

or

or

inert,

is

tongue has become

of a

black colour, should be

The

considered as already at the gate of death.

whose nose
or

is

breathing makes a gurgling sound through

should be given up as

nostrils,

certainly quitting this

contracted,

or

touch,

light or

patient,

has sunk or become bent, cracked, dried,

who when

the

furred,

life

patient

whose eyes appear to be

unequal, oblique, or inert, insensitive to

sunk

in

sockets,

their

or

The

marked by a copious lachrymation.

hair appears to

lost.

have been glued to

bloody, or

patient

his

whose

head whose

eyebrows are contracted and hang down, and whose

eyelashes are

should be considered as about to

listless

leave his mortal frame.

The

patient,

who

incapable of swallowing any food

is

or of holding up his head,

fixed

stare,

with

all

and who looks with a kind of

memories of

life

fully obliterated,

should be deemed as d3'ing on that very day.

or

prudent

treatment
or

weak,

time he

physician
of

who
is

a patient, no
is

lifted

37

them

in

the

wise

medical

matter whether strong

found to be

fainting

up or seated.

constantly- extends or

or keeps

should give up

draws up

The

his

a gathered up

away every
patient,

who

lower extremities,
posture, should be

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

290

upon

looked

as rapidly succumbing.

wise physician

by the

should abandon a patient, characterised

and

ness of his breath

mouth open,

who

is

found breathing with

or lips separated.

Similarly, a patient affected

with a kind of stupor

insomnia and remaining drowsy,

or

at the

fainting

or

is

all

day long, or

attempt of speaking, should be

least

counted with the dead. The patient,

lip,

cold-

extremities and a hurried and

intermittent respiration, or
his

XXXI.

Chap.

who

licks his

upper

troubled with eructations, or holds conversa-

with the departed, should be deemed as already

tions

entered into the region of the dead.

man, spontane-

ously bleeding through the roots of his hairs (pores of the

skin) otherwise

deemed

than

as dying

in

patient, affected

of V^tashtila

with an up-coursing pain about

the

of the

one which distinguishes a

(^appearance

rising or seated within the

action

of a

etc.,

stone-like

lump

thorax and ascribed to the

deranged Vayu),

aversion to food,

should be

on that day.

the cardiac region, like

case

a case of poisoning,

accompanied by an

should be already reckoned

among

the dead.

An

idiopathic

swelling

(Shopha)

either of the lower extremities in a

first

occurring in

male patient not as a

complication of an}' other disease*, as well as a similar

swelling
*

first

appearing at the face, or about the region

Such as Chlorosis, Ascites, lioemorrhoids.

XXXI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

of the anus

have a

male or a female patient,

in

fatal termination.

from

attended with dysentery,

fever,

and swelling of the penis and

be given up as

lost.

is

sure to

suffering

patient,

291

cough

asthma

or

vomiting

hic-cough,

the

should

scrotum,

Excessive perspiration, burning,

hic-cough, dyspnoea and hyperpyrexia with a burning

sensation

body,

the

of

undoubtedl)' capable of

are

extinguishing the vital spark even

in

a strong patient.

and the

Similarl}^ a patient, with a black coated tongue

left

eye sunk

in

its

socket and a foul smell from the

mouth, should be given up as

The mouth

of a man,

lost.

who

is

on

his

mansions of the god of death, becomes

the

legs

are

of the eyes

The

roll

about or become

is

the

pupils

sudden

listless.

whose limbs become

abnormally light or heavy,

to the

filled v^ith tears,

wet with perspiration, and

patient,

all

of

sure to go to the region of

the son of the da5''-god (Yama.i

body emits

way

The

a fishy, dirty or a fragrant

like fat, oil, or clarified-butter,

is

patient,

whose

or

smells

smell,

on the way to the

mansions of Death.

The

patient

on whose forehead

lice freely

move

about, or whose offerings the crows do not eat, or

who

does not find comfort in any position or place, goes to

the mansions of the god of death.

patient,

who

has

SUSHRUTA

''^HE

2g2

become emaciated and

has been suffering

enfeebled, or

from a complication of such diseases as

oedema,

etc.,

malady,
of

some

and

garded as

or

a fatal

who

refuses

with

sweet,

whole-

drink,

should

patient,

or

indication.

pale

the

unquench-

hunger or an

satisfied

food

]ialatable

pre-existing

beyond

as

weak

appeased

be

deemed

ravenous

in

thirst

to

fever, dysentery,

another

supervening

be

should

medicine.

able

one

xxxi.

[Chap.

SAMHITA',

patient

be

re-

exhibiting

such symptoms as diarrhoea, an excruciating headache,

colic

the

in

strength,

stands

Death

due to the

or

it

to

the

is

may

and gradual

intestines, thirst

danger

in

imminent

of

transitory

be attributed

to

faihng of

character

irregular

death.
of

life,

conduct,

or

deeds of one's previous existence transformed

into the dynamics of fate.

Ghosts,

evil

Pishachas and

spirits,

various shapes and denomination,

to

death.

These

evil

constanth^ lead

owing

spirits,

to

killing propensities, nullify the efficacies

and hence

it is futile

ment of a man who

to take in

exhibits

symptoms, and thereby

Thus ends

any

of the

of

men

their natural

of medicines

hand the medical

testifies that lie

the clutches of such evil

monsters

abovesaid

treatfatal

has fallen into

spirits.

the Thirty-first Chapter of the SutrasthSnam in the Sushruta-

SamhitA which deals with prognosis from perverted

features.

CHAPTER XXXII.
Now we

on the Chapter which treats

shall discourse

of the prognosis based on the perversion of the external

(Svabha'va-viprati-

appearances of the body

patti - madhyaryam)

contrariety of the natural features of any part

member

of the

The

indication.

body should be looked upon

blackness of a limb

or a

or

as a fatal

part

which

naturally white,* or the whiteness of a blackf part,

is

or a naturally red| part, or

member,

other colour, or a hard

part

fixed,

and

vice

assuming any

becoming

soft,

and

movableU part suddenly becoming

versaW, or a

vice

etc.

versa** or the contraction

extended

part,

contracted

(flexible; part,

or

the extension
or

becoming elongatedji, and

or

(flexion) of

expansion of a
part

shorttt

vice

an

versa,

or

suddenly
a

sudden

hanging down of a part or member of the body which

does not naturally

hang down, and

vice

versa\\\\,

or a sudden increase or decrease of natural temperature

of any part, member,

as

its

organ of the body, as well

or

sudden glossiness, roughness, numbness, discolour-

ation, weakness, or weariness, should be looked

fatal
*
palate,

upon as

symptoms.
The

teeth

etc.

Joints, etc.

XX Pupils,

etc.

and the cornea,

Bones,

teeth,

etc.

** Nose, ears and

|i

The
Soft

flesh, etc.

Hair, nails, etc.

|i||

iris,

parts such

The tongue and

the

as the flesh, fat, etc.

ft Head and forehead,

Perspiration, urine

and

etc.

feces, etc.

THE SUSHRUTA

294

(Similarly) a limb or

down from

SAMHITA'.

part

natural position, or becoming raised or

its

its

natural seat, or

protruded, or drawn inward, or suddenly

dislocated, or

heavy

or

light

assignable

XXXII.

body, hanging

of the

twisted round, or cast obliquely from

becoming

Chap.

or

cause,

without

any

sudden eruption

definite

of

or

coral-

coloured rash or Vyanga, should be regarded as indicating

speedy dissolution of the patient

in

whom

they

are exhibited.

Likewise, the appearance of veins in the region of

the

forehead, or an eruption of postules on the ridge of

the nose, perspiration on the forehead in the

copious lachrymation
a

sense

of

etc,

without any ocular complaint,

being dusted with

cowdung over the

over one's

morning,

dried

and pulverised

face, or the flying of pigeons,

head,

excessive

or

Kankas,

micturitions

or

motions of the bowels from an empty stomach, or a

suppression of urine or feces even after a hearty meal
or draught,

breast

is fatal.

and the

So

chest,

also,

pain and aching about the

emaciation

of the

extremities

and an oedema of the middle part of the trunk, and

vice versa

emaciation

an oedema

or

of the

oedema of the
of the right,

left

and

loss of voice,

of

lower part, and vice versa

half of the

vice versa

and

the upper trunk

;

or an

body and emaciation

or hoarseness, huskiness, or

discolouring of the teeth, nails or of the

skin, eruption of

white patches on the chest,

etc, of

the

Chap.

XXXII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

295

body, should be deemed as signs which forebode the

approaching dissolution of an individual.

Moreover the

whose semen,

patient,

or fecal matter does not float

or expectorated

who

on water, or

distorted or bifurcated images of objects, or

with

shines

gloss

death.

relief in

complete

cough,

with

gastritis

or

man

dysentery

when

even

mities,

face

and the muscles of whose

catarrh

frothy

all cure.

fever,

and the

calves, shoulders

from

or

aversion

greatest

is

from

vomiting

and emaciated through

and showing the

who

one

chronic

and

and an oedematous swelling of the

with

patient

blood and pus, should be regarded as past

patient, enfeebled

hair

finds his

oil,

food,

for

aphonia,

whose

suffering

from

suffering

loathing

with

or

food,

to

thirst

complete
^Sula)

anointed with

if

weak

aversion

tormented with
a

as

sees the

to

cough
extre-

food,

and thighs

have grown loose and flabby, should be considered as

awaiting the

call of

death.

patient, suffering from fever, cough,

or passing with the stool,

the

in

and vomiting,

evening,

undigested

food matter eaten in the morning, would die of asthma.

The

patient,

goat,
testes,

who

falls

to

the ground bleating hke a

and exhibits such symptoms

numbness of the

penis,

and introsusception of the

as past all cure.

The

penis,

patient,

as a rupture of the

drooping of the neck

should be considered

whose heart

is

first

felt

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

296

dry followed by becoming

Chap.

with

covered

moisture of the whole body, as well as one

a stone with a stone,
of wood,

piece

or

dried grass, or one

who

who

upper one, or draws

a piece

or

cleaves

in

two

bites his lower lip

his ears

and

slimy

who

strikes

wood

of

XXXII.

with a

blades

and

of

licks the

tears his hair, or dis-

honours the gods and the Brahmanas, as well as his

own
as

physician, friends and relations, should be regarded

beyond the pale of medicine.

Similarl}', a disease,

due to the influence of a malig-

nant planet occupying, either through

zigzag

the

movement, an inauspicious position

natal asterism of the patients,

in death.

fact

veyance,

of one's
or

own

house,

wife,

riding-animal assuming

garments,

etc.

of

retrogade or
in relation to

sure to

Similarly, a

features, or a disease originated

utensils,

is

man, struck by lightning or a

baffles all medicinal skill.

the

its

terminate

falling

due to

disease

bed,

meteor,

seat,

con-

any ill-omened

through the use of gems,

forbidden

or

inauspicious

character usuall}^ ends in death (Aristam).

Authoritative verses on the Subject A disease, appearing in an enfeebled and

:

emaciated subject and refusing to yield to a course of

proper medicinal treatment, and which becomes rather

aggravated by the administraticn of proper medicinal

remedies or antidotes, necessarily portends the death of
the patient.

XXXII.

Chap.

Mahavyadhi*

denly
fails

SUTRASTHANAM.

abating

to produce

a deep seated

person

in

effect

who

ph3'sician,

interpret these fatal indications,

for

disease)

whom

in

any perceptible

The

termination.

(lit

297

is

sud-

nourishment

forebodes a fatal

can detect and

full}^

honoured by the king

determining the curable or incurable

nature of a

disease.

Any deep

of a man,

Shosha,

is

etc.

is

general amelioration

on account of

their

usually fraught with fatal

Thus ends
S^mhita

consequences.

the thirty-second Chapter

which

deals

or

the

vital

principles

Prameha, V^tavyadhi,

recovery in these cases being

deep-seated character,

a sudden abatement

(Arishtattl.)

of Sutrasthanam in the

with the prognosis based

natural appearances of the body.

38

affects

Diseases such as

have also been included within the category in the Chapter on

ICciya-chikitsh^.

natural,

seated disease, which seriously

called MahAvj-^dhi.

Sushrula-

on perversion of

the

CHAPTER XXXII

I.

Now we shall discourse on the Chapter, which treats of

incurable diseases (A'varaniya-madhyayam).
IVIetrical
the

texts : Hear me

which

diseases

and

distressing

being

describe,

supervenient

symptom,

and

treated without rejuvenating and restorative

assume incurable character.

speedily
eight
or

viz

diseases,

diseases affecting

Prameha morbid
Arsha
(stone

in

tations)
are,

by

sician

the

The

following
(paralysis

discharges from the urethra)

bladder),

fistula

in

Mudha-garbha

Kushtha,

ano\ Ashmari
(false

and the eight kinds of Udari (abdominal

their

being

the nervous system in general),

Vagandara

(piles),

medicines,

Maha-Vata-vyadhi

child,

many

with

attended

Oh

very nature, extremely hard to cure.

presendrops)'-)

phy-

with any regard to professional success should aban-

don a patient

laid

up with any of the preceding diseases,

marked by complications such

as,

emaciation of the

body, loss of strength, dyspnoea, palpitation, wasting,

vomiting, dysentery and

case

of Vatavyadhi

hie- cough,

fever

and swoon.

developing symptoms, such as

oedematous swelling, complete anesthesia of the affected

part,

breaking and palsy shaking) of the affected limbs,

distention of the

abdomen, with aching and

usually ends in death.

colic

pain,

Chap. XXXIII.

case

SUTRASTHANAM.

are

as

well as an

with semen,
abcesses

attended

with

indications

be found under the head of that disease,

as

to

Prameha,

of

299

increased secretion

albumen,

etc.

of

charged

urine

and eruptions of

(.known as Sharavika

etc.)

sure

is

specific

have

to

a fatal termination.

case of Kushtha (leprosy) characterised

neous bursting of the affected

and

blood-shot eyes,

able

to

tives,

the
etc.

appliances

(Pancha-Karma),

pain,

excessive

of the locality,

and

ends

usuall)^

dysenter}''

death.

in

aversion

haemorrhage,

amen-

itself

emetics, purga-

of

case of piles attended with thirst,

colic

hoarse voice,

parts,

and not proving

five-fold

by sponta-

food,

to

anasarca (Shopha)

soon

is

by

relieved

death.

patient

suffering

ano, characterised
urine,

fecal

from an attack of

by an emission of

matter,

patient

urinary

suffering

up

be given

in

(Vayu),

flatus

worms and semen

ulcerated locality, should

fistula

through the
as

lost.

from the presence of stone, gravel, or

concretions

(Sharkar^)

in

the

bladder

and

attended with oedema of the scrotum and the umbilicus,

retention of urine, and colic

pain

in

that

organ,

is

soon relieved of his pain by death.

In a case of false presentation ^Mudhagarva)

extreme constriction of the

mouth

of

the

an

uterus

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

300
(os

uteri),

development of the peculiar pain of

which

birth,

Chap. XXXIII.
f

is

known

Makkalla, tonic rigidity of

as

the vagina, and situation of the placenta (Apara)

wrong place

(false

at a

pregnancy; and other symptoms (con-

cough, d3^spnoea, vertigo

vulsions,

child-

etc/i

described in the

Chapter on the Etiology of that disease, forebode the

death of the parturient woman.

patient suffering from abdominal

marked by pain

at

the

sides,

dropsy (ascites)

aversion to food, oede-

matous swelling of the limbs, dysentery

and

fresh

accumulation of water even after he had been tapped,

or evacuated with

exhibition of purgatives, should

the

case

of fever

restless

and

tosses

be given up as incurable.
the

patient becomes

bed

in

an unconscious

state,

and

trate, or is incapable of sitting or

any other position and

in

though
is

is

lies

which

in

about

in

the

extremely pros-

of holding himself up

besides afllicted with rigor

complaining of a burning sensation

within,

sure to end in death.

Similarly, a fever patient developing such

as,

symptoms

the appearance of goose flesh on the skin, an aching

gathered-up pain
or congested

in

eyes,

the cardiac

blood-shot

region,

and breathing through the mouth

should be deemed

as

already at the threshold

of

death. Similarly, a case of fever, attended with hic-cough,

dyspnoea,
rolling

thirst, fits

of unconsciousness or fainting, and

of the eye-balls, proves fatal

in

weak and

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XXXIII.]

emaciated patient,

who

is

301

found to breathe hurriedly

through the mouth.

A
to

of fever proves

case

be

or to

restless

inert

lie

patient, found

fatal in

an

in

unconscious

(subcomatose) state with dull, clouded, or tearful

somnolent and extremely

or prostrate,
fever

enfeebled

and emaciated,

of dysentery

attack
colic

and especially

patient

and

An

which

in

death

to

food,

to

an

respiration,

(Yakshm^) leads

whom

in

glossiness

of the

its

e3'es,

victim

aversion

expiratory (subclavicle) dyspnoea, difficult and

up-drawn breathing (Urdha-Shvasa),

and excessive micturition

manifest themselves,
attack of

extremely

succumbs

laboured

thirst supervene.

attack of Phthisis

to

emaciated.

an old one

readily

eyes,

(diarrhoea according to others),

patient

Gulma (abdominal

of death, exhibits such

respiration,

gland),

symptoms

pain,

colic

and painful and

of the

as laboured

unquenchable

Granthi

an

and on the verge

to food, loss of consciousness, anaemia,

obliteration

from

suffering

and painful

thirst,

aversion

and the sudden

(tumorous

or

glandular

formation).

person laid up with an attack of Vidradhi (abscess)

and exhibiting
of the

cough,

such

fatal

symptoms

abdomen, retention of
thirst,

urine,

as

distension

vomiting,

hic-

pain of a varied character (such as aching,

excruciating, etc.)

and dyspnoea, should be regarded

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

302
as to

have approached the goal of his

an

from

suffering

attack

of

marked by yellowness of the

conjunctivae,

and

teeth,

life.

jaundice

or

nails,

seeing everything

Chap, XXXIII.

patient
chlorosis

and of the

yellow,

is

not

expected to long survive the occurrence of the attack.

person laid up

with an attack of Haemoptysis,

largely vomiting blood,

blood-coloured

and viewing everything red or

with his

blood-shot eyes,

regarded as about to depart this

life.

extremely enfeebled and emaciated, and

less in

or

person, insane,
sitting

up

sleep-

the night, or with eyes constantly lifted upward

down, would be soon relieved of

cast

suffering.
in

should be

a person,

case of

who

is

Apasm^ra

(epilepsy)

his earthly

proves fatal

extremely emaciated, and whose

eye-brows are constantly moving and whose eyes seem

fixed in

an unnatural (oblique)

Thus ends

the

the

thirty-third

stare.

Chapter of the Sutrasthinam

Sushruta Samhita which treats of incurable diseases.

in the

CHAPTER XXXIV.
Now we
of the

shall discourse

mode

soldiers are

on the Chapter which treats

of preserving the

of a king whose

life

on march (J ucta-Scniya-madhy^-

yam).
Metrical Texts : I
the

shall

which a physician

measures,

presentl}^

describe

in the king's service

should adopt with a view to protect the

of his royal

life

master, specially from acts of secret poisoning, while

mobilizing his armies to

invade the

territor}^

of

neighbouring monarch accompanied by his chiefs and

ministers.

A common
circumstances

is

practice

of

the

enemy under such

to poison the wells on the roadside, the

articles of food, the

shades of trees (shadowy places) and

the fuel and forage

for cattle

hence

it

is

incumbent

on a physician marching with the troops, to inspect,

examine and purify these before using any of them,

in case

they be poisoned.

The symptoms and medical

treatment will be fully described and discussed later on

in the part, entitled the

Men, learned
that death
different

kinds)

may

causes,

of which

Kalpa Sthanam.

in the lore

of the Atharva Veda, hold

be attributed to a hundred and one

(lit

deaths of a hundred

one (which

is

that

of

and one

an old

man

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

304

and spontaneously

natural!}'-

while the

unnatural

are

rest

expiring)

is

called natural,

traumatic

or

XXXIV.

[Chap.

in

their

Physicians conversant with the curative virtues

origin.

of drugs and minerals, and priests

well versed in the

Vedic Mantras, should jointly protect the king from

whether

death,

due

to

(Doshajai

idiopathic

or

extrinsic causes.

The god Brahma

Veda together

disclosed to the world the Atharva

with

hterature and

Vedic

since a priest

the

eight

the

science

(Brahmana)

is

allied

branches

of medicine.

of

And

well- versed in the aforesaid

branches of study, a physician should act subserviently

and occupy a subordinate position to the

death of
tion

or

a
to

confusion
of

popular disturbances and brings about a

among

the

vocations of the

The growth

of

common
sacrifice,
(in their

population

markedly

is

features of a king resemble those of a

person, while his (king's)

commanding majesty,

and fortune

forbearance

are

nature and intensity), therefore a

prudent and

reverentially

of

his

seeks

king,

his

and

own

super- human

man
good,

propitiate

tokens of loyalty and allegiance as

different orders

through such catastrophies.

As the external

who

The

king usually leads to a political revolu-

society.

suffers

priest.

if

should,

think

him with

he were a deity.

physician, fully equipped with a supply of medicine,

should live

in

camp not remote from

the

royal

Chap.

XXXIV.

arrows

an}^

other

effects

of

or

the

resort

to

physician,

for his

any

projectiles,

imbibed

suffering

or

should

poison,

well,

as

and the Brahmanas, and

own

his

like a tri-

technical science,

knowledge of

fair

of study

ot

fame and professional success.

well versed in

and commanding a
branches

war

him (the physician), conspicuous

umphant ensign

365

and there the persons wounded by shafts

pavilion,

from

SUTRASTKANAM.

is

glorified

is

other

by

allied

king

his

banner of victory an

like a

ennobling ornament to the state.

The

physician, the

attendants

patient,

are

(nurses

the

four essential factors of a

Even a dangerous

course of medical treatment.

is

readily cured, or

may

it

found

to

be

being

self-controlled,

absence of a qualified physician the three

the

remaining factors of treatment

religious

four factors

(qualified,

genuine and intelligently watchful

In

disease

be expected to run a speedy

course in the event of the preceding

respectively

and the

medicine,

the

sacrifice

performed

will

prove abortive like a

with

the

help

of

an

Udgatri,* a Hotri,t and a Brahmana, in the absence of

an Adhvaryam.t

qualified physician

is

alone capable

ofreheving the pain of many a suffering patient, just as

"'

llie

Udgdtri

One

of the four piiucipal priests al a sacrifice,

Sdma Veda.
Hotri A priest, who recites

hymns

who

chants

of the

the (Riks) pr.iyers of the

Rik \'eda

at a

to cast

the

religious sacrifice.

t Adhvaryyu A

priest of the ^'ayur \'eda,

sacrificial beast into the fire.

39

whose duly

is

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

3o6

only a helmsman
river

is

xxxiv.

Chap,

capable of taking his boat across a

even without the help <ind co-operation of a single

oarsman.

Qualities of a physician : A
who

physician,

well versed in the science of medicine and has

is

attended to the demonstrations of surgery and medicine,

and who himself

practises the healing art,

and

clean,

is

courageous, light-handed, fully equipped with supplies

of

medicine,

and who

is

intelligent, well read,

and

is

and one commands a decent

resources,
further

and

instruments

surgical

endowed with

moral

all

appliances,

man

of ready

and

practice,

virtues,

alone

is

fit

is

to

be called a physician.

Patient
and

The patient, who believes

all-merciful Providence,

and strong

fortitude

and possesses an unshakable

vital energy,

and who

with a curable form of disease, and

who

further

disposal,

commands

all

is

is

laid

is

up

not greedy, and

the necessary articles at

his

of

his

and firmly adheres to

physician,

kind

in

a patient of the

the

advice

proper or commendable

type.

lYIedicine
consists of drugs
their

growth,

The

grown

collected

proper; medicine
in

and

(exhilarating

to

most congenial

and compounded

proportions,

the

that which
to

under the auspices of proper

lunar phases and asterisms,

measures

countries

is

mind

and

which

is

in

proper

pleasing

and has the property of

Chap.

XXXIV.]

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

307
l!

subduing the deranged bodily humours without creating

any discomfort
eveil

in

to the patient,

an overdose, and

is

and which

is

harmless

judiciously administered at

the opportune moment.

Nurse

That person alone

attend the bedside

of a

is fit

patient,

to nurse

who

is

or

to

cool-headed

and pleasant

in

any body,

strong and attentive to the requirements

of the

is

sick,

his

and

demeanour, does not speak

strictly

ill

of

and indefatigably follows the

instructions of the physician.

Thus

ends

the

Sushruia Samhit^,
soldiers are

ihirly-fourth

which

on march.

treats

Chapter of
of preserving

the

the

SiitrasthSnam
life

in

the

of a king whose

CHAPTER XXXV
Now we
with

shall discourse

clinical observations

madhyaryam).
A physician should

on the Chapter which deals

(A'turopakramaniyafirst

observe the vital condition

(Ayu) of the patient before commencing the medical

nature of the disease, the

After that, the

treatment.

country and season of the year in which

has

it

made

its

appearance, as well as the state of digestion, age, body,

strength,

disposition,

habit, previous medicine,

natural

temperament and the power

of

endurance

patient, etc. should be observed

and

carefully examined.

Characteristic features
lived

man Men,

hands, legs, sides, back,

face,

well

the

as

dimensions

nipples

shoulders and forehead

of

of the

of

the

a long
of

breast,

whose
teeth,

exceed the average, as

those whose eyes, arms, phalanges and fingers

are longer than the ordinary ones should be regarded as

going to live long.

Those who have broad

chests,

broad eye-brows with broader spaces intervening between

the muscles

and who take

of the breasts,

inspirations of breath, will be long lived.

necks, thighs, and

generative

those of the average type,

deeper

Those whose

organs are shorter than

or those

umbilical cavities -are deep, and

in

whose voices and

whose breasts are unraised

an d thick-set, and external ears broad, fleshy and haiiy.

XXXV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

309

with the occipital region fully developed and protruded,

enjoy a longer span

will

sandal

paste

Men, on whose bodies

of' life.

and similar preparations begin to

dry

up from the head downward, while those applied over

become absorbed

the chest
as

later,

persons endowed with an

tion of

should be looked upon

uncommonly longer

The medical treatment

of such a

exhibiting bodily

should be

above,

men

Persons,

as

short-lived

of features

as

as regards longevity

men,

common

the above mentioned types,

of both

considered

upon

possessed

are

be

other than those described

looked

who

while those,

be

features

may

patient

unhesitatingly taken in hand by a physician.

to

dura-

life.

should

keeping the mean between them

(Madhyamayuh).

Authoritative verses on the subject A man, with deep-set bones, ligaments, and
:

veins,

and

tough and thick-set limbs, and firm and

unflinching sense

organs,

gradually develops

as

well

more and

as

one whose body

more

symmetrical

shape, should be looked upon as a long-lived

man, who has not

the day

more
vation

of his

ailed for a single

of his

inborn

of the laws of health,

in

the

full

moment even from

and has been getting more and

birth,

strong- limbed

man The

every

day through

sense

and a better

is

enjoyment of

sure to live to a
his senses

and

the

culti-

knowledge

good old age

intellect.

THE SUSHRTTTA SAMHITA.

3IO

IVIadhyama^uh : Now,
the bodily

features

age duration of

man

of a

of

describe

mean

(Madhyamayuli;.

life

me

hear

XXXV.

Chap.

or

aver-

The man, the

integuments of whose lower eyelids are marked with

two

and whose

furrows,

and
little

who

upward, and

whose nose

of

tip

up to the

his back,

me

hear

with

phalanges

short

back, and external ears

penis,

of

expected to

of fingers,

abnormall}'

and who

seats,

man.

a short-li^ed

up

raised

possessed

is

narrow

from

of a large

high nose, a breast covered

with

ringlets

and who exposes the

gums

of

curly

teeth,
is

is

describe the specific traits,

which characterise the body of

natural

turned a

is

a short-lived

of

traits

man ^Xow,

their

or

ripe old age of seventy years.

Specific

A man

lines

has up-pointed lines directly

running through the middle of

live

extended

and external ears are thick

legs

and the

fleshy,

and

well-marked

three

or

or

hair,

whose

e3'es

roll

his

while talking or laughing,

not expected to see more than twenty-five summers.

We shall now give

limbs and

members

the exact measures of the different

of

the

ascertainment of the duration

under

investigation.

The

legs,

body
of

life

the

for

of

ponent parts are

members

The

great toe of a

better

patient

and

the

while their com-

bod}*-,

the

arms,

head are called the limbs of the

called

the

man, or the one next to

(Avayavas).
it,

measured

SUTRASTHANAM.

xxxv.]

Chap,

with

own

his

two

measure

should

fingers

311
fingers'

width in length, the lengths of the other toes (the

and

fourth,

fifth

fore-sole

measure four
width

small ones) successively diminishing by

part of that of his middle finger

The

and the

The

wadth

five

in

and four

in length

foot

The

well as the circumference

girth of the foot,

middle parts of

of the

measure

should

and knee-joints, respectively

thighs

fingers'

measure

should

itself

fourteen fingers' width in length.

as

fingers'

five

heel of the foot (Parshni) should

The

breadth.

length and

in

width

fingers'

Pradeshini).

sole proper respectively should

width

fingers'

in breadth.

measure

third,

fourteen fingers in width.

The

part

of the leg between

the

measure eighteen

knee-joint should

between the

length, while the part

and the knee-joint should measure

width

in

fingers'

same

length, the

width

as that of the part lying

The scrotum,
exterior

ears,

fingers'

joint

width

in

waist

of the

thirty -two fingers'

thus measuring
of the

thigh

fifty

is

the

between the heel and the

the chin,

line

leg

The length

in all.

knee-joint (Jangha

the

entire

ankle and the

of the

the

(two rows

nostrils^

teeth,

of)

the roots

of the

and the intervening space between the eyes, should

respectively measure

two

fingers'

width

in

length.

The

non-erected penis, the cavity of the mouth, the two

rows

of

teeth,

the

nose,

the

height of

the neck.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

JI2
the

Chap.

XXXV.

and the forehead, and the space intervenmg

ears,

between the pupils of the eyes measure four

fingers'

width in length.

The
twelve

entire length of the vaginal canal should

The space l3nng between

width.

fingers'

and the umbihcus,as well

one h'ing between

the

nipples of the

width

breast,

in length.

measure twelve
wrist

The

the penis

one intervening between

as the

the chest and the upper end of

like

measure

the throat

the

(lit

the

of

tips

neck),

two

should measure twelve fingers'

length

fingers'

of the entire face should

width.

The

round the

girth

and the fore-arm of a man should measure twelve

fingers.

The

girth

round the knee-joint

sixteen fingers'

is

width and the length between the wrist and the elbow
should measure sixteen fingers' width.

arm between the elbow and the

The

tip of the

part of the

middle finger

should measure twenty-four fingers' width in

all.

The

length of the entire arm mea.sures thirty- two fingers'

width, and the girth round the
fingers'

width.

The palm

six fingers'

width

in

thirty-two

measure
width

in

of the

thighs should measure

breadth.

ball

of the

of the hand should

length and

four fingers'

The space between the bottom

thumb

finger, as well as the space

to

the root of the index

between the root of the ears

to the outer corner or angle of the eyes, should measure

live

fingers'

in

length.

The middle

finger

should

Chap.

XXXV.

measure

SUTRASTHANAM.

five fingers'

width

31-

The index and

in length.

the ring-fingers respectively -should measure four and a

half fingers in length, the

thumbs and the

fingers

little

respectively measuring three and a half fingers.

The

mouth should measure

fissure of the

The

in length.

round the neck should measure

girth

twenty

fingers.

should

measure one

Each

finger in length.

of the nostrils

of the cavities

and three quarter

The

four fingers

region of the

part of the entire area

of the

parts

of

occupies a third

iris

The

cornea.

region

of

the pupil should measure a ninth part thereof

The arch extending from

the templar region

the

hairy

the middle point of the back

to

of the head should measure eleven fingers.

between the middle of the head and

point of the hairy portion of the neck
ten fingers

in

length.

extremity of

The

girth of the

The
the

distance

terminal

should measure

neck measured

from the back of one ear to that of the other should be

The

length

fourteen

fingers.

a young

woman measured

side of the thigh joints

the breadth

of the

pelvic

region of

from below the

anterior

should be found to be equal to

of the chest (Vakshah) in

a male subject

'twelve fingers\

The

thigh of a

woman

should be

eighteen fingers in

breadth and equal to that of the waist of a man.

entire length of a

and twenty
40

The

male human body should be a hundred

fingers.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

314

Chap.

xxxv.

Authoritative verse on the subject: An intelligent physician should regard the

organism

oi"

man

of twenty- five

of a

or

years of age, as fully developed in

sixteen

woman

of
of

respect

the maturity of the seven fundamental principles of the

body

such

as,

serum, blood,

of the different limbs

down

above,

The dimensions

Sic).

and members of the body,

laid

should be understood as to have been

measured by the standard of one's (man's or woman's)

own

finger's width,

and a person, whose limbs and organs

are found to correspond to the

sure

to

to

live

a good

above-said measures,

is

and hearty old age, as a

necessary and befitting sequel to a happ3' and prosperous

career in

life.

In the case of a

correspondence

partial

limbs and organs to the above-said measures

of one's

and proportions, a man should be regarded

an average
fall

life

and prosperity.

short of the

as an indigent

as

having

person whose limbs

abovesaid measures should be regarded

and short-lived person.

Physical temperament (Sa'ra) : Now

we

describe

shall

different

of the

the

characteristic

traits

of

the

preponderant principles (Sara) or temperaments

human

organism.

good retentive memory, and

cleanly in his

habits,

man, who
is

reverend,

as,

is

and

graced with

purity of thought, and

unflinching devotion

and who

possessed of a

intelligent, valorous

and whose mind

such rare and excellent virtues

a fervent and

is

to

exerts himself for

gods and the

the

furtherance

XXXV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

should be regarded as a

good,

absolute

of the

31^

man

of

Satvasara (psychic or illumined) temperament.

A man
and

teeth,

who

and

nails

and

white

with glossy,

has beootten

man

dency, should be looked upon as a

thin

strength,

whom

and who

handsome

walk of

ever}'

bod}',

exibits traits of excessive

and possesses a deep resonant

of large and

life,

large

whom the prinA man with a

in

semen decidedly preponderates.

and sinewy

and shows a marked amative ten-

family of children,

ciple of

close-set bones,

who

eyes, and

voice,

and a

pair

successful

in

should be looked upon as one

in

is

A man

marrow preponderates.

the principle of

with a large head, and a large pair of shoulders, and

having firm teeth, bones, cheek-bones, and finger-nails,
should be

considered as one

in

whom

the

principle

of bone preponderates.

A man
capable

with a large and bulky body, and

of enduring

and who naturally talks

physical exertion,

and melodious
such

as

amount of

large

voice,

and whose

bodily

who

fatigue
in

is

or

a soft

secretions

and perspiration are characterised by

urine

coldness should be regarded as one of a fatty tempera-

ment.

A man

deep-set bones,

and

joints

thick

in

should be regarded as one in

flesh

and

with an erect and upright frame,

whom

layers

the

of

flesh,

principle

of

predominates.

man, whose

finger

nails,

eyes,

tongue, palate.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

3i6
lips,

palms of hands and soles of

xxxv

Clmp.

feet are glossy,

and

tinged with a shade of red, should be looked upon as one

in

whom

blood forms the essential and predominant

A man

principle.

with a

soft,

smooth and pleasant skin

and hair should be considered as one

in

whom

serum

fTvak) forms the essential principle of the body.

of

respect

worldly success

and

judged

inferior

ceding

it

in

to

men

be

tion of

belonging to

of

successively

the

one

pre-

the above order of enumeration.

Authoritative
ject

men

longevity,

each of the aforesaid types should

In

verse on the

sub-

quabfied physician should examine the dura-

life in

a patient with

the

help of the aforesaid

measures of limbs and the essential bodily principles,

before proceeding to take up his medical treatment, and
his professional

success

should be decidedly increased

thereby.
All the diseases,

whose names have been

specifically

enumerated before, ma}' be grouped under any of the

three different heads

as

the curable, the

(Yapya) and the incurable

(lit

to be

fit

suppressible

pronounced

as hopeless).

Each of these

different types, in

carefully observed so as to

primar}'

or

its

turn,

should be

determine whether

an independent

disease,

or

it

is

merely

an

accessory or sympathetic one, or the premonitory indication of an incipient distemper in

its

incubative stage.

Chap.

XXXV.

SUTRASTHA'XAM.

An A upasargika

^17

(sympathetic) disease

symptom developed

in

the

course

primary malady, and which has

its

merely a

is

of an

original

foundation

in

or

the

very nature or component factors of the pre-existing

distemper.

commencement
symptom, nor
distemper,
original)

of a

pam

from the

disease, Avhich manifests itself

of a case and

a premonitory
called

is

one.

future or

is

an

neither

indication

disease which

indicates

impending malad}'

is

any other

of

Prak-kevalam

accessor}'

(primary

or

the advent

called a

Purvaru-

(premonitory stage or indication of a disease).

The medicinal remedy

to be

administered

particular case should be selected

curative ^irtues of each of

clash

its

of the

accompanying symptoms, and

unfavourable

checked

in a

to

On

symptom should
case

where

grown stronger and more

the original malady

in

it

any

eye to the

components, so as not to

with the nature (cause)

soothing to both of them.

with an

in

and

its

prove simultaneously

the

be

disease

contrary, a violent

first

attended to and

would be found to have

distressing or dangerous than

course of which

it

has been

developed.

primary

or

independent

malady,

unattended

with any of the distressing or unfavourable symptoms,

should be treated according to
nature of

while

in

the

deranged

its

indications

humours

involved

and the
therein,

an incubative disease the treatment should

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

3i8

subduing a premonitory s^'mptom as soon as

consist in
it

would make

itself

manifest.

Verse on the sub

Authoritative
ject
make

As

its

XXXV.

Chap.

there

not a single disease,

is

which can

appearance without the participation of any of

the deranged

liumours, a wise physician

bodil)'

is

en-

joined to administer medicines according to the specific

features of the deranged

humours involved

in a disease

whose nature and treatment have not even been described in

any book on medicine.

The

different seasons

of the year have been described before.

IVIetricai

Texts : In

the

cold

disease should be treated with measures

season,

and remedies

endued with the virtue of destroying or warding

cold, while in

summer

consist of measures

the

heat.

The

the

medicinal

should be connnenced just

treatment

which should not be allowed to expire

any circumstances whatsoever.

ment commenced

at

of

alla^n'ng

disease

the opportune

at

moment,

course of medical treat-

proper time, as well as

its

over or insufficient medication, proves abortive

a curable type of disease.
(of a

disease)

under

in vain

an inopportune moment, or not

resorted to at the advent of

ment

off

treatment should

and applications capable of

medical

is

even

The proper medical

that

in

treat-

which successfully copes

with the malady under treatment, and

recrudescence of a fresh one by

way

arrests

of sequel,

the

and not

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap.

XXXV.

that,

which, though subduing a particular distemper,

immediately followed

is

by a new

man

digested only with

is

four ditferent kinds (states).

to

it

not being

that

may

One

be divided into

of these kinds

tively ascribed to the fact of their

digestive

fire

is

due

any way affected by the deranged

in

humours of the body, while the other three

The

food of

the

help of the digestive

the

which

or heat (Pachakagni),

fire

:>ig

one.

has been demonstrated before

It

or

are respec-

becoming so deranged.

heat becomes

irregular or

fitful

(Vishamagni) through the action of the deranged Vayu,

becomes keen, through the action of the

and

Pittam,

the

dull

or

sluggish,

Kapham.

deranged

deranged

through the action of

The

kind (Sama)

fourth

continues in a state unaffected by any of the morbid

body

owing to

their

Samargni and Vishamei'gni : The

diges-

humoural

constituents

of

the

maintaining the normal equilibrium.

tive heat,

which

time

proper

digests the ingested

l\illy

without

the

least

which

state, is
is

called

irregular in

its

Samagni.
action,

humours

The

in their

digestive

heat

and which sometimes

helps the process

of complete digestion,

distension of the

abdomen,

the

thus

irregularit}',

reflecting the continuance of the bodily

normal

food at the

colic

and produces

pain, constipation

of

bowels, dysentery, ascites, heaviness of the limbs.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

320
rumbling

in the intestines,

at other times,

is

:-

and loose motions

(diarrha;a)

Vishamagni.

called

Tikshna'gni

Xxxv.

[Chap.

-The digestive heat, which helps

the digestion of even a heavy meal within an incredibly

short space of time,

which

becoming

excessive

glutton

or

(Tikshnagni) and

abnormally augmented

voracious appetite

to digest

"

Keen

called "

is

his

frequent

parched throat, palate and

helps

(Atyagni),

and produces a

meals,

and other

heat

lips,

an

begets

dis-

comforts.

Wlanda'g'ni : The

digestive

heat which

or

fire

scanty meal, and

causes the tardy digestion even of a

produces heaviness of the abdomen and head, cough,

difficult

breathing, water-brash, nausea,

with the taking thereof,

of the limbs simultaneously

is

and weariness

called dull or sluggish (Mandagni).

Metrical Texts : The

Vishama kind brings on
derangement of the Vayu.
fire

fire

deranged state

made

diseases characterised

tion.

by the

keen (Tikshna) digestive

gives

to

rise

of the

keep the digestive

to

TIktc

is

a (lifk'iencc Ijclwccn

Endeavours should be

in

eliecl of

Agni.

not

an

Sama

type

an unimpaired state.

"Agni" and

iinening

the

of

fire

"appclile."

and pancrcalic sccrcliuns, and hence inchcales

Appetite, though

marked by a

diseases

Kapham.

normal or regular appetite*;

liile

of the

fire

brings on bilious (Pittcija) affections, while a sluggish

(Manda)

"

digestive

llie

indicator

Ayni includo

stale of

of the

ones

]:)r(jcess,

digesis

the

XXXV.

Chap.

SUTRAStHANAM.

The one known

by

rected

a diet

substances.

In

as

Vishama

321
be cor-

'irregular) should

consisting' of emollient, acid or saline

of abnormally keen

a case

digestive

the medical treatment should consist in prescrib-

fire,

ing purgatives and

which

sweet,

diet

in

appetite,

albuminous

or

fatty

The same treatment should be

matters largely enter.

adopted

and

cooling,

(Atyagni) as marked in cases

and a

of voracious

diet consisting of buffalo-milk, or

(Dadhi) and liquid

of

composition

the

in

buffalo- butter should

its

curd

be prescribed

for

the patient in addition. Emetics should be administered

in

case

of dull

(Mandagni),

digestion

sluggish

or

and the patient should be restricted to a diet consisting

of articles of a pungent, astringent or bitter taste.

IVIetrical
a person,

is

Texts : The

godly in

its

fire,

essence,

subtle

the divine attributes of atom-like

lessness, etc.,

up

the

and

lymph

purpose of

is

chyle

of

and

digestion,

own

as Prana,

invisibility,

different
is

tastes

owing

invisible

The

three

Apana and Samana,

spheres within

and possesses

the digestant of food.

extremely subtle essence.

known

that burns within

vital

weighttakes

It

for

the

to

its

Vayus

located in their

the organism, feed

it

and keep

it

burning.

as

man may

The

three stages of

(i)

infancy or childhood,

(2)

be roughly described

youth or middle age,

and (y old age or dotage. Childhood extends up to the

41

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

322

sixteenth year of

may

and children

life,

be divided into

three different classes, according as they

milk,

on milk and boiled

or

alone.

year of

fed

it is

life,

up to the

first

on milk and boiled

up to the second year, and

food)

rice

child lives exclusively on milk

its

fed on

are

on boiled

or

rice

xxxV.

[Chap.

(hard

rice

thenceforward

is

nourished with boiled rice (hard food).

The middle age

man

of a

to the seventieth year of his

extends from the sixteenth

life,

and exhibits the

traits

of growth, youth, arrest of de^'elopment and decay.

The

process of growth or

the twentieth

year of

of maturity sets

man up

all

attain

Thenceforth
seventieth

energy of a
virility

when youth

the organs and

(their

full

decay

year

of

or

the age

and holds sway over the body of

to the thirtieth year of his

semen, and

body

in

life,

on up to

building goes

the strength,
the

vital principles of

maturity at the age of forty.

gradually

sets

in

up

the

to

After that the strength and

life.

man dwindle day by

grow weak and

life,

dav.

The organs and

suffer deterioration.

The

hair

turns to a silvery white, the parched skin looks shrivelled

and becomes impressed with marks of dotage (crow's

feet-marks).

The

the hair begins to

skin hangs
fall

off,

down and becomes

and symptoms of alopecia

mark the smooth, sheen and balded

pate.

The

tion

becomes laboured and

like

an old and dilapidated building, shakes with

*=^

flabby,

painful.

respira-

The body, worn out

fits

of

Chap.

XXXV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Such a man

distressing cough.

is

incapable of

and does but imperfectly perform

He

all

bodily

all acts,

functions.

has grown old.

The dose

of medicine should be increased with the

age of a patient
the expiry
(

323

which

till

the age of decay, and reduced after

the

of

year

seventieth

an youth of

usuall}' prescribed for

is

quantity

the

to

sixteen).

Authoritative verses on the Subject : Kapham

is

childhood and Pittam in middle age

of

the years

increased during

while an increase

of VcCyu (nervous derangement^ marks the closing years

of

The

life.

of strong

use

cauterisation are alike

or modified forms

It

has been

person

(middling)
in

if

bulk.

bulk with

should try

to

should be

We
body.

made

before

weakened

in

stout'

depletive

make
is

that

the

or

of

thin

stout,

human body, which

of children

cases

found indispensably necessary.

stated

either

is

prohibited in

They should be used only

and old men.

and

or drastic purgatives,

body

should be reduced

person

measures,

neither too

to maintain

its

average

an

while a physician

thin patient gain in

of

thin

flesh.

nor too stout,

shapely rotundity.

have already discoursed on the strength of the

Now

primarily

in a particular case

incumbent

whether the patient

under treatment,

on the physician
is

to

naturally weak, or has

it

is

enquire

become

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

324

so through a deranged condition of the bodily

And

or old age.

which makes
tion,

since

remedial measures

all

possible,

etc.)

(such

be

should

it

humours

the strength of a patient

is

it

XXXy,

[Chap.

as cauterisa-

regarded

as

the

grandest auxiliary to a medical treatment of whatsoever

nature

it

may

be.

lYIetrical

though

strong

are

Texts

though stout

There

thin

are

while

some men who

others

weak,

are

and accordingly a physician should

deter-

mine the bodily strength of a patient by enquiring

about the capacity of his physical
labour.

Sattvam or fortitude denotes a kind of

of one's

indifference

mind

sensations

to

and

endurance

(stoic)

and sources

of pleasure or pain.

A man

of strong fortitude (Sattvika temperament)

is

capable of enduring everything, or any amount of pain

by repressing
lect.

A man of

energetic)

of painful

mind with the help

his

may

a Rajasika turn

of

of his will or intel-

mind

(strong,

active,

be made to patiently submit to a course

medical treatment by means of persuasive

counsels and the logic of the inevitable, whereas a

of a Tamasika temperament (a worldly cast
characterised

by Nescience)

is

of

man
mind

simply overwhelmed at

the prospect of bodily pain.

Later on,

we

shall

have occasion to deal with the

different types of physical

agents in general.

treatment and of remedial

particular

country, or a

season

XXXV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

^25

of the

year,

a particular disease or a peculiar

living,

any

particular

kind

exercise, or the specific properties

particular locality, or
cular taste,

is

sleep, or a juice of

is

some to

on

his health,

parti-

fail

condi-

any

to produce

though naturally unwhole-

others.

Metrical Texts : A
soever,

any

said to be naturalised to these

and environments, when they

injurious effect

thing of any taste what-

any kind of habit or physical exercise

or

said to be congenial to a

way

of the water of any

or are said to be congenial (Satmya) to

man, or a man
tions

day

of
or

labour

physical

of

mode

telling

on

his

man

health,

is

which, instead of in any

contributes to his positive

pleasure and comfort.

Features of an Anupa country:

country

may

be classed either as an Anupa, Jangala or a

its

distinctive physical

watery or

swampy) country

Sadharana one, according

features.

An

Anupa

to

contains a large number of pools, and

undulated
area,

with

and which

chains
is

of

lofty

hills

impassable owing to

is

wooded and

traversing
its

its

net- works

of rivers and sheets of accumulated rain-water rippling

before the

inhabited

currents

by

of the

race

of

gentle,
stout,

humid
shapely

air.

and

It

is

soft-

bodied men, susceptible to Vatala and Kaphaja diseases.

Features of Ja'ngala and Sardharrana

countries The country, which presents a fiat
:

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

326

and whose

surface

there

dull

monotony

is

Chap.

XXXV.

enlivened here and

by scanty growths of thorny shrubs and the tops

of a few isolated

hills

or knolls,

and

in

which the waters

from springs and wells, accumulated during the

become nearly

drained, and strong

blow (during the greater part

habitants,

though

country, which exhibits features

to both the aforesaid

classes,

is

its in-

and sinewy

of diseases,

attacks

to

warm wind

making

of the year)

thin, strong, tough,

their frames, subject

Jangala.

gales of

rains,

is

called

common

Sadharana

called

in

or

ordinary.

Authoritative Verses on the Subject A country derives the epithet of Sadharana

:

from the ordinary character of

and from the

their

fact

heat, cold

of the bodilv

disease

originated

fails

in,

to gain in

and transplanted

in a

and rainfall,

humours maintaining

normal state of equilibrium within

country

its

its

confines.

and peculiar to a particular

intensity,

brought over

if

to,

country of a different character.

man, who observes a regimen of

diet

and

conduct

soothing to the deranged bodih' humours accumulated

in

the country he has come from, and aggravated and

manifest in the shape of a disease in the country he

has been living for the time being, need not apprehend

any danger from the altered conditions

abode,
diet

for the fact of his

of his

new

not observing a regimen of

and conduct regarded

beneficial

in

consideration

XXXV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

the physical

of

disease

any

recent growth' or

of

distressing

the

with a

patient

strength,

of

the adopt-

of the physique

traits

unimpaired

and

state

traits

of

and longevity and commands the

fortitude

co-operation

and who exhibits

(Samagnij,

digestion

of

regular

and

complications,

country*, the season

of the

ed or congenial or naturalised
of a

unattended with

the temperament,; and

year,t

place.

latter

origin

unfavourable

or

the nature

unsuited to
of

the

of

features

327

the

commendable

four

of

factors

course of medical treatment, readily yields to medicine.

disease,

which

is

marked by

features

other than

those described above, should be regarded as incurable,

while

the

one

exhibiting

common

traits

both

to

abovesaid types, should be looked upon as ex-

the

tremely hard to cure.

medicine proving abortive,

In the case of a former

a different one should not be resorted to as long as

the effect of the

first

would

last,

inasmuch as a mixture

or a confusion of medicinal remedies tends to produfce a

positively injurious effect.

*

As

the

medicine or any medicinal

development of a disease due

the

to

deranged

Kapham

country of the JAngala type.

in a

As

malady

in

As

the attack of a bilious

distemper in

autumn, or of a Kaphaja
the

forewinler, or

of a

\'5laja

of

bilious

summer.

atifectiun in

appearance of Kaphaja disease

in

patient

temperament.

As

the

appearance of

to the use of viands of

a Kaphaja

pungent

taste.

disease

in

a subject habituated

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

328

Chnp.

XXXV.

may

measure, failing to produce any tangible

effect,

be

difficult

repeated

quick

in

dangerous disease,

if

beneficial in the case

physician,
etc., fully

^vho,

it

succession

be

in

empirically

under treatment.

considering the

found to be

The

intelligent

nature of the season,

conforms to the abovesaid rules of medical

treatment,

conquers the bodily distempers and dispels

the gloom of Death from the world with his medical

Thus ends

or

skill.

the Thirty-fifth Chapter of the Sulrasthinam in the Sushrula

Samhila, which treats of clinical oliservalions.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
Xow we
of

treats
(lYI

on the Chapter,

discourse

shall

miscellaneous remedies for

ish raka-

m ad hyayam)

Metrical Texts : A

which

swellings,

etc.

*
.

medicinal plaster, com-

posed of Matulanga, Agnimantha, Devadaru, Mahaush-

dham, Ahinsra, and Rasna pasted together and applied

to the seat of the affection, leads to the

resolution

of a

swelhng, due to the action of the deranged Vayu.

plaster

composed of Durva, Xalamulam, Madhu-

kam, and Chandanam,

composed of

as well as plasters

drugs of cooling properties,t brings about the resolution

an

of

inflammatory

and proves

of

swelling

the

Pittaja type,

similarly beneficial to a traumatic

or to one which has

in the vitiated

origin

its

swelling,

condition

of the blood.

Measures, laid

down

connection with a swelling

in

resulting from the effects of poison,

would lead to the

resolution of a Pittaja swelling as well.

The nomenclature

authorities,

on the

of

fact

of
its

the chapter

is

based,

according to certain

jointly treating of eight principal

processes

of absorption, suppuration, spontaneous bursting, etc. of a swelling

some
the

there are

fact

of

its

who

hold that the

containing

beneficial to swellings

t
the

and

remedial

their

first

the Utpalidi group etc.

42

of the

measures

chapter

is

commonly

derived

while

from

(Mishrakam

ulcers.

Belonging to the groups

names of

name

Gana

of medicinal herbs, which go by

components, such as the Kakalyadi group (Gana),

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

330

XXXVI.

Chap.

composed of Ajagandha, Ashvagaiidha,

plaster,

Kala, Asarala, Ekaishika, and Ajashringi pasted together,

and applied

Kaphaja

the spot, leads to the resolution

to

swelling

(appearing at

any

of

of the

part

body).

plaster,

composed of the components of the above-

said groups of medicinal

drugs and Lodhram,

Pathya,

Pinditakam, and Ananta, brings about the resolution

of a swelling due
of

the

three

to

the simultaneous derangement

fundamental

humours

of

body

the

(Sannipatikam).

medicinal plaster, prescribed

for

swelling due

by mixing

to the deranged ^'ayu, should be applied

with a
butter.

little

rock

salt,

acid (Amla), and

oil

or

it

clarified

Similarly, a plaster, prescribed for the resolution

of a Pittaja swelling, should be applied cold, and with a

little

quantity of milk added to

resolution

warm

of a

it.

plaster

for

the

Kaphaja swelling should be applied

to the affected part,

and with the addition of a

considerable quantity of an alkali and cow's urine.

Pare ha na

Plasters : A

piaster

composed

of the seeds of Shana, Mula, Shigru, Tila and Sarshapa,

Yava-powder, Kinva

(enzyme),

and

linseed

pasted

together, or one consisting of thermogenetic drugs (such

as Kustha, Aguru, etc.),

a swelling.

would

establish

suppuration in

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XXXVI.]

Darrana Plasters :^A

33

composed of

plaster

Hayamaraka and

Chiravilva, Agiiika, Danti, Chitraka,

dung of pigeons, vultures and storks (Kanka) pasted

the

would lead to the spontaneous bursting of a

together,

An

swelling.

alkali, or

ingredients

its

should be

re-

garded as a powerful auxiliary in bringing about the

spontaneous bursting of a swelling.

Pi dan a Plasters : A
the

or of barley, wheat,

etc.),

together,

an

and bark of slimy

roots

(Shalmali,

trees

known

: A Kashayat

as

the

decoc-

Sumanah, Karavira, and

of drugs belonging

or

pus from

has burst.*

of Shankhini, Ankota,

Suvarchchala,

Shelu,

and Masha pulse powdered

ShOdhana Plasters

(Ganas)

composed of

would increase the secretion of

ulcer, or a swelling that

tion)

plaster

the group

to

Aragvadadi-Varga, should be

used in washing and purifying (asepsising) the contents

of an ulcer, or a secreting swelling.

ShOdhana

Varti : A

lint

saturated

with a

plaster of Ajagandha, Ajashringi, Gavakshi, Langalahva-

Putika,

ya,

Chitraka,

Patha,

Vidanga,

Tri-katu, Yavakshara, the five kinds of

*
free

The

plaster should be applied all

Ela,

salt,

Renuka,

Manahshila,

round the swelling, leaving

its

head

and exposed.
t

decoction with one part

of a drug

teen parts of water, the whole being boiled

entire quantity.

mixed with

down

four,

to a quarter

eight or six-

pan of

the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

332

and inserted into

mrittikjl,

and the Saurashtra-

Haritala

Kasisa, Trivrita, Danti,

ari

open swelling,

ulcer or an

brings about the purification of

XXXVI

[Chap.

its

and these

interior,

drugs and substances should be regarded as the ingre-

Shodhana Vartis

dients of

(aseptic plugs).

Shodhana Kalka :A kalka

(aseptic paste),

composed of the preceding drugs and substances,

possesed of the virtue
ulcer, or

of purifying the

of an

interior

open swelling.

Oil or clarified butter

Ajagandha, Ajashringi,
Jatikanda, and the

prepared with the aforesaid

etc,

and Kasisa,

medicated

Ghritam

of Arka

Katurohini,

two kinds of Haridra, and applied

an ulcer or open swelling, purifies

juice

is

prepared

roots,

Uttama,

Snuhi plants, drugs abounding in

The

interior.

its

with

the

the

milky

expressed
juice

alkalis, Jati-roots,

two kinds Haridra, Kasisa, Katurohini and the

plug-drugs (Sodhana-Varti) pasted

to

of

the

aforesaid

together, should be

regarded as possessed of a virtue similar to the preceding one.

medicated

(Apang),

oil

Rajabriksha,

prepared

Ximva,

with

Kosh^taki,

Vrihati, Kantakari, Haritala, Manahshila,

said

Mayuraka,
Tila,

and the afore-

plug-drugs (purgative drugs according to others),

should be used for the purpose of purifying the interior

of an ulcer.

pulverised

compound consisting of

Kasisa,

Saindhava, Kinva, Vach.1, the two kinds of Haridra,

Chap.

and

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

XXXVI.]

component

the

powdered

of

cavity

of the

fication

be

should

together,

the

of

drugs

an

333

used

aseptic

plug

the

puri-

for

For the same

ulcer.

purpose a condensed extract (Rasa-Kriya)* should be

made

of the

Salsaradi, Patoladi,

drugs belonging to the

of the

essence

and Triphaladi groups.

Dhupanam A wise physician should fumigate

:

(Dhupanam) an

ulcer with

consisting

of Sriveshtaka,

and

drugs belonging

the

pulverised together and

ing

the fumes

of a

compound

Sarjarasa, Sarala, Devadaru,

the

to

made

Salsaradi

into an raseptici

group,

fumigat-

compound.

cold

infusion

of trees (Vata,

(Shhita-Shritam)

Audumvara, Ashvattha,

etc.)

which are cooling and

astringent in their virtue, should be used in

setting

up a process of granulation

The Ropana-Varti

in

an

: Plugs

healing or

ulcer.

of drugs such as

Soma, Amrita (Gulancha), and Ashvagandha, or of those

belonging to the Kakolyadi group, or of the sprouts
of milk-exuding

Audumvara,
help

to

its

Samanga,

The

trees

etc.)

and

(Kshirivrikshas such
inserted

into

granulation (Ropana).

Soma,

Sarala

wood,

Vata,

an ulcer tend
paste (Kalka) of

Soma-Valka,

process consists in mixing the drugs wiih

or sixteen times their

as,

(red^

water weighing eight

combined weight, and then boiling them down

an eighth or sixteenth part of the entire quantity.

to

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

334

Chandana, and
group,

parni,

recommended

is

drugs belonging

Chap,

the

to

for the healing of

xxxvi.

Kakol)'adi

an

ulcer.

medicated Ghritam, prepared with the Prithak-

Atmagupta, Haridra, Daruharidra, Malati,

Sita,

and drugs belonging to the Kakolyadi group, is renowned

for

with

healing properties.

its

Aguru,

Kalanusari,

medicated

is

prepared

Daru- Haridra,

Haridra,

Devadaru, Priyangu, and Lodhra,

oil

possesed of a similar

efficacy.

compound

pulverised

Triphala, Lodhra,

of

Dhava

and

Shravana and the

Kasisam,

compound

Pushpa-kasisa,
is

commended

extract
trees

drugs

known

property.

barks

together,

The

use

is

of a

consisting of Priyangu, Sarjarasa,

Tvaka, and Dhava powdered together

for

of

Vata,

as
as

the healing of an ulcer.

Rasakriya

such

powdered

Ashvakarna

possessed of a similar healing

pulverised

Kanguka,

of

consisting

the

bark

of

Ashvattha

condensed

milk-exuding

etc.

and

the

the Triphala, should be successively

used for the healing of an ulcer.

Utsardanam

The drugs

known

as

Apam^rga,

Ashvagandha, Talapatri, Suvarchhala and those belonging to the

growth of

Kakolyadi group, should be used

flesh in

an ulcer

Avasa'danam
K^sisa,

Saindhava

rock

Utsadana

).

compound
salt

),

for the

consisting

of

Kinvam, Kuruvinda,

Chap.

SUtRAStHi^NAM.

XXXVI.]

Manalishila,

flowers, the

Jati

of a

the shell

seeds of .Shirisha, and Karanja, and

(

Dhatus

should be used in destroying the

growths of an ulcer

egg, the blossoms of

hen's

powders of the abovesaid metals

gether,

335

Avasadanam

wise physician should use

all

mixed

to-

fleshy super-

).

the

drugs and sub-

stances as have been enumerated in connection with the

healing or establishing of suppuration, etc. in an

or as

many

Thus ends

of

them

as

would be available

ulcer,

at the time.

ihe ihirly-sixlh Chapter of ihe Sulrasthdnam in the

Sushruta

Sanihitd which treats of miscellaneous remedies for inflammatory swellings.

CHAPTER XXXVII.
Now we

on the Chapter, which deals

shall discourse

with the distinctive traits of the different classes of

commended

growth or culture of medicinal

the

for

soil

(Bhumi-Pravibha'ga-Vijna'niyamadhyaryam).

herbs

These are the general features of a ground which

recommended
herbs.

for

culture of medicinal

the

plot of ground,

whose surface

is

plants

is

or

not broken or

rendered uneven by the presence of holes, ditches, gravel

and stones, nor

is

not disfigured by

loose in

character,

its

ant-hills,

and which

is

nor used for the purposes of

a cremation or execution ground, and which does not

occupy the

site

of a holy temple,

growth of medicinal herbs.

soil

which

is

glossy,

is

favourable for the

ground which possesses a

firm, steady,

black,

yellowish

or

red and does not contain any sand, potash or any other
alkaline substance,

of plants and

and

easily

is

favourable to the germination

pervious to the roots of plants

growing thereon, and

which

is

supplied

with the

necessary moisture from a close or adjacent stream or

reservoir of water,

is

recommended

medicinal plants and herbs.

for

the growth of

Plants should be regard-

ed as partaking of the virtues of the ground they grow

upon.

plant,

growing

should be examined as to

in
its

such a commendable
being infested with

site,

worms

XXXVII.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

or insects,

or

poison,

cut

or

as

to

its

or

be culled or uprooted
healthy,

matured sap.

being anywise infected with

with an arm, or affected by winds,

atmospheric heat,

sound,

337

an animal's body.
in

the event of

deep-rooted,

It

should

being found

it

and

full-bodied,

of

The gatherer should look towards the

north at the time of culling.

plot of ground with a pebbly, steady, heavy,

or dark coloured

soil,

dusky

and which conduces to the growth

of large trees, and yields rich harvests of corn, should

be regarded as permeated with the specific virtues of

essential Earth-matter.

ground having a cool, glossy, white coloured

which

is

adjacent to water, and whose surface

with a lavish growth

shady
the

of

is

soil,

covered

glossy weeds and luscious

should be considered as characterised by

trees,

essential

properties

ground having a gravelly

water (Amvuguna

of
soil

of varied colours,

A
and

which contributes only to the germination of scanty and

yellowish sprouts, should be looked upon as permeated

with the attributes

of essential

fire

(Agmguna).

ground with an ash-coloured or ass-coloured (grey

and on which withered looking,

of

stunted growth,

existence, should be considered as

one having a
43

of air

soft, level surface

soil,

sapless, large-holed trees

somehow eke

the specific properties

out

miserable

being controlled by

(Anilaguna)

while the

with large trees and lofty

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

338
hills

Chap. XXXVII.

cropping up at intervals thereon, and which

covered with growths of weeds and under-shrubs, and

endued with a dark

soil,

is

is

kept moist and sappy by the

percolation of invisible (subterranean) water, should be

looked upon as permeated with the essential properties

of sky (Akashaguna).

According to certain authorities, the roots, leaves,

bark, milk\^

essence and fruits (seeds) of

exudations,

medicinal plants and herbs, should be respectively culled

in the early part of the rains (Pravrit)

season proper (Varsha\

and in the rainy

autumn, (Sharat),

(Hemanta), spring (Vasanta)

fore- winter

and summer (Grishma).

But we cannot subscribe to that opinion inasmuch as

the nature or essential temperament of the earth
cool (Saumya) and hot (Agneya).

is

both

Accordingly drugs of

cooling virtues should be culled during the cold seasons

of the year, and the heat- making ones in the hot season,
as they

do not become divested of their native virtues

those seasons of the year.

virtues,

at

Medicinal plants of cooling

which are grown on a

soil

of cool temperament

and are culled during the cool seasons of the year,

become

intensely

sweet,

cooling

and glossy.

These

remarks hold good of other medicinal plants and herbs.

Herbs of purgative properties, which are grown on

a

soil

permeated

with the specific virtues of water

or earth matter, should be

of their kind.

culled as the

most

effective

Similarly, herbs of emetic virtues should

Chap.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

XXXVII.]

3.^9

be culled from a ground permeated with the essential

virtues of

fire,

sky and

air.

Herbs exercising both purgative and emetic

common

to

Similarly,

ground

from

should be culled

exhibiting

virtues

features

both the two aforesaid classes of

possessed

herbs

soothing

of

soil.

properties

(Sanshamanam)* are found to exert a stronger action

in the event

of their being reared on a

soil

permeated

with the essential properties of sk5\

All medicinal herbs and

substances

should

as fresh as possible, excepting Pippali, Vidanga,

Guda, and Ghritam, fwhich should be used

condition

i.e.

in a

The milky

not before a year;.

be used

Madhu,
matured

juice or sap

of a medicinal tree or plant should be regarded as strong

and active under

all

circumstances.

Herbs and drugs,

that had been culled or collected within the year, might

be taken and used

in

making up a medicinal recipe

in a

case where fresh ones would not be available.

Authoritative Verses on the Subject Medicinal

herbs and plants should be recognisof cowherds,

ed and identified with the help

huntsmen, forest-dwellers, and those

and edible roots of the

be laid
*

down

for the

Herbs or drugs, which

soothe

or

in

Xo

forest.

culling of

who

cull the fruits

definite time can

the leaves and roots of

virtue of their

own

subdue a disease without eliminating

or without exercising

hermits,

any emetic or purgative

action.

essential properties

the morbid

humours

THE SUSHRUTA

340

medicinal plants,

etc.,

the recipe, which

is

covers, within

peculiar

Chap,

xxxvil.

such as are used in compounding

called the Patra-lavanam,

and which

therapeutic range, diseases, which are

its

the

to

SAMHITA'.

entire

organism (such as Vata-vyadhi,

etc).*

As

admits of being divided into

soil

according to

classes

smell, colour,

its

through

properties

of the

sweet,

remain latent

etc.,

soil

different
etc.

so

an}' of the

contact with the peculiar

its

grows on.

it

taste,

may assume

the sap of a medicinal plant

six different tastes

six

in water,

Tastes such

as^

which imparts them

to the soil in a patent or perceptible condition.

A
five

plot of ground, exhibiting traits peculiar to all the

fundamental material principles (such as the earth

water,

fire,

etc.),

said

is

be possessed of a

to

soil

of general character (Sadharani Bhumi), and medicinal

plants and herbs partake of the
soil the}'

grown

specific virtues of the

on.

Drugs, whether fresh or old, and emitting a contrary

smell,

sap

or in

any way

or juice,

affected as

regards their natural

should not be used for pharmaceutical

purposes.

The

virtues of such medicinal

drugs and substances

such as Vidanga, Pippali, Madhu, and Guda, improve

*

ITence the doctrine, as regards the

medicinal plant such

of the year, naturally

as,

the

falls to

leaves,

culling of the difterent parts of a

roots, etc., in the

the ground.

different seasons

Chap.

XXXVII.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Accordingly

year.

drugs and n^.edicinal

(after

herbs,

excepting the preceding ones,

fresh

down

all

and unsoiled, or uninjured by

Blood, nails, or hair

etc.,

34

should be used

insects.

of animals,

laid

'^officinally

to be used in our Pharmacopoeia), should be taken

from young and healthy animals, and the ordure, urine,

or milk of an animal, (enjoined to be used for medicinal
purposes), should

completed

its

be collected at a time after

it

has

digestion.

The pharmacy and

the medicinal store of a physician

should occupy a commendable

site

and an auspicious

quarter of the sky (Xorth or East), and the collected

medicines should be kept tied

stored in

in

pieces of clean linen, or

earthen vessels and hollow tubes of wood, or

suspended on wooden pegs.

Thus ends the

thirty-seventh

Chapter of

Sushruta Samhit^ wliich treats of

culture of medicinal plants

and herhs,

the
etc.

the

Classification

Sutrasthanam
of grounds

in the
for the

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Now we
with

shall discourse

on the Chapter which deals

general classification of drugs according to

the

(Dravya-Sangrahaniya-madhyaryam).

their therapeutical

properties

These drugs are

different groups

The
known

Vrihati,

into

thirty-seven

(Gana) which are as follows

Vidarigandha'cli

as Vidarigandha,

Shvadanstra,
Sariva,

made

usually

Croup: The drugs

Vidari, Sahadeva, Vishvadeva,

Prithakparni,

Jivaka,

Shatavari,

Rishavaka, Mahasaha,

Kantakari,

Sariva,

Kshudra-Saha,

Eranda,

Punarnava,

black

Hansapadi,

known

Vrishchikah, and Rishavi, form the group

as the

Vidari-gandhadi.

IVIetrical

Text

The

present gi-oup of drugs

subdues the action of the deranged Vayu and Pittam

and proves

beneficial in phthisis ;Shosha~^,

of the limbs,

Gulma, aching

Urdha Shvasa and cough.

The A'ragvadha'di Group : The

known

as

Aragvadha, Madana, Gopaghonta, Kutaja,

Patha, Kantaki^ Patala, Murva, Indrayava,

Ximva, Kuruntaka, Dasi-kuruntaka,

Karanja,

drugs

Patola,

Sh^ngshta, and
the Aragvadhjidi.

Kiratttikua,

Susha^i

form

the two kinds

Guduchi,
the

Saptaparna,

group

of

Chitraka,

known

as

Chap. XXXVIII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Metrical Text The

group

sion destroys the deranged

(aseptic)

of the

agent

in

body

and

of

(^morbid

a purifying

the case of an ulcer.

The

Agni-

Morata,

Xaktamala,

Putika,

known

drugs

Madhu-Shigi-u, Tarkari,

Varuna, Artagala, Shigru,

Mesha-Shringi,

effects

Meha

as

acts

The Varuna'di Group

as

discus-

Kushtha, fever, vomiting

discharges from the urethra),

itching

under

Kaphani and the

poison and proves beneficial in cases of

and

343

mantha, the two kinds of Sairiyaka, Vimvi, Vasuka,

Vasira, Chitraka, Shatavari,

Mlva, Ajashringi, Darbha,

and the two kinds of Vrihati form the group known

as the Varunadi.

IVIetrical

fat

and proves

group

reducing

of

efficacy

Text The

is

deranged

the

possessed of the

Kapham

efficacious in cases of cephalaegia,

and

Gulma

and internal abscesses.

The
known

Group : The

Viratarva'di

as Virataru, the

Vrikshadani,

Gundra,

two kinds
I\'ala,

bhedaka,

Agnimantha,

Bhalluka,

Kuruntaka,

drugs

of Sahachara, Darbha,

Kusha,

Morata
Indivara,

Kasha,

Ashma-

Vasuka,

Vasira,

Kapotavanka,

and

Sh^adanstra enter into the composition of the group

known

as the Viratarvadi.

IVIetrical

Text : The

orders incidental to

group subdues

all dis-

the deranged state of Vata and

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

344

1*ilE

proves

curative

krichhra, Mutraghata

The

known

Ajakarna,

Salasara,

Kramuka,

Bhurjja,

Kuchandana,

troubles.

Group : The

as the

Salasaradi,

Meshashringi,

Shinshapa,

Tala, Shaka,

consists

Dhava,

Asana,

Shirisha,

of

Chandana,

Tinisha,

Xaktamala,

group of

Kalaskandha,

Kadara,

Khadira,

Mutra-

Sharkara,

and urinary

Sa^Iasara'di

medicinal drugs,

Arjuna,

Ashmari,

in

Chap, xxxvili.

Putika Ashvakarna,

Aguru and Kaliyaka.

Texts

IVIctrical

known

as

the Salasaradi

-The

Gana, destroys the germ of

Kushtha, absorbs the deranged

proves beneficial

(Meha\

in

chlorosis

group of the drugs,

fat

Kapham and

and

morbid discharges from the urethra

or jaundice (Pandu).

The Rodhrardi Group:The group of medicinal drugs

known

Palasha

Savararodhra,

Katphala,

as the

Rodhradi consists of Rodhra,

Ashoka,

Kutannata,

Phanji,

Kadamva,

Elabaluka, Sallaki, Jingini,

Sala

and Kadali.
IVIetrical
the deranged

Texts : The

Kapham and

properties,

removes

neutralises

the

acts

and

as

fat,

of

poison

arrests all secretions

the

antidotal

is

astringent
uterine
(anti

in

to
its

disorders,

toxic)

and

a stj'ptic and purifying agent in a case of ulcer

and excretions of the body.

The Arkardi Group

as

is

and

vaginal

effects

group

Arka,

Alarka,

the

:--The

drugs

two kinds of

known
Karanja,

SUtRASTHANAM.

Chap. XXXVIII.]

Mayuraka,

Nagadanti,

345

Rasna,

Bhargi,

Indrapiishpi,

Kshudrashveta Mahashveta, Vrishchikali, Alavana and

composition of the

Tapasha-Vriksha, enter into the

group

known

as the Arkadi

Gana.

Metrical Texts: The

Arkadi

Kaphani,

destroys

poison.

of an ulcer

agent in the case

and

fat,

a vermifuge

It acts as

group known as the

the

and a

effects

of

specific aseptic

and proves curative

in

diseases of the skin.

The Surasa'di Group :The

as Surasa, white

Kshavaka, Kharpushpa,
Nirgundi,
vala,

known

Surasa, Fainjjhaka, Arjaka, Bhustrina,

Sumukha,

Sugandhaka,

drugs

Kulahala,

Kashamarda,

Kalamala,
Vidanga,

Katphala_,

Indurakarnika,

Phanji,

Surasi,

Prachi-

Kakamachi and Vishamushtika form the group

known

as the Surasadi

Texts :The

IVIetrical
and

vermifuge

deranged

group

an aseptic agent.

is

Kapham and

non-relish for food,

The

Gana.

It

acts

proves beneficial

in

catarrh,

asthma and cough.

Group:The

known

Mushkakadi

Mushkaka,

subdues the

lYIushkaka'di

medicinal drugs

as

Palasha,

as the

Dhava,

Chitraka,

group of

consists

of

Madana,

Shinshapa, Vajra-Vriksha and Triphala.

Metrical

Text : The

possessed of the therapeutic virtue

44

present
o-f

group

is

destroying fat and

THE SUSHRUTA

346

SAMHITA'.

removing the defects of semen.

chlorosis,

gravels

and urinary

are the diseases which yield Lo

Meha,
calculi
its

XXXVIII.

Chap.

jaundice,

piles,

the bladder

in

curative efficac)'.

The Pippalya'di Group:

-The group

of

medicinal drugs

known

Pippali, Pippali

mulam, Chavya, Chitraka, Shringavera,

Maricha,

the

as

Hasti-Pippali,

Pippalyadi consists of

Harenuka,

Ajamoda,

Ela,

Indrayava, Patha, Jiraka, Sarshapa, Maha-Nimva-Phala,

Vidanga

Hingu, Bhargi, Madhurasa, Ativisha, Vacha,

and Katurohini.

Text

IVIetrical

good appetiser and

is

The present group acts

and

The range

of

its

includes catarrh, deranged

and Vatam, non-relish

an absorbant of intestinal mucous

and unassimilated lymph chyle.

peutical application

as

for food,

thera-

Kapham

abdominal glands,

colic

gastralgia.

The
drugs

Elardi

known

Group

The group

as the Eladi-Gana consists of Ela, Tagara,

Kushtha, M^nsi,
pushpa, Priyangu,

Dhyamaka,

Tvaka,

Aguru,

Guggulu,
Sprikka,

Patra,

Naga-

Harenuka, Vyaghranakha, Shukti,

Clianda, Sthauneyaka, Shriveshtaka,

Valaka,

of medicinal

Turushka,

Kunduruka,

Bhadradaru,

Kumkuma,

Sarjarasa,

Ushira,

Chocha, Choraka,

Punnaga and Keshara.

IVIetrical

Text : The

therapeutic

the group consists in subduing the action

of

virtue

of

V^yu and

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XXXVIII.]

Kapham and

347

the effects of poison.

in neutralising

It

is

of

pimples

and other vegetations on the skin such as rash,

urticaria

cosmetic

and

etc.

and

the

arrests*

the

checks

eruption

incidental

sensation

itching

thereto.

The Vach2rcli and Haridrardi Groups :The

groups

known

Vachadi and

the

as

Haridradi

Musta, Ativisha,

Ganas, respectively consist of Vacha,

Abhaya, Bhadradaru, Nagakeshara (Vachadi), Haridra,

Daruharidr^,

Kalashi,

Kutaja

Madhuka

and

seeds

(Haridradi).

IVIetrical
purifiers

of

Text: These two

breast

and

milk

assimilators of the deranged

specifically

mucous dysentery

Shyama,

khini,

Mahd-Shyam^,

Tilvaka,

Putrashroni,

witnessed

the

as

in

their

cases

(Amatisiira).

The Shy^mardi Group

as

act

humours of the body,

curative properties being markedly

of

groups are the

-The drugs known

Ramyaka,

Kampillaka,

the

Rajavriksha,

Gavakshi,

of Karanja, Guduchi, Saptala,

Suvarnakhiri, form the group

Danti,

Trivrit,

Shan-

Kramuka,

two

kinds

Chhagalantri, Sudh^ and

known

the Shyam^di

as

Gana.

Metrical Text

This

group

is

possessed

of

the therapeutic virtue of curing abdominal glands and

acts as an

anti-toxic.

It

proves beneficial in An^ha

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

148

'epistasis),

XXXVIII.

Chap.

abdominal dropsy and diarrhoea and

of the most reliable purgatives

constipation

of obstinate

cases

in

one

is

of the bowels with suppression

of urine

and distention of the abdomen (Udavarta).

The Vrihatya'di Group

as

Madhuka combinedly form

the group

and

Patha

Kutajaphala,

Kantakarika,

Vrihati,

:-^The drugs known

known

as the

Vrihatyadi Gana.

Text :The

IVIctrical
or assimilator

the

of the

group

is

a good digestant

deranged humours.

deranged Vata, Pitta and

It

subdues

Kapham and

proves

efficacious in cases of nausea, water-brash,

and

d^'suria

non- relish for food.

The
as

Group: The

Patola'di

Patola,

drugs

known

Chandana, Kuchandana, Murva, Guduchi,

Patha, and Katurohini form the group

known

the

as

Patoladi Gana.

IVIetrical
anti-toxic,

and

Text

its

The group

is

a febrifuge and

therapeutic action consists in destroy-

ing the action of the deranged Pittam and

the natural

restores

removes vomiting,

relish

and

of the

Kapham.

patient

proves beneficial

for
in

It

food,
ulcers,

and itching erythematous eruptions.

The

Ka'kolya'di

as Kakoli-Kshira-Kakoli,
parni,

Group :The drugs known

Jivaka,

Mashaparni, Meda,

Rishabhaka, Mudga-

Mah^meda, Chhinna-ruha,

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Chap. XXXVIII.]

349

Karkata-Shringi, Tugakshiri, Padmaka,

and Madhuka, com-

Riddhi, Vriddhi, Mridvika, Jivanti

known

binedly form the group

drugs

under

as the

Text : The

IVIetrical

discussion

Kakolyadi Gana.

group

subdues the

deranged Pittam, blood and Vayu.

quantity

of milk

accumulation

favours the

body.

the breast

in

of

of

medicinal

action

of

galactagogue)

elixir

the

increases the

It

phlegm (Kapham)

and an

It is a restorative

Prapaundarika,

and

is

and

in the

endued with

the therapeutic virtue of augmenting the virile potency

of a man.

Group

The Ushaka'di
drugs and substances

Saindhava

salt,

known

group

known

as the

IVIetrical

Ushaka

as

medicinal

(alkaline earth)

two kinds of

Kasisa,

into the composition

of the

the

Shilajatu,

Hingu and Tutthaka enter

: The

Ushakadi Gana.

Text It
:

destroys

kapham mucous),

absorbs the fat of the body and proves curative in cases

.of stone

or

gravel in

the bladder (urinary

calculi),

dysuria and abdominal glands fGulma\

The
as Sariva,

Sa'riva'di

Group

: The

drugs

known

Madhuka, Chandana, Kuchandana, Padmaka,

Kashmari phala, Madhuka-pushpa and

binedly form the group

com-

as the Sarivadi Gana.

Text :The

group under discussion

and proves curative

in a case of haemoptysis.

IVIetrical
allays thirst

known

Ushira_,

'i'HE

350

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

Its

therapeutic virtue

of

bilious

consists

(Pittaja) fever

and

Chap.

XXXVIII.

curbing an attack

in

in specifically alleviating

the burning sensation (Daha) of the body.

The Anjana'di Group

as the

Anjanadi Gana consists

Nagapushpa,

Priyangu,

:-The group known

of Anjana,

Nilotpala,

Rasanjana,

Nalada,

Nalina,

Keshara and Madhuka.

Metrical Texts : An

attack of hasmoptj-sis

readily 5n'elds to the curative virtue of the

discussion.

group under

character and allays

It is anti-toxic in its

the internal burning sensation of the body.

The Parushaka'di Group:The

known

Gana

as the Parushakadi

gioup

consists of Parushaka,

Dr^ksha, Kat-phala, Dadima, Rajadana, Kataka-phala

Shaka-phala and Triphala.

lYIetrical
Vayu, allays
relish for

Text

thirst,

acts

It

subdues

as a

cordial,

deranged

the

increases one's

food 'and cures the diseased or abnormal com-

ponents of urine or

its

defects.

The Priyangvardi Group: The

medicinal drugs

known

as the Priyangvadi

group of

Gana

consists

of Priyangu, Samang^, Dhataki, Naga-pushpa, Chandana,

Kuchandana,

Mocharasa,

Rasanjana,

Kumbhika,

Srotohnjana, Padma- keshara, Jojanvalli, and Dirghamula.

The Amvashtha'di Group: Drugs known

as

Amvashth^, Dhataki

flowers,

Samanga, Katvanga,

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XXXVIII.]

Madhuka,

Rodhra,

Vilva-peshika,

351
Savara-Rodhra,

and Padma keshara, enter into

Palasha, Xandi-Vriksha

known

the composition of the group

as the

Amvashthadi

Gana.

lYletrical

Text: The

two medicinal

recipes

of deranged

or groups prove beneficial in a case

Pitta,

favour the heahng of ulcers, bring about the adhesion

of

fractured

bones

where

dysentery

and prove curative

the

found to consist of

are

stools

of

cases

in

lumps of thick and matured mucous (Pakvatisara.)

The Nya'grodha'di Croup: The

known

Nyagrodha, Audumvara, Ashvattha, Plaksha,

as

Madhuka,

Amra,

Kakubha,

Kapitana,

Koshamra,

Chorakapatra, the two sorts of Jamvu, Piyala,

Rodhra,

Sallaki,

Madhuka

Kadamva, Vadari, Tinduki,

Rohini, Vanjula,

(Maula),

drugs

Savara-Rodhra, Bhallataka, Palasha,

and Nandi-Vriksha, combinedly form the group known

as the

Nyagodhradi Gana.

Metrical Texts
ficial

the

uterus

fractured

body

cases

in

and

of

vagina,

bones and

all
its

and proves curative

in

an

anti-fat

the body.

This

ulcer,

addition to

in

group proves bene-

cures

favours
sorts

of

all

the

of

disorders

adhesion

secretions

of

the

of

astringent properties (Sangrahi)

a case

of haemoptysis.

and assuages the burning

It

sensation

is

of

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

352

The Guduchya'di Group

known

Guduchi, Ximva,

as

Chap,

xxxviii.

:The

Kustumvuru,

drugs

Chandana,

and Padmaka, combinedly form the group known as

the Guduchyadi Gana.

IVIctrical

Text: It

general

acts as a

febrifuge

is

good

combats

and successfully

such symptoms as nausea,

want of

and

appetiser,

relish

for

food,

vomiting, thirst and burning sensation of the body.

The

Group

Utpala'di

as Utpala, Raktotpala,

Kumuda

: The

drugs

known

Saugondhika, Kuvalaya,

Pundarika and Madhuka constitute the group known

as the Utpaladi Gana.

lYIetrical

Texts

This

group

the therapeutic virtue of allaying thirst

the deranged

and

Pittam

the

cases

in

in

pectoris'^

of

vomiting,

syncope, in

and corrects

vitiated

assuages the burning sensation of the

curative

possessed of

is

in

blood.

It

body and proves

Hridroga

(Angina

ha3mopt\sis and in cases of

poisoning as well.

The
drugs

Musta,

lYIusta'di

known

as

Haridra,

Vibhitaka,

Group

Mushtadi

Daru-Haridra,

Kushtha,

is

group

composed

Haritaki,

of
of

Amlaki,

Haimavati, Vacha, Patha, Katu-

rohini, Sharngashta, Ativisha,

Chitraka.

Gana

: The

Dravidi,

Bhallataka and

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XXXVIII.]

Metrical Text

destroys the deranged

vaginal disorders,

The

group under discussion

Shleshma,

purifies

^53

cures

uterine

and

the breast milk of a mother,

and acts as a good digestant (Pachana).

The Triphalar Group

Haritaki,

known

:- The drugs known

Amlaki and Vibhitaka, constitute the group

as the Triphaladi Gana.

Metrical Text : The

the action of the

deranged Vayu,

and proves curative

(Kushtham).

It

present group

Meha, and

in

good

is

Kapham and

in

Pittam

in diseases of the skin

appetiser,

eyesight and proves beneficial

destroys

improves

the

chronic intermittent

fever (Vishama-jvara).

The Trikatu Group :The

consists of Pippali,

Maricha and Shringavera.

Metrical Text : It
proves

curative

Trikatu group

in

destroys fat and

cutaneous

Kapham,
leprosy

affections,

(Kushtha), and morbid discharges from the urethra, and

is

possessed of the virtue of curing abdominal glands,

and

catarrh, dullness of the appetite

The
known

A'mlakya'di

as the

Haritaki,

Group : The

Amlakyadi Gana

Pippali

indigestion.

consists

Amlaki,

and Chitraka.

Metrical Text

The present group of medici-

nal drugs acts as a general febrifuge and

45

of

group

may

be used

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

^54

Chap,

with advantage in fevers of whatsoever type.

it is

xxxviil.

Moreover,

an aphrodisiac and acts as a general tonic or

rative

and

appetiser, destroying the

resto-

Kapham

deranged

and improving the eyesight.

The Trapvardi Group

as the

:Tlie group known

Trapvadi Gana consists of Trapu,

Tamra,

Sisa,

Rajata, Krishna-Lauha, Suvarna and Lohamala.

Text : The

lYIctrical

group

present

is

regarded as a good vermifuge and possessed of the virtue

of neutrahsing the effects of chemical poison originated

through

incompatible combinations.

range covers jaundice,

tions from the

chlorosis,

uretlira),

La'ksha'di

therapeutic

Melia (morbid secre-

Hridroga (heart disease),

and maladies incidental to the

The

Its

thirst

effects of poison.

Group :The

as the Laksha, Arevata, Kutaja,

drugs

known

Ashvamara, Katphalam,

Haridra, Daru-Haridra, Ximva, Saptachchhada, Malati,

and Trayamana form the Lakshadi Gana.

Metrical Text
bitter

and sweet

vermifuge

and

taste

This consists
(Rasa)

purifying

and

(aseptic)

of bad, malignant or indolent ulcers.

the deranged

of astringent,

acts

as

agent

good

in

cases

Diseases due to

Kapham and Pittam prove amenable

to

its

curative properties, which extend to cases of cutaneous

affections

(Kushtham)

as well.

Now we

shall describe

SUTRASTHANAM.

XXXVIII.]

Chap.

the

five

groups

medicinal

of

^^^
(Mulam),

roots

each

number of components.

consisting of similar

The Svalpa Panchamulam Croup

The group known

as

mmor

the

group

of five roots

(Svalpa-Pancha-Mula) consists of the roots of medicinal

plants

known

the Trikantaka,

as

Vrihati, Prithakparni,

The compound

possesses a

blended of astringent, bitter and sweet.

taste

tonic

of

species

and Vidarigandha.

Texts

lYIetrical

two

the

It is

and aphrodisiac, subdues the deranged Yayu and

proves soothing to the deranged Pittam.

The

IVlahat

The one known

five

Panchamula Croup:
as the great or the

major group of

medicinal roots (Mahat-Pancha-Mula)

the

roots

of

such

trees

as

consists

of

Agnimantha,

Vilva,

Tuntuka, Patala and Kashmari.

Metrical Texts : It
subdues the deranged
(easily digestible)

bitter

Kapham and Vatam.

is

known

Dashamula
as the

Croup

asthma and

is

Dasha-Mulam

Kapham.

difficult

It

: The

light

two

one techni-

the

(the ten roots),

possessed of the virtue of destroying

Vata, Pittam and

It

and

in its reaction (Anurasa).

preceding groups in combination form

cally

taste

in

and appetising, and acquires a sub-

sequent sweet taste

The

is

which

the deranged

proves beneficial in cases of

respiration.

It

acts

as

good

THE SUSHRUTA

356

SAMHITA'.

digestant in respect of undigested

is

used with satisfactory results

lymph

in all

Chap. XXXVIII.

chyle, etc and

types of fever.

The Valli-Panchamulam Group:

The group

consisting of the roots of the

known

creepers

Vidari,

as

and Aja-Shringi,

is

five

Rajani,

Sariva,

medicinal

Guduchi

called the Valli-Panchamulam.

The Pancha-kantakam Groups Similarly,

the group

(thorny) shrubs

consisting

known

Sairiyaka, Shatavari,

as

of

the

medicinal

five

Karamradda,

and Gridhranakhi,

Trikantaka,
is

called the

Pancha- Kantaka.

Metrical Texts
prove

curative

in

The two

Hcemoptysis and

preceding groups
in

all

the

tliree

types of anasarca or cedema (Shopha).

Moreover,

the incontestable virtue of arresting

sorts of urethral

discharges and

is

remedy

a potent

all

it

has

in all cases of seminal

disorders.

The Pancha-Trina Group

consisting
species)

of the

five

:- The group

medicinal herbs (of the grass

and known as Kusha, Kasha, Nala, Darbha,

Kandekshuka,

is

called the Pancha-Trina.

Metrical Texts

Cases of Haemoptysis, renal

defects or of uninary diseases are found to speedily yield

to

the

curative

efficacy

administered through the

Metrical Texts

of the

medium
-.The

compound

internally

of cow's milk.
first

two of the

afore-

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Chap. XXXVIII.]

Panchamulas

said groups of

the

(viz.,

357
Svalpa and the

possessed of the virtue of

Vrihat Panchamulas) are

destroying the deranged Vata, while the one standing in

the

bottom of the

list

(Trina-Panchamula)

is

endued with

the property of killing the deranged Pittam. Those standing third and fourth in order of enumeration (the Valli

and Kantaka Panchamulas) subdue the deranged Kapham.

The groups
been

of medicinal drugs and roots have thus

briefly described,

which

will

be more elaborately

dealt with later on in the chapter on Therapeutics.

An

should prepare

physician

intelligent

decoctions, medicated

oils,

plasters,

Ghritas (medicated clarified

butter) or potions, according to the

of each

exigencies

The groups enumerated above should

individual case.*

be therapeutically used according to the nature

deranged humours involved

Only two, three

or four

group, or a similar

number

each individual case.

in

drugs

of the

of the

same medicinal

of drugs chosen

from the

the different groups, or a group of medicinal drugs in

entirety, or

in

its

combination with another, should be

used according to the indications of any particular case,

as the physician, in his discretion,
*

Additional Text

the year,
cold,

wind and

Thus ends
Samhit5,

These

and should be stored

drugs

in a

may

would determine.

be duly culled

in all

room protected from smoke,

seasons of
blasts

of

rain.

the thirty-eighth Chapter of the Sutrasth^nam in the Sushruta

which deals with the

therapeutical use.

classification of

drugs according to their

CHAPTER XXXIX.
Xow we

on the Chapter which treats

shall discourse

of medicinal

drugs possessed of

cleansing

(cathartic')

(Samshodhana-Samsha-

or soothing effects

maniya-madhyaryam).

Drugs

Emetic
Madana fruits,

The

drugs

known

as

Kutaja, Jimutaka, Ikshvaku, Dhamagarba,

Krita-vedhana,

Vidanga,

Sarshapa,

Karan-

Pippali,

jaka, Prapunnada, Kovidara, Korvudara, Arishta,

gandha, Vidula, Vandhujivaka, Shveta,

Ashva-

Shanapushpi,

Vimvi, Vacha, Mrigervaru and Chitra, etc. are possessed

Out of these the

of emetic properties.
plants

Kovidara

preceding

(from the ]\Iadana

fruits

in

the

fruits (seeds) of

abovesaid

list

those of the Prapunnada)

to

and the roots of plants from Kovidara to

close,

its

should be used.

Purgative Drugs : The

and

creepers, etc.

Dravanti,

known

Saptala,

Chhagalantri,

Snuk,

as

trees, plants,

Trivrita,

Shankhini,

Shyama, Danti,

Vishanika,

Suvarnakshiri,

herbs

Gavakshi,

Chitraka,

Kinihi,

Kusha, Kasha, Tilvaka, Kampillaka, Ranwaka, Patala,

Puga, Haritaki, Amalaka, Bibhitaka,
angula,

Xilini,

Chatur-

Eranda, Putika, Mah^vriksha, Saptachchhada,

Arka, and J3''otishmati,

properties.

Of

etc.

are possessed

of purgative

these the roots of plants, which precede

Chap.

Tilvaka

in

the above

the same

The

list,

The barks

purposes.
in

StJTRASTHANAM.

XXXIX.]

359

should be used for

of trees from Tilvaka to Patala

should be used for similar

list

pollens or dust of the Kampilla seeds,

of

fruits

trees

purgative

purposes.

and of the

from Eranda to Puga, the leaves of

Putika and Aragvadha. and the milky exudations of the

remaining members of the

The expressed

should be similarly used.

juice of Koshataki, Saptala, Shankhini,

Devadali, or Karavellika

The Errhincs

is

both emetic and purgative.

: The

following

Apamarga,

Vidanga,

Pippali,

list,

Shigru,

Shirisha, Maricha, Karavira, Vimvi,

Vacha, Jyotishmati,

Karanja,

Meshashringi,

Shala,

Tala,

with

together

cow's

The

watery

regarded

as

fruits (seeds)

enumerated

substances

as

rock-salt,

exudation

of plants from
list,

Pilu, Jati,

Laksha and Hingu,

errhines

in the above-said

Surasa, Arjaka,

Murangi,

(Maula),

and

urine

should be

such

Siddharthaka,

Arka, Alarka, Lashuna,

Matulungi,

Madhuka

viz.

Girikarnika, Kinihi,

Ativisha, Shringavera, Talisha, Tamala,

Ingudi,

drugs,

of

spirits,

cow dung

(Shirovirechanam

Pippali to Maricha

the

roots of plants

commencing with Karavira and ending with Arka, the

bulbs of those whose names precede Talisha in the

same
and

list,

the leaves of those commencing with Talisha

ending with the Arjaka therein, the barks of

Ingudi and Meshashringi, the flowers of Matulungi,

Murungi, Pilu and

Jati,

the essence (Sara) of Shala, Tala

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

360

Maduhka (Maul)

and

salts

Hingu

of

(Niryasa)

plants

which are but the

Madya

the

trees,

gummy

and Laksha

xxxix.

Chap,

exudation

trees, as well as

modifications of earth,

saline

(wines) which are but the modified products of

Asava (fermented

liquors),

and secretions of cowdung, or

cow's urine which should be understood to

animal excrements,

in their

mean

the

crude or natural state, should

be used where errhines are indicated.

Samshamaniya Drugs

: Now

we

shall

enumerate the names of drugs and substances which

soothe or pacify the deranged humours or principles
of

body

the

involved

in

any

particular

disease

(Sanshamanani\

Va'ta-Samshamana-Varga:The following

drugs,

viz.

Bhadradaru, Kustha, Haridra, Varuna,

Meshshringi, Vala, Ativala, Artagala, Kachhura, Sallaki,

Kuverakshi, Virataru, Sahachara, Agnimantha,

Eranda, Ashmabhedaka,

dani,
vari,

Punarnava, Vasuka, Vasira.

Karpasi,

Vrishchiaali,

Pattura,

Alarka,

Vatsa-

Arka, Shata-

Kanchanaka, Bhargi,
Vadara,

Yava, Kola,

Kulattha, etc. and the drugs forming the group of Vidari-

gandhadi-Gana, as well as those belonging to the

two groups

of

first

Panchamula (Mahat and Svalpa), are

possessed of the general virtue of soothing (restoring to

its

normal state) the deranged (Vaym Vata.

Pitta-Samshamana-Varga The
known

as

drugs

Chandana, Kuchandana, Hrivera, Ushira,

StiTRASTHANAM.

XXXIX.]

Chap.

Payasya,

Manjishtha,

Durva, Miirva,

etc.

of Kakolyadi,

Guiidra,

Shatavari,

Vidari,

Kahlara, Kiimuda,

Shaivala,

361

Utpala, Kadali, Kandali^

and the drugs forming the groups

Nyagro-

Anjaiiadi, Utpaladi,

Sarivadi,

and Trina-Panchamula groups generally prOve

dhadi,

soothing to the deranged Pittam.

Shicshma'- Samshamana- Varga :

The drugs known

as

Kushtha,

Shitashiva,

Rasna,

Haridra,

Prakiryya,

Kaleyaka,

etc.

Tilaparni,

Shatapushpa,

Udakiryya,

Kakadani, Langalaki,
jjaka,

Aguru,

Sarala,

Sumanah,

Ingudi,

Lama-

Hastikarna, Munjataka,

and the drugs belonging to the groups of

Valli

and Kantak Panchamulas and those composing

the

Pippalyadi-Varga,

Varga, Vachadi,
are

the deranged Shleshma to

or

choice

and

Surasadi

generally possessed

The

of

of
its

the

Aragvadhadi

natural state.

medicine whether

for

of the strength (intensity) of the disease,

patient under treatment.

the

not

Samshamanam
disease

its

it

gives

surplus

46

rise

efficacy),

has

only checks

usually

cleansing

determined by the

and the stamina and the digestive function

or

groups

of restoring

efficacy

soothing purposes should be

consideration

Mushkadi-

Brihatyadi-Varga,

it

to

energy

medicine

which

been applied
with

its

own

(of

not

the

a soothing

is

stronger

than

to

combat

with,

soothing virtue but

a fresh malady, on

being

of

account of

requisitioned

into

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

362

action, nor

Chap.

XXXIX.

being used up by the weakened and

its

It is thus

conquered origuial distemper.

stored up

the organism for the working of fresh mischief.

which

medicine,

of a

function

proves stronger than

patient, impairs

his

in

the digestive
takes

digestion, or

an unusually greater length of time to be digested

and assimilated into

is

his organism.

medicine, which

stronger than the physical stamina of a patient,

bring on a feeling of physical languor,

loss of consciousness, delirium, etc.

Similarly, an over-

a cleansing (cathartic) medicine

similar

mischief.

inadequate
strength

potencies,

the

other hand,

to

fail

.may work

medicines of

and accordingly unequal

of a disease, as well as

adequate doses

of fainting,

fits

dose of

On

may

medicines

produce any tangible

to the
in

in-

effect.

Hence medicines of adequate potencies should be alone

administered

in

adequate doses.

Authoritative verses on the subject :^A

prudent physician should prescribe a mild

purgative for a patient enfeebled by the action of the

deranged and accumulated bodily humours and laid

up with a disease

in

which such a cleansing

remedy

is

indicated.

or emetic

The same

(cathartic)

rule

should

hold good in the case of a patient enfeebled through

other than physical

causes

bowels
fecal

are

easily

matter, etc.

are

moved,

distempers,

and

in

and

whose

whom

the

found to have been dislodged

Chap.

SUTI^ASTHANAM.

XXXIX.]

from their

natural
extracts

(including

herbs)

in

powders

doses
in

seats

doses of

Decoctions

or locations.

and cold infusions

of four

363

of

Palas weights, and pastes and

two Palas weights, should be

prescribed in a disease of ordinary intensit}'.

medicines

(Purgatives

exhibited even in a
stipated bowels,

if

medicinal

weak

and

lilmetics)

may

patient with loose

Corrective

be safely
or

uncon-

they are found to be stuffed with

spontaneous accumulation of

fecal

matter (Dosha) etc.

inspite of such looseness or easy motion.

Thus ends
SamhitS,
properties.

ihe thiity-ninlh Chapter of the Sutrasth^nam in the

Sushiuta

and

soothing

which

treats

of drugs of cleansing

(corrective)

CHAPTER
Now we
treats

and

of drugs

and chemical

on the Chapter, which

discourse

shall

their

XL.

flavours,

potencies

virtues,

(Dravya-Rasa-Guna-

actions.

Virya-Vipa'ka-Vijnaniya-madhya'yam).

medicinal drug or substance

hold

Aj'urveda

of the

Certain professors

that

pre-eminently the most

is

important niatter with which the science of medicine

First because, a drug, as a substance, has

concerned.
definite

(such

and continuous existence/ which

the tastes,

etc.,

which characterise a

stage, are not perceived in

its

Secondly because, a drug

is

whereas

As

at the best.

for

real (Xitya)

instance

can lose
a

drug

own

generic

possessed

and

unripe

invariable,

and accidental

it

matter,

be powdered

for

example,

of attributes peculiar to

the fun-

can never be

earth,

not hold good of

a

its

substance

senses of a man,

As

character.

into one of watery attributes

a drug or

its

Thirdly because, a drug or a substance never

its

damental

example

the real character of a

drug cannot be destroyed whether

or pasted.

matured condition.

ripe or

attributes are but transitory

its

for
in

fruit

is

attributes

its

As

do not possess.

as, taste, etc.,)

attributes.
is

whereas

truth

which

does

Fourthly because,

an object
its

transformed

of

attributes

all

the

five

of tastes, etc.

Chap. XL.

SUTRASTHANAM.

accommodated

respectively

are

special

sense

substance

is

the

to

because,

Fifthly

organs.

^5^
of

faculty

drug or a

the receptacle of the attributes of taste,

etc.,

whilethe latter are the things contained. Sixthly because,

commenced with

a dictum of medicine can be

of a

As

drug or substance.

example,

for

the

name

it is

quite

natural to say that the drugs such as Vidari Gandha,etc.,

should be pressed and boiled. But

it

Seventhl)' because, the greater importance

boiled.

down

a drug or substance has been laid

names of

described by the

described as the tastes of Matulunga,

Eighth!}' because, the

their

for

(of

and

etc.,

Agnimantha

of tastes,

attributes

upon the drugs and substances

attributes)

Shastras

in the

component ingredients

their

Agnimantha,

Matulunga,

as

etc.,

growth and

is

ripe (mature) conditions.

portant than

its

As

maturity.

because, a drug

case
are

its

may

in its

of taste,

parts or

of Mahavriksha, the milky

be said of

Hence

with

more im-

is

Ninthly

etc.)

prove curative through the eflicacy

component

possessed

for

raw (immature) and

(Hence a drug

attributes

etc.

which they are the

progressive

different

not

depend

example, the taste of a drug or substance varies

of one of

of

inasmuch as medical recipes have been

of medicines

its

and

should be pulverised

to utter that the sweet taste

such

sounds preposterous

of therapeutical

principles

as

in

the

exudations of which
virtues,

which cannot

its taste.

a drug or a substance

(Dravyam)

is

the most

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

366

Chap.

XL.

important factor (which the science of medicine has got

to deal with).

substance or drug necessarily implies

action and attributes with which

nected and of which

more

is

it

intimately con-

the primary cause, or to put

it is

these attributes have

explicitly,

it

an inseparable

inherence in

and are intimately associated with the

substance by

way

cause and effect

of

(Samavayi-

Karanam).

on

Others,

the

who do

contrary,

not

endorse

the above opinion, accord the highest importance to

the

attribute

stance.

of

Firstly

Agamas

(Rasa) of

taste

because,

statements as "

and

Secondly

on

Food
food

because,

inferred from

of the

professors

well,

is

sub-

the

in

life "

essential

tance, etc.

based on

on

its

therein.

such injunctions or instructions

of medicine

its taste,

occur

such

importance of taste

as,

" sweet,

as a

and

acid

deranged bodily Vayu."

Thirdly because, a drug or a substance

the nature of

as

primarily contingent

saline tastes soothe or pacify the

(Rishis)

down

laid

and inasmuch

depends

the

may be

is

or

(Vedas), which include the science of medicine

(Ayurveda Shastram) as

tastes

so

is

it

a drug

is

named

after

sweet drug, a saline sub-

Fourthly because,

its

primary importance

the inspired utterances of the holy sages

which form the sacred hymns and verses of the

Vedas, and such passages as " sweets to be collected for

the purposes of a religious sacrifice,"

etc, are to

be

Chap. XL.

found

StJTRASTHANAM.

in

Hence

them.

taste

is

factor in the science of medicine

attribute of a medicinal drug.

367
most important

the

and forms the primary

we

on,

But, later

shall

have occasion to speak of that.

Certain authorities however,

aforesaid

(who

hold the potency (Viryam) of

theories),

drug to be the most important factor

much

as

emetic, or both, or cathartic,

liquefacient,

or

aphrodisiac,

inas-

or astrin-

tonic

head)

(vitalising)

inflammatory, absorbing,

or

purgative,

a definite

to

constructive,

or

medicine

or pacifying,

gent, appetising, pressing (drawing

or

in

whether

therapeutic action,

its

two

reject the

caustic,

or bursting, or intoxicating, soporific, killing or antitoxic,

depends upon
is

either

its

cooling or

of a

drug

heat-making owing to the

two-

and cool)

fold

(hot

the

world.

The potency

potency.

nature

According

temperament

of the

authorities

several

to

potency of a medicinal drug

may

dr}-,

mild

embrace the eight

keen,

ent attributes in
serve

their

so
all.

as

to

and

functions

respective

the roots

virtues.

taste

As

for

belonging to

Panchamulam,
which

is

expansive

or

slimy,
differ-

These potencies of medicinal drugs

their (drugs') tastes with their

sity)

the

be classed as either

hot or cool, emollient or

or

of

though

by

specific

overpowering
strength

(inten-

example the decoction of

the

group

possessed

of

of

the

an

Maha-

astringent

subsequently transformed into a bitter

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHiTA.

368
one,

the

acquires

Vayu out

of

an astringent
a

pungent

Kulattha

as

Similarly, the

though

possessed

of

and onion though endued with

taste,

one,

deranged

the

heat-making potenc3^

its

known

pulse

of pacifying

virtue

[Chap. XL.

soothe

respectively

same

the

deranged humour of the body through the oleaginous

character

On

of their potencies.

the

hand,

other

the expressed juice of sugar-cane, though possessed of

a

sweet

taste,

tends

to

augment

deranged Vayu owing to

or

cooling

its

drug Pippali, though a pungent

the

aggravate

The

potency.

substance

in

itself,

proves soothing to the deranged Pittam, owing to

mild and
fruit,

though acid

respectively

in taste,

tend to

and Saindhava, though

the

pacify

The drug Kakamachi, though

fish,

Amalakam

Similarly, an

cooling potenc}'.

its

deranged

saline,

Pittam.

and

of a bitter taste,

though sweet, respectively aggravate the Pittam,

thermogenetic

owing to

their

Mulakam

(Radish),

Kapham
potency

body, on

of the
;

though

potency.

pungent,

the

increases

account of

and Kapittham, though

Similarly,

its

emollient

acid, soothes

and

honey, though sweet, tends to pacify the deranged

Kapham owing
The

aforesaid

to the dry

instances

character

of

its

have been cited by

potency.

way

of

illustration.

Authoritative
ject

Tastes,

verses on the sub-

which are possessed of dry,

light or

Chap. XL.

SUTRASTHANAM.

expansive potencies,

may

though otherwise they

deranged

humour.

prove soothing to that

Similarly,

to produce that effect in

endued with a keen,

event
are

of

the

event of their being

or

heat- making potency.

light

Kapham, tend
being

their

Hence

character.*

found to soothe

aggravate

to

possessed

the potency

in

it

of potencies

heavy, cool and emollient

respectively

or-

deranged Pittam,

Likewise, tastes, which are commonl}'

the deranged

which are

tastes,

dinarily reckoned as pacifiers of the

fail

deranged Vayii,

the

to pacify

fail

369

of a drug

is

the

which

in their

the most

important factor in the science of medicine.

But

certain

authorities dissent

from the above-said

view, and attach the highest importance to the process

of

digestive

(chemical)

reaction

(Vipaka)

the

for

reason, that

all

digested

the stomach, proves wholesome or other-

in

ingested food,

wise to the body.

Certain

hold that digestion develops

According

pungent and

to

others,

acid,

follow

the process of digestion

properly or improperly

authorities
all

the several tastes.

tastes

upon

(b}^

on the subject

way

such
the

as,

sweet,

completion

of reactionary

of

result

or transformation).
*

Flavours such

Tastes such

as,

as,

sweet, acid and saline, subdue the deranged \"5yu.

sweet, bitter and astringent are antiljilious in their efficacy,

while those, which are pungent, bitter and astringent, are antiphlegmagogic
in their virtues.
t

The

process of digestion

is

followed by a reactionary taste, which

be either sweet, pungent, acid, astringent, bitter or saline.

47

may

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

370
It

Chap. XL.

needless to say that the hypothesis

is

on erroneous data, inasmuch

digestion

(acid

digestive

process

developed

taste

the

as
at

reactionary

or

based

is

of

fact

acid

the close of the

acidity)

is

contrary

both to the properties of matter and the collective experience

Shastras,

of the

race

embodied

dictum of the

in the

and which should be rather ascribed to the

acid taste of the

Pittam remaining in an undigested

or unassimilated

condition

The

digestion.

reactionary

owing

probability

saline

to imperfect gastric

of a saline

digestion

following upon the close

taste

(a

of

the digestive process) should be necessarily presumed,

if

as

and

a tested

science.

acid

digestion

corroborated

The hypothesis
acidity) does

actionary

of an

the fact

similar

of

of

principle

an

acid

upheld
medical

digestion

(re-

not preclude the possibility of

one owing to the participation of

saline

the natural

taste

the process

of digestion,

(saline)

preceding instance.
tastes,

were to be

of the bodily
as

is

Kapham

in

said of Pittam in the

Hence the theory

that only three

such as sweet, acid, and pungent are developed

through digestive reaction, appears to be untenable, and

naturally points

(partaken of
digestion

to

the

by a man)

doctrine that
brings

on a

an acid taste (reactionary

acid digestion, and so on,

partaken of by a

man

his digestive reaction.

a taste

imparting

sweet taste

sweet

tasted

acidit}')

begets

of whatsoever kind

its specific

character to

Chap. XL.

SUTRASTHANAM.

who

Those,

adhere to the

endeavourto substantiate

it

last

37

named

doctrine,

by the following analogy, and

argue that as milk kept boiling in a basin placed over a

fire

does not change

change of

temperature), as cereals such

its

wheat, barley,

rice,

sweetness (with the

natural

its

Mudga,

as Shali-

sown broadcast

etc.

in

the ground do not part with their inherent, generic

attributes (through their

successive

ment),

of

the

so

tastes

even after being boiled

in

of develop-

stages

food-stuff

do

not

alter

heat of the digestive

the

organs.

Others,

on the contrary, assert that weak tastes

are naturally merged in the strong ones

of digestion.

opinions

on

And
the

subject

confusion on

the

we

consensus of

only

serves

account

antipathy,

bigoted

the

since

of

shall

the course

in

their

expert
increase

to

and

differences

from

judiciously refrain

indulging in idle theories on the subject.

Only two kinds of digestion

tastes)

have been noticed

in

the sweet and the pungent,

and the

second

light.

The

(digestive reactionary

the Shastras,
the

first

specific

such

being

as,

heavy

properties

of

the five essential material principles of the world such

as,

the earth, water,

fire,

air

and sky

may

described as heaviness and lightness, the

butes

which appertain to

their

be roughly

two

attri-

fundamental natures.

Heaviness forms the characteristic attribute of earth

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

372

and water, while lightness stands

properties of

of

all

and sky.

air

fire,

may

food-stuff

[Chap. XL.

the

essential

Hence the

digestion

for

be described

heavy

either

as

(Guru) or light (Laghu).

Authoritative verses on
ject : Of

substances under the process of digestion,

those,

which are characterised by

cally

belonging

and

earth

to

which are permeated with the

We
as

digestion

have

fulh^

regards the

their tastes,

as

water,

are

(easily

properties of

specific

stated

digestible

the

primary

text

who

exclusive

the five afore-said factors.

of

food).

controversy

of

drugs

and

and digestive reactions,

well as the views of those

or

the

importance

virtues, potencies

on the separate

pungent

of

articles

of

called

while those

and sky are called substances

fire

(lightj

attributes, specifi-

sweet (heavy) digestion

substances of

air,

the sub-

build their

importance of

The wise and

theories

any

of

the erudite

an equal importance to each of them, and ascribe

set

the curative efficacy of a medicine to the co-operation

stance

of

all

five

factors.

drug ot

sometimes destroys or originates a

condition
action of
in

these

humours

of the
its

virtue

of

native
its

or

through

the

is

sub-

deranged
dynamical

inherent properties, sometimes

specific

potency and

sometimes by

natural taste or digestive (chemical) reaction.

reaction

impossible without

drug potency.

Digestive

There

is

Chap. XL.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

no potency without a
or substance

self

the

in

plane

attribute per se

of

in
for

is

body

organic

kinds

only appertain to a

which

and

an attribute

in

themselves.

all

tlie

of potency

in

Substances

itself.

invisible

Hence a substance
five

factors

is

can
taste,

are digested

simply

tastes

and intangible
the greatest of

substance,

(of

and the attributes

etc.)

six

lie

an

attri-

(properties)

and not to

substance

of their being

aforesaid

virtues,

Since

existence.

an organic body and not the

the reason

embodied

an

can not be possessed of another

the eight

bute,

like

and

from the time

correlative categories

origin,

A taste

them all.

the greatest of

is

a substance are
their

taste without a drug

an absurdity.- Hence a substance (vegeta-

is

ble or otherwise)

of

and

taste,

373

inherent

taste,

the

in

substance.

Unscrutable and unthinkable are the

drugs

(medicines),

syllogism

which

above

are

virtues

of

rules

of

all

and hence drugs (medicines), which

have

been observed to be efficacious from time immemorial,

as

well

as

those laid

down

medicines, should alone be

medical treatment.
it

a sacrilege

to

in

the

scriptures

used in the course of a

learned physician should

logically

on

dispute

the

think

efficacy

of a

medicine of tested virtue, and which has been adopted

after

tively

generations of careful

pronounced

b}-^

men

observation and
as

beneficial

is

instinc-

remedy.

;74

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

No amount

of logic

will

alter

the

Chap.

XL.

nature of things,

nor persuade the drugs of the Amboshtha group to

exercise a purgative virtue.

Hence an

intelligerrt physi-

cian should adhere to the officinal recipes given in the

and

books on medicine,

however

logical

or

not

probable,

introduce innovations,
into

the

realms

of

applied or practical Therapeutics.

Thus ends

the fortieth

Chapter of the Sutrasthinam

in the

Sushruta

SamhitS, which deals with drugs and their flavours, virtues, and digestive
(chemical) transformation.

CHAPTER
Now we

on

discourse

shall

XLI.
which

Chapter,

the

(DravyaVishcsha-Vijna'niya-madhya'yam).
treats of the specific

The

five

of drugs

properties

fundamental principles* such as the earth

(Kshithi), water (Apa),

(Teja), air

fire

(Marut) and Sky

(Vyoraa) enter into the composition of

and the predominance of any of them

in the world,

substance

particular

Accordingly a thing

dominant earth

dominance of

is

determines

denominated

is

principle, or

fire, air

Parrthiva
which

substances

all

character.

its

as

in

substance of

one marked by a pre-

or ether.

Drugs

thing

thick, pithy, compact, dull,

substance,

or

immobile, rough,

heavy (hard to digest^ strong smelling and largely has

a sweet taste marked by a shade of astringent,
a substance of dominant earth

is

(Parthivam)

called

matter.

Such a thing increases the firmness, strength, hardness

and rotundity of the human body, and

gravity (the virtue of

which

takes time
*

is

to

cold, moist,

modern

a thing or subs-

glossy, devoid of keenness,

be digested,

These may be translated

in the parlance of

possessed of

moving the bowels).

A'pyam Drugs : Similarly,

tance,

is

is

mobile, compact,

as Solid, Liquid, Gas, Ether,

science.

soft,

and Etherioil

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

376

and

slimy, sappy,
or sweet taste

Chap. XLI.

largely endued with an acid, saline

is

marked by a shade

substance of dominant

of astringent,

water (Apyam'i

is

called

principle.

Such a thing soothes and imparts a glossy character to

th2

body, keeps

parts,

moist, favours the adhesion of

it

and increases

its

liquid contents.

Taijasam Drugs : A
which
its

is

thing

or

essence, permeates the minutest capillaries,

rough, light, and non-slimy in

properties and a taste which

principle

of

fire

is

its

is

(Taijasam).

largely

and

healthful

improves the

glow to

bursting

is

subtle in

its

essence,

and

increases

bitter, is called a

principle of air

abscesses),

strengthens

the

imparts a

is

thing or substance,
dry,

tactual

endued with a largely astringent

shade of

of

it.

cold and non- slimy,

is

(of

complexion and

Varyaviyam Drugs : A
which

produces

helps the process

increases the temperature of the body,

eyesight,

dominant

Such a thing naturally

its inside,

spontaneous

and is dry,

pungent marked by

evinces an up-coursing tendency in the body,

digestion

in

character and has strong

called a substance of the

a burning sensation in

substance,

pungent and keen, subtle

heat-making,

a shade of saline,

its

taste

rough,

light,

sensation and

marked by a

substance of the dominant

Vayaviyam). Such a thing removes the

slimy character of the internal organism, produces

light-

Chap.-XLI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

377

and emaciation of the body, and increases

ness, diyness

the speculative or contemplative faculty of the mind.

Aka'shiyam
which

stance,
its

Drugs :A

smooth, unctuous, and

is

nature, soft or pliant in

the internal

its

character without

its

substance

of

sub
in

consistency, expansive

'in

any

is

soundy and non- slimy

definite

dominant

the

or

subtle

organism), porous,

in

thing

taste,

principle

called

is

of

(Akashiyam). Such a substance produces softness,

sky
light-

ness and porosity of the body.

It

may

that there

endued

be inferred from the foregoing illustrations

is

not a single substance

with

certain

curative

world but

in the

Drugs

virtues.

substances, used in specific combinations and

to the indications of a disease

according

potencies.

time, during which a drug or a medicine exerts

curative virtues,
action.

is

called

its

Kala

That which immediately

application of a medicinal

The

the action

is

is

performed,

the period of

results

from the use or

is

called

its

potenc)' or

That, in which the action takes place,

receptacle or
effected

is

Adhikaranam.

called

accomplishes

Of these
48

its

is

its

Karma

principle, in virtue of

called

its

or

remedy

or physiological action.

it

or

under treatment, prove

curative in virtue of their native virtues and

The

is

is

which

Viryam.

called

The means by which

it

its
is

agency or Upaya, while that what

called

its

therapeutic effect or Phalam.

the drugs of purgative virtue are possessed

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

378

which

of attiibutes

downward owing

gravitate

Hence

endued with the

to

purgative

that

inferred

it is

in virtue

belong to the earth

specifically

Earth and water are heavy, and natur-

and water.
ally

[Chap.XLi.

heaviness.

their

drugs are largely

specific attributes of earth

and water,

they are more strongly attracted

of which

towards the centre of the earth

(gravity).

Drugs endued

with emetic properties are possessed of attributes which

form the characteristics of

are light, and naturally ascend

lightness.

Hence

it

is

upcoursing in their nature.

air.

Fire

and

upward owing to

inferred,

possessed

drugs are largely

and

fire

that emetic

of attributes,

by

attributes

elements (earth and

which are

Drugs or substances endued

fire).

deranged bodily humours,

the

are permeated with, qualities

which

the principle of the sky.

which

specifically

Appetising (Dipana) drugs are largely

possessed of attributes
principle of

belong

owing to the drying character of the

air

latter element.

specifically

Astringent (Sangrahaka)

drugs are endued with attributes,

belong to the

charac-

belonging to both the aforesaid

Drugs, which soothe

to

their

(Vamana)

with both emetic and purgative virtues are

terised

fire.

which belong to the material

Lekhana (Liquefacient) drugs

or sub-

stances are endued with attributes which belong to

and

air.

air

fire

Constructive or restorative (Vringhanam) drugs

or substances are

endued with attributes which speci-

Chap. XLI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

belong to earth and water.

fically

279
These inferences

should be carefully remembered at the time of prescribing medicines.

Authoritative verses on
ject

The deranged bodily Vayu readily yields to the

curative

of drugs

efficacies

possessed

specifically belonging to the earth, fire

the deranged Pittam

its

the sub-

is

attributes,

belonging to the earth, water and

Kapham

attributes

which characterise the sky,

The bodily Vayu

is

specifically

Similarly,

air.

deranged

pacified

and water, while

soothed or restored to

speedily

normal state by drugs having

is

of attributes,

the

by drugs possessed of

increased by

fire

and

the

use

air.

of drugs

possessed of attributes which specifically belong to the

sky and

air,

while the Pittam

of those which
attributes
is

of

increased

fire.

water.

increased

the

The bodily Kapham

specific

or

body

which are largely

attributes

the

of

attributes of drugs, a physician should use

two

specific

of the

Thus having ascertained the

pacification of

by the use

endued with the

by the use of drugs

endued with
and

are largely

is

earth

dominant

them

for the

more of the deranged humours of

the body according to the exigencies of a case.

Of

the eight-fold potencies of

cooling, thermogenetic, oleaginous,

plastive,

drug,

such as

heavy, parchifying,

keen and slimy, keenness and thermogenetic

38o

THE SUSHRUTA

potency

should

fire

be

SAMHITA'.
the

to

ascribed

Chap. XLI.

coohng potenc)- and that of engendering

to the predominance

drug or substance

slime,

attributes of water

of the

of

attributes

in

oleaginousness, to the predominance

of the attributes of the earth and water

plastive potenc)^,

to the predominance of the attributes of water and the

sky

parchifying potency, to the excess of the attributes

of air

non-slimy potency (Vaishadyam), to the predo-

minance of the attributes of earth and

and

light digestion, to the

Of

these, oiliness

same

air

and heavy

cause.

and thermogenetic potency prove

curative in respect of the deranged Vayu, while cooling

potency, plastive potency, and that of engendering slime

subdue the deranged Pittam. Keenness, parchifying and

non-slimy potencies conquer the deranged
Substances, which are hea^y

Kapham.

destroy the

in digestion,

deranged Vayu and Pittam, while those which are light

in digestion (easily digestible substances)

deranged Kapham.

in respect of the

Of

these, softness,

The

ceived by touch.
opposite

The

may

may

coldness and heat ma)?^ be perproperties of sliminess

and

its

be perceived by the eyes and touch.

properties

of

dr3mess and oiliness of a drug

be perceived with the eyes

from the fact of

[heat and cold,

prove curative

its

keenness of a drug

producing pain

in

the

mouth

by the sensation of comfort

discomfort A. Text]

The

fact of

heavy

and

(pleasure) or
(insufficient)

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Chap.XLL]

be

should

digestion

passing of stool and

from

inferred

frequent

the

from the expec-

urine, as well as

Kapham, while the contrary should

of

toration

381

be

presumed from the constipation of the bowels, retention

-of

urine and disorders of the abdominal Va}^! (flatulence,

distension of the

detected in

As

for

abdomen^

material

etc.).

specific

is

of similar properties.

principles

example, a drug or a substance, which

and endued with a sweet

taste

is

heavy

should be deemed as

taste,

belonging to the group of the earthy matter (largely

possessed

of attributes

Similarly, a substance,

character, should be

characterising

which

earth-matter).

sweet and oily

is

in

its

regarded as belonging to one in

which the principle of water predominates.

Authoritative
ject

Properties,

substances,

may

and the normal

verse

which

on the sub-

characterise

be as well found
continuance,

in a

drugs

human

aggravation

nution of the deranged humours

is

and

organism,
or

dimi-

due to the action

of the drugs (substances).

Thus ends
Samhiti which

the forty-first Chapter of the

Sutrasth^nam

treats of specific properties of drugs.

in

the Sushruta

CHAPTER
Now we

shall discourse

XLII.

on the Chapter, which treats

(RasaVishcsha-Vljnariiya-maclhyaryam).
the

oi"

The

of

properties

specific

flavours

properties of sky (Akasha),

(Pavana),

air

fire

(Dahana), water (Toya) and earth (Bhumi) are sound

touch, colour,

taste

and

smell,

each of the preceding

elements possessing properties less by one than those

one immediately succeeding

of the

it

in the order of

enumeration.*

name

of

the preponderant natural element, which enters into

its

[Since

matter

composition], taste

is

is

designated after the

said

to be a water-origined prin-

All material elements are inseparably connected

ciple.

with one another, and there

among them, each one

is

a sort of interdependence

contributing to the continuance

of the other and jointly entering, to a more or less

extent,

into the composition of all material substances.

This water-origined flavour (Rasa), which becoming modified

*To

through
put

it

its

more

contact with the

explicitly the

property of sound belongs to the sky

(Akdsha). The'properties of sound and

The

properties of sound, touch

(Teja).

touch appertain

and colour form the

Sound, touch, colour and taste form the

water (Toya).

(Bhumi)*

rest of the material

Sound, touch, colour,

taste

to the air (V^yu).

characteristics
specific

of Fire

properties

of

and smell mark the earth matter

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XLII.]

elements,

383

admits of being divided into

different

six

pungent, bitter and

kinds, such

as sweet,

astringent.

These, in their turn, being combined with

one another, give

sweet taste

acid, saline,

rise

largely

is

sixty- three

different kinds.

endued with

attributes whi{;h

to

material

appertain to the

specifically

principles

An acid taste is pre-eminenth'

earth and water.

of

possessed

of attributes,

which belong to the elementary principles

of earth and

fire.

attributes

and

attributes,
air

and

sahne taste

is

mostly endued with

which characterise the elements of water

fire.

pungent taste

is

possessed

largely

of

which mark the elementary principles of

The

fire.

predominate

in

specific

attributes

The

a bitter taste.

of earth and air should be

of air

and sky

specific properties

regarded as dominant in an

astringent taste.

Tastes such as sweet, acid and saline are endued

with the virtues of subduing Vayu.

Tastes such as

sweet, bitter and astringent are possessed of the virtue

of

deranged Pittam.

subduing the

pungent, bitter

and astringent

Tastes such as

tend to subdue the

deranged Kapham.

The Vayu
organism.

is

a self-origined

The Pittam owes

principle in
its

origin

heat (Agneya), while the origin of

to the presence of watery

body.

the

to the bodily

Kapham

is

(Saumya) principle

Tastes such as sweet,

etc.

are

human

ascribed
in the

augmented by

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

3^4

which they have

causes in

their

Chap. XLII.

and prove

origin,

soothing or pacifying in respect of causes other than

those which produce them.

According to certain authorities, there are only two

owing to the two- fold (hot and

kinds of tastes,

Of

nature of the temperament of the world.

the

these

such as sweet, bitter and astringent are

tastes

cold in

cold)

the pungent,

their properties, while

saline ones exercise fiery

tastes such as

acid and

sweet,

emollient

in

astringent

and

making

or heat

saline

virtues.

are heavy

while

character,

their

the

ones are dry and

bitter

watery (Saumya) tastes are

cold.

The

acid and

The
and

pungent,

light.

The

fiery (Agne3'a)

ones are hot.

Coldness, dryness, lightness, non-sliminess, suppress(of the

ion

urine

or

ordure)

An

properties of the Vayu.

astringent

considered as possessed of

Vayu, and hence

coldness,

dryness,

it

form the characterstic

the same properties as the

(astringent
lightness,

tiveness of the latter with

lightness, non-sliminess

its

taste should be

taste)

increases

the

non-sliminess and arresspecific coolness, dryness,

and arrestiveness.

Heat, pungency, dryness, lightness, and non-sliminess form the specific properties of the Pittam.

gent

taste,

which

is

A pun-

possessed of the same properties as

the Pittam, respectively increases the heat, pungency,

XLII

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

^8^

dryness, lightness and non-sliminess of the

the help of similar properties of

Sweetness, oiliness,

taste,

which

Kapham,

help

taste

is

and

heaviness, coldness

of

Kapham.

increases

of similar properties of

the latter with

own.

its

endued with properties which are

Kapham, hence the

to those of the

and

coldness

sliminess

by

destroyed

respectively

lightness, heat

sweet

the sweetness, oiliness,

coldness and sliminess of

heaviness,

slimi-

possessed of the same properties as the

respectively

heaviness,

the

is

own.

its

ness form the specific properties

with

latter

pungent
contrary

sweetness, oiliness,
of the

latter,

pungency, dryness,

the

and non-sliminess of the former.

have been cited only by way of

are

These

illustration.

Characteristics of Tastes : Now we

of
characteristics
tastes.
describe
the
A
shall
taste,

which

contributes to
his

mouth

Kapham,

pleasant,

is

the life-preservation

moist, and increases the

is

called

increases the
taste,

of a

relish

and
for

increased

food,

is

which imparts a greater

taste,

at the tip of the

part

49

and

man, keeps

taste,

which

salivation,

called acid

is

and

(Amla).

relish to food,

duces salivation and softness of a part,

(Lavana).

to,

quantity of bodily

Sweet (Madhura).

produces tooth- edge

proves <"omfortable

pro-

called saline

which produces a burning sensation

tongue attended with a tingling of the

and headache, and

is

instantaneously followed

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

386

running at the nose (fluent coryza)

b}'

pungent
a

(Katuka).

which

taste,

sensation

of sucking

sort

the

at

the slimy character of the cavity

Chap. XLil.

called

is

gives

throat,

to

rise

removes

mouth, gives

of the

appearance of goose-flesh on the skin, and

the

to

ris6

called bitter

(Tikta).

increases

the relish

which brings about the dryness of the mouth,

taste,

numbs the
rise to

for food, is

obstructs

palate,

the

a drawing, pressing sensation

the heart,

and

throat,

the region of

in

called astringent (Kashaya;.

is

Specific virtues of tastes

the sweet taste

is

lymph-chyle, blood,

albumen

parturient

Of these,

possessed of the virtue of increasing

the quantity of

marrow,

-Now we

the specific virtues of tastes.

describe

shall

gives

(ojas),

woman.

It

semen,

flesh,

and

milk

in

materially contributes to

growth of bones, strengthens

the

old

it

the

bones

blood and the lymph-

proves wholesome

and weak men and ulcer-patients

Endocarditis

Urah-Kshata

bees and ants.

the

purifies

Likewise,

five

It

and

exhilarates

is

the

to

infants,

(suffering

from

most coveted by

mind

as

well as

sense-organs, refieves thirst, swooning and a

burning sensation of the body, and originates

Similarly,

the

favours

eyesight,

bod3% brings about the adhesion of fractured

chyle.

improves the complexion of the

the growth of hair,

(Sandhanam'i, and

bone

fat,

it

favours

the

germination

of

Kapham.
intestinal

Chap. XLII.

parasites.

on

SUTRASTHANAM.

387

Largely and exclusively partaken

cough,

dyspnoea,

flatulence

of, it

vomiting,

(Alasaka),

sweet taste in the mouth, hoarseness of the

(aphonia),

Vasti-lepa

worms

in the intestines,

mucous deposit

(mucous or slimy deposit

brings

voice

tumours, elephantisis,

Gudopol^pa

in the bladder),

the anus), and Abhisandya

in

(ophthalmia), etc.

Acid taste

An acid

should be regard-

taste

ed as a digestant of assimilated food, and

resolving,
sets

appetising and

the

in

restores the natural

and

is

rise to

It

urine,

lessens the

an acid (digestive

and to a sensation of external

reaction in the stomach,

It

and

of flatus

movements of the bowels,

tendency to spasms, and gives

shivering.

endued with

carminative properties.

emission

natural

is

originates

slimy

mucous

or

An

extremel}' pleasant or relishing.

though possessed of the aforesaid

virtues,

secretion

acid taste,
brings

on

tooth-edge, with sudden closing of the eyes, appearance

of goose flesh on the skin,

absorption

bod}' in the event of

looseness of the

partaken of to the exclusion of

to

its

fiery

character,

the

all

taste

Kapham and

of
its

being largely

other tastes.

under

discussion

sets in a process of suppuration in cuts or burns,

lacerated

incised,
in

those,

due to

which

or
result

fractures,

about as the after

punctured wounds,

from

swellings,
effects of

external
or

falls,

as

blows,
or

Owing

or

in

well as
or

are

are brought

any idiopathic distemper.

THE SUSHRtJTA SAMHITA.

388

or which are tainted with the

venomous

of an}'

urine

Chap. XLli.

animals or through contact with any poisonous animal

or vermin.

burning sensation

It gives rise to a

throat, chest

in the

and the region of the heart.

Saline taste

saline taste

and emetic)

corrective (purgative

processes of suppuration

is

virtues,

possessed of
favours the

and spontaneous bursting of

any

swellings, brings about the looseness or resolution of

affected part (ulcer),

and proves
cleanses

is

heat- engendering in

incompatible with

the

internal

passages

organism and produces softness

members
of

the

urticaria,

of the body.
aforesaid

all

other

or

channels

may

It

tastes.

the

of

saline taste,

properties,

property

its

the

of

and

limbs

though possessed

bring on

scabies

cedematous swellings, loss or discolorati on of

the natural complexion

potenc}', distressing

the body, loss of

of

virile

symptoms affecting the sense-organs,

inflammation of the mouth and the eyes, haemoptysis,

Vata-rakta (a kind of leprosy) and acid eructations
in the

event of

its

etc.,

being largely partaken of to the exclu-

sion of all other tastes.

Pungent taste : A
with appetising, resolving

pungent taste

(Pachana"!

and

is

endued

purifying

properties in respect of ulcers etc.), and destroys obesity,

languor, deranged Kaphani and intestinal parasites.

is

antitoxic

in

its

character,

proves

curative

It

in

Chap. XLII.

cases of

SUTRASTHANAM.

Kushta

(skin diseases)

of the

the stiffness

and

ligaments.

.589

and removes

itches,

It acts

as a

sedative

and reduces the quantity of semen, milk and

pungent

may

fat.

taste, tliough possessed of the aforesaid virtues,

bring on

dryness

loss of consciousness,

vertigo,

of the throat, palate and hps, burning sensation

and a

high temperature of the body, loss of strength, tremor,

and a neuralgic pain

or breaking pain,

a sort of aching

(Vata Shula) in the back, sides and the extremities,

being largely partaken of in exclusion

in the

event of

of

other tastes.

all

its

taste

Bitter

serves

taste

bitter

restore the natural relish of a person for food

on a sense of general languor.

and

acts as a

and

etc.),

It

milk,

and

ordure,

It is

good purifying agent

proves

removes

thirst,

etc.

curative

swoon and

in

(in

and brings

a good appetiser,
respect of ulcers,

and

urticaria.

purifies

mother's

itches

fever,

to

possessed of the virtue of drying up urine,

is

mucous,

fat

and

pus,

etc.

bitter

taste,

may

bring

on numbness of the limbs, wry-neck, convulsions,

facial

though possessed of the aforesaid properties,

paralysis,

violent

headache, giddiness, and an aching,

cutting and breaking pain, as well as a bad taste in

mouth

event of

in the

exclusion of

all

its

being

largel}^

of

partaken of

in

other tastes.

Astringent taste :An

possessed

the

astringent,

healing,

astringent taste
styptic

is

(Stam-

THE SUSHRUTA

390

bhana), purifying,

An

astringent

said

disease

the mouth,

Chap. XLII.

drying and contracting

from mucous membranes.

though possessed of the above-

taste,

properties,

heart

liquefacient,

It lessens secretions

virtues.

SAMHITA'.

may

bring on

known

the peculiar type of

parchedness

(Hridroga)

as

abdomen,

distention of the

of

loss

of speech,

wry-neck (Manya Stambha), throbbing or

quivering

and

the body with contraction

tingling sensations in

of the limbs

Now we

and convulsions,
shall

make

etc.

general

of the

classification

drugs according to their taste.

lYI

ad hura- Groups : The

groups

known

as

the Kakolyadi-Gana,

thickened milk. Ghee,

rice,

Yava,

Kasheruka,

drugs forming the

lard,

Godhuma,

Erv^ruka.

Trapusha,

Ankalodya,_ Piyala,

Pushkara,

well as

Shall

and Shashtika

pulse,

Shringataka,

marrow.

Masha

as

Kalaukata

Alavu,
Vijaka,

Kashmarya,

Madhuka

(Moula), Draksha, Kharjura, Rajadana,

Narikela,

modifications

of

the

expressed

Tala,

Juice

of

Ikshu (Sugarcane), Vala, Ativala, Atmagupta, Vidari,

Gokshuraka, Kshiramorata, Madhulika, and

Pyash5^a,

Kushmanda
Madhura

are

generally

included

within the

gi'oup.

Acid
Dadima,

etc.

Groups
Araalaka,

: The

Matulanga,

fruits

known

as

Amrutaka, Kapittha,

Karamarda, Vadra, Kola, Prachina-Amalaka, Tintidhi,

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XLII.]

Koshamra, Bhavya,

Lakucha,

Vetraphala,

Paravata,

Dantashatha

Amla-Vetash,

591

and

curd,

whey,

Shukta, Sauvira, Tushodaka and Dhanyamla,

Sura,

etc.

are

kinds

of

generally included within the acid group.

Group

Saline
salt

such

Saindhaba,

as,

Romaka,. Samudraka,
of potash),

: The

different

Sauvarchala,

Fakya,

Vida,

Yavakshara

Paktrima,

(nitrate

Ushara and Suvarchika collectively form

the Saline group.

Pungent Group The

:

which form the

and

groups

the Surasadi-Ganas

Mulaka,

known
and

Lashuna, Sumukha,

component
as

the

Shigru,

drugs

Pippalyadi

Madhu-sigru,

(camphor,

Shitashiva

Kushtha, Devadaru, Harenuka, Valguja-phalam, Chanda,

Guggula,

Mustha, Langalaki, Shukanasa and Pilu

etc.

and the components of the group known as Salasaradi

gana collectively form the pungent group.

Group

Bitter

: The component members

the groups of medicinal drugs

known

as the

of

Aragva-

dhadi-Gana and the Guduchyadi-Gana together with

Mandukparni,

Varuna,

Indra-yava,
Vrihati,

Kantakari,

Kritavedhana,
Karira, Karavira,

Trayamana,

Haridra,

Daruharidra,

Svadu-kantaka,

Saptaparna,

Vetra-karira,

Shankhini,

Karkotaka,

Dravanti,

Karavellaka,

Trivrit,

Vartaka,

Sumanah, Sankha-pushpi Apamarga,

Ashoka,

Rohini,

Vaijayanti,

Suvarchal^,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

392

Punarnava, Vrishikali and Jyotishmati,

XUI.

Chap.

etc. collectively

constitute the bitter group.

Astringent Group :The

known

bers of the groups

Amvashtadi-Gana,

Triphala,

Vakula, Timduka

fruits,

Vanaspatis

(lit

the

Katakha
of

fruits

of the group

known

Amra,

Shaka

known

trees

fruits,

as

the

such as the Vata,

forest,

as the Salasaradi Gana, as well as

Kovidaraka, Jivanti,

and Mudga

fruits,

the

and most of the component members

etc.)

Sunishanuaka,

and

Jambu,

Shallaki,

lords of the

the Ashvattha

Kuruvaka,

Priyangvadi

the

Rodhradi Ganas,

Pashanabhedaka,

Nyagrodhade-Gana, the

as the

and

component mem-

Chilli,

Palanka

and

and grains and pulse of the Nevara

etc.

species,

form the astringent

collectively

group.

These

number

.tastes,

in

sixty-three

computed

groups of different combinations,

in

all

as

taking two at a time

b}"

example,

for
;

twenty, computed

computed by taking

by taking three

at a

time

four at a time

six,

computed by taking

and

six,

fifteen,

fifteen,

five at a

time

being severally computed, thus making up an

aggregate of sixty-three.

Authoritative
ject
self

to

The
the

man,

use

verse on the sub-

who

of each

gradually

of the

six

habituates himaforesaid

tastes,

Chap. XLII.

enjo5''s

in

SUTRASTHANAM.

a sort

of immunity

the same manner

self

successively

as,

from their injurious action

a strong man,

accustomed

three deranged humours of

affected

by

Thus ends

393

his

to

who makes him-

the action

bod)",

is

of the

not easily

their pathogenetic properties.

ihe forty-second Chapter of the Sutrasthinam in the Sushruta

SamhitS, which treats of the specific properties of flavours.

CHAPTER
Xow we
treats

of

discourse

shall

mode

the

XLIII.
which

on the Chapter,

emetics

administering

of

(Vamana-Dravya- Vikalpa-Vijna'niyamadhya'yam).
Of

emetic

all

deemed

be

the

as

should be

fruits

or

tolas'^

in a decoction of

(seeds)

and

should

Madana

active).

sun

the

in

(eight

Madana

(most

best

dried

Then a Pala weight

be stirred

the

fruits

powdered.

of the powder should

Pratyakpushpi, Sada-Pushpi,

Nimva, and given to the patient with honey and

Saindhava
consisting
in a

salt, for

emesis.

of the powders of

alternative,

raw Madana

a potion

fruits, stirred

decoction of Vakula and Ramyaka, and heated in

should

be'

rock-salt.

fire,

administered with the addition of honey and

consisting

gruel,

powders of green Madana

be given to the patient.
ripe

As an

Madana

fruits

fruits,

of

rice

and

boiled together, should

Likewise matured though not

should be stored

blades of Kusha grass.

sesamum

in a

box made of the

The box should be

plastered over

with a composition of cowdung and clay and kept buried

in a bushelful of

Shali rice for

Yava, Tusha, Mudga,

eight

Masha

consecutive nights.

pulse or

Then having

extracted them, fully burst out, with the heat of the

covering grain, their kernels should be

separated

from

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Chap. XLIII.

their seeds

and dried

them with

sesamum

in

paste

levigated

be again dried

should

which they should be kept

after

Then having pasted

sun.

and the

hone}'

curd,

they

the

in

^g^

the

in

clean

of

sun,

vessel.

Pala weight of the aforesaid prepared powder should be

pounded

decoction of Yastimadhu or of any of the

in a

drugs of the Kovidaradi group

of

should take
the

through

on the following morning,

the patient

medium

over night, and given to

honey and Saindhava

The

salt.

the

patient

looking towards the north or the east, and

it

following benedictory Mantra should be recited on

the occasion.

Metrical texts

-"May

tlie

gods

Daksha, Ashvis, Rudra, Indra, the earth

moon, the
sages

sun, the

(Rishis)

and

fire,

as

goddess, the

the wind, the concourse of holy

the

material

elements with the

curative properties of drugs they originate

preserve thee.

Bramha,

May the potion

and nourish,

prove wholesome to you,

the elixirs prove wholesome to the Rishis, the nectar

to the gods,

and ambrosia to the good Xagas."

This emetic medicine should be specially employed

in cases of catarrhal fever, catarrh,

and internal abscess.

In case of insufficient or unsatisfactory action

potion, the drugs

known

as Pippali, Vacha,

of the

and a paste

of Gaura-Sarsapa and Saindhava salt should be added to

it.

It

should be administered

doses until

the

symptoms

warm and
of

emesis

in

repeated

would

fully

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

396
appear.

soaked

In the alternative, powders of

in

and

Chap. XLIII.

Madana

kernels

with their decoction and

saturated

subsequently dried,

should be administered through

the same vehicle (decoction of the

Madana

kernels)

milk cream boiled with the kernels of jVIadana

should be administered with hone}'

made with milk prepared

the

for

purpose.

or

fruits

or a barley gruel

as above should be prescribed

This

emetic

measure should

be

resorted to in cases of Haematemesis or in Haemorrhaee

from the bowels or generative

organs and burning

sensation in the heart due to the action of the deranged

Pittam.
Milk, boiled with the kernel of a

Madana

fruit,

should

be curdled, and the cream of the curd or the curd

itself

so prepared should be used for emetic purposes in

cases

of water-brash, vomiting, syncope and dyspnoea.

The

essence (Rasam)

of the seed

should be pressed out and

indicated in

connection

(Sneha) of Bhallataka,

pulps

of

condensed

Madana

with the extraction of

condensed essence

that

Pittam

would be found

to

Kapham.

in cases

have

shifted

natural

seats

of

Madana

fruits^

mixed with a decoction of

manner
oil

and the patient should be made

to lick

be administered

the

in

fruits

Sun-dried

where the
into

the

and pulverised
Jivanti,

may

in its stead.

decoction of the kernels of

Madan

seeds (Majja),

saturated with powders of Pippali, Yadi or a potion consist-

Chap. XLIII.

SUTRASTHANAM.

same powder mixed with

ing of the

>97

Ximva

a decoction of

or Riipika, should be prescribed in

of lymphatic

cases

(Kaphaja) diseases due to acts of Santarpanam (use

of emollient remedies),

emesis in

the

or

should be effected with a decoction of

such cases

Madhuk'am,

K^shmari and Draksha saturated with the aforesaid

Thus the emetic remedies made of Madana

powder.
fruits are

discharged.

may

Pulverised Jimutaka flowers

be used

in

the

same manner and through the same medium or with

the same

adjuvants and

same purposes,

for

preceding (Madana

fruit).

pulverised

raw or unripe

the sun,

in

their

and

gruel

Jimutaka

made with milk

same powder should be given

to

or milk-cream, boiled with the

(lit

flowers*)

(Romesha)

state,

powdered

in

their

fruits,

or the surface

or a Sura (wine)

cases

food through the action of deranged

cream

grown Aromasha),

of their decoction should be prescribed.

in

for emesis

mature or hardened

of milk boiled with the powders of full

remedies should be used

in

powder of Jimutaka fruits

should be given

greenish yellow Jimutaka

and dried

boiled with the

patient

the

should be

fruits

state

as

These

made
emetic

of disincHnation for

Kapham (lymphatic

derangements), cough, dyspnoea, jaundice and in phthisis

as well, like the

compounds of Madana

Fruits include flowers.

fruits

described

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

398

Mature

before.

be used

Kiitaja

Kritavedha.na

or

may

fruits

emetic purposes in similar combinations

for

and through similar mediums

similarly prepared with milk,

Madana

the

as

Powders of Ikshaku

described before.

for

[Chap. XLIII.

fruits

(Kushuma),

may

curd, etc.,

fruits

be used

emetic purposes in cases of cough, asthma, vomiting

and non-relish

Kapham

due to the action of deranged

for food

(lymphatic disorders).

The emetic compounds

are

Madana

the former being regarded as specifically indicated

fruits,

in cases of

chemical poisoning,

abdominal

drops}', cough,

to

The pulps

be soaked

should

and

powder,

(internal gland),

asthma, as well as

in diseases

Kapham

(lymphatic

or kernels of Kritavedhana seeds

in

the

expressed juice

reduced

subsequently

so

Gulma

of deranged

the action

disorders).

drugs

flowers

with those of the kernels of

identical

due

Dhamargava

of

prepared,

to

emetic

powder.

strewn

be

should

of

The

over an

Utpala or any other flower and the patients should be

made

to

smell

it

in the case

be found to have changed

Vayu.

where the Kapham would

its

seat

Likewise, in cases of excessive

the bodil)' humours,

the

patient

stomachful of barle}' gruel and then

contents of his stomach

medicated flower.

with the bodily

derangement of

should be given a

made

by causing him

to

eject the

to smell such

Sternutatoric (Shiro-virechanam) or

emetic or purgative drugs prove most efficacious after

Chap. XLIII.

being soaked
their

SijTRASTHA'NAM.

in or saturated

399

with the expressed juice of

own.

on the sub-

Authoritative verses
ject

Thus
An

outhne

of

the

leading

of the emetic drugs in general has been

characteristics

given.

general

intelligent

emetic remedy

in

physician

should choose
of the season

consideration

year and the strength of the disease, and should

set in the

process

the help

of the

of an

of the
tr}-

to

of ejection in a patient either with

expressed juice, paste or powder of

the prescribed drug

medium

an

duly administered

article of food or

drink,

through the
or

through an

electuary.
Thus ends

llie

forly-third Cliapler of the Sulraslhanain in

Sanihila which deals wiih ihe choice and

mode

llie

Sushiula

of administering emetics.

CHAPTER
Now we

shall

of the

treats

XLIV.
on the Chapter, which

discourse

(VircchanaVijiiariiya - madhya'-

of purgatives

choice

Dravya-Vikalpa yam.)

Metrical Texts : Of
The barks

effective.

known

Haritaki

as

are

and

barks

purgative

and the

of Tilvaka

fruits.

fruit

most potent of

the

seeds (Erauda-Taila),

castor

roots,

Trivrita should be deemed the

the roots of reddish

most

purgative

the

Similar!}-,

the

all

oil

of

expressed juice of

the

Karavellika and the milky exudations of Sndha plant

are the

most

effective of all such

pressed juices and

milky

purgative

oils,

exudations of plants,

exetc.

These drugs

or substances form the principal purgative

remedies

our pharmacy), and

mode

(in

we

shall

discuss the

of their administration in successive order.

purgative

remedy

of the

consisting

sound and

matured roots of Tri\Titam, soaked

in

juice of the principal purgative drugs

and subsequently

pulverised

Saindhava

the expressed

and mixed with a considerable quantity of

salt

administered

through

rice

gruel, etc.

due

to

the

and

to

powdered Magara,
the

medium

should

of curd

or

be
sour

a patient, suffering from a disease

derangement

of

the

bodil)'

Vayu.

SUTRASTHANAM.

aiap.XLIV]

The same powder mixed with

cane juice (such

as

treacle,

^Ol

modifications of sugarsugar

with

oi

etc.),

decoctions of drugs belonging to the Madhuradi group

(Kakolyadi-gana), or with milk, should be prescribed

for

a patient laid up

diseases due to

with

the deranged action of the

In

"*

distemper.

Pittaja

Kapham

the

same powder should be administered with a decoction

of Guduchi, Arishta or Triphala,
of pulverised

Vyosha and cow's

with the addition

or

urine.

One part of the same powder (Trivrit), mixed with one

part of old treacle and the drugs

known

and Tryushana, should be administered

deranged Viyu and Kapham).

mea

Trivrit roots,

As an

mixed with a Kudava measure

salt

(two

alternative,

of the

sure (four seers) cf the decoction

of their paste, and a Karsha

Saindhava

for purgative pur-

(due to the concerted action of the

poses in a disease

Prastha

as Trivarnaka,

(half a seer)

weight

tolas)

of

and Xagara, and boiled together, and then

formed into a condensed compound should be used

or

one part of the paste of the same roots, mixed with half
a

part

each of rock-salt and powdered Nagara, should

be administered through the vehicle of cow's urine.

compound

consisting of one part of each of the following

drugs

powdered

viz.,

Trivrita roots,

Nagara and Haritaki,

and a half part of each of such drugs as

Maricha, Devadaru,

mixed
51

with

Vidanga and

rock-salt,

and

ripe

powdered

Puga

administered

nuts,

through

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

402
the

medium

of cow's

urine, should

effective purgative (in diseases of

Powders of purgative
measures and soaked

with

be considered as an

taken

own

their

clarified

and

butter

would

arise.

As

gative

drugs

pasted

an

alternative,

with

made
should

ph5^sician

through the medium of

above, whenever

pills

clarified

necessary.

(Gutikd)

occasion

powders

into

boiled

and

boluses,

administer
butter,

pur-

of

butter

clarified

be

should

juice

administered as

with their roots should be

the intelligent

adequate

in

with their roots and made into

boiled

whatsoever type).

drugs

in

Xliv

Chap.

them

prepared as

quantity* of treacle

should be kept boiling over an oven, and a (halt part) of

the pu'verised purgative roots should be cast
little

before

it is

fire,

made

and powders of aromatic drugs

as Trij^ta strewn over

sequently

it,

completely boiled. Then the basin should

be taken off the

known

into

into boluses

it,

and the compound sub-

(Gutika) of adequate

size

according to the requirements of the case under treatment.

One

part of

any of the pulverised purgative drugs

(such as the Trivrit roots,

four parts of their

own

etc.)

should be boiled with

decoction, and one part of pow-

dered wheat steamed in the fumes of a separate quantity

of a similar boiling decoction, should be

quantity of clarified butter boiled

*

The

pounded with a

and prepared with

quantity of old treacle should be equal to the aggregate weight of

the other drugs in the

compound under

similar circumstances.

Chap. XLIV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Then having cooked

the same decoction.

thin

treacle

and

purgative

cast

into

^O^?

drugs

prepared as above, should be

immediately before being completely

it,

oven and allowed to cool.

(Modaka)

should be perfumed

and regarded

Modaka

is

of wheat

a separate utensil, powders

in

cooked, and the vessel should be taken

the

a quantity of

as ready for use.

good food

Then

down from

this confection

with aromatic

drugs

In short, this purgative

as well.

Purgative preparations of lYIudga,

etc.:

The soup of Mudga pulse

with the

saturated

decotion of a purgative drug,

and taken with

butter and rock

good purgative as

Similarly,
etc.)

salt,

acts as a

soups of other pulses (such as the

soaked

a decoction

in

clarified

Musara,

of any of the purgative

drugs and drunk with the aforesaid adjuvants,

purgative virtues.

may

well.

exert

Drugs possessed of emetic properties

be used through the preceding media of pulse-

soups as well.

A bit

of sugar-cane should be

longitudinally

and then paste of Tribhandi should be placed

middle

Kusha

then

grass),

inserted

in

it

split,

in

its

should be tied up (with the blades of

and plastered over with a coat of

gentle

fire

should be taken out of the

of
fire,

clay,

dung cake. After

fully roasted

and

that,

it

the juice

squeezed out and cooled, would prove a good purgative

to a patient laid up with a Pittaja distemper.

THE SUSHRUTA

404

A compound

[Chap. XLIV.

SAMHITA'.

consisting of equal

parts of sugar

powdered Ajagandha, Tvakkshiri, Vidari and

licked with
in

honey and

and

proves curative

butter,

clarified

Trivrit

and

a fever with thirst and a burning sensation

of the

body.

A compound

of one part of pulverised

consisting

and a quarter part each of the drugs known

Trivrit

Tvak, Patram and Maricha, and administered

as

with

an adequate quantity of honey and sugar, should be

regarded as a good purgative for delicate persons.

Pala weight of sugar should be boiled with a half

Kudava weight

of hone)', and Trivrita powders to the

weight of a quarter part

honey

and

compound

(of

sugar) should
at

the

later

the combined weight of

be added to the boiling

part

remedy should be administered

as a

the cooking.

of

cool,

and looked upon

good purger of Pittam.

A compound
dered Trivrit,

and

Shunti

consisting

of

equal

parts

Pippali,

and taken with honey,

to the action of the deranged

Over-ripe

Kola

fruit

tion

Pathya,

times their

thus

pow-

in

acts

as

diseases due

Kapham.

Kdshmari, Dhatri, Dadima and

taken with their seeds or stones,

boiled (with

sixteen

of

Shyama (Vriddha-Daraka), Yavakshara,

one of the most effective purgatives

be

The

quantity

of

water

combined weight).

obtained should

be

should

weighing

The decoc-

boiled with (castor)

XLIV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

and the

oil,

quarter

juice of

part

Amlaphala

thereof),

etc. (to

the weight of a

should be added to

whole should be boiled together

considerable

^oc

consistence.

reduced to a

until

The powders

of the

aromatic drugs (Trisugandha) and Trivrit*

then added to
patient

electuary

with

prove a good purgative

will

three

should ' be

which should be administered to a

it,

an

as

The

it.

in

This remedy

hone)".

respect of a delicate

person of Kaphaja temperament.

compound, consisting of one part of powdered

Nili

fruit,

one part of powdered Tvak and Ela, and

two

parts

of pulverised Trivrit, and mixed

adequate quantity of sugar, and taken

and the

juice

purgative

of

with

with

honey

Amlaphalam, should be regarded

remedy possessed of the

an

as a

of destroying

virtue

the concerted action of the three deranged humours

of the body.

compound,

Trivrit,

consisting of equal parts of powdered

Shyama (Vriddhadaraka),

and made into a confection

of

honey and

most potent
taneous

Pippali

Modaka)

(with the addition

sugar), should be regarded

cures

(purgatives)

and Triphal^

for

derangement of the three

as

one of the

S^nnipata (simulvital

humours),

haemoptysis and fever.

A compound
*

The weight

consisting

of honey and

of three parts of Trivrit,

pulverised Trivrit

should be equal to a

fourth part of the entire quantity of medicine taken at a time*

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

4o6
one

of

part

Krishna

one of Yavakshara, one of

Triphala,

and

(Pippali),

one

honey

of

(Gutika)

bolases

and

clarified

with

treacle,

cases of enlarged spleen, in

well

as

as

compound

gative

Xili,

Trivrit,

proves

Gulmas due

(purgative)

compounds

purgative

or

butter,

of abdominal

cases

in

remedy

present

with the

is

(of our

consisting of

addi-

made

into

curative

in

to the action of

Kapham and Vayu, in Halimaka

the deranged

pounded

Vidanga,

of

together and used as an electuary

tion

Chap XLIV.

.Chlorosis),

The

dropsy, etc.

one of the most harmless

pharmacopoeia}.

Shyama

pur-

(Vriddhadaraka),

Katvi, Musta, Duralabha, Chavya, Indra-

yava and Triphala, administered through the vehicle

of clarified butter, essence of meat, or water,

mended

com-

is

to persons of dry temperament.

Preparations of Purgative Asavas

(Wines): All

purgative

should be duly

drugs*

Three parts of the decoction thus

boiled in

water.

prepared

should be mixed with two

parts

of cold

powdered barley (Phanitam) and again boiled over a

Then

fire.

after

boiling

from the oven, cooled

it, it

and

should be taken

poured into

previously coated inside with a special plaster.t

down

pitcher

Then

according to the difference of the season (cold or hot),

* Several authorities exclude the plant known
while others stick to Trivrita alone in exclusion of
t

A new

shade.

earthen pitcher

Then

Pippali and

is

its

inside

is

is

first

all

as

Sudh^ (ManasS),

other drugs.

washed with water and dried

in the

coated with a plaster of honey and powdered

fumigated with the fumes of Aguru (Eagle wood).

Chap.

XLIV.

the

pitcher

paddy

of

be taken

soon

as

odour.

SUTRASTHANaM.

month, or a

for

out and
as

kept

be

should

understood

would

it

buried

in

fortnight.

to

emit

407
heap

a
It

should

be ready for

a winy

or

use

fermented

Asavas (fermenting liquours) of animal urines

and alkaline substances should be likewise prepared

in

the foregoing manner.

Preparations of purgative rice Surar

(Wines) etc.
rice

Quantities of Masha pulse and Shali

should be respectively

first

decoction of purgative roots.

soaked and washed

Then they should be

and pounded together and made into

be subsequently dried

in

the

in

dried

which should

the sun and again pulverised.*

quantity

After that a separate

balls,

in

of Shali rice steamed

vapours of the aforesaid decoction, and kept

apart, should be

of these
aforesaid

made

into

cakes.

Then

three parts

cakes should be mixed with one part of the

powdered

ball.

should be soaked in

The compound thus obtained

an adequate quantity of

that

purgative decoction previously kept apart in an earthen

pitcher of the plastered type, described before.

should be

deemed ready

for use,

as

emit the peculiar honey-like smell.

drugs should be likewise

made

in the

soon as

The Sura
it

would

Suras of emetic

same manner.

Preparations of purgative Souvirakas (Barley Wines) ;~-Trivrit roots and drugs

*

For imparting

to

it liie

necessary Enzyme,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

4o8

belonging to the groups

Panchamulam,
Haimavati,
be

as well

Triphala,

mixed

equal parts.

of Vidarigandha

Vacha

and

Ativisha

decoction

and major

Murva, Sh^rngashta, Sudha,

as

and

together

Chap. XLiv.

then

should be

should

apart

set

made

two

in

of one

of

them, while the other should be reduced to a state

of powder.

After that,

and huskless

should be soaked in the aforesaid

barlej^

decoction for seven days,

dried
latter

and

fried

a quantity of well thrashed

and should be subsequently

little.

Then

three parts

of

the

and one part of the aforesaid powder (powdered

Trivrita roots etc.) should be

mixed together and

ed in the aforesaid cold decoction of

The mixture should

those

soakdrugs.

be then kept into an earthen

pitcher of the foregoing type

and administered

in

ade-

quate doses as soon as the characteristic winy smell

of the mixture (Jatarasa) would be
paration

is

The

detected.

pre-

called the purgative Sauvirakam.

Preparations of purgative Tusho-

dakam (fermented liquors of barley with husks): The

drugs enumerated in

connection with the foregoing

preparation should be mixed together and di^ided in

halves and kept in

two separate

One

vessels.

half of

the mixture should be well-thrashed and tied up in

piece of clean linen

with a quantity of

barley in husks and should be boiled

of Ajashringi in a separate basin.

unthrashed

with a decoction

Then

barley in husks

Chap.

XLIV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

409

should be separated from the rest of the components of

the mixture after

it

Then

has been thoroughly cooked.

three parts of these barley grains subsequently thrashed

should be again soaked in their decoction, and a fourth

part of the aforesaid pulverised drugs 'such as the

be added to

of Trivrit, etc.) should

mixture

should be

kept

the before mentioned type.

Tushodakam

(lit:

and the entire

it,

an earthen

in

This

pitcher

preparation

Washings of husks

roots

is

of

called

and should be

used as soon as the characteristic smell of fermentation

(Jatarasa)

would be emitted

processes

of preparing Sauvirakam

have been described.

expiry of six

or

The

from the pitcher.

and

Tushodakam

They should be used

after

seven nights from the date

the

of their

being in the pitcher.

The

rules

of Tri\Tit

parations
as,

and processes regarding the preparation

compounds hold good

made

in cases of similar

pre-

of the rest of purgative drugs (such

Danti, Dravanti, etc.)

The

roots of Danti and

pulled up

and collected,

dried in the sun.

Dravanti

after

first

After that, they should be mixed with

in a

box of Kusha

up and plastered with a layer of

The box should be put

cakes.

be

which they should be

honey and pasted Pippali and placed

grass firmly tied

should

The compound

into a

fire

inside the

of dried

plastered

clay.

cowdung

grass

box

should be cooked according to the process of Putapaka,

52

THE SUSHRUTA

4IO

SAMHITA'.

and should be taken out and used

the action of the deranged

Chap.

Pittam and

combination and through vehicles described

compounds of

tion with the purgative

due to

in diseases

Kapham and

XLIV.

in

in

connec-

Trivrit.

Pastes (Kalkas' and decoctions of Danti

and Dra-

vanti should be boiled with clarified butter, and

Chakra

The

clarified

Tailam (sesamum
butter, thus

oil

body and

Alaji,

of flatus,

in

Kaksha, burning sensation of the

while cases of Meha, Gulma,

(kapham) and

would prove

amenable to the

oil

retention

bowels

of the

obstruction

Diseases due to the retention

Vavu

oil mill).

cooked and prepared, would prove curative

of Erysipelas,

cases

pressed in an

above described.

of urine,

semen

and

or fecal matter readily yield to one of the four oily

substances (Chatuh-sneha,

and

marrow) cooked

oil,

clarified butter, lard

prepared

and

with the paste and

decoction of Danti and Dravanti.

A compound
Kanakahvaya,

consisting of Danti, Dravanti, Maricha,

Yavasaka,

and Chitraka powdered together and

in

Mridvika,

\'ishs^a-veshaja,

successi^"ely

soaked

cow's urine for seven days, should be administered

for purgative purposes,

butter.

diet of

through the medium of

powdered

barley, stirred in

clarified

honey,

should be given to the patient after the assimilation of

the abovesaid medicine.

Diseases such

as

indigestion,

pain at the sides, jaundice, enlargement of the spleen

as well as

those

due to the combined action of the

Chap.

XLIV.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Kapham and Pittam

deranged

41
yield

readily

the

to

curative efficacy of this purgative remedy.

Twenty

pulverised Pathyas mixed with the powders

of Danti and Chitraka roots, each

weighing a Pala

weight, as well as with two tola

powdered
with

and

Pippali

eight

should

Trivrit,

weights

pala

of

weights each

treacle.

pound thus prepared should be made

balls of confection

conduct

da}'.

Warm

large

ten

water should be used

not entail

any

strict

non-exposure to cold wind,

(as

com-

and bathing purposes while using the medi-

which does

cine,

The

(Modaka), each of which should be

taken on every tenth

for drinking

of

cooked

be

into

in

dysentery, jaundice,

regimen

etc.).

It

of

proves

and cutaneous

curative

in

affections

and subdues the three deranged humours of

pile

the bod5\

Trivrida'Shtaka :~The
Trikatu,

viz.

taken

Trijata,

in equal parts,

Musta,

nine following drugs,

Vidanga and

and eight parts of

Trivit,

Amalaka
and two

parts of Danti roots should be separately pulverised

sieved through a piece of thin linen.

The powders

and
thus

prepared should be pounded together and mixed with

six parts of sugar

and a

little

quantity of honey and

Cold water should be given to the patient

rock

salt.*

after

he had taken the medicine, which proves curative

part.

The term

little

(Ishat) in the

present

instance

stands

for

a quarter

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

412

(Vasti-Shula),

in colic pain in the bladder

XLIV.

[Chap.

fever,

thirst,

anasarca (Shotha), chlorosis and vertigo.

vomiting,

does not entail any

strict

regimen of conduct

other

like

purgatives and acts as a good eliminator of poison.

compound

is

called the Trivridashtakam

recommended

Pittaja

in

and

It

The

specially

is

Persons, suffering

affections.

from diseases due to the action of the deranged Pittam

and Kapham, should take the medicine through the

The medicine should be

vehicle of milk.

owing to

for rich persons,

dietetic character.

its

Purgative barks

The external skin

Lodhra bark, to the exclusion of

its

of the

inner lining, should

The powder, thus

be taken and pulverised.

prescribed

prepared,

should be divided into three equal parts, two of which

should be soaked in a decoction of the same

bark and

filtered

process laid
alkalis.

down

(Lodhra)

twenty- one times according to the

connection with the preparation of

in

The remaining

third part of the

powders should
decoction

and

subsequently dried in the sun, and again soaked

in a

be soaked in the aforesaid

decoction

of

name

of

the

prescribed

viously

in

the

drugs,

Dashamulam.
forms

described

in

filtered

which coUectiveh'

go

by

The medicine should be

(wines,

electuaries,

connection

with

etc.)

the

pre-

Trivrit

compounds.

The mode

ol

preparing and administering purgative

medicines out of barks endued with similar virtues has

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XLIV.]

We

been described.

made with

purgative

413

presently deal with those

shall
fruits.

Fruit Purgatives : Sound

Haritakis administered in the wa}'

pounds prove
in

curati^'e

in

of

forms

all

and

of

best

of

faculties.

Haritaki

Xagaram,

Trivrit

improve

and

elixirs

com-

Trivrit

and

disease

Thev

malignant sores and internal abscesses.

the

stoneless

the

are

intellectual

and Vidanga, as well as rock

and Maricha mixed

and taken with cow's

urine,

act

salt,

equal parts

in

good purgatives.

as

powders of Haritaki, Bhadra-daru, Kushtham,

Similar!}',

Puga-phalam, Saindhava

and Shringaveram taken

salt

through the medium of cow's urine, act as good purgative.

For purgative purposes, a man should

pound

consisting of the

Abhaya and

treacle

powders of

Xilini

Saindhava

group

salt,

of

of the drugs

Pippalyadi

and

Nagaram

a bit of rock salt added to

con-

bit

it,

is

or treacle

an excellent stomachic.

normal condition of the bodily

rejuvenating an

destroys

all

of

and with

specific virtue of Haritaki consists in restoring

soothingly

of

exerts an instantaneous purgative action.

Haritakis eaten with

The

Nagara,

compound composed

Haritakis pasted with a decoction

the

fi-uits,

com-

and subsequently drink a good

draught ot vrarin water.

stituting

lick a

Vayu

(laxative),

the
in

used up or exhausted frame, and in

in^igorating
diseases,

the

sense

organs.

which are due to

Haritaki

the use

of

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

414

[Chap.

XLIV

sweet or richly cooked dishes (Santarpanam) such

thirst, etc.

Amalakam

is

cooling

of

part
is

of

and

taken with

regularh'

its

should be used

as the Triphala

Powdered

sweet.

Triphala

clarified butter of a three quarter

own weight

acts as a

possessed

fruits

known

acid-astringent taste with

endued with a rejuvenating

All

sub-

it

antifat in its virtues.

is

fruits

marked by an

bitter

Amalakam and Vibhitakam, which

consists of Haritaki,

a shade

refrigerent

subdues Pittam and Kapham.

it

The- group of medicinal

are collectively

and

cooling,

Kapham and

dues Pittam and

Vibhitakam

is

as,

regular

panacea and

virtue.

purgative

of

properties,

the manner described in connection

in

with Haritaki with the exception of Chaturangulas. The

Chaturangula

fruit

season, and then

sand.

should be collected in the

kept buried

for

week

proper

in a

bed of

After that, they should be unearthed and

in the sun,

and their stones or seeds

Then the

be taken out.

(lit.

essential

dried

marrow) should

oil

of

the

seeds

should be extracted by pressing them in an oil-mill like

the seeds of sesamum, or
(hot expression).
child

up to

its

The

of

after

Castor

Kushtha and Trikatus,

oil

oil

is

boiling
a

them with water

good purgative

for

twelfth year.

Hot water taken

consisting

b}'

oil

having licked a compound

saturated

acts as a

with

powdered

good purgative.

taken with a decoction of Triphalas, double

Castor
its

own

Chap. XLIV.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

measure, or with milk

or

41^

extract of meat,

acts

good purgative, which should be prescribed

for infants,

men, or persons debilitated from the

old

as

effects

of

ulcer cachexia, or of delicate constitution.

have finished describing the preparation and appli-

of fruit

cation

on

discourse
trees,

etc.

The milky
of

all

by

Now

purgatives.

similar

hear me,

Sushruta,

milky exudations of plants and

which are possessed of purgative properties.

of a

juice

which

purgatives,

medical

Sudha plant
being

is

strongest

imprudently used

may be

ignoramus,

the

attended with

dangerous consequences, while the same

in the

hands

of a judicious physician proves strong enough to

integrate

dis-

mighty accumulation of deranged humours

and to successfully combat man}' an irremediable

dis-

temper.

One

part

constituting

of the

the gi'oup

Vrihati, etc. should

juice

the
a

of a

decoction
of

Sudha plant

two Tola

fire,

(thus forming an eighth part of

the

it

over

compound should be taken with

(kola) weights of

compounds.

having boiled

After

any acid

sour rice gruel, cream of curd,

Trivrit

Panchamulam and

major

be mixed with one part of the milky

whole compound).

charcoal

each of the drugs

of

gruel

liquid (such as wine,

etc.)

made

in

the

manner of

of rice saturated with

the milky exudation of a Mahavriksha, or a sweetened,

porridge-like preparation of the

same substance (Utka-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

41
rika)

made with

treacle, should

of purgative properties.

composed of

As an

[Chap.XLIv.

be deemed as possessed
alternative,

sugar, clarified butter

an electuary

and the milky

juice

of a Snuhi plant, should be used for purgative purposes.

Powders of Pippali soaked

the milk}^ juice of

in

the same plant should be used with rock salt for moving

Powdered Kampillakam made

the bowels.

with Snuhi juice ma)^ be as well prescribed

end.

into boluses

same

for the

Powders of Saptala, Shankhini, Danti,

and

Trivrit

kernel of Aragvadham, should be saturated with cow's

and then soaked

urine

the milky juice of a Snuhi

in

plant successively for seven consecutive days.*

smell

of the powder

thus

flower-garlands,

and clothes worn by a man whose

bowels are

moved, acts

The

easil}^

use

and

prepared

strewn over

as a mild purgative.

and preparation of

etc.

prescribed

have been
after

described,

carefully

remedies

purgative

concocted with roots, barks and milk}'

plants,

the

exudations of

w-hich

considering the

should

be

nature

of

the case under treatment and according to their specific

indications.

A
(one
*

compound
tola

The mode

and a

consisting
half)

of

of

three

Shana

powdered

of preparing the porridge

is

weights
three

Trivrit,

as follows

First

the

wheat

should be saturated with the milky juice of a JNlaha-Vriksha and then

macerated.

made

The powder should be then cooked with

into a thick porridge.

mil-<

and treacle and

XLIV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

4,7

Shana weights of powdered Triphala pulp, and three

Shana

weights of powdered

Vidanga,

and

Pippali

Yavakshara, mixed and pounded together, should be

honey and

licked with

be

made

into

with treacle for purgative

confection

The medicine does not

purposes.

regimen of diet and conduct.

It

curative in Gulmas, enlargement

Halimakam
diseases

in

chlorosis

due

should

administer

vehicles of

cow's urine,
juice

forms

of

meat

drugs,

or

of electuar}'.

strict

one of the most

of the spleen, cough,

action

of

and

food

for

the

deranged

wise and intelligent physician

medicines

purgative

clarified

is

non-relish

the

to

Kapham and Vayu.

),

any

entail

pharmacopoeia) and proves

remedies (of our

effective

they should

or

clarified butter,

butter,

through

The

six

milk,

Mad3'a (wine)

through

the expressed

oil,

essence, or

through the

articles

of

food,

or

in

kinds of purgatives are

the milky exudations, expressed juices, pastes, decoctions,

cold

infusions

herbs,

deemed
it

and powders of medicinal

and each of these preceding

factors

stronger than the one immediately

in the order of

Thus ends

drugs

or

should be
following

enumeration.

the forty-fourth Chapter of the Sutrasthinam in the Sushruta

SamhitS, which treats of the choice of purgatives.

53

CHAPTER
Now we

on the

discourse

shall

XLV.

deals with the rules to be observed in

substances

respect of liquid

(Drava-Dravya-Vidhi-

general

in

which

Chapter,

madhyaryam).

Water Group
is

possessed

in

of a

nature,

its

and

fallen

or

drowsiness

of the

six

upon the
different

tastes
as,

with a masculine name),

Kupa

covered

Chunti

Vikira 1,

spring

over

with

fits

ambrosial

is

It

life.

anti-hypnotic,

and

of

fits

human

body.

re-

and

After

acquires one

it

a river, or a

is

fainting.

according to the

\\,

water

rain

strength-giving,

a pond,

fallow

Enlivens ihe body during

It

surface of the earth

such

receptacle

its

or

beneficial to

antipyrotic_,

frigorific,

having

taste.

most wholesome to the

is

of

non-patent

pleasant

conquers vertigo,
It

Atmospheric,

invigorating

enlivening,*
frigerent,

nature

Xada

(a river

tank (Vapi)

an

fountain,

i,

Artesian

land (Kedar), or a pond

growth

of fainting

of

aquatic

and such

plants

like cases.

+ Imparts strength to the exhausted or emaciated frames.

tank or

large

well

with

its

sides protected

by buttresses of

masonry work.

II

well with flights of

An

ordinary well,

masonry steps descending

to its bottom.

unprotected by buttresses and unpro\-ided with

steps.
If

flow of subterranean water

dug out of a bed of sand.

Chap.

XLV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

419

Certain authorities maintain that heavenly

(Palvala).

water having fallen on a red, brown,

or atmospheric

white coloured

grey, yellow, blue or

assumes a sweet,
astringent

taste.

one

much

acid,

pungent, bitter or an

saline,

But

theory

the

is

as

the

comparative

of the attributes of

the

five

as

in

a particular

not a soTind

predominance

material principles

Water, contained or collected

marked by a predominance of the

soil

of earth-principle,

acquires

Water, contained

in a soil

of the

of

attributes

dominance
astringent

the

of

attributes

an acid and saline

soil

marked by a

pre-

acquires

an

all tastes,

and

of

attributes

air,

devoid of

is

hence, the water contained in a

soil,

which

is

possessed of the specific attributes of that

is

by the absence

characterised

Only the

purposes where

atmospheric

largely

element,

of any taste whatever.

named kind should be used

last

taste.

marked by a predominance

in

The sky

taste.

in

acquires a bitter and pungent

fire,

Water, contained

taste.

in

determines the taste of the water

soil

contained therein.
a

respectively

soil,

for drinking

would

water

not

be

available.

Atmospheric
turn,

may

rain

water,

snow

hail

water,

lightness.

classes

be

of

Rain

such as

water

(Antariksha

divided into
water,

frost

which the
water
the

four

classes

water

first

may

Jalam),

is

or

its

such

as,

dew,

the best for

be divided

Gangam and

in

the

into

and
its

two

Samudram,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

^20

according as the rain- cloud

XLV.

[Chap.

charged with vapours

is

evaporated from the bosom of the Ganges or the

descends

generally

Gangetic rain

Ashvina, but both kinds should be

The

test;

the case

in

test

consists in exposing

To

it,

month

subjected

to

of
a

of

Gangam

rain

Muharta

(forty-eight

for

water

quantity of undiscoloured Shali rice in a

minutes), a

bowl which

silver

to

the

in

sea.

ascertain

not extremely softened by boiling.

is

whether

it is

Gangetic rain water or not,

Gangetic rain water should be ascertained from the

of the

fact

affected

aforesaid

in

Shali rice not being in

colour

its

colour under exposure,

being formed

into

as

change

whereas

well

the

as

any way

fact

shredd}' or seedy balls

in

its

of

its

mixed with

slimy secretions, would indicate that the rain water had

been formed of the vapours of the sea

Samudram), and

should be regarded as extremely unwholesome.

Rain

water from a cloud entirely formed of sea-vapours and

collected
as

what

the

in

month

technically

is

but the latter

is

of Ashvina,

known

is

as

wholesome

as Gangetic rain water,

the best of the several kinds of atmos-

pheric water.

The means
is

as

linen

follows

of collecting atmospheric

broad piece of clean

should be hung out in the open

placed across the middle to dip

The

rain

its

air,

centre

(rain)

water

and

white

(with a stone

of gravity).

water thus collected should be kept

in a

XLV.

Chap.

As an

vessel.

the
in

SUTKASTHANAM.

waterspouts
a

clean

a golden,

rain

alternative,

of

receptacle,
silver or

house

by

substituted

water

from

flowing

be

should

collected

and subsequently poured into

The water

an earthen vessel.

can be taken at

collected

421

any other

and

times,

all

ma}^* be

water

terrestrial

thus

in

the

by a

pre-

event of its not being available at the time.

water

Terrestrial

dominance of the

marked

generally

is

specific

properties of the sky, and

admits of being grouped (under seven sub-heads such

well-water,

as,

river-water,

tank- water,

lake- water,

fountain water, spring (Artesian) water, and Chunti (well

unprovided with masonry steps) water.

spring water

or

Atmospheric

should be used for their high efficacy

All kinds of water

during the rains (Varsha).

used in Sharat on account of their clearness.

tank water should be used in Hemanta

water,

tain

in

Chunti water, as well as

all

Lake or

summer

water not of recent

nor due to an excessive down-pour

be

well and foun-

(Vasanta) and

spring*

may

or

and

origin,

inundation,

should be used during Prdvrit.

Metrical Texts

who
The "

drinks of or bathes

an easy victim to

falls

in

rains " in the present passage should

the end of the rainy season or the

Bh^dra, as

He

and external diseases (cutaneous

internal
etc.,

its

use

is

month

of water,

be interpreted

of Ashvina,

specially forbidden in that

pool

affections),

to

mean

and not the month of

month.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

422
which

full

is

of poisonous

worms,

with urine or fecal matter, or

of vermin

decomposed

or

[Chap. XLV.

or

defiled

is

animal

saturated

is

with germs

organisms,

or

is

covered over with the growths of aquatic plants, or

is

stiewn over with withered and decomposed leaves,

which

or

any way

in

contaminated, as well as he,

in

and

rendered poisonous

is

who

drinks and bathes

the freshly collected water of a pool or a reservoir

during the rains.

sheet of water, which

is

entirely covered over

with the growths of aquatic plants such

as,

moss,

or

which

zoophytes, water weeds, lotus leaves,

etc.,

looks turbid owing to oozy mire, or

not exposed to

the currents of fresh

the moon, and

and

taste,

is

six

potenc}^,

nor illumined by the sun or

air,

possessed of a definite smell, colour,

should be regarded

defiled (V3'apannam).

to the

is

Water may be

categories

contaminated or

as

of touch,

affected with regard

sight,

smell,

taste,

and chemical transformation or re-action

digestion).

Roughness,

production

of a

warmth,

sliminess,

shivering

sensation

(lit

and

(lit

the

tooth-edge)

are the tactual defects (Sparsha- Dosha) of defiled water,

whereas a varied colour, and the presence of mire, sand,

and shreds of moss are the

defects,

or appearance (Rupa-Dosha).

water, which

while

an

is

A distinct

affected as regards

unpleasant

which mark

smell

its
is

taste

its

look

marks the

taste (Rasa-Dosha),

the

characteristic

XLV.

Chap.

of

the

SUTRASTHANAM.

which

water,

The

smell (Gandha-Dosha).
gives rise
limbs,

to thirst

or vitiated

in

its

water, which being taken

and to a sense of heaviness of the

and a

colic,

regards

as

aiEFected

is

423

fluent coryza,

potency

its

is

said to be affected

(Virya-Dosha

whereas

which takes a long time to be digested, or

that,

the

retained in
time,

to be

said

is

stomach

for

affected

an inordinate length of
regards digestion

as

is

The

from the abovesaid defects.

free

or

Atmospheric

chemical transformation (Vipaka-Dosha).

water

is

defiled

or

contaminated water should be purified by boiling

it,

or

by heating

it

immersing a

the sun, or by

in

red-hot iron, or hot sands or stones in the same, and

its

should be removed by perfuming

smell

it

with the

Nageshvara, Champaka, Utpala, or Patala flowers,

IVIetrical
perfumed

in

accumulated
used
to

body, and

in

for

an

bell

metal or of precious
water

season,

should

never

purposes,

inasmuch

as

it

derange the fundamental humours of the

is

positively injurious to the

The man, who

drinks, or bathes

water without previously purifying

incurs the risk of being

jaundice,

rain

as well as

improper

drinking

be drunk

should

copper or an earthen

silver,

Contaminated water,

stones.

tends

golden,

bowl made of

goblet, or in a

be

Texts :Water

etc.

cutaneous

human" system.

in,

any contaminated

it

as before directed,

speedily affected with oedema,

affections,

indigestion,

dyspnaa,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

424

XLV.

Chap.

cough, catarrh, colic pains, abdominal glands, ascites or

any other dreadful

disease.

There are seven modes

as,

b}-

as

the

of

immersing the Kataka

Gomedha,

the

water such

purif3'ing

the

fruits,

roots

of

gems known

lotus

plants,

or

of aquatic mosses, a piece of linen, or a pearl, or a crystal

a pitcher or vessel containing

in

The bottoms

it.

water pitcher are made of five different shapes such

Phalakam (rectangular wooden

(octagonal

wooden

Manju Valayam

made of the blades of Manju grass),

(wooden

scaffold

such

currents of

by

as

and

pitcher)

exposing

it

it

with a

pitcher underneath

suspended

all

linen, or b}'

or siphoning

burying a water

bed of sand, or by keeping

of

it

pendent bracket.

Texts : The

IVIetrical
of

round

(tied

in a vessel full

by fanning,

stick,

by means of a piece of

in a

Shiky

the

water pitcher to

with a piece of wet cloth) neck-deep

water, churning

(ring

the Udaka-Manchika

immersing a water pitcher

air,

the

There are seven ways of cooling

(pendent bracket\
water,

for

as,

the Try^ashtakam

stool),

the

tripod),

of a

and

smell or taste,

water, which

is

pure,

cool,

is

devoid
limpid,

transparent, refrigerent and pleasant, should be regarded

as possessed of all the

of rivers, (which

flow

into the

wholesome.

commendable

western

The

the

drain

sea,

water

traits.

J^ngala
is

of

light,

rivers,

The water

countries)

and

and

therefore

which traverse

Chap.

XLV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

the marshy (Anupa) countries and

the

eastern

mended

sea,

heav}'

is

into the southern sea,

owing to the

empty themselves

is

of

fact

into

and therefore not com-

The water

to be used.

.35

of rivers, which run

neither too heavy nor too light

which

traversing countries

its

have a Sadharana character.

The water

of rivers,

which have

sources in the

their

Sajhya mountains, begets cutaneous affections

water of those, which

rise

testinal

parasites,

elephantisis
rise

The water

of rivers,

on the mount Mala)'a, begets worms and

have their sources

which

while the

from the Vindhya mountains,

rise

produces Kushtha and Jaundice.

which

water of

in-

while

the

in the

Mahendra mountain, begets

that

those,

and abdominal dropsy. The water of

on the Himalaya, produces angina

rivers,

pectoris,

(Hridroga), anasarca, diseases of the head, elephantisis,

or goitre in persons using

for

it

the purposes of

life.

Similarh% the water of rivers, which drain the eastern

through

portion of the country of Avanti, or flow

western part, begets piles

which

rise

its

while the water of those,

on the mount of Paripatra

is

wholesome,

strength -giving, and conducive to health.

IVIetrical

Texts

The

water

of clear and

swift- running rivers

is

light,

while the water of those,

which are sluggish

in

their

course and are covered

with mosses and other aquatic plants,

water of
54

rivers,

is

heavy.

which run through Marudesha

The

(Modem

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

426
Marwar)

is

possessed of a bitter saline taste, or

endued with a sweet

and

astringent,
in

its

is

blended with a shade of the

taste

digestible

is easil}"

and strength-giving

properties.

Every kind of

terrestrial

early in the morning, since

and coolest

two

XLV.

Chap.

by

obtained

it is

the

at that part of

attributes

water should

day

and

collected

l)e

the clearest
these

since

form the most commendable

far

traits

in water.

lYIetrical
light of the

night,

Texts

one

The

water, which gets the

sun in the day and reflects the

moon

in the

and which, moreover, neither produces Kapham

nor a parched condition

as

in virtue

in

the body, should be regarded

Atmos-

with the atmospheric water.

pheric water, collected in a good and proper receptacle,

has the virtue of subduing the three deranged humours

of the body,
its

and

acts

as

a pure

tonic

virtue varying with the excellence of the

which
of the

it is

contained.

gem known

The

as the

cool

of warding

elixir,

vessel

in

and limpid washings

Chandrakanta Mani (the moon-

stone) should be regarded as possessed

virtue

and

off the

attacks

of the

mystic

of monsters

and

demons, and of subduing the deranged Pittam. They are

beneficial

in fever

and

in cases of poisoning

a burning sensation of the body,

marked by

etc.

Cold water usually proves beneficial

in epileptic fits,

SUTRASTHANAM.

XLV.l

Chap.

427

hot seasons, and in a burning sensation of the body

in

due to the deranged action of the Pittam,

poisoning,
loss

abuse

ha3moptysis,

of consciousness,

Tamaka and

fatigue

The

vomiting.

wine (Mad^tya),

of

exhaustion,

or

blood-

in

use

of

vertigo,

cold

\v*ater

should be avoided in pain at the sides (pleurodynia

catarrh,

in

rheumatism,

in

of

diseases

in

stomach by gas or

larynx, in distention of the

cases of undigested faeces, in the

and just

after the exhibition of

remedy,

in hic-cough,

?),

the
in

air,

acute stage of fever,

any emetic or purgative

and immediately following upon

River water pro-

an oily or fatty drink (Snehapana).

duces Vayu and a parched condition in the body, and

is

light,

stomachic and (Lekhana) liquefacient.

contrary, that which

its

consistency,

The water

the

is

heavy, comparatively denser in

sweet,

and cooling, brings on catarrh.

of a lake

strength-giving,

On

Sarasam) quenches thirst and

and

sweet

light,

astringent.

is

The

water of a pond or a tank (Tadaga) produces V^yu,

and

is

sweet, astringent, and pungent in digestion.

water from a Vapi

(a

tank) subdues the deranged

large

Vayu and Kapham, and generates Pittam, and

in taste

and

alkali.

The water from

is

is

pungent

found to be charged with a solution of

a Chunti

sweet, and parchifying, though

Kapham

The

and

a good digestant,

does not give

The water from

in the system.

generates Pittam

it

is

is

deranged Kapham, and

appetising.
is

light

and

rise

to

a well (Kupa)

It

subdues

alkaline.

the

The

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

428

water of a fountain

The water

and destroys Kapham.

is

and subdues

sweet,

Pittam.

of an Artesian spring
It

The water from a

appetising, pungent,

and

The water accumulated

is

heavy

to

antacid in

is

digestive reaction.

land,

Vikira

Palvalam

an open

in

and

digest

field,

tends

preceding one, with the exception

aggravates

Sea-water has a
it

aggravates

the

all

The water

the bod3\

the source of man}' an

as

it

increases

the

evil. It is

and

water accumulated
cool, pleasant

Warm
Kapham.

is

in

of

is

humours

all

of
is

the bodily

possessed of

pleasing and

is

all

refrigerant.

Sadharana country

taste

free

It is faultless, acid

traits.

in its digestive reaction (Vidahi),

traits,

body.

the

of a J^ngala country

from the preceding baneful

mendable

greatly

extremely condemnable,

secretions

The water

organs, etc.

the

as

saline

of

Anupa (marshy) country

of an

slini}^

it

of

deranged

three

augment

virtue

that

and

smell,

fishy

fallow

The water

humours

deranged

the

light,

is

or in

to

same

possessed of the

is

its

charged with potash (Khara).

is

the deranged humours of the body.

a

and pleasant,

light, appetising,

is

XLV.

Chap.

com-

The
light,

is

and appetising (Dipanam).

water

subdues

It

antifat,

is

the

deranged

appetising,

V^yu

diuretic,

and

(Vasti-

shodhak) and febrifuge. It proves beneficial in cases of

cough and dyspnoea, and

Water boiled down

to

is

wholesome

a quarter

part

of

at all times.
its

original

XLV.

Chap.

ebullitions

removed^

commended

safely

overnight,

should

is

light

the use

to

not

and

will

all its

be

of

augment the

may

be

Water, boiled

all.

knowingly
it

and

froth

and

and limpid,

person inasmuch as

thirsty

429

and then cooled down with

quantity

taste

SUTRASTHANAM.

given

to

has acquired an 'acid

internal

Kapham
Water

body, and becomes positively injurious.

of the
boiled

and subsequently cooled down should be given to a

person suffering from an 3^ of the diseases due to an
abuse of wine or to Pittam, or from a complaint brought

about

through the

concerted

action

the

of

three

deranged humours.

The water found

is

inside

the

shell

of a cocoanut

heavy,* demulcent, cool, pleasant and appetising

It

is

diuretic,

etc.

and

(Vasti-shodhaka) spermatopoietic,

The

use of water boiled and

subdues Pittam and

thirst.

subsequently cooled

down is recommended

in dysentery,

burning of the skin, haemoptysis, diseases due to the

abuse of wine, or to the effects of any imbibed poison,
as well as in thirst, vomiting, catarrh, vertigo

consciousness.
possible

Water should be taken

by a person

suffering

as

and

loss of

little

as

from any of the following

diseases viz., loss of relish for food, catarrh, water-brash,

oedema, any of the wasting diseases, impaired digestion,

abdominal dropsy, cutaneous

affecting the eyes, ulcer

affection, fever, diseases

and diabetes (Madhumeha,

Light according to Jejjada.

etc),

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

430

The

Group : The

lYIilk

or of a

woman,

milk of a cow, she-

what generally comes

is

XLV,

she-buffalo, mare, she-elephant,

she-camel, ewe,

goat,

[Chap.

to the use of

man.*

The milk
cereals,

the white fluid

is

essence of drugs and

which enter into the food of the aforesaid milk-

giving animals, and

is

therefore the best of

substances (literally life-giving).

It

Hence

And

since milk

principles of

of

proves congenial to

it

all

animals,

created

in its

and mild.

to

all,

its

and

use

nature to-the essential

may

not

is

animals.

sentient

all

and so very congenial

life

recommended

kindred

is

heavy, sweet,

is

slimy, cold, glossy, emollient, laxative

nutritive

all

panzoism

to the

be unreservedly

forbidden

in

diseases

due to the deranged action of (Vayu) or Pittam, or

ailments affecting the mind

system of man.

Its

in

(Mansa), or the vascular

beneficial

and curative

efticac}'

ma}' be witnessed in cases of chronic fever, in cough,

and

dyspnoea, phthisis

Gulma (abdominal
fits,

in

vertigo,

of the bod}^,

in thirst,

and the bladder,

and
*

obstinate
From

glands),
in

wasting

other

insanity,

delirium,
in

in

diseases

in chlorosis

ascites,

in

affecting

epileptic

the heart

in piles, colic

Grahani, Pravahika,

the construction of the present sentence in the original texts,

are warranted to include the milk of a doe, or of a she-mule,

rhinoceros in the
cations.

in

burning sensation

and dysentery,

constipation,

diseases,

list,

or of a

as they sometimes prove beneficial for external

we

cowappli-

Chap.

SUTRASTHAiNAM.

XLV.l

peculiar

miscarriage and other diseases

refrigerant

and

organs,

reproductive

and

acts

cal exercise. It

is

as a

431
to the

ha^'moptysis.

in

female
It

is

bracing beverage after physi-

a sacred, constructive, tonic, spermato-

and aphrodisiac.

poietic, rejuvenating

intellectual capacities of a

expands* the

It

man, brings about the adhe-

sion of broken or fractured bones (Sandhana) rejuvenates

used and exhausted frames, forms an excellent enemata,

increases the duration of

life,

and

acts as a vitaliser.

It is

an emetic and a purgative remedy, and imparts a healthy

rotundity to the frame, and which through

its

kindred or

similar properties

augments the quality of bodily albu-

men

(Ojah)

the most complete

diet

for

and

is

old

infants,

cachexia witnessed
well as for

men and

in cases of

and wholesome

persons suffering from

ulcers

in

the chest, as

persons debilitated from insufficient food,

sexual excesses or excessiAC, physical labour.

Texts : Cow-milk

Metrical
and does not

set

is

demulcent,

up or increase the normal quantity

of slimy secretions in the internal channels of the body.

It is

heavy and

hajmoptysis.

is

It is cold,

chemical reaction.

and

is

a good

It

elixir,

and proves curative

and sweet both

in taste

in

and

subdues both Vayu and Pittam

most

accordinglj' one of the

efficient of vitalising

agents.

The milk

of a

she-goat

similar to those of a cow,

is

and

possessed of properties
is

specially beneficial to

THE SUSHRUTA

432

SAMHITA'.

persons suffering from phthisis.*

appetising (Dipana), and

efficacious in dyspnoea,

is

she-goat proves curative

of her limbs

in all

and her

cough

The milk

T.).

of a

owing to the

diseases

agile habits, as well as

comparatively a

for the fact of her drinking

XLV.

It is light, astringent,

and haemoptysis (Amlapitta A.

smiillness

Chap.

quantity

less

of water and living upon

bitter

The milk

of a she-camel

parchifying, heating, hght,

palatable

and possessed

is

of a

and pungent

saline

little

herbs.

taste.

It

proves curative in oedema, abdominal glands, ascites,

worms and Kushtha, and

intestinal

piles,

antitoxic agent.

The milk

of a

ewe

heavy and proves aggravating

and Kapham.
and

in

sweet, demulcent,

in disorders of

forms a good

It

is

a good

is

diet

Pittam

Kevalavata

in

cough due to the deranged condition of the bodily

Vayu.

The milk
to impair
of the

contains

of a she-buffalo

digestion

organs.

more

The milk

It

after-taste,

sweet

taste,

in

tends

and increases the slimy secretion

is

heavy, soporific,

cooling,

and

latty matter than cow's milk.

she-animal with unbifurcated hoofs

of a

(Ekashapha) such
parchifying,

is

as,

the mare,

sweet and acid

etc.,

in taste,

and proving curative

is

tonic, light,

leaving a saline

in cases of

rheumatism

restricted to the extremities.

It

has been recently discovered by a

culosis bacilli

do no not

German

thrive in goat's- blood

physician

Translator.

thai

tuber-

XLV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

The milk

of a

woman

astringent after-taste.

and

good wash

acts as a

some,

vitahsing,

of a she- elephant
after-taste.

It

is

is

is

of a

cold and sweet, leaving an

proves beneficial as an errhine

eye diseases.

in

and

light

sweet though

It invigorates

exercise

demulcent,

the e5'esight.

she-animal, milched in the morning,

entire

in the evening

is

the

to

to

labour

physical

the

milk

is

currents

rule

milk milched

Moreover,

of

it

restores

undergone by the animal

free

the

ra3's

of

Cold

air.

or

the

sun

unboiled

extremely heavy, and serves to increase the

slimy secretions
freed

is

cooling

normal condition owing

its

the day time, exposed to

and

when

found to be possessed of refrigerant

Vayu

bodily

the

Similarl)^,

and eye-invigorating properties.

the

be digested

repose (literally want of physical

attributes preponderate.

it

leaves an astringent

it

locomotion) during the night,

or

whole-

The milk

appetising.

heavy, cold and takes a long time to

owing to her

in

It is

spermatopoietic, heavy,

cooling and tonic.

The milk

It

is

433

the

of

from

organs,

whereas by boiling

those injurious

traits.

But

this

does not hold good in the case of woman's milk,

which

is

wholesome

Freshly milched

in

warm

its

natural

or unboiled state.

milk should be regarded

as

extremely wholesome, which, being cooled down, loses

its efficacious

virtues

and becomes unwholesome.

the contrary, over-cooked milk

55

is

On

heavy and fat-making

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

434
(lit

imparting

stoutness

to one's body).

which emits

a fetid

and

or has acquired an

insipid,

Unwholesome and

acid

saline,

It

It

intermittent

are three

of

its

vitahsing and

non-

and general cachexia.

curd

greatly

slimy secretions of the organs and

the

fat

Kapham

and

extremely acid curd

acid

in

(Vishama Jvara, dysentery,

fever

in

vitiates

in-

the

the body.

Acid

Kapham^,

while

curd deranges the Pittam and the

is

kinds of

proves curative in Pinasa (nasal catarrh),

Metrical Text : Sweet

which

and looks

should be regarded

spermatopoietic,

as

relish for food, difficult urination,

the

taste

demulcent and heat-making

is

well

as

auspicious.

quantity

milk,

Milk curd generally leaves an astringent

after-taste.

creases

The

the sweet, the acid, and the extremely

as,

acid curd.

potency,

XLV.

injurious.

The Curd-group : There

curd such

Chap.

become discoloured

smell, or has

shreddy and curdled, or tastes

as

the

blood.

Curd,

has been not perfectly curdled (Mandajatam)

in

its

chemical reaction,

(digestive)

acts

as

an inordinately strong purgative and diuretic agent,

and deranges

the

three

fundamental

humours

of

the body.

Curdled cow's milk

is

demulcent, sweet

appetising, srength- increasing

bodily

Vayu

and

imparts

and

acrid.

a relish

It

to

in digestion,

subdues the
one's

Curd prepared with the milk of a she-goat

is

food.
light,

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Chap. XLV.]

4^5

and subdues the deranged Pittam and Kapham.

proves curative
is

in

Vata and wasting

in

good appetiser.
of

cases

piles,

pared with
digestion,

milk

the

of a

Kapham.

bodih'

of

quantity

is

pungent

curdled

curative in Vata,

worms

in

the

piles,

is

as

cases

in

the milk

It is

abdomimal

of a

of the

of piles.

chemical reaction

its

specifically

is

camel's milk

and

intestines,

vating in derangements
well

the deranged

found

proves

cutaneous affections (Kushtha),

Curd prepared with the milk

as

in

heavy and a purgative.

of

pre-

sweel

is

digestion.

in

and

use

Curd,

augment the normal

It

to be charged with alkali,

continued

witnessed

Curd prepared with

demulcent substance.
a she-camel

It pacifies

serves to

is

cough.

she-bufFalo,

and spermtopoietic.

Vayu and Pittam, and

of

and

dyspncea

and

diseases,

beneficial effect

Its

It

ewe proves aggra-

Vayu and Kapham,

sweet

It is

in taste

slimy

the

increases

dropsy.

and

secretions

of the organs, and tends to derange the bodily humours.

Curd, prepared
tising.

to

It

with the milk

of

the eyes,

proves injurious to

augment the bodily Vayu.

in its

potenc}^ and

the

secretions

is

of

with the milk of a

It is

stool

and

womin

urine.
is

the

is

specially

eyes.

It

subdues the

efficacious

in

its

is

appe-

and tends

pajchifying and hot

astringent in taste.

digestion, tonic, pleasant, heavy,

to

a mare,

It

diminishes

Curd

prepared

demulcent,

sweet in

and specially

beneficial

deranged humours and

virtues,

and

is

the best

THE SUvSHRUTA SAMHITA,

4-6
of

kinds

all

of curd,

and

is

is

light

heat-making

of

in its potency.

Of

matter.

fecal

It

impairs digestion,

and increases the quanthe preceding kinds of

all

regarded as the best in virtue and quality.

well

the food, whereas the

to

prepared with

most

The

the deranged Va^ai.

about a

ing

which had been

It

demulcent and

is

Kapham

boiled

of

curd

deranged

Vayu, impairs digestion

gogic and aphrodisiac.

parchifying,

astringent

Curd

and

subdues

It

and

arrests

and

taste,

and imparts a rehsh to food.

The

use of curd

is

subdues the

is

phlegma-

made without cream

tising

comparatively

the

The cream

life.

stool

(Vistambhi), It increases the bodily Vayu.

is

the

It increases

heavy and spermatopoietic.

is

Pittam.

relish to the food,

and acts as a good stomachic remedy.

and the root principle of

subdues

without bring-

milk

deranged V^yu and Pittam, imparts a

the

restorative,

augmentation of the

similar

The curd prepared with

strength

deemed
curd

cloth-filtered

tends to increase the

it

curd,

should be

milk,

boiled

efficacious.

though

This curd

through a piece of clean linen, imparts a

filtered

relish

Kapham,

with cow's milk should be

the one prepared

curd,

the milk of a

with

digestion, subdues

in

leaves an astringent after-taste

tity

remedies

emollient

all

Curd prepared

(Santarpanam).
she-elephant,

and of

XLV.

fChap.

and
It is

is

urine

appe-

lighter, a little astringent in

generally prohibited in (Vasanta)

SUTRASTHANAM.

XLV]

Chap.

spring, (Grishma)

summer, and (Sharat) autumn, whereas

recommended during the

it is

437

and

rains (Varsha)

forepart of winter

(Hemanta), and

in the

proper (Shishira).

The

residuar}^

sediment

(Mastu)

and

refrigerant, light

to

is frigorific

internal channels

the

and

astringent

pleasant and

is

palatable.

of curd

and purifying

anti-aphrodisiac.

Vayu and

the deranged

destroys

cold season

of the body. It has a sweet

and

taste

in the

It

acts

Kapham,

as

and

speedy

In this group have

to the food.

of the seven

virtues

curdling,

the

the sweet,

as,

incomplete

the curd of

curd of boiled milk,

the creamless curd,

relish

been described the

kinds of curd such

the acid, the extremely acid,

is

purga-

and imparts strength to the system and

tive,

It

curd

cream, and

well as the residuary sediment

as

(Mastu).

The Takra Group :The

sweet and acid
taste.

It

in taste,

light,

is

Takra (whey)

and leaves an astringent

appetising and heat-making

is

afterin

its

potency, and has a parchifying effect upon the organism.

Its

curative efficacy

combinative

is

witnessed in cases of chemical or

poisoning,

oedema,

dysentery,

diarrhoea,

jaundice, piles, enlarged spleen, abdominal glands,

non-

relish for food, intermittent fever, thirst, vomiting, water-

brash, colic

and

obesity.

and Kapham, and

its

digestive

is

reaction

It

subdues the deranged V^yu

non-aphrodisiac.

It

is

sweet in

and pleasant to the system.

It

THE SUSHRUTA

438

proves curative
to

the

SAAIHITA'.

in difficult urination,

abuse of

and

emollient medicinal

Chap.

XLV.

in diseases

due

remedies

and

applications.

IVIetrical

Texts

parts of curd and water

to

A compound made of equal

and subsequenth' churned so

have the contained cream or butter

skimmed
thin,

of

is

the

off,

and which

called

Takram.

sweet,

acid

with

the

churned
stance

inherent in

of whey).

The

is

It

and

possesses

is

called

it,

use of

Takram

is

taste blended

Waterless curd,

astringent.

butter

completely

too thick nor too

neither

entire

as

or

creamy

Gholam

{a

prohibited

in

sub-

kind
the

hot season, nor should "it be given to a weak person, nor

to one suffering from an ulcer, or laid up with an attack

of hccmoptysis, or to one suffering from epileptic

fits,

vertigo (Bhrama), or from

the

body.
cold

The

use of

months of the

a burning

sensation

in

Takram

is

3'ear, as

well as to persons suffering

recommended during the

from diseases due to the action of the deranged Kapham,

or

from suppression of stool or

urine,

etc.,

or

from

the effects of the deranged Vayu.

Again sweetened Takram soothes

Pittam and aggravates the Kapham.
subdues the

Vayu and produces

IVIetrical

Texts

disordered V^yu, acid

In

the

deranged

Acid Takram

Pittam.
a case

of deranged or

Takram should be drunk mixed

with rock-salt, and with sugar in disorders of the Pittam,

XLV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

while in a case of deranged Kapliam

439
it

should be mixed

with Yavakshara and the powders of the drugs

TakrakurcMka

as Vyosha.

gent

parchifying and hard to digest.

(^Gr^hi),

Manda

Vayu. The

Takram fcurd-whey)
hypnotic,

Similarly,
taste

aforesaid
is

Morathat and Piyusha?

light,

and

acid

sweet to the

are

in their properties.

astringent.

d3'spnoea, ulcer, piles

Butter (of

It

memory and

of one's

is

appe-

subdues the

It

spermatopoietic,

and

intellectual

cases

capacities.

of consumption, cough,

fecial paralysis.

few days

is

and conduces to the improve-

reaction,

its

proves beneficial in

It

Kilata*

an albuminous substance,

is

deranged Vayu and Pittam.

antacid in

of acom-

sweet, cooling, demulcent, pleasant,

slightly

tising,

ment

whey.

and restorative and aphrodisiac

is

produces

spermatopoietic and subdues V^yu.

Fresh butter (Navanita'i

and

astrin-

and Dadhi

Kurchika

lighter than

is

It

or the residuary sediment

pound made of the

heavy,

(Inspissated milk)

known

increases the quantity of fat

standing)

heav)\

is

It

and Kapham, and imparts

strength and rotundity to the body, and proves especially

wholesome
milk

is

children.

to

the best of

all

oily

Butter

made

of thickened

or (Kshira) substances.

* Boiled milk curdled and subsequently heated and made

It

into a paste

is

called KiMta.

t
till

The milk

of

cow

the seventh day after

till it is

perfectly purified

its

recently delivered
birth, while,

and becomes

fit

it is

of a calf

is

called I'iyusha

subsequently called JNIoratha

for the use of

man.

THE SUSHRUTA

440
is

SAMHITA'.

sweet, cooling and astringent

and proves curative

haemoptysis and eye-diseases.

Cream

subdues

is

palatable,

modifications

been described

and

taste

in

The

of

in detail since

of milk described before.

of similar preparations

is

digestion,

hsemoptj'^sis.

Metrical Texts
these

It

spermatopoietic, demulcent,

heavy and sweet

and proves remedial to

Vayu.

deranged

the

a pleasing (Tarpani tonic,

of

XLV.

Chap.

and imparts softness

to the body, improves the eye-sight,

in

virtues

cow-milk

curdled
it

The

is

and properties

the best of

virtues

made from

all

kinds

and properties
milk of other

the

animals should be regarded as identical

of the milk of the animal out of

have

with those

which they have been

prepared.

Clarified Butter (Ghritam) :~Ghritam

or clarified butter

and potency, and

is

Saumj^'a or

cooling in

mild and sweet.

is

its

essence

slightly

It

in-

creases the slimy secretions of the organs, and acts as a

lubricating moistener, proving efficacious
insanity, epilepsy, colic, fever (chronic)

of the

abdomen from the

urine (Anaha).

It is

and the Pittam.

suppression

in

Ud^varta

and distention
of stool

appetising and subdues the

It

and

Vayu

improves memory, intelligence,

complexion, voice, personal beauty, amiabihty of features

and the principle of strength ;albumen,Ojas)

in the

body.

Chap.

XLV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

It is vitalising, rejuvenating,

It

441

spermatopoietic and heavy.

improves the eyesight, increases the quantity of bodily

Kapham and

the

duration of

life.

regarded as an appeaser of adverse

sacred and

It is

eliminates

It

fate.

is

poison from the body and wards off the invasions

of

monsters and demons.

IVIctrical
of

cow

its

potency.

milk

tonic
its

and invigorating

clarified state,

butter

and

made

the

possesses

Cow-

properties.

the best of

is

in

all

kinds

the milk of a

of

appetising (Dipanam), eye-invigorating and

is

and

is

proves a wholesome diet

It

cases of cough, dyspnoea

h'ght

in

and consumption (any wasting

in

digestion.

Clarified butter

prepared with the milk of a she-buffalo

in digestion,

cool

from

poison

eyesight

made

Vayu and

deranged

eliminate

to

strength-increasing.

disease),

digestion,

subdues the

Clarified

she-goat

in

improves the

excellent

of butter.

and

serves

It

in

sweet

is

system.

butter,

butter

It

and

Pittam,

Texts : Clarified

and proves remedial

is

sweet, heav)"-

in haemoptysis.

It

is

coohng and increases the quantity of bodily Kapham,

and subdues the deranged Vayu and Pittam.

butter made with the milk of a she-camel

and pungent

appetising

the deranged
in

oedema,

affections,

digestion.

anti-toxic,

subdues

It

Vayu and Kapham, and proves

worms

abdominal

butter made with

56

in

is

Clarified

in

the

glands,

the milk

cutaneous

intestines,

and
of

ascites.

a ewe

curative

is

Clarified
light

in

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

442
digestion.
beneficial

diseases

due to

the action

female

of generation.

well

as

(lit

with unbifurcated hoops)

is

which

those

in

with the milk of a mare

appetising,

and

any

and

mammal

female

heat-

in digestion,

light

potency, and astringent

anuretic,

affect the

butter made

Clarified
:

subdues

in

deranged Vayu

the

of

as

organs

proA'es

of rigour, phthisis (Shosha)

cases

in

in its

and

does not enrage Pittam,

It

and Kapham,

making

[Chap. XLV.

in

It

taste.

is

the action of the

deranged Kapham.
Clarified butter
is

possessed of

be regarded

on earth.

and

made with

the milk

e3'e-invigorating

of a

woman

and should

virtues,

divine

ambrosia

It is light (in digestion), anti-toxic,

stomachic,

the

as

constructive.

the milk

of

Clarified

she-elephant

of

protot5'pe

is

astringent

and brings about a suppression of

It is bitter, light,

prepared with

butter

stool

in

taste,

and

urine.

and stomachic (Agnikara), and proves

curative in

cutaneous affections (Kushtha), poisoning,

worms

the intestines, and derangements

in

of

the

Kapham.
Butter churned out of thickened milk and clarified

(Kshira Ghritam)

is

astringent,

and proves

eye-diseases, hcemoptysis, epileptic

fits,

The condensed upper stratum

(

Jhrita-manda)

pain

in

the

acts

as

vagina, ears,

and

or

in

vertigo.

of clarified

laxative,

eyes,

beneficial

cures
in

butter

aching

the head,

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

XLV.]

Chap.

and

recommended

is

^^^

to be used as an errhine, an

enema

or as eye-drops.

Old

clarified

digestion.

It

butter

laxative

is

subdues

the

three

humours, and proves curative

abdominal

insanity,

oedema,

ing,

vagina,

ears,

recommended
and

and

fever,

It

is

in

bodily
obesity,

fits,

chemical poison-

aching

in

eyes or head.
to be

deranged

in epileptic

dropsy,

hysteria,

and pungent

pain

in

the

appetising and

used as eye-drops

and

is

enema,

for sternutatory purposes.

Authoritative verses on the subject: Old or matured clarified butter proves

curative

ni

catarrh, fever,

cases

to

butter),

the

called the

preceding kind,

(the

great

said

to

be

warding

off'

Ghritam

is

curative

in

clarified

and Kushtam,

in

malignant

planets.

of

from eleven to a hundred

Kumbha Gritam

the

which
is

the

called

of

possessed

(Pitcher clarified

older than

is

the one of

Maha GLritam

Kumbha Ghritam

butter).

the

mystic

highly efficacious,
the disease

known

and baneful

sacred,
as

and

Timira.

of

Maha

specifically
It acts as

malignant influences of

planets,

is

potency

the invasions of monsters, while the

prophylactic against the

evil spirits

fits,

hysteria

influence

while that,

dyspnoea,

Serena),

mental aberration, and

butter matured

Clarified
is

(Gutta

cough, epileptic

of poisoning,

ascribed

years

Timira

all

and should be taken

THE SUSHRUTA

^^^
by men

in

whom V^yu
Kapham,

deranged

SAAIHITA.

predominates.

and

XLV.

Chap.

subdues the

It

improves the strength and

intellect.

The

Group : Oils,

Oil

which belong to the

category of fiery (Agneya) substances, are hot or heat-

making
and

in their potencies, irritating,

digestion,

pleasant.

and sweet

in taste

and are constructive (Vrinhanam), and

They expand through

the entire system im-

mediately after being drunk or rubbed (Vyavayi), and are

subtile, clear,

They tend

heavy, and laxative (Sara).

expand the bone-joints and contribute to

to

and

their free

easy movements (Vik^si). They act as spermatopoietics

(Vrishyam), and purify the skin, improve the

memory,

and impart softness to the skin and complexion.

are flesh-making and

strength-imparting,

the firmness of the body.

invigorating

virtues,

and

They
are

are

and increase

possessed of eye-

anuretic,

liquefacient

They

(Lekhana), bitter and stomachic (P^chana).

V^yu and Kapham.

duce a

They

They

slight Pittam, leaving

relieve

are

vermifuge and

an astringent

agents in respect

act

as

cure
pro-

after-taste.

aching pain in the head, ears,

female organs of generation (Yoni),

They

and the
purifying

of the uterus, and prove curative in

urticaria.

The
cut,

use

cleft,

of

sesamum

punctured,

oil is

recommended

severed,

lacerated,

in cases of

blistered,

thrashed or contused wounds and ulcers, and in burns

XLV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

445

and scalds whether due to the application of heat

or

any vesicant alkaline

of wild beasts and* birds,

baths, unguents

etc.,

and

as

as

in

bites

and act beneficially

enematas

be

should

(Vasti), eye-drops,

as well as in seasoning soups, curries

and

used

in

ear-drops,

cordials, etc.

the bodily Vayu.

It pacifies

Castor Oil
appetising.

is

is

the

internal

irritating

It

is

and

after-taste,

a cleansing agent in respect of

channels of the body, and

and

(Vipaka),

potency \

its

pungent astringent

It acts as

subtile.

to the skin.

sweet, hot in

leaves a

It

and

is

wholesome

spermatopoietic, sweet in digestion

rejuvenating.

purifies

It

vagina, and

removes vaginal and uterine

contributes

to

the

preservation

of

the

semen,

and

disorders,

sound health.

It

improves the memory, complexion and intellect (of

user),

subdues the bodily

cleanses

in

and lubrications.

Metrical Texts : Oil

snuffing,

as well

solution,

the

system from

Vayu
all

and

Kapham,

and

principles

injurious

its

by

inducing purging.
Oils obtained from the seeds of

Nimba, Atasi, Mulaka,

Jimutaka, Vrikshaka, Kritavedhana, Arka, Kampillaka,

Hastikarna,

Prilhvika,

Sarsapa, Suvarchala,
are irritating, light,

and pungent
laxative,

in taste

Pilu,

Karanja, Ingudi,

Shigru,

Vidanga or of Jyotishmati seeds,

non -heat-making
and digestion.

and prove curative

in

in

their potency,

They
diseases

act as a

due to

good
the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

446
deranged

V.-Cyu,

Kapham,

or

well

as

as

XLV.

[Chap.

cases

in

of

Kushtha, Prameha, head disease, and intestinal parasites.

Texts : Ksliaiima

IVIetrical
sweet.
giving,

subdues the bodily V^yu and

It

and pungent

in

invigorating properties,

heavy.

It increases

Mustard
proves

oil

is

curative

and

light,

and

itch

in

acts

disorders,

ment

is

and

its

the

affects
user.

pungent

It

affections,

pungent, appetising

Oil obtained from the seeds

is

proves curative

and

eyesight of
flowers

a vermifuge,

as a vermifuge.

cutaneous

(liquefacient).

It

an}' eye-

the Pittam.

and Lekhana

in taste.

is

hot tliough demulcent, and

it is

Kapham and fat, and is

is

oil

strength-

is

Devoid of

digestion.

reduces V^yu,

of Ingudi

(Linseed)

and

light,

in

slightly bitter

Kushtha and

parasitic

semen

strength,

and the

The oil obtained from Kushnmbha

in digestion

and leads to the derange-

of all the bodily humours. It

in its reaction (Vidahi).

It is

is

and acid

irritating,

devoid of any eye-cleans-

ing property and brings on haemoptysis.

The Oils obtained from the

Vibhitaka,

N^rikela,

Karvudara, Surjavalli,

and Kushm^nda

Kola,

Kirata-tiktaka, Atimuktaka,

Akshoda,

Trapusa,

seeds, etc.

Jivanti,

Erv^ruka,

are sweet in taste,

Piydla,

Karkaru,

potency

and digestion, and tend to pacify the deranged V4yu and

Pittam. Cooling in their potency, they increase the slimy
secretions of the organs, impair digestion,

copious evacuation of stool and urine.

and help the

Chap.

XLV.

The

SUTRASTHANAM.

the

Oils of

Madhuka

447
Kishmarya, and

(Maula),

Palasha seeds are sweet and astringent.

They

Kaph^m and

oils

the deranged

Tuvaraka and Bhallataka

and astringent, and leave a

The

Pittam.

pacif}^

the

of

heat-making, sweet

are

ptove

bitter after-taste. The}^

curative in diseases due to the action of deranged V^Cyu

and Kapham, as well

and

affections,

both

b}' their

as in

intestinal

Meha, cutaneous

obesity,

worms, and cleanse the system

The

emetic and purgative actions.

obtained from the piths (Sara

of such trees as, Sarala,

Devadaru, Gandira, Shiushapa and Aguru, are

and

pungent

astringent

Oils

their

in

and

tastes,

purifying agents in respect of bad ulcers.

bitter,

act

as

The}' prove

curative in skin diseases and destroy the deranged Va)^!,

Kapham, and
the

seeds

of

worms.

intestinal

Tumvi,

The

Oils obtained from

Koshamra, Danti,

Dravanti,

Shyama, Saptala, Nilika, Kampiilaka, and Siiankhini,

are bitter, pungent

serve to

cleanse

and astringent

the

system from

baneful principles through

They

act as purifying

ulcers,

their

tends to subdue
bitter,

and

and

parasitic
all

acts as a

liquefacient.

in

diseases

due

good

complaints.

elixir.

It

is

to

the

in skin-diseases

Yavatikata-oil

the deranged humours,

It is

and

purgative properties.

deranged V^yu and Kapham, as well as

and

impurities

all

agents in respect of malignant

and prove curative

(Kushtha),

They

in their tastes.

is

slightly

appetising, acid,

holy and wholesome (Pathyam),

and serves to improve the memory of

its

user.

The

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

448

From Ekaishika

Oil

seeds

cooling. It subdues the Pittam,

mango

stones

aromatic.

slightly bitter

is

the

increases

The

and aggravates the V^yu.

in

Kapham

Oil of the seeds

taste,

of

and extremely

subdues the Va}^! and Kapham.

It

xLv.

Chap.

and extremely

sweet,

is

It

is

sweet and astringent, palatable, and not

parchifying,

highly Pittam-making.

IVIetrical
the

Texts

The therapeutic properties of

from the seeds of

oils

fruits,

which have not been

should be

specifically described in the present chapter,

considered

identical with

as

those of

the

seeds of which they have been so pressed out.

vegetable

regarded

(Sneha)

oils

possessed

as

bodily Vayu,

specifically

oil

the most

of subduing the

the virtue

belong to Besainum

commendable of

very word,

as the

be

and they possess some of the properties,

which
is

or

All the

above should

described
of

fruits

which

all

signifies

oil.

Sesamum

oils

inasmuch

oil

(Tailam),

is

etymologically derived from Tilam (sesamum).

The

oil,

myosin

(Vasd),

fat,

marrow, and Ghritam

obtained from animals, which live

or frequent the

in villages

(Gramya),

marshy swamps (Anupa), or are aquatic

in their habits, are

heavy, heat- making in their

potency, and sweet in taste.

They subdue the bodily

(Audoka)

Vayu, while those

deer,

etc.)

or

obtained

carnivorous

from J^ngala (such

animals,

or

as

from those

possessed of unbifurcated hoofs, are light, cool

in

their

Chap.

XLV.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

potenc}', astringent in taste,

The

of haemoptysis.

Pratuda and

and prove curative

marrow,

fat,

Vishkira

449

species

of animals of the

etc.

pigeons^

(doves,

reduce the bodily

Kapham. Of

myosin

and marrow of animals

(Vasa),

fat

cases

in

etc.)

butter,

clarified

oil,

eacli

is

and possesses a greater power of

heavier in digestion,

subduing the bodily Vayu than the one immediately

preceding

in the order of enumeration.

it

The Honey Group

Honey

leaves an astringent after-taste.

stomachic,

cosmetic, tonic, light,

ulcers

and eyes,

permeate

all

organism.

is

softening, palatable,

and healing agent

in

It

is

and

antifat

pacifies

cougli, dysentery,

vermifuge,

antitoxic

the

to

its

lightness

and proves a good

it

in

deranged
hiccough,

vomiting and

and

influences the subduing of the three

Owing

of

the minutest channels and capillaries of the

Meha, dyspnoea,
is

respect

and tends to

aphrodisiac, astringent,

Pittam and Kapham, and proves curative

It

cold,

and fermenting (Sandhanam).

liquefacient (Lekhanan),
It acts as a purifying

parchifying,

It is

and

sweet,

is

thirst.

demulcent,

and

deranged humours.

subdues the deranged Kapham,

antidote to

and Pittam owing to

its

the

sliminess,

deranged Vayu
sweetness

and

astringent taste.

IVIetrical

Texts

Eight

different

honey are commonly used

such

Bhr^maram,

Mdkshikam,

57

Kshaudram,

as,

the

kinds

of

Pauttikam,

Chh^tram,

THE SUSHRUTA

450

Argh3'am, Auddalakam

SAMHITA'.

and

Puttikas,

Of

Dalam.*

honey obtained from the hives of

bees,

[Chap.

XLV.

these the

known

the

as

hot and parchifying owing to their habit

is

of sucking the juice or sap of flowers and plants without

eliminating therefrom other foreign or poisonous matter,

might

that

mixed with
acid in

its

become naturally

have

This kind of honey

it.

re-action,

acts

It

extremely heavy owing to

and slimy character,

Kshaudram

more

liquefacient

as the

or

dis-

Bhramaram,

is

extremely sweet taste

its

while

the

one known

the

as

extremely cool, light and liquefacient.

is

Honey known

as

Honey, known

agent.

and

intoxicating

and tends to aggravate the Vayu,

blood and Pittam.

cutient

is

accidentally

or

as the

Makshikain

efficacious than the

is

lighter,

dryer and

honey of the preceding

class

(Kshaudram), and proves specially benencial in cases

Honey, known

of dyspnoea, etc.
*
is

(l)

the Chhatram,

honey obtained from hives of

of

is

large, yellow bee*,

called the Pauttikam.

(2)

species
(3)
is

The kind

as

The kind
is

called

The kind

called the
(4)

of

honey obtained from hives of bees of the Bhramara

Bhramaram.
of honey ol^tained from hives of small, tawny

The kind

of honey obtained from the hives of large,

the jNIakshik^ species

(5)

The kind

of

(6)

(7)

is

(8)

called

The honey obtained from

The kind
is

called

hives

the
is

called

of thin-mouthed bees

of

called

bees

of the

brown bees

of

Auddalakam.

honey found accumulated

D^lam.

of

Arghyam.

of honey obtained from the hives of small

is

of

Chhdtram.

species often found in ant-hills

The kind

brown bees

Makshikam,

honey obtained from the umbrella shaped hives

the Uddiilakam species

plants

called

is

of the Chhatra species

Argha

brown bees

Kshaudram.

in

leaves

of honey-bearing

Chap.

XLV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

451

sweet in digestion, heav}", cooling and slimy.

acts

It

as a vermifuge, proves curative in haemoptysis, psoriasis

and Meha, and

is*

known

Arghyam

as the

is

highly beneficial to the eye.

is

astringent

is

a bitter

in

properties

It is a gi^eater

subduer of

and

tonic

other kind

and pungent

taste,

does

improves the voice and

in digestion.

relish for food. It

It

its

is

laxative,

Kapham.
and

is

antitoxic,

It is

of

constructive

pungent

is

D^lam,

as the

cases

in

in

and

heat-mak-

is

in

digestion.

parchifying and proves

vomiting and Meha.

and aphrodisiac,

acts as

Fresh
a mild

and to a small extent subdues the deranged

Old honey

reduces

is

and

fat

attained a thickened

of time

and

Pittam,

Honey, known

honey

Vayu

potency, and acid and astringent in taste.

generates

beneficial

It

Auddalakam

the

as

proves curative in cutaneous affections.

ing in

of honey,

generate

not

Honey known

system.

the

possessed of

Kapham than any

Pittam and

Honey

possessed of a high efficacy.

astringent
obesity.

or

and

liquefacient,

Honey,

condensed

that

state

(Pakka Madhu), tends to subdue

in

has

course

the three

deranged humours, while thin and im matured honey

(Ama Madhu)
and

tends

possessed

to

is

the

agitate

humours of the body.

of

contrary
three

In conjunction with

properties,

fundamental

many

other

drugs and medicinal remedies, honey proves curative in

various diseases, and partakes of the virtues of the drugs
or substances with

which

it

is

so used (Yoga-Vahika).

THE SUSHRUTA

4^2

Honey

making bees
and
in

On

other hand, the honey-

the

from the sap and juice of flowers

cull it

which are incompatible with one another

plants,

nature,

of their

respect

from

poisonous
after

the

For these reasons, and

of

fact

contact with heat or

u^e of hot or boiled honey

Metrical Texts
contact in

Used

virtue.

or

year,

prove

sure to

made

injurious

and

coolness,

and

flowers

heat,

like

and

further

from

serves

kinds of

honey

(except

Arghyam Madhu).

inasmuch
the

Texts : For

imbibed

it

is

lioney,

the

of

honey

is

is

specially

its

placidity

reason of
variety

its

of

injurious character

the

one known as

other hot substance,

intended in such a
instead

in

emetic purposes honey

administered with any

as

of

or

water (rain-water),

impart an

the

be

sap

to

all

Wletrical

the

to

the

for

Atmospheric

plants.

to

may

Honey

poison.

by hot contact owing

collected

being

like

fatal

injurious

state,

season

hot

the

poisonous

similar

heated

or

its

heated state of the body,

in

On account of

during

or

hot country,

forbidden.

a boiling

in

injurious

and accordingly the

fire,

honey exerts a

origin

its

is

by

prepared

being

it

becomes positively

honey

bees,

potency and

virtue,

taste,

re-actionary (chemical) effect.

further

XLV.

Chap.

not collected from the flowers of any

is

species.

particular

SAMHITA'.

of being

case

retained

that
or

Chap.

XLV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

453

digested in the stomach, should be ejected immediately

after its use.*
*

Undigested honey

more

is

greater discomfort than

the stomach,

in

more

all

rise to

painful, or gives

other undigested substances

so because internal fermenfation

and use of hot water, which are usually resorted to

a case of deranged digestion, can not be used in

it

in

case

owing to

of undigested honey retained in the stomach,

the poisonous nature

of the chemical change

(Vip^ka)

undergoes therein in contact with hot substances

Hence, undigested honey

in general.

as fatal as

is

any

poison.

The Sugar-cane group

sweet

taste

in

and digestion, heavy,

strength-giving,

haemoptysis,

in

in the

is

cool, demulcent,

and

spermatopoietic,

Kapham

produces

:- Sugar cane

diuretic.

It

and proves remedial

bod}",

and helps the germination of worms

in the intestines.

Metrical text
sugar-cane such

Shataporaka,

Though

thinks

it

stomach

still

safe

for

Dirghapatraka,
shall

the use of honey with

many an experienced
to

refrain

from

its

deal

hot

of

species

use, lest

it

Suchi-

Nilapora,

with

substances

physician

a considerable time, or find out

with the stool.

many

are

the Paundraka, Bhiruka, Vanshaka,

Now we

Koshakrit.

There

K^ntara, Tapasekshu, Kastekshu,

Naipala,

patraka,

such cases,

as,

is

of the

the

specific

not forbidden

Ayurvedic

might be retained

downward

and

outlet

in

scliool
in

and pass

the
off

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

'

454

of each

virtues

Paundraka and Bhiruka

tion.

It

giving rise to

properties

as

alkaline

two

the
in

is

foregoing

and Tapasa

the

while

and

is

species

though

that

the

of

found to subdue

The Sugar-cane

of the Kdntara

possessed of the same virtues

is

of the Vanshaka

that

ones,

more heat-making than

little

that of the preceding class,

the deranged Vayu.

Sugar-

possessed of similar

is

constitution,

its

Shatapora species

as

The

heavy and spermatopoietic.

is

is

imperfect gastric diges-

cane of the Vanshaka species

little

Kapham and

produces

It

the

of

cooHng, sweet, demul-

t^-pes is

cent and constructive.

laxative without

The Sugar-cane

them.

of

XLV.

[Chap.

Kastekshu species

The Sugar-cane

class.

identical

is

in

its

of

properties

with that of the aforesaid Vanshaka

class,

tends to agitate the bodil)" Va3'u.

The Sugar-cane

of the Suchipatra,

the
in

Kapham and
taste

and

digestion).

heavy

(in

in

the

Pittam.

It

indigestible

cases of haemopt5^sis

Sugar-cane

is

at the middle,

The

juice

is

slightly

rise to

astringent

acidity

after

of the Koshakara species

cooling

digestion),

system, and subdues

(gives

The Sugar-cane

it

Naipala and Dirghpatra

Nilapora,

produces Vayu

species

though

and proves curative

and wasting diseases

is

in

in general.

extremely sweet about the roots, sweet

and

saline at the tops

of a

and

joints.

sugar-cane when' eaten raw

marked by any acid

reaction

after

digestion.

is

not
It

is

SUTRASTHANAM.

XLV.]

Chap.

spermatopoietic, and subdues the

and

is

otherwise pressed* out

The

and

of

juice

It

and heavy.

of the organs, acts as a flesh-builder,

spermatopoietic properties.

It

alkali.

as

acts

treacle

sweet

demulcent and

deranges

bodil}''

purifier

Kapham, and corpulency,

(Shuddha) treacle

is

sweet

in

simul-

little

It

the blood and

of

and

It
is

increases

possessed

White and

taste,

and

of

purified

purifies

the

subdues the deranged Vayu and Kapham, and

one of the most wholesome

increases with

The

all

humours.

Pittam as well.

the

tonic and spermatopoietic properties.

is

devoid of

is

subdues the deranged Vayu and, to a slight

extent,

It

and

and not too cooling.

taste

in

is

It

blood.

sweet in

found to be charged with a

It

urine.

fat,

is

is

brings about a

taneous derangement of the three

Common

inspissated or

the slimy secretions

increases

It

iiTine.

digestion,

in

(Phanitam)

half boiled juice of sugar-cane

long

and demulcent.

The

Kapham.

subdues the Vayu and

taste

heavy

is

and

of stool

properties, keen,

possessed of laxative

is

followed by reactionary

is

sugar-cane

ripe

digestion,

in

evacuation

arrests the

sugar-cane

of

juice

heavy

is

retained in the stomach, and

acidity,

Vayu and the Kapham,

The

pleasant to the taste.

455

its

diets for

man.

Its efficacy

years.

different modifications

of treacle such

as,

the

Matsandika, Khamda, and Sharkara (sugar) which are

progressivly

more

refined,

should be deemed as gaining

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

456
more

perties,

and getting heavier

and

frigorific,

beneficial in cases of ha3moptysis.

of treacle should be attributed

as,

its

power of producing

The

efficacy.

laxativeness, etc., should be

proportional to

refinement,

its

virtues

of

regarded as

freedom from alkaline

and the actual quantity of sweetening matter

saturation,
(lit.

and

refinement

sugar such

are successively

belonging to each of these modifications

as specially

own

They

Texts :To the properties considered

lYIctrica!

its

XLV.

each of the

in digestion in

successive stages of refinement.

more

Chap,

demulcent and aphrodisiac pro-

cooling,

in their

substance) contained in

it.

Sugar prepared from concentrated honey (Madhu

parchifying and liquefacient.

Sharkara)

is

beneficial

in

pleasant,

has

sweet

cases
a

vomiting

of

proves

dysentery,

and astringent

sweet

in digestion.

and

It

taste,

and

is
is

Sugar prepared from a decoction of

Yavasa Sharkara (Duralabha) has a sweet and astringent

leaves

taste,

bitter

laxative properties,

and

is

possessed

of

and subdues the deranged Kapham.

All kinds of sugar tend

in the

after-taste,

to

assuage burning sensations

body, and prove curative in hoemoptysis, vomiting,

epileptic

extract

fits,

and

thirst.

(Phanitam)

of

regarded as parchifying.

and subdues Kapham.

digestive transformation,

The sweet and concentrated

Modhuka

flowers

It produces
It

is

sweet,

should be

Vayu and Pittam,

astringent in

and deranges the blood.

its

XLV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Madya Varga

Wines and spirits):

wine are acid

All species of

They

in

taste,

and appetising.

Pittam, and impart a greater relish

generate

They

to one's food.

457

act as mild purgatives, subdue^ the

deranged Vayu and Kapham, and are pleasing, exhilarating and diuretic.

They

and give

are light in digestion

re-actionary acidity.

They

stimulate

organs,

the

sense

describe

specifically

a kind of

are keen and heat-making,

joints

and

Now

hear

the properties of each

kind

expand the

increase the discharge of urine

me

rise to

and

stool.

of wine.

Metrical Texts : The

Madvirkam and
and

as grapes

is

not

cases

]-.cpared --.n the

raisins,

of reactionary

does not

acidity

forbidden

by

after

its

It

easy

of

digestion,

"^

acts

.ise

use,

nuits

aiv...

any

to

sort

and accordingly
even

physicians

has a

leaves an astringent after-taste.

and

jiu>.v.

gi'

learned

ha3moptysis.

of

wine knov"

sweet

taste,

in

and

It is parchifying, light

as

proves curative in chronic fevers,

an aperient, and
phthisis

and other

wasting diseases.

The wine prepared from the

(Kharjuram) possesses
different

juice of the date

properties,

which are

from those of the preceding kind.

to enrage the bodily Vayu,

to one's food,

58

and reduces

is clear,

fat

slightly
It

and imparts a

and Kapham.

palm

tends
relish

It is light,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

45

and astringent

has a sweet

taste,

Chap.

XLV.

and

pleasing

is

aromatic and increases the agility of the limbs and

organs.

wine known

The

mine.

woman and

of

of the

diseases

White Sura

^ugcii

,^^|

the

may

non-relish
or about

the

of stool and
obstinate

.'

in

as

of

vomiting,

aching or colic pain at the sides

or

constipation

constipation,

flatus,

as well as in

prepared from Madhulika

all

cases of

(a

kind

heavy and generates Kapham

is

long

the

lYavasura)

to enrage the bodily

is

in

suppression

and derangement of the bodily

dry and slightly generates Kapham.

retained

blood.

of

The wine known

advantage

with

cardiac region,
urine

up new

and increases the quan-

body.

generates PiLtam and tends

is

It builds

The wine prepared from barley

Vayu.

It

cases of cough,

cream or the limpid surface

(the

food,

effect,

the

be taken
for

all

and increases the quantity

its

types of

all

wasting diseases.

in

dyspnoea and catarrh.

of Kaphaln^

Sura)

proves beneficial in

P'guic in

Prasinna

the breast milk

purifies

It

blood, as well as

tissues,

is*gii1[}ii!

tity

subdues the deranged Vayu and

used with benefit in

is

piles, diarrhoea,

It

It

and appetising.

tonic

and

chronic indigestion and diarrhoea,

piles,

retention of
is

of rice-

other fermenting drugs) proves curative in

paste and

cough,

the Sura (made

as

of
in

The wine

small

the

stomach, and

Vayu.

barley)

body.
arrests

It

the

XLV.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

and

evacuation of stool

from

prepared
is

The

urine.

bark

the

459

Vibhitaka

of

trees

parchifying, digestant, and slightly produces

It

known

Kohala

the

as

brings

on

etc.)

Kapham.

The wine

possessed of aphrodisiac properties.

is

^vine

Ahshiki

simultaneous

the

derangement of the three fundamental bodily humours,

is

pleasant

and

possessed

is

wine known

of

aphrodisiac

Jagala

as the

wine)

of

residue
in its

the taste, acts as a purgative (Bhedya)

to

un(lerl3nng

(the

and

astringent

is

potency, and acts as a digestant.

and proves beneficial

The

properties.

dregs

heat-making

It is parchifying,

cough, thirst and phthisis.

in

or

It

is

the taste, cures diarrhoea, distention of the

pleasant to

stomach, piles and oedema.

It

forms and subdues the

deranged Vayu as well.

The wine known

Vakkasa

undigested in the stomach

/-"'"^^^'I'-'^.long

t''om the juice

owing

good

and

appetiser

iing

't

tends to

pithless.

enrage

It

heavy

is

known

as the

and

slightly

Guda Sidhu

sweet and astringent

digestant.
in

its

tising
is

the

Sugar

taste,

and

wine

increases

diuretic.

(lit

It

sweet

exhilarating,

action

taste,

rouses

A.T.)

The

intoxicating.

wine

(prepared with the boiled

and Dhataki

of sugar-cane

juice

is

the deranged

Vayu, and acts as a purgative and diuretic tonic.

It

the

as

flowers,

and acts
Sharkara

one's relish

etc.

has

as an appetiser

and

is

sweet

for food, is

appe-

Sidhu)

subdues the deranged Vayu and

in

digestion,

and

increases

up) of the sense organs.

The

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

460
wine known

Pakka Rasa Sidhu

the

as

improves

It

and

strength to the system

It

is

Kapham and

of

cases

in

The wine known

the

as

piles

with

anti-epispastic,

and reduces

swellings.

of piles.

etc.

and

and proves

The wine known

(prepared from

light

a decoction

improved

and

with

the

+l-ie

astringent,

the blood.

cases

in

Akshika

of Vi^^Ve

urine

flatus,

Sidhu

wme"ith treacle

limpid si^Dhataki)

and jaundice.

It

and has a sweet and astringent

subdues the deranged Pittam and

It

taste.

an

tonic, proves

beneficial

the

as

proves beneficial in cases of ulcer

is

as

acts

and abdominal dropsy, improves the

(Vivandha),

stool

prepared

kinds

sugar- cane j,

of

(pre-

of Sugar-cane in con-

complexion, removes the suppression of

and

food.

beneficial

and a digestant and vocal

curative in adeina

one's

and proves

preceding

the

from the boiled juice

imparts

Sheeta Rasika Sidhu

pared from the unboiled juice

tradistinction

to

relish

pleasant, laxative_, appetising

possessed

and

complexion

the

is

XLV.

Chap.

kinds (Sharkar^

of properties similar to the preceding

Sidhu).

The wine known

as the

purifies

Jamvava Sidhu

fwine prepared from the expressed juice of the Jambalin

fruit,

decoction

Dh^taki flowers,

etc.) is

of urine, has an

the bodily Va}^!.

f

Asava

distilled

pleasant,

and

of

coriander seeds,
anuretic,

treacle

reduces the

and

quantity

astringent taste, and tends to enrage

The wine known

as the

Surasava

with wine instead of with water)

diuretic.

It

subdues

the

is

keen,

deranged

Chap.

XLV.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Kapham,

V^yii and
is

intoxicating

the deranged Vayii alone, and

or

and

palatable,

of

possessed

The

povier.

Madhvasava wine

more

durable

known

wine

light,

is

46,

tends to disintegrate the

knotty accumnlations or collections of phlegm

and

proves

curative

Meha

in

the

as

(Cl^hedi),

(unhealth)^ discharges

from the urethra), cutaneous affections, and poisoning

(antitoxic).

astringent,

It
is

has a taste blended of the sweet and the

keen and anti-epispastic, and does not

generate an abnormal quantity of

The wine known

the

as

and honey)

has a sweet and astringent taste.

glands

piles,

It is antifat

digestion,

the

in

system.

Maireya (prepared from the

Paishtisura, treacle- made spirit

proves curative in

Vayu

keen, and

is

and

It is intoxicating,

Kapham and Gulma

and a vermifuge, and

and subdues the deranged Vayu.

(abdominal

heavy

is

Wines

in

pre-

pared from the juice of grapes or sugar-cane (Ikshu

or

Dhrakshasava)

Sidhu

complexion.

Madhuka

tonic

and

deranged Pittam, and

subdue the
the

are

flowers

be digested, and

is

is

(wine)

choleric.

serve

to

They
improve

prepared from the

parchifying, takes a

long time

to

followed by an

re-action.

It

acid

improves the strength and digestive capacity, and has an

astringent taste.
serves

to

It

subdues the deranged Kapham, and

aggravate

the

Vayu and

Pittam.

Wines

prepared from the distilled juice of bulbs or roots should

be deemed as possessed of properties pertaining to them

individually.

New

wine

is

heavy, bad smelling, insipid,

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

462

TEIE

unpleasant,

unpalatable,

slini}^

secretions of the organs.

humours of the
and

and tends to

is

It

the

be digested,

Wine

is

sweet-

an appetiser, and brings on a relish

pleasant and a

channels

internal

increase

bod}', takes a long tim<3 to

smelli.vig, acts as

It is

XLV.

enrages the deranged

followed by an acid re-action. Old

food.

[Chap.

of the

for

vermifuge, and cleanses

the

organism.

and

It

light

is

subdues the deranged Vayu and Kapham.

The

(fermented liquor)
concerted action
its

is

It

the

is

laxative

abdominal

stomach,

spleen,

indigestion

entering

It

subdues the

and not

hostile to the

and

dropsy,

piles.

distention

colicpain,
fever,

enlarged

Asava wine prepared

from the drugs known as the Pippali,

(Pippaly^di

etc.

Asava) proves curative in

Gulma (abdominal

and diseases

deranged

Aristhas
speciall)''

of

into

deranged humours of

proves beneficial in

of the

owing to the

of drugs

good appetiser.

Vayu and Kapham and

Pittam.

Arishta

proves curative in a large number

It

of diseases, tends to subdue

and

the

as

highly efficacious

is

of a variety

composition.

the bod}',

known

of wine

species

due to the
other

therapeutic

glands)

Kapham.

virtues

will

The
be

described later on in chapters on Therapeutics

(Chikitsitam).

An

experienced physician should pre-

scribe the different species of

Asava, Sidhu,

etc.,

in

wine such

different

as,

diseases

tion of the therapeutic properties of drugs,

the Aristha,

in

considera-

which enter

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XLV.]

which they have been

into their composition, or with

purified,

and according

463

each of them would be

as

indicated in practice.

The

kinds

following

of

wine should always be

such as are thick, bad smelling, or insipid

rejected

viz.,

or

of worms, or

heavy and acid

pleasant, new, strong

and heat-making

or

full

which have been preserved

which

been

have

number of

lesser

ingredients

well as the dregs of

number

of ingredients,

marked by

have been iTecanted

a comparatively

prepared from
or that

which

is

Kapham.

a deep yellow colour

heavy

deemed

The wine which

is

strong and hot,

only imperfectly digested and followed

b}^

kind of

tends to aggravate the Pittam.

acid re-action.

It

wine, which

frothy or putrified, heavy

is

lesser

slimy,

to be digested, should be

as an agitator of the bodily

is

or

comparatively

kinds of wine.

all

and takes a long time

is

with

extremely slimy or transparent, as

over-night, or are

The wine

in their potency,

an improper vessel, or

in

prepared

digestion, un-

in

worms

or

The

insipid or

is

marked by the germination

is

decanted over-night, tends to enrage or agitate the

bodily

Vayu.

The

wine

of

which

in

is

its

body, or

well-matured,

and possessed of

its

of improving the

appetite and bringing on a relish

food,

characteristic taste,

and the virtue

for

and which subdues the Vayu and Kapham, and

mild, good,

is

aromatic and exhilarating, should be re-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

464

garded as the only wine

divided into a variety
different

wine

and

tastes

by

promoted

the

reaches the heart

according to their

The potency

strength.

XLV.

Wines may be

for use.

of species

bodily

upward through the

courses

lity

fit

Chap.

heat

of

of

man

and ultimately

arteries,

and thence, through

and expansiveness, permeates the

own

its

subti-

entire organism

and gradually attacks and overwhelms the organs of

sense perception, dethrones the
reason, usurps the

mind from her throne

permanent seat of

brings on intoxication.*

A man

A man

of

such

while

the

bilious

temparament

circumstances,

tipsy after his

gets

of

first

cup.

Vayu

is

A man

and

compassion.

Prakriti\

easily
is

intoxicated,

marked by

found

often

to

be

of a Sattvika frame of

under the influence of wine, a decided

exhibits

predilection for fine dress, jollity,

He

desire for female

sings, or

and

reads, or

acts of purity

A man of a

company.

ous in his cups,

indulges in

evinces suicidal tendencies

and

evinces a strong

Rajasika frame

mind becomes extremely melancholy

of

well,

(Pitta

man whose temperament

predominance

mind

wine

his

of intoxication usually appear later in him.

under

and thus

intellect,

of phlegmatic tempera-

ment (Kapha-prakriti) can carry

symptoms

of

despondent

or

pugnaci-

reveries,

and

while wine in a subject of

a Tamasika cast of mind exhibits the latent and innate

*

These couplets

emphatically prove

that

the

framers of ancient

-Ayurveda were fully conversant with the circulation of the blood

Tr,

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

XLV.]

when

own

intoxicated, falsely boasts of his

and evinces a
is

Such a person generally sleeps

of his soul.

vileness

465

women

de5ire for

excellence,

whom

with

connection

forbidden by both social and canonical laws.

Fermented

honey, fermented

new and

known

liquors

rice gruel,

as

the

Shukta

(treacle,

and curd cream kept

clean vessel underneath a bushel of

in

paddy

a
for

three consecutive days) bring on an attack of haemoptysis.

They

Kapham,
and

lumps or knots of accumulated

disintegrate the

are

digestant and prove

diseases due to the

are light

pungent

derangement of Kapham.

They

and vermifugenous, and strong and heat making

potency.

in their

in jaundice

curative

They

act as diuretic, are pleasant,

and

Bulbs and roots pickled in Shukta

in digestion.

acquire the properties

of the latter.

Of

the Shuktas

prepared with treacle, juice of sugar-cane, or honey, each

preceding one should be deemed heavier and as giving
rise to greater secretions

of internal organs than the one

immediately following

in

The
the

it

different kinds of

the order of enumeration.

fermented rice gruel

Tushamvu and Sauvira

beverages.

worms

They prove

are pleasant

heart.

as

and appetising

efficacious in cases of jaundice,

in the intestines, dysentery, piles,

affecting the

known

They

and

are possessed

in diseases

of purgative

(Bhedi) properties.

The fermented
is

gruel

known

a good appetiser (tonic

59

as the

D. R)

Dhanyamlam

owing to the

fact

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

^66
of

As a

being a preparation of paddy.

its

alleviates

plaster,

subdues the V^yu and Kapliam, and

it

thirst.

Used as

for reducing

a gargle

it

Kapham owing to

keenness.

its

good appetiser and

enemata (Asthapanam).

is

dissolvent,

sense of
thirst,

possessed

is

advantageously used as an

It is

very wholesome to sea-

men.

faring

The Urine Group

: The

buffaloes, goats, sheep, mules, horses,

commonly hot and

and

are light

prove curative

Vayu

light

It is

exhaustion and bad taste from the mouth, allays

of purgative virtues, and

alla3's

forms one of the best remedies

of digestion, acts as a deodorant, removes the

They

it

the burning sensation of the skin, and as a

potion

acts as a

XLV.

Chap.

or

obesity,

bitter,

of

and leave a

are

saline after-taste.

and

will

due to the derangement of the

as well as in

poisoning,

cows,

and camels*

are used as piu-ifying agents,

in diseases

Kapham,

urine

worms

in the

abdominal glands,

intestines,

piles,

ascites,

cutaneous affections, oedema, non-relish for food, and

jaundice.

In general they act as cardiac

stimulants

(Hridyam) and appetisers.

Authoritative verses on the Subject : They

have a

saline

are all pungent, strong,

after-taste.

They

act

as

hot,

light

and

blood- piu-ifiers

or disinfecting agents, reduce corpulency, act as vermi* The urine of a cow, she-buffalo, ewe and she-goat should be taken
and used, while similar secretions of the male should be taken where

man, camel and elephant should be indicated.

Chap.

XLV.

fiiges

SUTRASTHANAM.

and are

They prove

and Kapham.

the deranged

Vayu

of

piles,

cases

beneficial in

abdominal tumours, oedema and non- relish

ascites,

They prove

food.

They subdue

anti-toxic.

467

cardiac

beneficial

jaundice,

in

and

for

act

as

and are possessed of appetising,

stimulants,

purgative and stomachic virtues.

The

does not generate

with

cow

urine of a

It

alkali.

is

pungent, strong and hot, and

Vayu on account

being saturated

its

stomachic, slightly generates

light,

is

of

Vayu and Kapham.

the Pittam^ and subdues the

proves beneficial in cases of

colic,

abdominal glands,

and distention of the abdomen, and

ascites

It

is

used for

the purposes of purging and enematas (Asthdpananr. In

cases,

urine

which prove amenable to the use of

of a

cow should be used

urine, the

to the exclusion of that

of any other animal, even to that of an ox.

The

urine

of a

abdominal

piles,

Meha, imperfect

(she)

dropsy,
action

baffalo
colic,

proves beneficial in

cutaneous affections,

emetics

of

constipation, oedema, abdominal glands,

The
taste.

urine

of a

(she)

It slighly agitates

curative

in

cases

jaundice and chlorosis.

alkali,

and has a

bitter

deranged Vayu, and

It

the bodily

and jaundice.

The

bitter

Vayu and proves

dyspnoea, consumption,
urine of a

pungent
is

purgatives,

goat has a pungent,

cough,

of

or

ewe contains

taste.

It

subdues the

heat-making

in

its

potency.

proves beneficial in cough, enlarged spleen, abdomi-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

468

Chap.

XLV.

nal dropsy, dyspnoea, consumption and in obstinate con-

of

stipation

The

the bowels.

of a

urine

horse

is

appetising and pungent in taste, strong^ and heat-making

in

potency.

its

Kapha'm, and cures mental aberrations.

recommended

in

the intestines.

The

of

cases

urine

of an

is

usuall}^

keen and purgative, and subdues

the

Vayu and enrages the Pittam.

It is

It

commonly

is

and

treatment of (KiUsa) leucoderma

the

in

elephant has a bitter

saline taste.

in

It

ringworm and worms

and

used

V^yu and

subdues the deranged

It

in the preparation of alkalies.

The

urine of an

generated through the chemical action

of poison

two

substances in the organism.

different

and proves curative

is

and

is

is

strong

cases of chronic d5'sentery.

in

cases

in

diseases

Human

The

appetising.

urine

of

of oedema,

worms

dropsy, insanitv,

It

of

It

vermifuge and subdues the Vayu and Kapham,

beneficial

in

ass tends to neutralise the effects

in

the

camel

proves

abdominal

leprosy,
intestines,

piles

and

due to the action of the deranged Vayu.

urine

is

have now

strong anti-toxic.
briefly

described the

kinds of liquid food or drink.

An

properties

of

all

experienced physician

should prescribe them

for

to the nature of season

and the country

the use of his king according

in

which they

are to be applied.
Thus ends

tlie forty-fifth

Samhitd which

Chapter of the Sutrasthanam

treats of liquids.

in

the Sushruta

CHAPTER
Now we
treats

XLVI.
on the Chapter which

discourse

shall

of food and

(Annapa'na-Vid'hi-

drink

madhya'yam).
made obeisance

Having

Sushruta said

"You

determines the origin

have

to the holy Dhanvantari,

before that

stated

of beings

food

and forms the chief

source of their bodily strength and complexion,

as well

as of the albuminous (Ojas) principle in their organisms.

Food
tastes.

Moreover

Again

the

tastes

and

transformations,

tend

the

in

their

diminish

substances.

specific

reactionary

to

different

six

inherent

are

with

substances,

potencies

virtues,

upon

depends

primarily

or

or

tastes,

chemical

increase the

deranged humours and the fundamental principles of the

body, as also

to

bring

amongst them. Food

is

about a normal equilibrium

the primary cause of the origin,

continuance and dissolution

Brahma,

the divine
food.

Food

healthful

etc.

even of such beings as

Life

is

impossible without

glow

of

organic beings.

It

is

food that

imparts strength to the organs of sense and makes

operative

in

irregularity
ill-health.

and

the source of the growth, strength,

is

their

respective fields

of action.

them
It

is

(Vaishamya) of diet which brings about

Diet

may be

divided into four kinds such

as^

THE SUSHRUTA

470
solid

Leedham

(Ashitha) drink,

food,

assimilated only

taste).

for

of

variety

composition

of

our

forces.

am

specific

enters

into

which

admit

of

preparations

involve the co-operation of a large

al

of

substances

food,

grouped under various

chewn and

is

enjoyment

the

by

(food taken

and the Kh^ditam (food that

licking),

[Chap. XLVI.

SAMHITA'.

the

being

and necessarily

number of dynamic-

eager to learn of the substances and

their specific inherent properties, virtues, potencies

and

transfonnations (chemical reactions) which constitute

the daily food of

who

human beings, inasmuch as

ignorant of them,

is

quite

is

helpless

a physician,
in

checking

or curing any distemper and maintaining health in indivi-

And

duals.
all

since food (diet) determines

created beings, instruct us,

the

origin

of

Lord, on the proper

regimen of food and drink."

The holy Dhanvantari, thus addressed by

replied

on

as

the

requested

follows

proper

by

Shall rice such

"O

regulation

you.
as,

child,

There

Pundarika,

are

me

discourse

and

drink as

hear
food

several

species

of

the Lohitaka, Shdli, Kalama, Karda-

maka, Panduka, Sugandhaka,

daka,

of

Sushruta,

Mahashali,

Shakunahrita, PushpdnShita-Bhiruka,

Rodhra-

Pushpaka, Dirghashuka, Kanchanaka, Mahisha-mastaka,

Hayanaka, Dushaka, and Mah^-Dushaka

IVIetrical
Shall

rice

are

Texts The
sweet

in

taste,

etc.

several

cooling

species
in

of

potency,

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

XLVL]

Chap.

and impart strength to those who use

light of digestion,

They subdue

them.

the Pittam and shghtly generate

Vayu and Kaphara. They

constipate the bowels

efficacious,

Its

efficacy

and

ulcer,

are

been

has

It

in all other diseases.

and

anti-toxic.

their

properties

successively

is

improves the voice.

witnessed in

and

It

eye-invigorating,

refrigerant,

pleasant.

fecal

the most

is

and subdues the deranged humours.

cosmetic, tonic and

little in

and tend to

species (Lohitaka)

diuretic, spermatopoietic,

infectant

are demulcent

and reduce the quantity of

Of these the red

matter.

47

It

The other

of fever

cases
is

good

species

dis-

differ

from the preceding one and

inferior

quality

in

in

their

order of

enumeration.

Shashtika Group
Shashtika, K^nguka,

The

several

species of

Mukundaka, Peetaka, Pramodaka,

Kdkalaka, Asana-Pushpaka, Mah^-Shashthika, Churnaka,

Kiu-avaka, and the Kedar^ka, etc.

Texts

IVIetrical
in

taste

They (Shashtikas) are sweet

and digestion, and pacify the V^yu and the

Kapham. Their

properties are

somewhat

identical

with

those of Shali rice inasmuch as they are constructive,

tonic

and spermatopoietic, and increase the Kapham.

The Shashtika
all

is

pre-eminently the most efficacious of

the other species, and leaves an astringent after-taste

in the

mouth.

It

is

light, mild,

demulcent and imparts

Strength and firmness to the body.

It is astringent

and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.'

472
sweet

[Chap. XLVI.

and exhibits properties

in digestion,

The remaining

similar

to

those of the red

Shali.

inferior in quality,

each succeeding one being inferior to

the one immediately following

Vrihis

known

are

the

as

several

species

Lavakshaka,

Kukkutandaka, Par^vataka, and the Patala,

Metrical Texts : They

They tend

Taritaka,
etc.

have a sweet and

astringent taste, are sweet of digestion

potencies.

and hot

in

their

to slightly increase the secretions

of the internal organs and bring on constipation

bowels.

of

Krishna- Vrihi, Shalamukha,

Nandimukha,

Jatumukha,

are

it.

Dha'nyas :The

Vrihi

varieties

of the

Their general properties are nearly identical

The

with those of the aforesaid Shashtikas.

Krishna- Vrihi

and leaves an
varieties

the best

is

astringent

gradually

of

them

It

all.

is

hght,

remaining

after taste, the

deteriorating in

species

quality from

the

one under discussion.

Shali rice,

grown on burnt

has an astringent taste,

is

land,

is

light of digestion,

parchifying, tends to suppress

the emission of urine and the evacuation

reduces the deranged

Kapham.

of stool,

and

grown

in a

Sh^li rice

J^ngala country has a taste slightly blended of the

pungent, astringent, sweet and has a shade of

bitter.

It

subdues the deranged Pittam and Kapham, (generates

Vayu D.

R.)

Shali rice

grown

and
in

is

a good digestant and stomachic.

a Kaidara or marshy country has a

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

473

sweet taste with a shade of the astringent.

It is tonic

and spermatopoietic, aphro disiac and heavy of

tion.

It

reduces the quantity of excrement,

diges-

subdues

Kapham.

the Pittam, and increases the

Rice of once transplanted paddy plants (Ropya) or

of those transplanted several times in succession (Ati-

ropya)

easily digested

is light,

efficacious.

acts as

It

followed by any
It destroys the

paddy

is

Pittam,

deranged humours and

parchifying.

is

after digestion.

Rice of

diuretic.

suppresses the evacuations

It

is

easily digestible

fully described the

and generates Kapham.

of

Similarly,

shall

dushaka,

of

Kudhanyam
Shyamaka,

known

are

Niv^ra,

Udd^laka, Priyangu, Madhulik^,

vinda,

Gavedhuka,

and Venu-yava,

Varuka,

as

several

the

Shantanu,

Kora-

Varaka,

Nandimukhi, Kura-

Todaparni, Mukundaka,

etc.

Metrical Texts :They

have a sweet and astringent

and pungent of
60

speak

etc.

The Genus Kudhariya :The

varieties

good and bad species of grain

Kudh^nyas, Mudgas and Mashas,

ing

not

Irom the stubbles of a previous

belonging to the Sh^li group.

of

acidity

is

has a bitter and astringent taste, subdues the

stool,

have

constructive tonic and

reactionary

plants, sprouting

harvest,

and comparatively more

digestion,

taste.

generate heat and

They are

subdue the

parchifj'--

Kapham and

THE SUSHUUTA SAMHITA.

474

[Chap. XLVI.

tend to produce retention of the urine, and enrage the

bodily

V^yu and

the Pittam.

Of these

the species

Shyamdka and Sh^ntanu have a

as the Kodrava, Nivara,

sweet and astringent taste and prove curative

The

pitta* (urticaria).

reduce

produce a parched condition

in

Sheeta

in

and white)

four (black, red, yellow

Priyangus

of

varieties

known

Kapham and

the

the body, each preceding

one

species being superior as regards

its

immediatel)' following

order of enumeration.

The

species Madhulikas as well as the one

Nandimukhi
and

Varuka

is

Mukundaka
The

and heat-making

digestion,

the deranged

known
The

potency and

Kapham, and tends

species

parchify-

is

pungent of

is

subdues

of the urine,

retention

as the

possessed of

largely

species Venu-yava,

in its

on

brings

are

the

to

sweet, cool and demulcent.

absorbing virtues.
ing,

in the

it

virtues

the bodily

to enrage

Vayu. The several varieties of pulse (Vaidala) commonly

used as food are
Kalaya,

known

Makushtha,

Satina, Triputa,

IVIetrical

as the

Masura,

Mudga, Vana-Mudga,
Mangalya,

Harenu, and Adhaki,

Texts: They

Chanaka,

etc.

are generally cool

and

pungent of digestion, and have a sweet and astringent

They generate

taste.

of

urine

as

the

in the

Vayu,

and the evacuation of

Pittam

the

the

and

Mudga

Kapham.

arrest

stool,

The

the flow

and subdue

species

does not excessivel}' generate

known
Vayu

system but tends to purify and invigorate the

Chap. XLVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

The green

organ of vision.
the

Mudga

of

varieties

Vanya (Mudga)

species

475
the best of

is

The

pulse.

are similar to those

properties

all

of

common

of the

variet}'.

The

species of pulse

and constipates

digestion

Makushthaka

is

Vayu

generates

the

known
the

as the

The

in

The

and

species

Pittam

Kapham,

and

astringent

taste,

its

and

subdues

It

the

corrects

known

cooling in

is

produces a parched condition of the body.

the

species

does not excessively

the organism.

has a sweet

It

The

Adhaki subdues

species

Chanaka generates Vayu and

potency.

sweet of

vermigenous, while the species Kalaya

copiously.

V^yu

is

bowels.

Pittam and Kapham, and

agitate the

Masura

as

deranged

blood, and tends to bring on a loss of the virile powers.

The

species

ent in
All

known

as

their virtues

the

Satina and Harenu are astring-

and tend to constipate the bowels.

varieties of pulse except the

Mudga and

the

Masura tend to produce a distension of the abdomen

caused by gas or

air in

the organism (Tympanites

or

Adhm^na).

The
is

pulse

known

as the

heavy and pleasant,

Masha

laxative,

heat-making, aphrodisiac,

and

diuretic,

tonic and galactogoguic.

Vayu and

increases the

as the

demulcent,

specifically

topoietic,

Kapham.

has a sweet taste,

It

The

sperma-

subdues the

species

known

Alasandra (Rajamasha) does not produce Kapham

THE SUSHRtJTA SAMHITA.

476
and

neither laxative nor

is

astringent nature.

It is

properties of
to

species

known

as

produces

taste,

system, and

is

on account of

and improves-'a

Atmagupta and Kakanda

seeds are

Masha

aforesaid

Aranya-masha

the

condition

The

astringent in

is

parchedness in

of

The
is

known

pulse

the

of urinary

as

Kulattha

pungent of digestion and

possessed of astringent properties.

in cases

pulse.

not followed by any reactionary^ acidity

has an astringent taste,

tive

its

for food.

being digested.

after

XLVI.

sweet in taste and of digestion,

of the

those

similzir

Chap.

relish

pleasant, glactogoguic

The

diuretic

It

arising

calculi

proves

is

cura-

from seminal

derangement (Shukr^shmari), abdominal glands, catarrh,

The

and cough.

species

known

as the

Vanya-Kulattha

subdues the deranged Kapham, and proves curative in

cases
It

of Anaha, obesity, piles, hic-cough and dyspnoea.

may

bring on an

beneficial

attack

in diseases affecting the

taste blended of the sweet

the astringent.
Pittam.

It

to

is

is

eyes.

Tilam has a

bitter with a shade of

heat-making, and produces

sweet of digestion, demulcent, tonic,

the skin

and'digestion,

and the

It is astrigent,

and curative as a
fiicial

of hoemoptysis, and proves

plaster

and

anuretic

for

teeth,

ulcers.

It

is

bene-

improves the intellect

and heavy, helps the growth

of hair, and subdues the deranged Vdyu.

Of
species

all
is

the different varieties of sesamum,

the best in respect of efficacy.

the black

The white

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

477

species occupies a middle position as regards its virtues,

while the remaining varieties should be regarded as of

*

inferior quality.

Barley (Yava)
taste,

is

and pungent of

the emission of

flatus,

and improves the

It

is

It is anuretic, beneficial to ulcers

sesamum, increases the quantity of

like

slini}^

deranged

digestion. It subdues the

Pittam and Kapham.

and

sweet and astringent in

cooling,

and

stool

imparts firmness to the body

voice,

complexion and

and produces

condition

digestion.

extreme

of

parchedness in the system, removes obesity, and subdues

It

fat.

subdues the deranged Vayu,

is

refrigerant

soothes (purifies) the blood and Pittam.

(a

species of barle}^)

is

inferior to the

and

The Atiyavas

barley species in

respect of the preceding qualities.

Wheat
topoietic,

is

sweet, heavy,

sperma-

tonic, rejuvicient,

and improves the

relish

food.

for

It

is

demulcent and extremely cooling, subdues the Vayu

and Pittam, and generates the Kapham.

laxative

New

and brings about the adhesion of

wheat

is

fractured

bones or helps fermentation (SandhanakritJ.

The Shimvas

(Beans) have an

astringent

produce a condition of parchedness

They

are antitoxic, discutient,

and the power of

and

acquire

sight.

They

pungent

in

taste

the

and

S3'stem.

and reduce the Kapham

are imperfectly digested

taste

in

digestion,

though

THE StiSHRUTA SAMHITA.

478

ordinarily sweet

Chap: XLVt."

They cause evacuation of

in taste.

the bowels and emission of flatus.

There are four

variteies of

Shimva such

the black, the yellow and the

preceding species

one

the

is

The

enumeration.

pungent both

The two

are sweet in

taste

They tend

and

varieties of

as the

to

and
in

it

Shimvas are

in taste

known

beans

following

the white,

of which

red,

superior in virtues

immediately

as,

each
to

qualities

the

order of

and

heat-making

digestion.

Saha, as well as the species of

Mulakashimvi and the Kushimvi,

and

digestion,

subdue the

and strength-giving.
of the

action

deranged

Pittam.

Raw

and

pulse beans

unripe

(Vaidilika Shimvi)

produce a condition of extreme parchedness in the

system, are long retained in the stomach and but imperfectly digested.

They

are relishing but can be digested

only with the greatest

difficulty,

causing the stomach

to distend before being digested.

Kusumbha
digestion,

are
their

seeds

pungent

in

taste

and reduce the deranged Kapham.

extremel)*

being

unwholesome, owing to the

imperfectly

has a sweet taste,

pungent

are

in

is

digested.

heat-making

digestion.

It

in

Linseed
its

and

They
fact

of

fAtasi)

potency, and

generates the Pittam and

subdues the Vayu. White mustard 'Shveta Sarshapa)

is

XLVI.

Chap.

pungent
in its

SUTRASTHANAM,

in taste

potency.

and digestion, strong and heat- making

It gives rise to a

condition of parchedness

the system, and'diminishes the

in

479

Vayuand

An

excessive

may

bring on an attack of haemoptysis.

of

the

Kapham.

and continuous use of white mustard

The

properties

red mustard seeds are similar to those of the white

species.

A
or in

crop of

Dhdnyam grown

in

an unnatural season,

any way diseased or blighted, or gleaned before

has ripened,

as

well

naturally uncongenial to
ed, should

the one raised from

as

its

soil

growth, or recently harvest-

be deemed to be of inferior quality.

'The use of new (harvested within a year)

to increase the secretions of the
that of a year's maturity

is

internal

is

heavy, and

is

It can be but imperfectly

rice

tends

organs, while

light.*

Rice threshed out of paddy, which has

sprouting,

it

commenced

long retained in the stomach.

digested and tends to affect

the organ of vision.

The

maturity, preparations (Sanskara), and measures

of

corn from Shili rice to mustard

in

the present Chapter are as follows

seeds
:

described

[Rice of

two

years standing should be regarded as well matured in

time and excellent in quality.

* Rice of

thing,

which

is

hard to

more than two years standing becomes divested of

nutritive elements.

all

its

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

480

digest like
for use

Vrihi,

is

made

light

by

[Chap. XLVI.^

Measures

frying.

should vary according to the keenness of one's

appetite.]

The meat Group

the properties of

The

of

flesh

shall

animals

such

(Jaleshaya), or frequent

Again these animals

it

two broad sub-heads such

marshy

in

as,

a jungle)

sub-species, such as

Of
one

the

superior to

enumeration.

be roughly grouped under

the Jangala (living in high

and the Anupa

places, or near pools

Jangala group may

is

in the order of

may

pos-

are

or

used as food.

generally

these each succeeding kind

immediately preceding

marshy

(Ekashapha), or dwell on

sessed of unbifurcated hoofs

is

are

(Gramya), or are

carnivorous in their habits (Kra\yabhuja},

high ground (Jangala),

which

those

as

lands (Anupa), or dwell in villages

ground and

de^-cribe

the different species of edible meats.

their habits

aquatic in

: Now

The

and water- courses).

be further

divided

the Janghala, the

in

(living

eight

into

Viscira, the

Pratnda, the Guhashaya, the Pra8aha,the Parnamriga,

the Vileshaya, and the

Gramya. Of these the Janghala

and the Viscira are the most important. The following

animals belong to the Janghala (large-kneed group
the
(blue

the

Ena

viz.

(black deer), the Harina (red deer), the Rishya

deer),

the

Kuranga (antelope\

Kritam^la, the Sharabha,

Prishata,

the

the

Karala,

Shvadanstra,

the

the Chitrila (Spotted deer), the Ch^rushka,

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XLVI.J

Mriga-m^trika, etc.

the

These species of venison have

a sweet and astringent taste, are

laxative,

(palatable),

subdue the Vayu and

and

venison

in taste,

improves

The venison
in

taste

and

light,

urine

and

and

which

digestion,

are black

of

are

the

in

(due to

the

is

It is astrin-

the

of

system,

febrifuge.
is

sweet

aromatic,

of

cool,

stool

and
Deer

humours.

are called Ena, while those

which are

Those, that are neither red nor

designated

cases

Ena

palatable,

(red) species

deranged

as

Kuranga.

Mriga-matrik^ species

curative

and

appetising,

the

pacifies

to

the discharge

suppresses

red are called Harina.

black,

Harina

the

of

food

for

relish

the*

and

Kapham.

imparts strength

effect,

of

due to the deranged

diseases

condition of the Pittam, blood and

its

They

the Pittam.

proves curative in

gent in

pleasant

diuretic in their effect.

sweet and astringent

is

hght, keen,

Text :The

IVIetrical
species

and

481

The

venison

cooling and proves

is

haemoptysis, Sannipata

diseases

concerted action of the three deranged

humours), consumption, dyspncea, cough, and hiccough

and creates a

relish for food.

Birds such as the Lava, Tittiri,

Vartika,

Vartaka,

Naptrika,

Kapinjala,

V^tika_,

Vartira,

Chakora,

Kala-

vinka, Mayura, Krakara, Upachakra, Kukkuta, S^ranga,

Shata-Patraka,

Kutittiri,

Kuruvahuka

belong to the Vishkira species.

61

and

Yavalaka

[They are so

called

THE SUSHRUTA

482
from

the

after

scattering

(Skr.

kira,

this

group

in

of

fact

to

it

pickmg

their

with

first

XLVI.

food

their

and

bills

of

flesh

claws
of

bird

sweet and astringent

cooling,

light,

is

[Chap.

up

their

The

scatter)].

and tends to

taste

SAMHITA'.

the deranged humours

pacify

of the body.

The

astringent

taste,

possessed
It is

of the Lava

flesh

of

pungent

is

and

astringent

highly efficacious

of

The

properties.

due to the concerted

flesh of

heat-making and sweet

slightly heavy,

and

digestion,

appetising

in diseases

humours of the body.

has a sweet and

light,

is

the
in

Tittirs

taste.

spermatopoietic, appetising and astringent.

It

It

is
is

improves

the intellect and complexion, and subdues the three

The

deranged humours.
proves

Tittiri

curative

flesh

in

of the yellow (Gaura)

hic-cough

The

and subdues the deranged Vayu.

Kapinjala

light

is

of

in

cases

in

diseases

haemoptysis,

brought

about

and

the

Kapham

or

The

of

the

Krakara

or

is

pleasant

appetising.

impro^es the

It

(palatable),

intellect.

The

the

V^yu
of

deranged

(Manda-vata\

Upachakra

the

spermatopoietic,

subdues the Vayu

astringent and saline in taste,

skin,

of the

recommended

is

through

of

light,

flesh

and cooling, and proves curative

condition
flesh

and dyspnoea,

Pittam

of the

flesh

and

and

is

and
and

Mayura

beneficial

to

is

the

helps the growth of hair, improves the voice.

Chap.

XLVi

SUtRASTHANAM.

and

appetite

intellect,

relish

4^3
and

food,

for

imparts

strength and vigour to the organs of sight and hearing.

The

flesh

of a wild cock

and spermatopoietic.

tonic.

The

and

useful as a

is

imparts

diaphoretic,

subdues

organism,

the

good constructive

of

prototype with the exception that

hea^ y,

in

such

cuckoo,

is

its

and

rheumatism, consumption, vomiting

and chronic (Vishama-Jvara)

Birds

it

is

wild

possessed of properties similar to those

proves curative

the

domesticated cock or fowl

of a

flesh

demulcent, heat-making,

It acts as a

tone to the voice and

deranged Vayu,

is

the

as

Koyashtica,

fever.

pigeon

dove,

Bhringaraja,

the domestic

Kulinga,

Kulinga,

Gokshada, Dindimanaka, Shatapatraka, Matrinindaka,

Bhedashi, Shuka,

Sharika,

Valguli,

Alahva,

Girisha,

Dushaka, Sugrihi, Khanjaritaka, Harita, Datyuha,

belong to the group

known

as the Pratuda.

Metrical Texts : The

and their

flesh

It

generates

in

the

has a

reduces the

these the

and

It

is

flesh

astringent

fruit,

taste.

a parched condition

cooling in

Pittam and Kapham.

discharge of urine

Of

sweet

Pratudas live on

Vayu and produces

organism.

etc.

its

It

potency and
suppresses the

and reduces the quantity of

of the Bhedashi tends

to

stool.

vitiate

the humours and to derange the three excrements of

the body.
is

The

flesh of

the

Kana Kapota

heavy and has a palatable,

saline

(wild dove;

and astringent

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

't'HE

484
taste.

It

Chap.

proves beneficial in hasmoptysis and

The

of digestion.

the Kulinga

of

flesh

is

XLVl.

sweet
sweet,

is

demulcent, and spermatopoietic, and iiicreases the bodily

The

Kapham.

of the domesticated Kulinga

flesh

is

highly spermatopoietic, and proves curative in cases of

haemoptysis.

Animals

such

leopard

arboreal

and jVIrigaervaruka

(cave- dwelling

to

this

is

dipi\

cat,

the group

Texts
family

heat-making

in

The

is

of

bear,

the Guh^shayas

flesh of animals belong-

the Kaka, Kanka,

heavy,

sweet,

demulcent

subdues the deranged Vayu.

its

potency, and proves beneficial

eyes and anus.

The Prasaha Group

Chilli,

jackal,

It

in diseases affecting the

Uluka,

hyena

(a jackal-shaped, deer-eating species

and strength- giving.

It

wolf,

tiger,

mammals).

IVIetrical
ing

(Vriksha

belong to

of tiger)

Hon,

the

as

: Birds

such

as,

Kurura, Chasa, Bhasa, Shashaghati,

Shyena, Gridhra,

etc.

belong

to

the

family of Prasahas (Carnivorous birds that suddenly

dart

on

their prey).

Metrical Text :The

to

this

taste

group

and

identical

digestive

the

aforesaid

etc.,

and

is

is

in

flesh of birds

belonging

virtues,

potency,

its

transformation

with

those

of

carnivorous mammals, such as the lion,

specially

and kindred wasting

beneficial
diseases.

in cases of

consumption

SUTRASTHANAM.

485

The Parna-IVIriga Group

: Animals such

Chap.

XLVI.

Madgu, the arboreal Musika, the Vriksha-Shayika,

as tlie

Avakusha, Puti-gKasa and the Vanara,

family

of Parna-Mrigas

(lit

belong to the

etc.

tree-dwelling arboreal

animals).

Metrical Texts : The

group

this

is

of digestion.
beneficial
diuretic

is

consumption.

and cures cough,

pile

It

and

eyesight
laxative

is

of

heavy

and

spermatopoietic

invigorating to the

in cases of

The
as,

It

sweet,

animals

of

flesh

and

and dyspnoea.

Vileshaya Group : Animals

such

the Shvavit, Shalyaka, Godha, Shasha, Vrishadansha,

Lomasha-Karna,

Lopaka,
Ajagara,

Sarpa,

Mriga-Priyaka,

Kadali,

Mushika, Nakula and Maha-Vabhru

belong to the group of Vileshaya (hole-dwellers).

Metrical Texts :^The

the
are

of

flesh

to increase

They

general properties of

belonging

animals

the consistency of

stool

demulcent

and

cachexia.

The

in

It

taste.

beneficial

flesh of the

in

Kapham.
cough,

Shasha

is

reduces the Pittam

and

urine.

digestion as

Vayu

They

are

dyspnoea

and

sweet and astringent

and

neither produces nor subdues the

moderately cooling potency.

species

The}- subdue the

and generate the Pittam and

is

this

are heat-making in potency, sweet in

those of the preceding group.

its

to

The

Kapham and

Vayu

owing

flesh of the

to

Godha

sweet of digestion and has a pungent, astringent

taste.

THE SUSHRUtA SAMHITA.

486
It is

Vayu and

tonic and constructive and pacifies the

The

Pittam.
light

[Chap. XLVI.

of

flesh

Shalyaka

the

of digestion, cooling in

its

potency and anti-toxic,

The

and subdues the deranged Pittam.

due to the action of the deranged Vayu

The

flesh of a

ments of the Vayu.

the

vigorates

and

Darvicara
taste,

It is a

and extremely
and

laxative

diuretic,

Domestic
such as

horses,

sheep)

etc.,

resulting poisons).

Of

pungent

It in-

and sweet

appetising

is

these the flesh of the

in digestion,

sweet

efficacious in ej^e diseases.

It

in
is

and subdues the deranged Vayu.

Animal
mules,

Group

: Animals

cows, bullocks, asses, camels,

and Medapuchhas

sheep,

goats,

derange-

vermifuge and anti-toxic (a

intellect.

appetising,

is

than those

curative in piles and

is

eye-sight,

improves the

Vayu-Roga),

beneficial in piles.

chemical or

of

diseases

in

Sarpa (a species other

specifically described)

neutraliser

is

of the

flesh

Mrigii-Priyaka proves a wholesome diet

while that of the Ajagara

tasteful,

is

(fat tailed

or Turkish

belong to the group of domestic animals

(Gr^myas).

IVIctrical
animals

is

Texts : The

possessed

appetising properties,
tion.

It

destro5's the

Kapham and

Pittam.

of
is

flesh

of

constructive,

sweet

in

taste

domestic

tonic

and

and diges-

deranged Vayu and produces the

Of

these the flesh of the goat

is

Chap.

XLVI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

moderately cooling

cent,

heavy and demul-

is

subdues the'Pittam and the Kapham, and

ficial in

The

nasal catarrh.

and

tonic

constructive,

Pittam and Kapham.

is

does not increase the

in its potenc}^

secretions of the internal organs,

487

and has

aphrodisiac

bene-

sheep (mutton)

flesh of

heav)',

and

flesh

of the

The

is

properties

generates

is

the

Medapuchcha

similar

those

to

of mutton.

Beef

is

holy and refrigerant, proves

morbid craving

for

food

The

the deranged Vayu.

in

chronic fever and in cases

dyspnoea^ catarrh, cough^

of a

curative

(Atyagni),

flesh

and destroys

an animal with

of

unbifurcated hoofs (Ekashapha such as, the horse and

the mule

etc.),

has a slightly saline taste, and

ed of properties similar to those of mutton.

of an animal belonging to

is

possess-

The

the Jangala group

is

flesh

said

to increase the secretions of the internal organs.

The

flesh of beasts or birds

dwelling remote from a

village or pool tends to slightly increase

of the
living

internal
in a

organs,

village or

the secretions

while the flesh of an animal

near a reservoir of water,

ex-

cessively increases that secretion.

The Anupa Group

generally found to

may be

-.Animals,

frequent marshy places

divided into five groups, such

(frequenting the

which are

shores

of pools

as,

and

(Anupas)

the Kulacharas
lakes),

Plavas

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

488

(divers or swimmers),

animals

such

and the

the

these,

elephant,

species

and wanders roaming about

autumn) Chamara, Srimara (an

with

species

boar,

deer),

and the

and

gi'een

red

Nynku

wild cow,

swamps and

(a

etc.,

casts

its

the forests in

animal of the Zebra

Rohita

stripes),

frequent

(red

K^lapuchchaka,

species of antlered

and are

lakes,

buffalo,

which

in

Gokarna,

rhinoceros,

together with the

df

Gavaya,

the

Ruru (an animal of the deer

antlers

Fadinas

the

etc.),

Matsya.

(piscatory)

Of

Koshastha (conchiferous aquatic

the molluscs

as,

[Chap. XLVI.

the

deer)

shores

cool

accordingly included

within the group of Kulacharas (shore-dwellers).

The
animal

of

this

group

destroys the deranged

taste

and

diuretic,

The

Texts :The

Metrical

is

digestion,

cooling,

tonic,

It is

sweet

in

demulcent and

and increases the quantity of Kapham.

flesh of the

Elephant tends to produce

of extreme parchedness in
facient

and

spermatopoietic

Vayu and Kapham.

an

of

flesh

and heat-making

the
in its

system, and
potency.

It

a state
lique-

is

vitiates

the Pittam and has a palatable acid and saline taste,

and destroys the Vayu and Kapham.

the

Gavaya

beneficial in

is

demulcent and sweet

cough and

is

in taste,

demulcent, heat-making

The
(in

flesh

of

and proves

sweet of digestion.

to increase sexual capacity.

is

The

It

tends

flesh of the

Buffalo

potency),

sweet.

its

Chap.

XLVI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

489

and heavy of digestion

spermatopoietic,

pleasant

increases strength

and virihty and imparts firmness to

the tissues, and

flesh

of

Rum

the

It is

heavy, spermatopoietjc and

Vayu and Kapham.

Similarly, the

flesh

of the

cures an attack of cough,

is

Chamara

sweet

in taste

is

demulcent,

and digestion

The

and subdues the deranged Vayu and Pittam.

of the Srimara

is

the deranged

topoietic

mouth and tends

The

Vayu and Pittam.

common

pig

is

is

heavy

cent, cooling, refrigerant,

deranged Va)^. The

tringent taste, and

boar

flesh of the

constructive, tonic, sperma-

is

and pleasant, and destroys the

flesh of the

rhinoceros has an as-

pleasing to one's departed

manes

It is sacred,

longevity, tends

discharge

to

suppress the

produces a condition of parchedness

destroys the deranged

Gokarna

in digestion

is

in

in the

imparts

of

urine,

The

sweet, demulcent, mild (soft),

Kapham

in

the organism, and

Vayu and Kapham.

and proves curative

and generates

demul-

(as regards digestion),

the shape of an oblation (Pitryam).

flesh

sweet

in cases of haemoptysis,

system.

The Plava Croup

62

subdue

to

and diaphoretic, and imparts a greater strength

to the system. It

of the

flesh

heavy and spermatopoietic, leaves an

astringent after-taste in the

(Baraha) or

The

galactagoguic.

shghtly sweet and leaves an

is

astringent after taste.

pacifies the

and

hypnotic

"is

It

: Birds

such

as

the

SUSHKUTA

'^^^-

490

SAMHITA'.

Chap.

XLVI.

Hansa, Sarasa, Kraimcha, Chakravaka, Kurura (belong

also

to

Prasaha

the

Kadamva,

group)

Karandava,

Vaka, Valaka, Pimdarika, Plava,

Jivan Jivaka,

mukha, Nandimukha, Madgu, Utkrosha,

Megharava and

Amviikukkiitika,

Shvetacharana

in large flocks.

IVIetrical

Text

The

in cases of h9emopt5^sis,

possessed

is

The

of the

flesh

is

sweet

of laxative

Hansa

making, sweet and demulcent.

voice

and complexion,

system.

It is

and

It

of

proves beneficial

It

in taste

heavy

is

any one

and spermatopoietic

cooling, demulcent,

is

of

flesh

and destroys the deranged Vayu.

and

etc.

These birds are found to

belong to the Plava family.

this family

Kachdksha,

Shuklaksha, Puslikarashdyika, Kon^laka,

Mallikaksha,

move about

Sarari-

and of

diuretic

digestion,

properties.

(of digestion), heat-

tends to improve the

and imparts strength to the

spermatopoietic, tissue-building and tonic,

and proves curative

in

nervous diseases (V^ta-Vikara).

The Conchifcrous (Koshastha) Species

(a

Animals

such

as,

the Shankha, Shankhanakha

species of small bivalve molluscs), Shukti,

and Bhalluka,

etc.,

Shambuka

belong to the Koshastha (conchifcr-

ous) group.

The Pa'dina Species

the tortoise,

alligator, crab,

belong to this species.

:-

Animals such

black crab, porpoise,

as,
etc.,

Chap.

XLVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Metrical Texts

The

the Shankha and Kiirma orders

digestion, cooling* in
ficial

is

Of

these, the

spectes

strength-giving and heat-making

in

is

and

laxative

diuretic

in

its

and

effect,

its

of

The

potency, and tends to destroy the deranged Vayu.

white species

and

taste

in

destroys the deranged

It

Vayu and produces Kapham.

black crab

sweet

is

animals of

of

flesh

potency, demulcent, and bene-

its

and the Pittam.

to stool

491

adhesion of fractured bones

tends to bring about an

(or produces fermentation).

It

destroys the

Vayu and

The

piscatory

Pittam.

The
may

group

The

Patala,

be roughly divided into two broad sub-

divisions, such as the

fish.

Order

Piscatory

Marine and the River

such

species

Rajiva,

as

the

Vagunjara, Murala, Sahasra-danstra,

Pathina,

Rohita,

Krishna-Matsya,

Gomatsya,

Varmi,

(fresh water)

etc.,

belong to the

fresh water family.

Metrical Texts
fish

(river

digestion,

fish)

bring

deranged Vayu.

The fresh

sweet

are

on

haemoptysis

They

are

potencies, spermatopoietic

an

astringent

deranged Vayu.
plants

and

herbs

heavy

of

destroy

the

taste,

and

(Xadeya)

heat-making

their

in

and demulcent and tend

reduce the quantity of stool.

leaves

in

M^ater

Of

after-taste,

these, the

and

to

Rohita

destroys

the

This species lives on such aquatic

as

grow

in

fresh-water

pools

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

492
and

do

Kapham and

Pathinas produce

They

carnivorous

are

The

Pittam.

generate

inordinately

not

XLV.

Chap.

spermatopoietic.

are

and somnolent'

their habits,

in

tend to vitiate the blood and the Pittam, and originate

dermal

Murala

the

The

affections.

constructive,

is

to

of

tonic,

known

fish

spermatopoietic

the taste and demulcent in their

while those reared

shallow water

is

effect,

found to

usually

in large lakes are

and

gain in strength

while the species reared in

size,

weak and

stunted.

The Sarnudra (Marine) Species

The Timi, Timingila
Paka

(a species

Gargarka, Chandraka, Mahamina, and Rajiva

stitute the family of

marine

Metrical Texts
cent,

:~

of large whales) Kulisha,

Makara,

Nandi-Varalaka,

Niralaka,

matsya,

as

Fish bred in tanks or ponds are

and galactagoguic.
palatable

species

etc.,

con-

fish.

Sea

fish are

heavy, demul-

and sweet, and do not inordinately produce Pittam.

They

are

heat-making

their

(in

and

potency),

sper-

matopoietic and beneficial to the stool, and destroy

Vayu and generate Kapham.

Sea

fish

are

extremely strength-giving

effect

owing to the

food.

Fresh water

tissue-building

fact
fish

properties

while those which are

of their living
are

possessed

than

their

found

in

in

on
of

their

animal
greater

marine kindred,

wells

and Chuntis

Chap.

XLVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

49:

are said to be possessed of gi-eater carminative (Vataghna)

virtues than the

tanks (Vapi)

owing to

to

of

the

fact

cultured

and

which are found

in

ponds

or

of their

fined within

of an}^ lengthy
are

(Sarasi)

heavy

in

their

pressure upon

Thus

limits

Fish

the foreparts of their

in

their breast

at the

body and

of animals

time of swimming.

tl^e specific

which increase

Dried or putrid

flesh,

emaciated,

as

well

the

poisoned,

animal, or of one of extremely

the
or

or

secretions

them

as

properties

swamps

frequent

that

of the internal organs of a person using

old,

tanks

lower parts, as the}' put their entire

marshy grounds and

diseased,

are

below the

little

reared in large

have finished describing

of the flesh

Fish,

and the consequent absence

sweep.

lighter

are

on account of their being con-

head,

narrow

which

fountains,

extremely heavy about the parts a

region

help

the

heads.

their

streams

hill

&wing

and Tadaga)

(Sarah

about

light

speciall)'

about with

while those

tail,

and

tanks

species

the middle,

at

moving

of their

in

heavy

are

fish

two preceding

demulcent and palatable pro-

greater

head

their

are

their

Fish reared in

orders.

are* superior to the

River

perties.

two preceding

for food.

flesh

of a

snake-bitten

tender years or struck

with a poisoned dart or weapon, or of that which

has

fed

avoided

on

unnatural

inasmuch

as

food,

dried

should
or

be

putrid

carefull}^

meat

is

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

I'HE

494
shorn of

all

snake-bitten animal
vitiated in
affected,

its

of an

in its virtue

to be

animal

old

diseased or

poisoned or

wounded animal

that of a

potency, and that of an

immature

flesh of a

would be found

properties

that

The

potency.

its

[Chap.XLVl.

enfeebled

is

in

is

its

extremely young animal

is

and hence would prove positively

injurious to the system.

IVIctrical

Texts : Dry

on catarrh and a non-relish

animal killed by poison

is

food.

fatal.

is

heavy, brings

The

The

may produce

animal of tender years

flesh of

for

meat

flesh of

flesh

of

an
an

The

vomiting.

an old animal produces cough and dyspnoea,

while the use of that of a diseased animal

may

be

attended with a simultaneous derangement of the three

fundamental humours of the body.

Putrid meat pro-

duces nausea, while the use of that of an

emaciated animal

Meat

falling

tei;ids

to aggravate the Vayu.

under a category other than

described above should be

some.
bird,

genus,
to be

The
or

flesh of a

deemed

as

those

good and whole-

female quadruped, or of a male

of a small-bodied creature

and vice versa,

is

of

principally

used amongst quadrupeds, birds,

Similarly the flesh

of a

large-bodied ones

of the

ferred as food.

enfeebled or

small-sized

large-sized

recommended
and animals.

creature

amongst

same species should be pre-

Chap.

XLVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Now we
of

character
of the

discourse

shall

mediately preceding

light

parts

different

different

than

heavier

is

in the order

it

(of the

Similarly,

or

fundamental

from the blood to the semen,

of the body

each succeeding one

heav}'

from

Of the

body of ananimal.

principles

on the

obtained

flesh

495

one*

im-

of ennumeration.

limbs

different

the

organs

or

of a

quartered animal such as), the thighs, the shoulders, the

loins,

the head, the

the back, the

the fore-extremities, the waist,

legs_,

skin,

the

kidneys, the

each succeeding one

intestines,

respectively heavier

is

than the one immediately preceding

Metrical Texts
the shoulders
waist, than

the

the back.

Similarty,

Of the seven fundamental

(such

as

the

is

heavier than

shoulders, than the waist

(thighs) are heavier

Sakthi

the

the order.

it in

The head

lymph

order

of

are heavy.

The

blood,

flesh,

The trunks

of

organism
fat,
is

immediately preceding

lo\k^er

and the

than their lower ends.

principles of the

chyle,

enumeration.

the upper parts of

marrow, and semen) each succeeding one

than the principle

and the

liver

it

bone,

heavier
in the

all

animals

part of a female frame

and the

upper one of a male are respectively heavier [than

their

upper

(fore)

and lower (hind)

The head and

its

other limbs.

bird

is

so

breast

parts.]

of a bird are heavier than

The trunk

or

the middle part of a

equipoised as to facilitate the

movements

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

496
of

pinions in

its

The

flight.

produces a state

^bird

organism (of a person using

the

that of a carnivorous one acts

The

tonic.

flesh

of

their

or are possessed of long

the habit of

in

claws,

Hves on

which

"fish,

on

lives

Of the animals,

that

internal

legs, or

by

eat

scattering

first

pricking,

to

rise

a lesser

or

food with

their

is

lighter

from the

secretion

organs than the one immediately following

in the order of

enumeration.

Of animals belonging
of one,

preys, or dwell in holes,

the flesh of each preceding one

and tends to give

it

constructive

possessed of unbifurcated hoofs,

by darting on

live

their

while

food,)

which are domesticated, or are carnivorous

in their habits, or are

are

as

in

dry land or frequent marshy places, as well

as of those

or

one,

(Dhan3^a), subdues the V^yu.

in

live

parchedness

vrhich

bird,

XLVI.

a fruit-eating

a good

as

produces Pittam, while that of

paddy

of

flesh

extreme

of

[Chap.

to the

same genus, the

which attains to an abnormally large

flesh
size,

should be rejected as inferior in pith or substance, and

heavy

as

region

of the liver

as

regards

the very

ties, in

not at

and

digestion.

best

of
in

all

The

flesh

about

the

animals should be regarded

respect

of

its

dietic

proper-

absence whereof the flesh of a young

animal

any

disease

all

used

up,

just quartered

coming next

best.

or
that

afllicted

day,

with

should be

regarded as

XLVI.

Clmp.

SUTRASTHANAM.

407

Authoritative verse on the subject The age, body, development of limbs, tem:

perament,

constitution,

sex,

natures,

of an

animal

before

determining whether

or

should

The

not.

be

measure

in

taken

food with decided advantage

to

what extent

it

purify

will

flesh

which

as

consideration

into

its

it

wholesome

is

may

be

used

the organism and

to

or

and habit

size

improve

its

virtues,

should also be considered.

The Fruit Group

shall

discourse

such

as

the

we

(Phala-vargaj :---Xow

(on the specific

virtues)

Dadima, Amalaka,

of

Kapittha,

fruits,

Vadara,

Kola, Karkandhu, Sauvira, Shimvitikaphala^ Matulunga,

Amra, Amrataka, Karamarda, Piyala, Lakucha, Bhavya,

Paravata, Vetraphala, Prachinamalaka, Tintidika, Nipa,

Koshamra, Amlika, Xaranga, and Jamvira,

Metrical Texts : (We

general properties of fruits
acid in taste and heav)'

by saying

of digestion,

the above

after-taste

list

Dadima

that) they are

heat-making

in

fruits

leaves

an

enumerated
astringent

and does not generate the Pittam to an

inordinate degree.*

the

the

describe

(Kapham), generate

Of the

Pittam and subdue the Vayu.

in

of

potencies, (expectorant)

their

,may

etc.

It acts as

an appetiser, brings on

Charaka and Bhatlaraka Harishchandra exclude Dadima (pome-

granate)

from

opinion that

63

it

the

list

of Pittakara

agents,

while JejjadScharya

neither generates nor subdues the Pittam.

is

of

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

498
flesh

and a

relish for food,

is

XLVI.

Chap.

palatable to the taste,

and

tends to constipate the bowels by (imparting a greater

consistency to the fecal matter). Dadimas
fied into

two

they are sweet

distinct species according as

or acid to the taste.

The sweet

may be classi-

species subdues the three

deranged bodily humours, while the acid one subdues

The

Vayu and Kapham.

the

Amalaka has

known

fruit

the

as

a taste blended of the sweet, pungent and

astringent ones with a shade of the bitter. It

is

laxative,

spermatopoietic and beneficial to the eye-sight, and

capable of subduing

The Vataghna
to

acid

its

to

dr)'-

Kapham,

to

its

fruit as

possessing

The Karkandhu,

lil^e

stage, while in its

Pittam.

The

in

affecting

the tongue

as

fruit is

by

unripe

its

and

subdues

sweet,

Pittam.

and

demulcent,

as the

Kapittham
It is

and

in

astringent

and
its

has

unripe

an

is

is

sweet,

and

possessed

moreover
"\'ayu

cooling,

produces

is

Vayu

the

astringent

stage

it

Sauvira

subdues

The Shimvitika-fruit

palatable

the best

immature

or

the

of properties similar to those of the Vadara

is

far

matured stage

or

known

fruit

in

the Kola or the Vadara, generates

ripe

demulcent, purgative

efficacy

its

high therapeutic properties.

Kapham and Pittam

the

and

This

astringent substance.

known

should be ascribed

power of subduing the Pittam,

its

fruit

sweetness and coolness

its

subduing the
a

the three deranged humours

all

virtue of this

taste

is

it

and

astringent

taste.

The

hoarseness.

and subdues the Kapham and increases

Chap. XLVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

the Vayii,

while in

Vayu and Kapham,

acid

Th5

taste.

and

immediately
palatable,

The

cooling in

and

its

palatable.

seeds,

It

is

produces

to a person suffering

subdues

(lit.

flesh),

Matulunga,

demulcent

and

subdues the Vayu and

also

or cellular covering,

light, stomac'nic,

Kapham and

juice of the

it

layer of skin

Matulunga

from colic pain

tion, constipation of the bowels,

which

astringent and

proves curative in

cases of piles, abdominal glands (Gulma)

The expressed

Matulunga

to digest

potency,

its

The membranous

envelops

of a

underlying the rind of the

heav}' of digestion,

Pittam.

relish for food*, allays

is difficult

Vayu and Kapham.

is

proves beneficial

It

The rind

throat.

the

Matulunga

the

as

and pleasant.

and cleanses the

a bitter vermifuge

the

is

known

fruit

subdues

it

and has a sweet and

cough and asthma, brings on a

thirst
is

stage

heav}',

is

light, acid, appetising,

in

ripe

its

^^g

and vomiting.

recommended

is

(gastralgia), indiges-

digestion

iippaired

as

well as from disorders brought about through the derang-

ed condition of the
in

cases

food.

Vayu and Kapham, and more

where the patient has

An

unripe Amra,

ment, tends

in

generate

to

its

with closed pollen

generates

the

cosmetic,
of fresh
It

is

relishing

blood,

sweet

Ripe

Pittam.

and

first

tonic,

all

and

is

for

Pittam,

Vaddha-keshara type)

Amra
helps

is

pleasant,

the

formation

and leaves an astringent

and heavy,

relish

stage of develop-

Vayu

the

while one

lost

so

after-taste.

a tissue-builder and tends

THE SUSHRUTA

500
to

increase

the

Vayu and Pittam.

XLVI.

Chap.

formation of semen and also subdues

the

spermatopoietic,

SAMHITA'.

The Amrataka Hog-apple)

f

is

surcharged with a kind of oily matter

is

and tends to increase the Kapham

The

in the system.

Lakuclia tends to destroy the semen,

long retained

is

the stomach, and serves to derange the three funda-

in

mental humours of the body.

and acid

relishing

is

generates the

in

Kapham.

and spermatopoietic.

allays

taste,

The Piyalam

The Bhavyam

and

astringent,

ful,

its

The Karamardakam

acid

mouth and subdues

in

heavy, cooling

is

pleasant, taste-

is

taste.

cleanses the

It

Pittam and Kapham.

the

astringent, heavy, cooling

and

It

long retained

is

and

thirst,

in

is

the

stomacii.

'I'he

and

relishing,

it

the

as

destroys the

Pardvatam
Vayu and

Amalaka

Nip?., like the old

sweet

is

^-oracious

fruits,

tends

neutrahse

the effects of poisons originated through

chemical

combination of incompatible substances

the
in

and

The

appetite.

to

known

fruit

the organism.

the

Vayu,

Kapham

in

Unripe Tintidika (tamarind) subdues

and tends
the

organism,

astringent, h^at-making

is

while

restores

possessed

identical with those

of the

of a

fruit

ripe

.Amlika

in

its

of

ripe
It

state

for

properties

same

and
it is

destroys the

relish

Tamarind.

are the

Pittam

the

and stomachic.

Vayu and Kapham and

The Koshamra

generate

to

The
as

food.

nearlv

properties

those

of

XLVI.

Chap.

the

SUTRASTHyVNAM.

with

latter

as a purgative.

exception

the

^OI

that

The Narang'a has

it

further

acts

a sweet

and acid

taste,

is

pleasant and refreshing, and gives a relish to food.

is

heavy,

difficult to digest

Jamvira tends to
brash, vomiting

and subdues the Vayu.

allay thirst

and asthma

and cures

It

The

colic pain, Vater-

subdues the action of the

it

deranged Vayu and Kapham, removes constipation of the

and helps

bowels,
the

of

to

The

Pittam.

healthy

and

Airavata

of Jamvira

varieties

(different

create

secretion

Dantashatha
and tend to

are acid

bring on an attack of haemoptysis.

The
the

fruit

such

lof

the

Plaksha,

trees

Audumvura,

Ashvatha,

the

as

which

etc.,

by the general name) of Kshira-Vrikshas

which are

those

known

as

well

as

the Jamva,

pass
as

Rajadana,

Todana, Tinduka, Vakula, Phanvana, Ashmantaka,

Ashvakarna,

Pushkara, Varti, Villa and Vimvi,

and

astringent

in

Gangeruka,

Panishaka,

Phalgu,

their

etc.

They

effect.

are

cooling,

subdue

the

Pittam and Kapham, tend to produce a condition of

parchedness

in

the

system,

and

have a sweet and

astringent taste.

Of

these the fruit of

genus
is

Kshiri-Vrikshas

long

retained in the

state.

It

does

not

trees

is

which belong to the

heavy

stomach

and
in

cooling,

and

an undigested

has a sweet, acid and astringent

taste

and

the Vayu.

The

fruit

inordinatel}' derange

THE SUSHRUTA

502

known

The Todana
and

the Vayii.

generates

Rajadana is demulcent,

the

acid, astringent,

is

(heat- making)

is

It

in

and sweet

in

taste

its

Pittam and Vayu.

potency,

its

(light of digestion), astringent,

easily

digestible

demulcent and appetising

and further generates the Pittam. Unripe Tinduka

is

and heavy

astringent,

in

organism,

the

stage

The Vakula

Pittam.

gent taste,
ties,

and

ripe

subdues
fruit

or

matured

fully

Kapham

the

and

has a sweet and astrin-

demulcent and astringent

is

in

its

proper-

imparts a greater firmness to the teeth, and removes

Dbanvana

has an astringent taste, and

|xangeruka

of the

fruit

possessed

of similar properties

The Phalgu
an undigested
of digestion,

is

fruit of

cooling

and subdues the Vayu and Kapham.

and palatable

The

The

of the membranes.

the viscid condition

the

its

fruit

and produces Vayu

in digestion

while in

sweet,

is

it

is

sweet, astringent and heav}'.

parchifying and subdues the

is

[Chap. XLVI.

and subdues the Pittam and Kapham, while

astringent,

It

Jamvava

the

as

SAMHITA'.

fruit

is

state,

Ashmantaka

and

as the preceding ones.

long retained

in

the stomach

has a sweet taste, and

and demulcent

refreshing,

is

in

in

is

heavv

its

effect.

Raw

or

taste

with a shade of the sweet, leases an astringent

unripe

after-taste,

Pittam,
ripe

state

light

is

and
it

and Pittam,

Parushaka

subdues
is
is

of

sweet

in

in

generates

digestion,

the

sweet

extremly acid in

fruit is

Kapham
taste,

digestion

while

the

in

its

subdues the Vayu

and coohng

in its

Chap.

XLVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

potency and proves curative

The Pushkara
stomach

the

Kapham and
to

in

^n

is

tonic,

Raw

digest).

state

ripe

and tender Vilva

It

digested,
it

heat-making

it

leaves a

of

and

fruit

potency, while in

can

long retained

be
in

that

known

as

the

the stomach,

They destroy the Pittam

is

of a

well

as

as

galactagoguic.

Kapham and

and

it

causing

emission

fruit,

Ashva karna,

its

incompletely

but

The Vimvi

flatus.

Further

after- taste.

thus to distend and producing the

fetid- smelling

subdues the

and astringent

bitter

in its

sweet

digestion,
is

produces the

keen, demulcent astringent,

is

is

heavy

is

It

and heavy of digestion (hard

and appetising, has a pungent,

and

long retained in

is

undigested state.

Vayu and Kapham.

taste,

of haemoptysis.

cases

in

sweet, and

fruit is

^O^

prove

beneficial in cases of thirst, burning sensation of the skin,

fever, hgemoptysis,

The
and

fruits

Maucba,

gestion,

such
etc.

taste

Of

these

and heavy of

Pittam.

the

as,

digestion.

The pulp found

The Narikela

taste

and

It

inside
it

fruit

of

di-

They

and act as constructive

of

fruit

of digestion and diuretic, and

Pittam.

in

Vayu and Pittam.

potencies,

the

Panasa

Narikela,

Tala,

sweet

are

and subdue the

are cooling in their

tonics.

cough, asthma and consumption.

Tala

is

sweet in

subdues the deranged

its

seeds

is

sweet

subdues the Vayu and

is

heavy

demulcent, anti-choleric, sweet, cooling in

of digestion,
its

potency.

I
THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

504

tonic, tissue-building, pleasant, laxative

subdues the

The Maucham has

in

Panasam

It

diuretic.

sweet and

is

a sweet and astringent taste,

potency, proves

its

and

XLVI.

demulcent and heiivy of digestion.

astringent in taste,

cooling

The

Pittam,

Chap.

curative

not

cases

in

of

hccmoptysis, acts as a spemiatopoietic and improves the

relish for food.

It

generates the

Kapham and

heavy

is

of digestion.

The

such

as

the

Madhukas, Kharjuras,

etc.,

heavy

fruits

of

Of

to

the

these grapes are

sweet,

voice,

They

potency.

their

haemoptysis,
of

the

as

the

in

and

prove beneficial

Kashmarya Phala

is

and

and Pittam.
ari'esting

all

is

of

beneficial

cooling

in

cases

of

in

The

pleasant

fruit

known

and

diuretic.

the blood, improves the intellect

It purifies

cases

burning sensation

thirst,

and consumption.

are

taste,

laxative,

demulcent,

asthma,

fever,

skin,

of hair,

have a sweet

and prove curative

digestion

haemoptysis.

Drakshas, Kashmaryas,

and growth

rejuvenescent and subdues the

Vayu

Kharjuras are possessed of the virtue of

bodily wastes.

They prove

beneficial in

Urakshata, are pleasant, cooling in their potenc)', refreshing,

heavy of digestion, sweet

curative

in

cases

of

Madhuka

trees

heavy

digestion,

of

Vayu and Pittam.

are

in

The

haemoptysis.

tissue-building,

while their

and

taste,

prove

flowers of

unpleasant

and

subdues

the

fruit

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XLVI.]

Fruits such

Vatama, Akshoda, Abhishuka,

as the

and Urumana,

Pichu, Nikochaka,

Nichula,

505

heavy

demulcent, heat-ifiaking in their potency,

digestion, constructive, tonic,

and sweet

known

fruit

the Lavali

as

of

They

in taste.

subdue the Vayu, Pitta m and Kapham.

The

are

etc.

astringent and

is

and

shghtly bitter in taste, improves a rehsh for food,

is

aromatic

pleasant,

system.

It

and

subdues the

Kapham and

whole

the

refreshing to

The

Pittam.

fruits

such as the Vasiram, and the Shitapakyam, as

well

as

stems of Bhallataka

the

and are long retained

digest

undigested condition.

in

They tend

trees,

stomach

the
to

are hard

to

an

in

produce a state of

dryness in the organism, derange the Vayu, are cooling

potency, sweet of digestion, and prove curative

in their

in cases of

The

heemoptysis.

known

fruits

as

the

Dantashatba have an extremely acid

bring on an

attack of haemoptysis.

Tanka

as the

is

coohng

astringent taste,

The

fruit

heat-making in

as the

its

taste,

and subdues

Shami

fruit is

a state
the

of

falling

64

and tend to

taste

The

the

known

fruit

potency, has a sweet and

heavy and generates the Vayu.

is

known

in its

and

Aii'avata

Aingudam

is

demulcent, and

and

bitter

Kapham.

The

potency, has a sweet

the

V.4yu and

heavy, sweet and heat-making, produces

parchedness
off of

hair.

in

the

organism,

and helps

The Shleshmataka

fruit

is

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

5o6
heavy of
sweet

and cooling

in taste

such

Fruits

Trinashunya

the

and are heat-making

taste,

Akshaka

sweet,

in

Of

has a bitter and astringent taste.

and

heat-making

Kapham.
an

heat-making

in digestion, keen,
"\'ayu

and

fruits

have

worms

the

in

digestion,

in

potency and prove curative

their

in

pungent

are

in

fever, constipation

intestines,

(Anaha) and Meha.

Fruits such

as,

Karanja, Kinshuka, and Arishtaphalam (Nimva)

the

vermifugenous

are

prove curative

in

and pungent

Piles

produces a

state

fruit

heat-making

in

digestion, subdues the

bitter

and

anti-toxic.

proves curative
potenc)'),

corpulency

in

and

dr3ness

potency,

its

Gulma

the body,

is

and pungent

in

in

light,

(internal

The Vidanga

and Prameha.
of

and

digestion,

in

of Leprosy,

cases

tumour). Ascites,

its

generates the

It

subdues the

It

taste,

the bowels

of

oily.

They

these the Pilu

The Arushkara and Tauvaraka

astringent

cases of

pungent

is

pungent

potency.

their

and

Pilu

and

bittei

subdue the Vayu and Kapham.

Pittam, acts as purgative,

is

in its potency.

Karira,

have

XLVI.

Chap.

Kapham, and

generates the

digestion,

Yayu and Kapham and

is

slightly

The Abhaya (Chebulic Myrobaians)

cases of ulcers,

acts as

is

heat-making

purgative, tends

to

(in

reduce

and subdues the deranged humours.

It

is

appetising and invigorating to the eye-sight, has an acid

and astringent

taste,

and proves curative

in

oedema and

Chap.

XLVi.

SUTRASTHANAM.

cutaneous affections.

The Aksham

of purgative properties,

is

507

light (of digestion),

duces a state of dryness in the organism.

making
is

in

It

and prois

heat-

potency, produces hoarseness Aphonia),

its

a vermifuge and

astringent

possessed

fruit is

taste,

beneficial to the

is

sweet

is

The Puga

h^is

and

digestion

in

Kapham.

the Pittam and

sight,

an

subdues

subdues the

fruit

Pittam and Kapham, produces a state of dryness in the

organism,

impurities, has

and

is

the

cleanses

mouth

a slightly

Phalam,

such

Lavauga and

The

fruits

properties.

the

the

Jatikosha,

Phalam

Karpura

the

and

secretions

taste,

as

Kataka

the

all

sweet and astringent

possessed of laxative

and vegetables

of

etc.,

the

Jati

Kakkolakam,

have a

bitter

Kapham,

pun-

gent taste,

subdue

in digestion,

and remove bad odours from the mouth

and cleanse

it

of

all

shghtly bitter taste,

and

light in

the

its

fetid

diuretic.

has a sweet taste,

Pittam.

recommended

its

potency,

The

in

dryness of

The Lata-Kasturika

Karpura and

is

is

cooling and

pith of the Piyala fruit

spermatopoietic and subdues the

is

The

pith (the kernel

the seeds) of the Vaibhitaki

subdues the deranged

or the kernel of the

light

possessed of liquefacient

breath.

virtue to the

both laxative and

Vayu and

It is

are

The Karpura has

aromatic, cooling in

is

specially

is

mouth and

similar in

impurities.

digestion.

and

properties

and

thirst

fruit is

Vayu and

Kola

fruit

found inside

intoxicating

Pittam.

The

and
pith

has an astringent sweet

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

5o8

Chap. XLVl.

subdues the Vayu and Pittam allays thirst and

taste,

Amalaka resembles

seed of the

The

properties.

in its

The

nausea and vomiting.

alleviates

of the

kernel

named

the last

of such fruits

kernels

pith

as the

Vijapuraka, Shampaka and Koshamra are sweet

digestion, appetising, demulcent,

in

and subdue the Vayu

and Pittam. These kernels of seeds should be regarded as

possessing identical properties as the pulps of the fruits

from which they had been extracted.

with

All fruits

the exception of Vilva are efficacious in their ripe and

The

matured condition.

latter

enjoined to be eaten unripe for

with

well

as

from

iheir use.

tising

medicinal purposes as

derive

heat-making

eftect,

which

other disease
season, or

lejected

the

is

bliglited or

or that which has

raw

as

unfit

for

that

the

their

potency,

taste.

affected

grown

use.

in

by any

an improper

Here the description of

of

Potherbs

deal with the properties of potherbs.

tlie

in

ended.

The group

tro}^

efficacy

or over-ripe, or worm-eaten, should be

fruit- group is

creepers as

greater

and have an astringent-pungent-bitter

Fruit,

been

Unripe Vilvas are astringent and appe-

their

in

view to

have

(Vilvas)

: Now we
The

fruits of

shall

such

Fushpaphala, Alavu and Kalindak des-

the Pittam, generate the Vayu, and slightly produce

Kapha m.

They tend

to

increase

the discharge of

the stool and urine, and are sweet in taste and digestion.

Chap.

XLVI.

Of these

SUTRASTHANAM.

the tender

heat-making

Kushmandas

in their

action of

some

all

in

are h'ght in digestion,

potency, and contain a greater pro-

They

portion of alkalifle matter.

and pleasant

are appetising, diuretic

and tend to subdue the

their effect,

kinds of deranged humours, and prove Vhole-

in cases

of mental aberration, such

The Kalindak tends

semen and

generates both the

Vayu and

It

Kapham, while an Alavu

is

a purgative, produces a con-

dition of parchedness in the system,

and extremely cooling

as the bitter

in

Alavu,

is

fruits

is

heavy

potency.

its

in digestion

The

species,

unpalatable and has an

emetic property, and subdues the

The

as, insanity, etc.

to reduce the quantit}^ of

impairs the eye- sight.

known

509

Vayu and Pittam.

such as the Trapusha, Ervaruka, Karkaru,

and Shirna-Vrinta are heavy

in

and long

digestion

retained in the stomach in an undigested state.

They

palatable, cooling in

Kapham,

tend to

facilitate

contain a

little

green

their

the

potency, generate

discharge

alkaline

a stomachic.

is

an acid

ripe

taste.

and

subdues

the

of a pale yellow colour

urine,

Pittam,
acts

the

Similarly,

event of
ripe

its

possess-

Ervarukas

and

Karkarus generate the Vayu and Kapham, have

sweet

taste,

as

and yellow Trapusham tends

to subdue the Pittam only in

ing

stool

matter, and are sweet in taste.

and tender cucumber

while one which

of

are

and are found to be charged with alkaline

matter. The}^ are appetising, relishing and do not inordj-

THE SUSHRUTA

^lo

nately generate the

melon) contains a
purgative.

It

appetising in

SAMHITA'.

Pittam.

little

[Chap. XLVI.

Shirna-Vrinta (water

alkaline matter,

Kaphamg

generates the

is

is

sweet, and

pleasing

and

property, and proves curative in cases

its

of Anr\ha and Ashthild.

The

spices

Shringavera,

and herbs include the

Ardraka,

Hingu,

Sumukha,

Jamviraka,

Sugandhaka,

Kshavaka,

Ksharapushpa,

Phanijhyaka,

Sarshapa,

Gandira, Tilaparnika,

Kustumvuru,

Jiraka,

Arjaka,

Bhustrina,

Kalamala,

Kutheraka,

Surasa,

Kasamaraddka,

Pippali, Maricha,

Madhu-Shigru,

Shigru,

Rajika,

Varshabhu,

Benu,

Kulahala,

Mulaka-

Chitraka,

Potika, Lashuna, Palandu and Kalaya, etc.

IVIctrlcal
are

taste,

and

Texts : Potherbs

relishing,

subdue

the

variously used for

and heat-making

Vayu and

have a pungent
potency,

in their

Kapham.

They

are

Of the above- said

seasoning food.

spices

and herbs, the unripe or immature Pippali

heavy

in

is

digestion, sweet in taste, cooling in potency

and generates Kapham.

Dried
acts

as

Pittam.
tion,

Pippali
a

subdues the

Vayu

and

spermatopoietic and slightly

Green or immatured Maricha

heavy and phlegmagoguic

Maricha has

a pungent taste,

is

in

soothes

in its potency.

destroys the

Vayu and Kapham, and

the

sweet of diges-

its

effect.

light of digestion

heat-making

It is

is

Kapham,

Dr}'

and

anti-spermatopoietic,
slightly

subdues

Chap. XLVI.

SUTKASTHANAM.

The white Maricha

the Pittam.

nor too heat-making in

two "preceding

than the

Vayu,

has

digestion.

It is

heat-making

relish

to

food.

It

and charged with an

and Kapham, proves

colic pain

heat-making
is

taste,

relieves

colic

is

its

potency,

Hingu

stool

the

digestion,

in its

relish

to

or yellow)

potency, pungent
food.

It

increases

like

in

sharp

is

digestion

has a pungent taste,

the

Vayu and Kapham. The

Karavi and Karavi,

of

suppression

*and

indigestion

appetising and aromatic,

destro3"S

of

demulcent, laxative and sharp, and

The Jiraka (whether white

and imparts a

relieves

and distension

light

is

and

Vayu

potency, acts as a digestant, and

pain,

and heat-making

as

in

subdues the Vayu and Kapham, has a

It

pungent

is

The

in its

appetising.

stool.

The Ardrakam

beneficial to the voice,

and suppression of the

stomach.

of the

of

s\\*eet

a pleasant spermatopoietic, subdues the

as

acts

is

destroys

light of digestion,

heat-making

is

specially

pleasant and imparts

is

substance.

oily

is

potency, acts as a

in its

appetising,

is

has a pungent taste,

and

taste,

spermatopoietic and aphrodisiac,

a

efficacious

The Nagaram

pungent

and

varieties

invigorating to the eye-sight.

the

more

is

cooling

neither too

is

potency,

its

51

the

Pittafn,

species,

and

known

Upakunchika, are

possessed of properties similar to those of the aforesaid

Jiraka,

and are variously used

and condiments.
ander seeds)

is

Raw

or undried

seasoning

Kustumvari

dishes
(cori-

sweet, aromatic and pleasant, while in

its

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

iI2
dried state

allays thirst,
skin.

It

sweet

it is

and

in digestion, acts as a

has a slightly bitter and pungent

purifies, its

internal

tends

to

remove the bad

digestant,

is

subdues the Vayu and

It

taste

in

and

the mouth,

Kapham

or due to poison.

The Surasa generates the Pittam, reHeves

sides,

It

and diseases due to the action

deranged Vayu and

pain at the

body and

aromatic, appetising and pleasant.

is

alleviates cough, dyspnoea

of the

tends

taste,

the

of

Jamvira

channels.

sharp and acts as a vermifuge.

Kapham, and

demulcent,

alleviates the burning sensation of the

subdue the deranged humours

to

XLVI.

[Chap.

while the

Sumukha

the colic and

said

is

be

to

possessed of the same properties with the exception that

it

the effects

neutralises

of

poisons brought

about

through the chemical combination (of several incompatible substances in the organism).

The

known

herbs

the Surasa, Arjaka and Bhustrina destroy the

are light of digestion,

parchedness

in

and tend to produce a

the organism.

They

as

Kapham,
state

of

demulcent,

are

generate the Pittam, and are heat-making in their potency

and pungent
the

in

taste

and

Kasamardaka has

a bitter and

subdues the Yayu and Kapham,

the

throat and

specially

Shigru has a pungent,

The herb

digestion.

is

taste.

It

a digestant, cleanses

subdues

alkaline,

sweet

called

the

Pittam.

sweet and

bitter

The
taste

and generates the Pittam, while the Madhii- Shigru

variety

is

laxative, has a bitter

appetising and

and pungent

removes oedematous

taste;

swelling of

is

the

XLVi.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

The Sarshapa

body.

513

known

herbs, as well as those

as

Gandira and Vega, can be but imperfectly digested.

They tend
urine,

produce a state of dryness

sharp and heat-making in

of

discharge

the

suppress

to

organism, are

in the

potency, and

their

and

stool

serv^e to

derange the three fundamental humours of the body. The

herbs called Chitraka and Tilaparni are light (of diges-

and subdue the

tion),

herb

known

Kapham.

as the
It

Kapham

and

The

oedema.

Varshabhu subdues the Vayu and

proves beneficial in

abdominal dropsy and

a pungent bitter taste.

The Mulaka-Potika has

piles.
It

is

of oedema,

cases

pleasant, appetising, light

and throat- cleansing, tends to impart a greater

and subdues the action of

to food,

Raw

humours.
species

is

stomach

heavy

in

kinds of deranged

immature Mulaka of the

or

digestion

in

all

an undigested

larger

and long retained

state.

It

lends to produce a derangement of

relish

irritating

is

of the body, while boiled with oil or butter

it

and

humours

three

tlie

in the

acts as

denmlcent and subdues the ^'ayu, Pittam and Kapham.

Dried Mulaka subdues the

deranged

humours.

(of digestion).

It

action

of

anti-toxic

is

the

three

and

light

All dried herbs with the exception of the

preceding one generate the

Vayu and take

long

time to be digested.

The

properties

Mulaka bulb
65

in

described in
its

different

connection with the

stages

of

growth

and

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

su

can

conditions

also

be

attributed

and Kapham,

Vayu

the

heat-making,
laxative.

sharp,

has

It

while

Kapham.

and

to

Mulaka

leaves and fruits respectivel3\

the Pittam

[Chap. XLVI.

flowers subdue

their

a palatable

subdues

fruit

Rasona

pungent,

flowers,

its

demulcent,

is

and

taste

and

heavy

slimy,

tonic,

is

spermatopoietic, and tends to improve the voice, intellect

*.

and complexion and to bring about an adhesion of

fractured bones.
fever,
for

It alle^iates heart-disease,

Vivandha,

food,

cough, asthma,

appetite, swelling (Shopha),

Vayu and Kapham.

making
heavy,

in

tonic

the Pittam and

The

species,

is

has

appetising.

Kapham.

It

known

demulcent, cooling

in its

non-relish

dulness of

worms and diseases due

Palandu

and

Kushtha,

piles,

potency,

its

Gulma,

Kukshi-Shula,

indigestion,

to the

not excessively heata

It

pungent
slightly

taste,

is

generates

subdues the Vayu.

the

as

Kshira-Paldndu,

is

potency, and relishing, imparts

a steadiness to the fundamental principles of the body,

is

tonic,

intellect
heav)'',

promotes the growth of

and

proves

The potherbs

haemoptysis.

the

Kapham.

and increases the

slimy

flesh,

beneficial

called

improves the
It is palatable,

in

in

taste in the

mouth.

The

leaves

digestion,

of plants

heavy

are

and leave an astringent

and

trees

of

Kalaya subdue

Pittam and Kapham, generate Vayu,

and sweet

cases

known

after-

as

the

.t

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chuchchu, Juthika,

Taruiii,

Vimvitika,

Jivanti,

Bhallataka, Chagalantri, Vriksliadani,

Kovidara

Of

and

as

acts

to

the

these,

in

ulcers,

action.

light

of

Chuchchu

vermifuge.

is

the

slimy,

It is

subdue the

tonic.

The

The

Vayu.

slibdue
in

The

proves beneficial

of the

Jivanti

subdues

Phanji

leaves

plants

or

three

herb
kinds

all

of the

and

taste

in

leaves

leaves of trees

and

digestion,

astringent

and

eyes

humours.

deranged
plant

to

bitter

astringent

are

of

light

is

deranged humours (Tridosha).

beneficial

and

digestion (easily digestible).

and

sweet

They

haemoptysis.

tends to subdue the action

Jt

Shalmali,

Karvudara

Kapham, generate the Vayu and

their action

Xandi,

have an astringent, sweet and

and prove curative

taste,

the

etc.,

Phanji,

Shana,

Vanashpcfti-prasava,

Shelu,

^,^

is

of

Vrikshadani
are

slightly

belonging

to

the

Kshira-Vriksha or to the Utpala group are cool-

ing

in their

action,

potency,

and prove

astringent

beneficial

in

\i}

their

taste

and

dj^sentery, (intestinal

haemorrhage) and haemoptysis.

The

leaves

Uruvuka (white
heat-making
bitter taste

of

the

Punarnava,

castor), Vatsadani,

in their, potency,

Varuna,

and Vilva

Tarkari,
etc.,

are

and have a sweet and

and pacify the deranged Vayu. Of these, the

Punarnava are specially possessed

of

the virtue

of

removing oedema (ShophaV

The

potherbs, such

as the

Tanduliyaka, Upodika,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

-l6

Ashvavala,
laxative

They

taste.

Palankya, and Vastuka

Chilli,

and

[Chap, xr.vi.

and have

diuretic,

are

sweet and alkaline

generate the

slightly

etc.,

Vayu and Kaphani.

and cure hsemoptysis.

Metrical Text
as

the Tanduliya

Of

known

these, the species

sweet in taste and digestion, and

is

proves curative in cases of haemoptysis and somnolence

(due to the

effects

antitoxic

It is

of poison, wine or vitiated blood).

and extremely cooling

in

its

of parchedness

in

the system.

and produces

The Upodika

species

It

state

spermatopoietic,

is

demulcent and
subdues

tonic.

sweet

is

and

to subdue

all

The
ties,

is

is

tonic.

is

It

in

(in

improves the

alkaline, laxative

and

the

Palankya

of the

Tanduliya.

It

relishing,

in

tends to suppress the discharge of

proves remedial

Pittam.

to

the

and tends

in

its

proper-

with

identical

is

the

V^vu,

the

system,

stool

deranged

and

of the bod>'.

generates

produces a state of parchedness

digestion),

intellect

kinds of deranged humours

while those

The

system.

species Chilli resembles the Vastuka

those, of

It

the

pungent

laxative,

Kapham, and

generates the

It

species called the Vastuka

vermifuge, and

and digestion.

anti-narcotic, cooling,

Vayu and Pittam

the

digestion

in taste

potency,

and

urine.

Kapham

The potherbs Ashvavala produces

and

and

a condition

of dryness in the organism and tends to suppress the

discharge of stool and urine and

Vayu

(emission of

flatus).

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

The potherbs
Mandukaparni,

plants)

such as the

Siinishannaka,

Suvarchala,

(leaves of edible
Saptala,

Brahma- siivarch?lla,

Kantak^rika-phala,

Katukika,

Patola,

Vrihati-phala,

Vartaku,

Kararellaka,

Koshataki,

Arkapushpi,

shaka,

Satina,

Kevuka, Uruvuka, Parpataka,

Karkotaka, Arishta,

prove curative

are

etc.,

Kiratatikta,

Karira, Ataru-

A'etra,

and palatable, and

light

Meha,

haemoptysis, Kushtha,

in

Kaka-

Gojihva,

Gudiichi,

Pippali,

Prapunnada, Avalguja,

machi;

517

fever,

dyspnoea, cough and create a relish for food.

Metrical Texts
Gojihvika

the

species

The

are

alike

the former being astringent

sweet

Pittam,
its

anv acid reaction.

It*

tends to subdue the

and

it

also

arrests

The Abulguja has

tion

The
gent

three

unattended

is

bitter

its

witli

action and

deranged bodily humours,

evacuations

the

in

The Sunishannaka

astringent in

is

the

to

cooling

digestion,

and

digested

easily

is

properties,

beneficial

potency and of easy digestion.

species

taste,

of

bowels.

the

pungent

is

in diges-

and subdues the deranged Pittam and K^pham.

potherb Satina
in taste

humours
is

their

in

and

and

taste

in

Mandukaparni and

neither

slightly

is

bitter

and

astrin-

and tends to subdue the three deranged

body.

The

of

the

too

coohng nor too

potency

and

removes

subdues

the deranged

Kakamachi

heat-making

cutaneous

humours

as

affections.

the

herb
in

its

It

preceding

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

5i8

The

species.

b'ght

an

has

plants

of

(Kushtha), and

Kapham.

It

of

The

in

relishing

and appetising.

and

appetising.
taste)

and

The}-

to

herbs and

bitter

The

taste

of

The

Pittam.

such as

creepers

and

(in

its

Karkotakam
of properties

the

>

Vartakam

Atarushaka,

and Guduchi together with the

the

and

The
has a

It

alkaline

is

the preceding species

Kiratatikta, Parpataka

tender shoots

ulcers,

relishing

light,

is

Karavellakam are possessed

of

creeper

subdue the deranged

Vartakam

Matured

similar to those

The

taste,

and generates the

the

and

without producing the Vayu.

pungent

and

diseases

Patola

V^rtakam subdues the Vayu and Kapham.

bitter

proves

Vayu

are beneficial

is

heat-making, spermatopoietic,

digestion,

Kapham

and

taste,

cutaneous

of the

Vrihati

of;

deranged

the

They

pungent

Pittam and

and

itch

leaves and fruit

bitter taste.

bitter

vermicidtil

is

subdues

species

and

astringent

cases

in

two

(the

digestion.

curative

have a

of

fruit

[Chap. XLVI,

Vetra

subdue

and
the

Nimva,

the

have

Pittam and Kapham.

leaves of the Varuna and Prapunnada destroy the

deranged

Kapham and

dryness in the system.

give

They

rise

to

are

cooling in their potency, and tend to

the bodily

Vayu and Pittam.

light

condition

of

of digestion,

enrage or agitate

The potherbs known

Kalashakam are appetising and pungent

in taste

as

and tend

to neutralise the effects of poison originated through the

chemical

action

of

two

incompatible substances

in

The

organism.

the
a

StJTRASTHANAM.

XLVI.]

Chap.

sweet

taste,

and produces

the organism.

in

and

of

light

Kapham. The
taste.

The

It

It

Kaushumbha has

called

species

519

a condition

heat-making

is

its

species called Xalika-shakam

has^ sweet

generates the

Vayu and subdues the Pittam.

the

Changeri has an acid, astrin-

species

called

gent and sweet taste.

It

making

proves beneficial in

in

potency,

its

mesenteric disorders (Grahani) and

leaves

Pattura,

digestion

the

Suvarchala,

Jivaka,

Kurantika

Kuntalika,

etc.,

and cooling

They

and produce

They

leave

not

and

The potherbs known

bitter taste.
taste.

The

well as the
its
is

piles.

Jatuka,

Triparnika,

Kurmaka,

Kathinjara,

sweet

are

in

They subdue
generate

inordinately

of dryness

laxative,

and

taste

in

the

mouth

the organism.

and generate the Vayu.

have a sweet and

species Kurantika

has an as|;ringent

species called the Rajakshavak-Shakam,

as

one called Sathi-Shakam,

in

not hostile to

the

cases of

as Kuntalika

property, cooling in

(subdues
as

The

in

heat-

cases of

saline after-taste in the

condition

are alkaline

curative

their potency.

in

Kapham and do

Pittam.

Lonika,

the

of

and

appetising

is

Kapham and

deranged Vayu and

The

potency

subdues the deranged

and

digestion,

in

of dryness

D.R.)

its

not

enrage

humours.

Harimanthajam

astringent

potency, easily digestible and

(does

the

is

is

sweet

The
in

or

aggravate),

species
taste

and

known
diges-

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

5-20

but

tion

as Knlayani (leaves of the

and sweet

in taste.

The

digest.

to

difficult

is

Matara

species

pulse;

tends

t(i

tions

in

The

known

purgative

is

dislodge the deranged

the upper part

of

Vayu.

the'

humours from
the body

in
It

their loca-

Sramsanam).

Putikaranjas are heat- making in their potency and

alleviate

oedema and anasarca.

The

Kapham.

heat-making

and pungent

in

are pungent in

Tamvula

are sharp,

potency; and bitter,

astringent

leaves of the

their

(in

They

and subdue the Vayu and

digestion, easily digestible

the

XLVi.

produces a state of dryness

It

organism and extremely generates

the

Chap.

taste.

They tend

to

aggravate

the

Pittam, are aromatic, prove beneficial to the voice, and

remove viscidness

Kapham and Vayu

gent

in digestion

the

in

in the

system, are

pacify

appetising,

and deodorant, and tend to

the fetid smell in the mouth, cleanse

and

They

organism.

it

of

all

the

pun-

remoAe

impurities

alleviate all itchinf^ sensations experienced inside its

This ends the description of potherbs.

cavity.

The Flower Croup : The

trees as.the Kovidara, Shana,

taste

and digestion and

The

haemoptysis

have a
alleviate

bitter

and Shalmali are sweet

prove

curative

flowers of the Vrisha

taste,

are

of such

flowers

pungent

in

wasting cough (Phthisis).

in

in

cases oi

and Agastya

digestion

The

and

flowers of

the Madhu-shigru and Karira are pungent in digestion.

They destroy

the

Vayu and

increase

the discharge of

XLVI.

Chap.

stool

SUTK ASTH A N A M

and

The Agastya

urine.

5^1

flower

coohng nor inordinately heat-making

and proves

beneficial

specftilly

The

blindness (Nyctalopia).

The Padnia has

cooling

in

Pittam

and

ing

its

and

bitter

and

slightly

differ

as

the

from

The

sweet

taste,

The Kumuda has

is

varieties

sweet

and

cool-

of the same

Kuvalayam and the Utpalam,

the preceding varieties

Sindhuvaram

of destroying the
flowers

prove

and subdues the deranged

The two

potency.

known

Malati

Rakta-

the

flowers of

shmy, demulcent, pleasing

species

virtue

night-

Kushtham).

Kapham.

is

properties.

potency,

its

and

in

of

cases

in

potency

its

subdue the Pittam and Kapham,

curative in skin diseases

taste,

in

neither too

Ximva, ]\Iushkaka, Arka, Asana and Kutaja

Vriksha,
trees

is

have a

Pittam.
bitter

renowned

is

for

The Mallika

taste

Pittam owing to their sweet scent.

their

in

its

and

and subdue the

The Vakulas,

like

the Patala flowers, are sweet smelling and pleasant, their

pleasing and

odoriferous property instantaneously per-

meates the whole system. The

Kumkumum,
Kapham.

is

antitoxic

It is

Kapham and
66

lik.e

is

curative

in

cases

both cooling and heat-making

potency and subdues the

Kinshukam,

(flower),

like

Pittam.

the

the

and subdues the Pittam and

The Champakam

haemoptysis.

Xagam

deranged

Kurantakam,

Kapham.
subdues

in

of
its

The
the

THE SUSHRUTA

522

flower should be

understood

the same properties which

plant on

which

Madhu-Shigru

it

grows.

pungent

is

[Chap.XLVI.

SAMHITA'.

possessed of

as

are natural to the tree or

The
in

(tehder stem)

of the

and subdues the

taste

deranged Kapham.

The Kshavaka,
sprouts of Vansha^

Kulechara, and

the

the

tender

generate the deranged Kapham,

etc.,

and tend to increase the

of

discharge

and

stool

urine.

Metrical Texts

The Kshavakam

helps the

germination of

worms

sweet

and tends to increase the secretions of

in taste,

the internal organs.

in the intestines.

the

generates

It

It is

Vfiyu

not inordinately increase the Pittam and

the

body.

The tender

Kapham and

are sweet

sprouts
in

taste

and does

Kapham

Venu

of

slimy and

in

generate

and digestion.

The}'

can be but imperfectly digested and produce the Vayu

in the

organism.

They

and tend to produce a

ha-se a

state

slightly

of extreme

astringent taste

parchedness

in

the system.

Udbhida Group : Mushrooms

The

generally found to grow

on stacks of straw (Paiala),

or are seen vegetating on the stems of

sugar-cane (Ikshu
surface

heap
those

of

or as sprouting

bamboo

(^Venu) or

up from beneath

the ground (Udbhida),

of decomposed

are

or

tlie

growing on a

cow- dung (Karisha.)

Of

these,

which grow on stacks of (decomposed) straw

Chap.

XLVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

(Palalam) are sweet

^23

and digestion and tend to

in taste

organism.

They

subdue the three'deranged humours of the body.

Those

produce a state of dryness

the

in

which vegetate on the stems of sugar-canes (Ikshujam)

have a sweet pungent
after-taste

the

in

They

taste.

mouth and

leave an asti'ingent

cooh'ng

are

their

in

Mushrooms

growing on decomposed cow-

dung (Karisha) should

be regarded as possessed of

potency.

They

properties similar to those of the preceding class.

aggravate the Vayu, are heat-making in their potency,

and have an astringent

the stems of

Those which vegetate on

taste.

bamboos (Venuja) have an

astringent taste

and tend to enrage or aggravate the

bodily

Vaj^u.

^Mushrooms which grow on the ground (Bhumija) are

heav}'

of digestion and do

V^yu, their tastes

the

not inordinately generate

varying according to the

soil

they grow on.

Pinya'ka Group
pov,'deror cake
oil-mill),

of linseed

Tilakalka

the

sesamum of which the

out),

oil

The*

Pinyaka {levigated

levigated

(the

enrage

all

powder

of

into

pills

(leaves

or

and stems

balls)

tend to

the deranged humours.

IVIctrical
retained

made

an

has been similarly pressed

and the Sthunika-shuska-Shaka

of plants pasted and

in

mustard pressed

or

in

thus giving

Texts: Sthunika
stomach

the
rise

to

in

distension

balls

are

an undigested
of that

organ,

long
state,

and

SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

'^HP:

^24
tend

enrage

to

aggravate

or

Moist Sindakis are the

Mulaka,

and

There'

are

and

then

the

of

with pungent

made

into

two kinds of Sindakis the

They

moist.

and

spices

stems

and pasted

etc. slightly boiled

aromatic

and

(leaves

Vayu.

bodily

the

xlm.

[Chap.

dr}--

balls.)

and the

generate the Ysiyu and are appetising,

tend to impart a

greater

to

relish

food.

All

sweet or palatable potherbs are purgative and heavy

of digestion, produce a state of dryness in the organism,
are

generally

stomach

They

in

an undigested

marked with

are

and long retained

indigestible

state,

a shade

causing

it

of the

the

in

to distend.

astringent in

their taste.

or

flowers,

succeeding one

leaves,
is

hea^

fruits,

ier

immediately preceding

stems and bulbs,

(of digestion)

it

each

than the one

in the order of

enumeration.

Potherbs and leaves of edible plants which are found

to

be rough or

pu.trified

or

worm-eaten, as well as

those growing on an improper or incongenial

making

their

appearance

in

soil,

or

an unnatural season

of

the year, should be rejected as unfit

for

use.

This

ends the description of the Pushpa-shakas.

The Bulb Group

: Now we

shall

discourse

on the virtues of edible bulbous plants or herbs (Kandas).

The bulbs

of plants and creepers such as the \'idari-kanda,

Shatavari, Visha (bulbs of the lotus plant), Mrinala (the

upper stem of the lotus plant), ^Shringataka, Kasheruka,

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Chap. XLVI.J

Madhvaluka,

Pindaluka,

Hastyaluka,

Shankhaluka, Raktdluka,

sweet

their

in

cooling

tend to increase the semen

The

tive tonic

and

and

breast

the

as

of

Vid^ri-

and acts as a construc-

taste,

spermatopoietic.

is

the

in

The}"

quantities

known

bulb

sweet

etc.

their potenc)',

in

large

in

augment the quantity of milk

Kanda has

Utpala

and lieavy of digestion.

taste

human mother.

Kasthaluka,

and

Indivara

are

lifemo^tysis,

alleviate

525

It

cooling in

is

its

potency, beneficial to the ^oice, and imparts strength

to the system.

extremely diuretic and subdues the

It is

Vayu and Pittam,

taste

bitter

Vayu and

and

The

tonic.

curative in

has

Shatavari

spermatopoietic.

is

sweet

and

subdues

the

It

the one belonging to

Pittam,

being

species

sized

The

and

palatable

the

large-

and

appetising

improves the intellect and proves

latter

mesenteric

of

cases

diarrhoea

(Grahani)

and

piles,

and

tive,

and cooling

spermatopoietic, Rejuvenating, restora-

is

of this creeper

Visham*
is

stances

curative

long retained

state,

lining

proves

though

which

membranous

outer covering being

be

can

Bulbs of lotus plants

or

under

falls

in

an undigested

category of

partially

of

as the

lotus-stem

MrinSlam,

are

sub-

digested.

though certain authorities aver that the

fibres

known

but

The

of haemoptysis,

cases

the

bitter

Kapham.

and

the stomach

in

it

in

under-sprouts

have a

Shatavari)

Pittam

the

The

potency.

its

(large-sized

and subdue

taste

and

in

called

It

inner

Visha,

the

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

526
is

generates the

tasteless or insipid,

to

The bulbs known

XLVI.

is

hard

in

the

as the "Shringataka

and

Kasheruka are heavy of digestion, are long

re-

organism.

tained

'

the stomach

in

are cooling in
ates the

an undigested

heavy of

is

pungent

dues the

The

The Surendrakanda
Pittam and sub-

of digestion, and tend to enrage the

Kanda, and Manaka,

and pungent

etc.

as

Venn

are

heavy

Kapham and

V^3'u.

sprouts of the

The bulbs (Kanda) known

Sthula-Kanda, Shurana-

have

slightly astringent

and tend to produce a

taste,

They

dryness in the organism.

state

in

in

the

as

the

an undigested condition.

Metrical texts
Manaka

of

are heav}' of digestion,

and subdue the Pittam, and are long retained

stomach

gener-

and tends to

digestion,

in digestion, generates the

Kapham.

and

state,

The Pindalukam

potency.

their

Kapham,

in

enrage or agitate the bodily Vayu.

is

and

Va3'u,

producing a condition of dryness

digest,

the

[Chap.

is

sweet,

The

and cooling

known

species
in

its

potency

and

heavy of digestion, while the one called the Sthula

Kanda. is not inordinately heat-making

The

Surana

species

in cases of piles

The bulbs
Utpala
are

and

of

and
such

is

usually

rectal

in

its

found to be curative

polypi

and condylomata.

aquatic plants as the

Padma have an

sweet in digestion.

They

potency.

astringent
are

potency and tend to enrage the

cooling

Vayu

Kumuda,
taste
in

and
their

and yacify

Chap.

or

SUTRASTHANAM.

XLVL]

The bulb known

subdue the deranged Pittam.

Vrahakanda

the

and

is

pungent

as

digestion,

possessed of spermatopoietic, tonic^ rejuvenating

is

proves

diseases

efficacious

(Kushtham),

presence of

are

curative

trees,

sweet
in

in

cases

the

taste

the

They subdue

Kapham

in

the body.

and

the

to

top-

Kharjura

They prove

digestion.

and are spermato-

Vayu and

the

skin

The

Tala, Narikela,

Edible bulbs,

tremel}' tender or immature,

sprouting in

due

intestines.

of haemoptysis,

poietic.

MehU,

aihuents

in

Kapham,

the

of

cases

in

in

as

subdues

It

and

parasites

piths of such
etc.,

and

taste

in

and restorative properties.

and

527

diseased,

generate

the

which are

ex-

decomposed

or

an improper season of the year, or are

worm-eaten, should be rejected as

unfit

This

use.

for

finishes the description of the bulb group.

The Salt Gnoup

different varieties of salt

(Lavana

Varga) : The

such as the Saindhava, the

Samudra, the Vida, the Sauvarchala, the Romaka and

the

Audbhidam (prepared from vegetable

should be successively deemed as more

alkah), etc.,

heat,

Vayu,

Kapham, and Pittam making, and more demulcent,

sweeter and more purgative and diuretic, considered in
the inverse order of enumeration.

Saindhava
relishing,
in

salt is beneficial

light, appetising,

digestion,

to

the

eyes,

palatable,

demulcent, slightly

spermatopoietic

and

cooling

sweet
in

its

StTSHRUTA SAMHlTA.

"I'HE

528
potency.

It

one of

is

combating the

in

of

the

(sea-brine)

The

nately neat-making in

of

the deranged humours

variety

sweet

is

the most potent auxiliaries

action

body.

in

and not

digestion,

potency.

its

Samudram

the

called

It

inordi-

not indiges-

is

but purgative, slightly demulcent, and does not

tible,

ordinately generate the Pittam, and

colic pain

[Chap. XLVi.

little

The

(Shula).

alkaline (in

to produce a

and proves

its

condition

in attacks of

Vida

as

appetising.

is

beneficial in cases of colic (Shula,)

sharp and heat-making in

the

its

heat-making

in its

and

in dis-

normal state (restoring or

by

nerve-current
salt

removing

any

of digestion,

light

is

potency, and pungent in taste.

appetising, has an agreeable aroma,

removes any

It is

viscid-

ness from the internal organism, and proves curative

cases of abdominal glands, colic pain

of

scybala

and

heat-making.

intensely

the whole

pungent

system

and

light

Its

immediately
of

salt

action

after

digestion.

in

and incarceration

Romaka

the bowels.

in

is

potency, and restores the

its

Sauvarchala

obstruction).

tends

It

imparts a relish to food,

It

deranged bodily Vayu to

aflow

salt is

of dryness in the organism,

eases affecting the heart.

setting

and

good

known

variety

taste)

is

in-

It

permeates
use,

its

sharp

is

and

subdues

is

the

Vayu, tends to increase the secretion of the internal

organs,

body,
salt

is

enters

and
light,

into

is

the minutest capillaries

purgative

sharp,

and

diuretic.

and heat- making

in its

of

the

Audbhida
potency.

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

moistener to the internal organs, has a pung-

It acts as a

ent bitter taste, and

alkali.

is

charged with a small quantity of

permeates the minutest

It

to restore the deranged

Vayu

to

salt destroys the

and

vermifugal, appetising,

It

normal condition.

its

digestant and purgative.

tends to aggravate the Pittam and acts as an inter-

The

nal liquefacient or antifat.

mine
a

and tends

capillaries,

deranged Vayu and K^pham,

Gutika
is

^29

quarried from a salt

salt

situated at the foot of a hill (Shailamulaja), or from

sandy

(Valukelam) or

alkaline

has a pungent taste, and

Kapham,
(Katu)

(Chhedi).

etc.

helps

(Ushakshara\

soil

the

disintegration of
called

pungent

Alkalis .The

different

It

also

is

salt.

The group
of alkali

varieties

of

(Kshara)

such

Javakshara

the

as

vCarbonate of potash), the Svarjikakshara^ the Pakima

and

Tankana

the

mesenteric

diarrhoea,

the bladder.

All

be regarded

as

properties.

known

as

and

these

the

inflammatory as

is

hcemoptysis.

Javakshara
fire,

known
Of

67

are

to

and

piles,

stone

alkali

these_,

or

in

should

stomachic

have brgught
the varieties

Svarjikakshara

are

and they tend to reduce Kapham,

stool etc.), piles,

abdominal glands and prove curative

They

of

digestant

remove Vibondha (suppression of

spleen.

glands,

and

gravel

varieties

possessed of

Their abuse

about cases of

abdominal

cifre

and

in cases of enlarged

anti-spermatopoietic.

The

alkali

THE Sl'SHKUTA

^^O

known

Usharaksliara

as

heat-making

is

and subdues the deranged V^yu.

the

shmy (mucous;

[Chap. XL\i.

SAMHITA'.
in

its

potency,

tends to increase

It

secretions in the organs

and

detri-

is

mental to the strength of the body. The variety called

P^kima
and

tends

ing the bladder of

to

alkali

all its

known

contents

as the

thus

(lit

free
reliev-

full}-

Tankanakshdra (borax) tends

generates the Vayu, subdues the

It is

about a derangement of

bladder-cleanser).

produce a condition of dryness

tising in its property.

causes

obesity,

of urine,

discharge

increased

The

reduce

to

the organism,

in

Kapham, and

is

appe-

moreover known to bring

tlie

Pittam. and

is

sharp

in its

potency.

The

lYletal

group:

--Gold has a sweet ;uid

agreeable taste, acts as a tonic or

parts rotundity

of

all

to tlie

body,

restorative elixir, im-

and subdues the action

the three deranged humours of the body.

cooling and antitoxic

its

(in its

and astringent

taste,

It

Kansya Indian
as a liquefacient

Vayu, and
Vayu,

is

is

is

laxative

and

potency), presents a glossy or oily aspect,

and destroys the Pittam and Vayu,

sive agent.

is

potency and invigorates

Silver has an acid taste,

the eyesight.
cooling

in

It

and acts as a liquefacient and corro-

laxative

is

bell -metal)

agent.

It

and cooling

its

in its

]~)otency.

has a bitter taste, and acts

subdues the

beneficial to the

cooling in

Copper has a sweet

eyesight.

Kapham and
Iron generates

potency, allays thirst and subdues

StJTRAStHANAM.

XLVi.]

Chap.

the deranged Pittam and

Kapham.

^31

Zinc and lead are

They

vermifugal, as well as liquefacient and corrosive.

have a saline
Vaidurya

(lapis

diamonds, sapphires,

Pearls, corals,

tas*e.

crystals, etc. are

lazuli),

the sight, and cooling in their potency.

beneficial

They

ar

anti-

toxic

and

They

are possessed of sacred prophylactic virtues,

act

as

from

of the salt group

IVIetrical

is

all

in the

cereals,

Shastika,

such

as

barley,

the

should be
nutritious

flesh,

jala,

their

respective

be detertastes,

as

wheat,

into

The

composition.

their

Rakta-Shali, and the

Mudga, the Adhakia,

and the

pulses

Masura

regarded as the best and by far the most

of the cereals which

Lava,

Mayura

fall

under the respective

Tittiri,

Saranga, Kuranga,

(peacock), Varmi

mals respectively belonging to their

those

called

Dddimva,

own

The

Ena,

and Kurma

should be regarded as the best of those of

fruits,

potherbs,

fruits,

heads of the Paddy Group (Dhanyavarga).

of the

deter-

nature of the predominant material

which enter

principles

description

intelligent shall

present chapter), which should

as from the

and

described under their respective

mined with the help of

well

agents.

them, and cleanse

Thus the

impurities.

texts The

(other than those

heads

corrosive

ended.

mine the properties of

etc.,

or

men who wear

bring good luck to

their wearers

liquefacient

to

all

flesh

Kapin(tortoise)

other ani-

species.

Of

A'malaka, Drdkshd,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

532

Parushaka,

Kharfura,
be

should

and

Of potherbs

efficacious.

Satma,

Mandi'ikaparnij and Jivanti

known

those-

ChuchcJmka,

Vdstiika,

commendable

most

the

as

Mdtulunga

and

Rcijddana

considered

[Chap. XLVI.

Chilli,

Mulaka-Potikd,

should be

regarded as

possessed of the most commendable properties.

milk

is

the

as

Cow's

the best of milks, and similarly, clarified butter

made from

cow should be considered

the milk of a

pre-eminently the best and the most efficacious

as

of

clarified butters.

Saindhava

acid kinds

and

Patola

the

highest place in

of

fruit.

Sugar

the modifications

all

Madvirka and Asava

standmg
is

or

the most

as well
ripe

as

fruit,

deemed

matured

of the

efficacious.

vegetable

occupy

of

sweet

articles.

all

the

are

best

sugar-cane

(grape-juice) are

(lit

of

fresh

all

the best of
juice,

while

the best of

all

paddy) of a year's

year after being harvested,

The

flesh of a

young animal,

well-cooked rice prepared, that day,

and

all

pungent,

all

pre-eminently

is

for

of

bitter

all

of

best

butter

list

Similarly, the corn

cordials.

the

salts.

clarified

Pugaphalam and Parushakam

astringent

other

all

Ndgara

Vdrtdkam

Honey and

of

are

fruit

Pippali and

and

substances.

the

the best

is

and Dddhnva

Dhdtri
the

salt

fully

and tender potherbs should be

as the best of their respective kinds.

The kritarina varga

:-

Now we

shall fully

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

with the

deal

food

(Kritaniias).

cooked

of

properties

533
and

(Manda) of

gruel

prepared

paddy

fried

seasoned with ^/owdered Pippali and Nagara proves a

wholesome

diet to a patient after the exhibition of pur-

and emetics, inasmuch

gatives

as

it is

digestantf appeti-

sing and agreeable, and tends to restore the bodily

to

its

normal condition.

light of digestion,

allays thirst

Peyd

diuretic

bladder-cleanser).

It

and hunger, and tends to remove the sense

and exhaustion.

of fatigue

diaphoretic, appetising,

is

(lit

Vayu

impaired appetite and restore

deranged Vayu to

its

serves

It

(lit

rekindle an

to

soothes

normal condition.

down) the

Vilepi

acts

an emulcent food and soothes the entire organism.

as

It is

tonic,

and imparts strength and rotundity to the frame.

It is

light,

thirst

and

astringent, appetising,
satisfies

The

hunger.

with meat, potherbs and

fruit, is

agreeable, quenches

Yavdgii,

when cooked

hard to digest.

It

is

otherwise agreeable, soothing, s}iermatopoietic, tissue-

and

building,

excluding

while

exclusion.

slightly
is

is

Peya

(a

sort

of

an

of

its

component

cooked without any such

the variety, which

and extremel}' seedy

The

is

undigested state

in

preparation

porridge

with milk and sugar)

in

shreds

Vilepi, while

named Yavagu.

Payasa

is

prepared by carefully

which abounds with such^ seedy

gruel,

called

fluid

is

the residuar)-

all

substances,

shreds,

]\Ianda

tonic.

cooked

its

is

consistency,

known

as

the

by boihng

rice

long retained in the stomach

and

is

heavy of digestion,

T'HE

534
though

tends to impart

it

generates

The
rice

SUSHRUTA

and Kapham

fat

SAMHITA'.

organism.

dish called Krishara (a gruel cooked by

with flesh and sesamum) generates the

Pittam,

meal consisting
sweet smelling

threshed,

with

boiling

Kapham and

imparts strength to the body, and subdues the

Va5''u.

XLVi.

to the body, and

strength
in the

Chap.

afterwards,

space of time,

the

in

On

hot or warm.

and well

boiled,

event

of

unwashed

shortest

being

it

a meal

the contrary,

of uncleansed and

strained

ease and in the

digested with

is

well

coloured,

which has been washed

rice,

and properly

care

of white

eaten

consisting

improperly boiled

rice

and taken cold without having been properly strained

longer time to be

takes a
light

cooked

and

with

or with

any

as

and rotundity

and cooked

the

preparing

of

similar

milk

with

to

of anv

sort

of

fried

its

potherbs

husks

any

hea^^

and imparts

tissues,

body.

the
a

or

and

new

(in

Rice

fruits,

Rice

manner

boiled

other

than

Payasa) acquires

properties

soup made

those of the preceding one.

without

Similarly,

to

is

with meat, acid

kind of pulse, forms a rich

food which helps to build up

strength

butter

clarified

such fatty substance, as well

etc.!

rice

and aromatic, and generates the Kapham.

boiled

that

Fried

digested.

pulse
is

(Shakas)

(such

the

as

wholesome.

light

and

well

boiled

squeezed and subsquently cooked with

oil

Mudga,

or

and

well

any ohter

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

^35

lardaceous substance are wholesome, while those which

are

cooked

in a

manner should be considered

different

as possessed of Contrary virtues.

Meat
gloss

naturally

is

and jmparts

spermatopoietic

and strength to

system.

the

Moreover, that

which has been cooked and prepared with

curd,

butter,
(as

sour

gruel

clarified

acid

(Kanjika),

fruits

the pomegranate etc.) pungent and some aromatic

condiment, (as black pepper,

wholesome

as a very
It is

etc.)

should be considered

though heavy of digestion.

diet,

possessed of relishing, strength-giving and tissue-

building properties.

The condensed soup

extract

or

of the afore said

curd and clarified butter,

meat, thickened with milk

and seasoned and cooked with such aromatic condi-

ments

(as

black pepper, asafoetida,

aggravate the
appetising,

Pittam and

boiled in

Kapham, and

constructive tonic.

been several times

fried

to

as

an

acts

The meat, which has

afterwards prepared dry with

such condiments as Jiraka,

Parishushka-Mansa)

tends

with clarified butter and then

warm water and

butter and seasonings

etc.),

etc. (so as to

fully

absorbed

have
in

all

its

the

body

should be considered as a tooth-

some, exhilarating, emulcent food, though heavy of digestion.

relish

It

imparts firmness to the limbs and increases a

for

food,

improves the appetite and

intellect,

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

536

Chap. XLVI.

builds

up

frame,

and produces an increased quantity of semen

and

fresh

albumen

(ojas)

and prepared

made

and

gives

tissues,

in

rotundity

Tue meat cooked

the organism.

when minced

the foregoing manner,

in

into

cakes,

Ullupta-Mansam,

called

is

the

to

which resembles the above-said Parishushka-Mansam

in its properties,

though

to the fact of

having been cooked over a charcoal

its

it is

lighter

The same meat, cooked on an

becomes a

fire,

as

is

it

fire.

iron rod over a charcoal

heavier as far

little

inasmuch

concerned,

than the latter owing

as

digestion

with

roasted

is

clarified

butter, etc.

The

cooked meat such

varieties of

(minced meat), the Bharjita

(fried),

the Ullupta

as,

the Pishta (made

into balls or cakes), the Pratapta (roasted with clarified

butter over a charcoal

mustard

oil

fire),

the Kandupachita (dipped in

and powdered aroiuatic condiments and

roasted and done to a honey colour over a charcoal

the

fire),

Parishuska and the Pradigdha go by the general

name

Shulyam

of

(cabob).

Of

the

Shulyam, those which are boiled with

varieties
oil

should be

considered as heat-making in their potency,

digestion

and as generating the Pittam,

which have been

fried

be regarded as

light,

beneficial to the

eyes,

They

also

heavy

Avhile

with clarified butter,

appetising,

of

of

those,

should

agreeable, relishing,

and cooling

in

their

potenc}'.

subdue the Pittam and are pleasant to the

Chap. XLVI.

taste.*

SUTRASTHANAM.

tbin

meat soup

^^j

a pleasant tonic, and proves

is

and consumption.

beneficial in cases of dyspnoea, cough,

subdues the Pittam and Kapham, destroys the V^yu,

It

and has an agreeable

of

taste.

wholesome to persons

It is

weak memory and reduced semen,

from cachexia peculiar to chronic

suffering

carditis (Urakshata;, or

albumen

from diseases affecting the voice

It is

(ojas).

from

fever,

body, from ulcerative endo-

general emaciation of the

or the

as well as to those

known

bring

to

about an

adhesion and reduction of fractured and dislocated bones,

and increases the quantity of semen and oja (albumen)

found wanting

subjects

in

Dadima,

the

of

important

Meat-soup, prepared with the juice

of hfe.

principles

two

those

in

and

etc.,

seasoned

condiments, increases the quantity

to subdue the action of

of

pungent

with

semen and tends

the three deranged humours

all

of the body.

The

use

meat of which

of

previously extracted

fails

contribute

to

and strength of the organism, and

*
is

Addifional text

first

In the dish

with clarified butter,

fried

known

and Sdmudra

substances being added to

salt
it

is

has been

to the

as the

and

is

over a charcoal

growth

long retained in an
Prataptam,

then pasted and flavoured

addition of curd, pomegranate-juice etc.

butler, Ajaji,

essence

tjie

meat

the

with the

again cooked with clarified

fire,

each of the preceding

in succession during cooking over a gridiron.

Meat luted with sesamum paste and cooked with the addition of flavouring
condiments
in

to

asafoetida

sprinkling
called

a honey colour

water over

Shulyam.

68

is

called

Kandupakkam, while

the one soaked

and water and cooked over a gridiron over a smokeless

it

with the addition of pomegranate juice,

fire

by

etc,

is

THE SUSHRUTA

538

SAMHITA'.

XLVI.

[Chap.

undigested state in the stomach and impairs digestion.

It

and tends to produce a

The

body.

kind f dried meat)

digestion)

is

the

as

Khanshka Mansa

(a

very hard to digest (heavy of

The cooked meat called the Veshavara

pasted and cooked

(boneless boiled meat subsequently

with treacle,

and

angry V^yu.

and

clarified butter, black pepper, Pippali,

Shunthi, etc.)

to

the

in

and proves wholesome only to men of strong

digestive powers.

giving,

organism,

the

in

of parthedness

state

known

dish

Vayu

the

generates

insipid,

is

is

heav}- of digestion, demulcent, strengthdiseases due to the action of the

alleviates

The

dish

known

as the

Samira

soothing

is

the fundamental principles of the organism.

all

specially

mouth, allays

removes parchedness of the

and hunger, and

thirst

is

palatable

It

and cooling

in

its

potency.

Mudga soup subdues

tising

and agreeable.

diet to persons

the aid of

It

the .Kapham,

and

appe-

is

forms the most wholesome

whose systems have been cleansed with

purgative

and emetic remedies,

as to those suffering from ulcers.

the Raga-Shadava (which

is

as

well

The soup known

another

name

for

as

Mudga

soup prepared with grapes and expressed pomegranatejuice'

not
but

is

light,

hostile

to

and imparts
the

or

of the

to food.

relish

It

is

deranged humours of the

bodv

The soup

of the

slightly subdues

Masura,

their

]\Iudga,

action).

or

of the

Godhuma

or

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHANAM.

pulse, prepared with salt

of the Kiilattha
to

commended

in

Kapham,

and

Pittam

the

etc.,

and pomegranate-juice
from Vata-Vyadhi.
light

(of

of fat

is

of

to reduce fat

raisins

in

to

and

and Kapham

affections)

and

Mudga soup prepared

cough,

dyspnoea,
a

reduce the

and agreeable, and prove

origin.

removes

etc.,

the organism, subdue

Kushtha (cutaneous

parasitic

fever

Mudga,

of

Ximva tend

appetising

diseases

water-brash,

Soups

and Kapham

in cases of

^Nlulaka

The

It is relishing) appetising, agreeable,

curative

with

re-

beneficial to patients suffering

digestion).

Pittam, are

the

specially

is

cooked and prepared with

prepared with Patola or

quantity

and

inhostile

is

diseases (Vata-Vyadhi

nervous

soup of the Masura

and

53^

food.

relish for

in the

catarrh,

tends

It

organism, and proves

cm-ative in diseases affecting the throat.

The soup of the Kula^tha pulse cures

the action of the
catarrh,

glands

deranged Vayu, as well as asthma,

and Tuni,

(Gulma

Pratituni,

and

expressed juice of the

cough,

Udavarta.

Dadima

or

appetising

piles,

Prepared

Amalaka

agreeable taste, pacifies the deranged

light,

diseases due to

and strength-giving

it

abdominal
with

the

acquires an

humours, and
in

its

virtues.

is

It

proves curative in epilepsy and obesity, and subdues the

deranged Vayu and Pittam.

Mudga soup cooked with

Amalakas acquires an astringent property, and proves

beneficial in

derangements of the

Kapham and

Pittam.

[Chap. XLVI.

^4o

THE SUSHRUTA

The soups

of the Yava,Kola and Kulattha pulses destroy

Vayu and

the

soups of

all

SAMHITA'.

are beneficial to the larynx.

the pulses, which go by the

Similarly,

name

of Shami-

Dh^nyas, increase the strength and rotundity of the

Khala and Kamvalika soups are respectively

body.

agreeable and subdue the

All soups cooked and
juice

prepared with the expressed

pomegranate should be known as strength-

of

heavy

demulcent, and

giving,

V^yu and Pittam.

of

They

digestion.

subdue the Vayu and Pittam. Soups, made and flavoured

of whey,

by the mixture

acid

and tend to
effects of

vitiate the

produce the Pittam

blood and besides aggravate the

anv imbibed poison lurking

The soups and

Kharayusha,* the

in

the system.

respectively

gruels

known

Khara-Yavagu,t the ShadavaJ and

Panaka should be prepared with the

the

is

anv

of

spices^

and

advice,

according to the instmctions of a physician.

which

The

soup,

cooked or prepared without the admixture

condiments

salt,

any

or

or

oily

pungent

pepper,

(black

lardaceous substance,

is

called

the Akrita-Yusha (unseasoned soup), whereas the

which

is

Mudga

corniculata),

the

iis

cooked

and

prepared

soup

seasoned

with

whej',

witli

the

horse-apple,

cumin seeds, black pepper and the

roots

one

foregoing

Amrul

(oxalic

of Chit A (Plumbago

Zeylanica).
t

Gruel prepared

Mudga soup

astringent, acid

manner

in the

in

the

and pungent

of Khara-Yusha.

composition of which things of sweet, saline,

tastes largely enter,

Chap.

XLVI.

SUTRASTHAXAAI.

substances

and*

spices

butter,

clarified

oil,

Of

called a seasoned soup (Krita Yusha).

extracts of

^^l

acid

is

the soups and

meat respectively cooked and prepared with

the modifications of cow-milk (curd, whey,

and

etc.,

(pomegranate,

fruits

variety should be

deemed

each

etc.)

The soup cooked with

curd and the expressed juice

Kamvalika soup.

siltceeding

and more wholesome

lighter

than the one immediately preceding

enumeration.

Kanjika

etc.),

of the

the order of

in

it

the cream

of the

Dadima

called

Articles of food prepared

is

withsesamum

and its levigated cake, or those in the composition of which

threshed out

dried pot herbs, rice

of sprouting

paddy

or Sindaki (a species of potherbs described before) enter,

They subdue

should be considered as hea\y of digestion.

the Pittam and increase the

resemble the Sindakis

The Vatakas

Kapham.

in their properties,

but are heavy

of digestion and admit of being incompletely

The

giving rise to a kind of acid re-acjtion.

soups

known

Raga* and Shadava

spermatopoietic,

building,

appetising
epileptic

as the

in

fits,

their

vertigo

agreeable,

properties.

They

digested,

varieties of

are light, tissue-

and

relishing,

alleviate

and vomiting, and

thirst,

remjove the

sense of fatigue or exhaustion.

The
*

Is

variety

made

of food

known

of sugar, Saindhava sail, tamarind,

and the expressed juice of Jambuline

prepared with
t

as the Rasalat

salt

and acid and sweet

fruits

Sarjikshdra,

while

the

is

con-

Parushaka

Shadava soup

is

fruits.

sweet aromatic preparation consisting of acid buftalo-curd, refined

sugar, milk,

powdered cardamom, camphor and black pepper.

THE SUSHKUTA SAMHITA.

542

structive, tonic,

Vayu

in

sistency,

immediately on

thick nor too thin

Mantha, which

called

is

generates

It

being partaken

it

acts

of.

in its con-

as

It

tonic

allays

thirst

and removes the sense of fatigue and exhaustion.

Mantha, treated with

curative

Udavarta.

and

treacle

of

cases

in

in

and made into a dough with water,

neither too

is

agreeable.

Powdered barley soaked

the organism.

clarified' butter

which

is

system, and tends to increase the oily

in tlie

principle

Chap. XLVI.

demulcent, spermatopoietic and relishing.

Curd sweetend with treacle

the

difficult

clarified butter,

The

proves

urination and obstinate

Mantha prepared with

sugar, raisins

(Drdksha) and the expressed juice of sugar-cane, removes

diseases

due

the

to

Mantha, containing
fully

derangement

and Madhuka

raisins

the

Pittam.

fruit,

success-

of

combats diseases brought about tliroagh the action

Kapham.

of the deranged

the three

and

sugar

aforesaid
raisins)

Mantha saturated with

sybstances

(acid

and

lardaceous,

tends to restore the stool to

its

normal condition.

Th^ Pariakas : Well

no matter whether

it

has

not with the admixture of

and heavy
treacle,

made

diluted treacle (Panaka\

been

Amla lemon

in respect of digestion.

Khanda

rendered

acid

juice), is diuretic

Water saturated with

(unrefined sugar), sugar or gi-apes,

acid with the admixture of

and scented with camphor,

or

an}-

acid

should be

and

substance,

deemed the

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Chap. XLVi.j

543

Water saturated with the

best of refrjsshing beverages.

(expressed juice of) grapes removes the sense of fatigue,

allays thirst, anfi alleviates

epileptic

fits,

Water potion flavoured with the

sensation of the body.

(expressed juice of) Kola or Parushaka

long retained

stomach

the

in

and burning

agreeable and

is

an undigested

in

lightness or heaviness of a potion (Panaka

The

state.

should

be determined according to the quantities, properties and

preparations of the
into

its

specific

articles

and substances that enter

Here ends the description of the

composition.

of Auiieties

properties

of prepared food,

etc.

(Kritanna).

Now we

shall describe the virtues of

the articles of

confectionary according to their tastes, potencies, and

digestive reactions.

Confectionary Such
modifications of milk^
(flour

It is tonic,

made with

called the Kshira

stirred

in n'ilk

Bhakshyas

with sugar,
appetising

spermatopoietic, agreeable,

the

etc.)

and

subdues the Pittam and does not belong to the

gi"Oup

of

variet}'

inconpletely

known

prepared

bv

corn-flour)

is

the

is

and tends to impart rotundity to the frame.

aromatic,
It

and

dissolved

is

as

the Ghritapuras

putting

clarified

strength- giving

Vayu and

digestion,

as

digestibles.

Pittam,

is

Of

these,

articles

butter

in

and agreeable.

the

of food

doughs of
It

subdues

spermatopoietic, and heavy of

and tends to create new

flesh

and blood. The

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

544

known

articles of food

XLVi.

Chap.

Gaudikas prepared by put-

as the

doughs of corn-flour) are flesh-making,

ting treacle into

and heavy

spermutopoietic,

They subdue

in

respect'

digestion.

Vayu and Pittam and generate

the

the

Kaphanr, and do not give rise to any reactionary acidity

The

digestion.

after

articles

of

food bolonging to

the groups of Madhumastakas, Sanyavas, and Pupas, are

heavy

Modakas

their properties.

Sattakas

of digestion but are flesh building in

respect

in

are

extremely indigestible.

cream saturated with unrefined sugar

(curd

and powdered

and

Trikatus,

then

through

filtered

a piece of clean linen, and seasoned with camphor and

pomegranate seeds) impart a

the

relish to

They

food.

are appetising, beneficial to the voice, heavy in respect

extremely palatable and strength-giving.

of digestion,

They subdue
ing

to others

sweet

the

Vishyandana*

and demulcent.

of food

Articles

powdered wheat (Samita

is

agreeable,

the

destroys

It

Kapham and

generates the
giving.

Vayu and Pittam (Kapham

is

or

heavy,

aromatic,

and

Vayu,

and

confectionary

act as

accord-

strength-

made

of

constructive tonics,

and subdue the Vayu and Pittam.

Of

these, the variety

Khdja

of

our present-day

known

as

tlie

confectioners)
light.

made

is

Phenaka
agreeable,

extremely wholesome and

Cakes stuffed with Mudga-Veshavaras are long

Powdered wheal

into a paste

Vishyandana.

treated with milk, clarified butler

neillicr to^T :l;ick

nor too ibin in

its

and

treacle,

consistency

is

and-

called

XLVI.

Chap.

retained

SUTRASTHANAM.

in*

heavy and

are

an undigested

in

while

state,

containing minced and pasted meat (Veshav^ras)

those

as the

in

their

properties.

Palalas (a preparation of

sesamum and corn

treacle, pasted

Kaphani

building

flesh

known

Confectionary

of

stomach

the

^45

flour)

generktes the

while the Shashkulis (Luchis and Kachuris

our modern

Pittam and

tend to increase the

confectioners)

Kapham

of powdered rice (Pishtakas

Cakes made

organism.

the

in

are heat-making

Kapham

potency and tend to enrage or aggravate the

They

and Pittam.

further

acidity after digestion,

give

and are

rise to

a reactionary

heavy

specially

their

in

in respect

of digestion, and are slightly strength-imparting.

made

fectionary

has

etc.)

an astringent
subdues

digestion,
gative,
state,

taste,

light

is

Mudga

the

though apt to be long retained

spermatopoietic and

tonic,

of

respect

of sprouting

Mudgas,

actionary

etc.,

Vayu and

acidity

normal

stomach

Masha
of

of Kurchika are

do

not

after

are

digestion,

give

pulse

heavy

inordinately

heavy of

Pittam,

in

digestion.

Articles of confectionary

Pittam.

the

and

digestion

generate the

generate

made

heavy

of

pur-

is

its

in the

Cakes made of

state.

pulse

respect

in

V^yu and Kapham,

the

Similarly, those that are

in

as

and tends to restore the Pittam to

an undigested
are

of Vaidalas (such

Con-

rise

made

digestion,

to

re-

and tend to bring on

nausea and waterbrash (Utklehsha), besides producing a

parched condition
69

in

the

organism, and also affecting

SUSHRUTA

'^HE

546
the

eye-sight.

an

has

Confectionary fried

agi-eeable

spermatopoietic,

and

Pittam,

invigorate
Iried

in

Similarly,

heavy

regards digestion,

destroys the A'ayu,

of

of

sugar,

heavy

tonic,

palatable.

broken vessels

meat,

fruit,

(treacle,

is

building and

and heat-making

and

of digestion

pungent

in potency.

clay,

digestion,

food

of

Articles

])aked

sesamum

etc.),

of

affections.

modifications of

or

as possessed of the

fried

over

in

respect

in

^irtue

vating the bodily Vayu, while those that

and

tissue-

cooked

should he considered as light

fire

is

generates the Pittam and tends

made

juice

which

that

and produces cutaneous

sight

pulse

as

reaction,

Confectionary

charcoal

subdues 'the

light,

is

eyesight.

It

Masha

tonic,

aroma,

and

digestive

sugar-cane

and

butter

and

is

tlie

clafified

Vayu

its

affect

[Chap. XLvi.

tends to improve the complexion

in

to

in

taste

and

the

oil

SAMHITA'.

of aggra-

prepared

are

with lumps of curdled milk should be considered as

heavy

and

digestion)

(of

Kulnidshas

half boiled

as

tlie

(Mudga
digestion

and

Articles

prove curative

cataiTh and

Meha.

pulse

and

Kapham

and are heavy of

digestion,

produce a condition of parchedness

to

organism.

(Vatyai

Kapham.

Chanakas or gram) generate the

A'ayu, produce loose stool,

and tend

increasing the

in

etc.,

of food

Dhana
boiled

the bod}-.

of fried harlev

cases of Uda^arta,

in

absorb

made

the

in

cough,

fried liarley)

and Ulum\a

over a

are

excess

fire)

quantity

Barley powder

light

ot

(dissohed

of
fat

in

Chap. XLVI.

SUTRASTHANAM.

^^y

water so as to form a sort of thin,

is

and spermatopoietic.

flesh-building

an instantaneous tonic,

acts as

Kapham and

Vayu, and

Made

perties.

become heavy
into

with

potion

easih^

appetising,

thirst,

known

an

as

lambative

alleviates vomiting

sweet

of

light

paddy

to

is

and

taste.

digestion,

normal condition.

its

vomiting,

alleviates thirst,

of the

It

allays

bilious fever characterised b}-

of

and Dahajvara

increases

destroys

it

the

Kapham

acts

as

the Vayu.

has a sweet taste,

builder.

adhesion
in cases

Old
of
of

(a

type of

unq\ienchable thirst and

demulcent

digestion,

milk

and proves

Prithuka (thrashed or pasted paddy)

hyperpraxia).

heavy

Pulverised

and a burning

skin, arrests perspiration,

curative in cases of hasgioptysis

with

copious

of a

to acquire a contrary

astringent

and

tonic,

Kapham

sensation

and

transformed

while

constipates the bowels, and tends to restore the

deranged
fried

the^'

addition

Fried paddy

and has

dysenter}',
is

lumps

or

and speedily digested owing to the softness of

consistency.

its

pro-

powder used

Barley

(light).

the

of purgative

balls

digestion,

quantity of water the}' are

virtue

pasty

thin

as regards

thin

into

It allays thirst,

subdues the Pittaui.

possessed

is

potion)

pasty

or

is

tonic

Immature

flesh-building,

the system.

and

is

As

bones
a

and

or newly-harvested rice

matured

fractured

Taken

laxative

hard to digest and acts as a

well

Meha.

in

and

is

large

rice

and

brings

about the

proves

variety

tissue-

curative

of substances

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

548
enters

the

into

Chap.

XLVI.

food\ a

composition (of our daily

physician should prescribe a course of diet for his patient

after carefully considering

the nature of the food stuffs

and the properties they acquire through combination

and seasoning,

well

as

the natural longings of a

as

person for a certain kind of food during the preponder-

ance of certain deranged humours of the body.

Anuparnam or After- Potions : Now

Nve shall

on drinks and potions which are

discourse

found to be beneficial when taken

after a

certain

kind

of food (Anup^nas.)

Certain people oppressed with an acid taste naturally

long for sweets, while others in

acid
for

is

relish for acid things.

Hence something

for the eater of sweets,

and sweets are good

have a

articles

good

men who have

partaken of an acid food.

warm

Cold water and

(spirits),

fruits,

are

the soup of

sour paddy

generally

these, that

of sweet

satiet}"

full

water> Asava

Mudga
gruel,

Madya

wine),

pulse etc., the juice of acid

milk and

used as drinks after

alone

essence
a

which would prove

full

of

meat

Of

meal.

beneficial

to

person should be given him in an adequate quantity.

The

intelligent physician should determine the

after- drink (potion)

kind of

required in each case after taking into

consideration the nature of the disease under treatment,

the season of the year, and the properties of the solid or

Hquid substances that enter into the composition of the

XLVI.

Chap.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

Of

diet.

kinds of after-potions,

all

water, kept

(atmospheric)

deemed the

way

every

inasmuch

bes^,

the welfare

to

water contributes in

as such
(is

conducive to the bodily

after-potions,

now we

substance

lardaceous
the

Bhallataka and

of

oils

rice gruel

summer

and winter)

after

the

course

in

oil

should be taken after cakes

curd,

Payasa

poisoning and

after

Mudga

oih'

known

Tauvaraka.

Certain

pulse and sour

having
of a

taken

and hone)-,

as

cases

of

the effects

of

derangements

due

to

as
in

several authorities

after an}-

large

well

also

to

(in

Cold water

meal.

and

should be taken

any

those

porridge,

According

wine.

in respect of

should be respectively taken

(Kanjika)

quantity of

fluid.

their specific pro-

than

other

authorities hold that the soup of

after

upon

shall dilate

the six

all

heavenly

that

in

Hot water should be taken

perties.

as

and

life,

we have stated the rule to be observed

Briefl}^

or

inherent

are

tastes

heavenly

clear

a pure vessel, should be

in

growth) of a person throughout his

different

549

tepid

water

kind of cake (preparation

of rice paste etc.)

Milk

or

meat

essence should be prescri'bed

an after-potion to persons habituated to meals of

rice

Mudga

or

pulse,

or

who have become

with the labours of a battle

or w^ho
or

of

are

oppressed with

blazing

fire,

or

the

as well as

of a

as

Shall-'

fatigued

long journey,

heat
to those

of

the

sun

who would

THE SI\SHRUTA SAMHITA.

550

be found to be o^-ercome from the

wine.

poison or

effects of

Sour rice gruel, or cream of curd should be drunk

having taken Masha pulse,

after

W,me (Madya)

etc.

the proper after- drink for persons addicted to

is

XLM.

Chap.

recommended

also

alter a

acid fruit juice (such as

meat

that

of

taking wine.

which

Cold water or

diet.

of the pomegranate, etc.)

forms the best after-drink for those

habit

it,

is

Milk

is

who

are not in

the

ambrosia to persons

enfeebled with arduous study, or excessive sexual inter-

and to every one

course,

after

after a long troubled journey.

an exposure to the sun

Wine

(Sura)

the after-

is

drink for enfeebled subjects, and water saturated with

honey
sons

and

the potion for corpulent persons. Healthy per-

is

may

use a ^ariety of desserts and beverages during

Things which are demulcent

after meals.

virtues

and heat-making

in

the

deranged

making

Vayu.

in their potetlcy

their

potency should be

their

considered as a wholesome diet

in

which

Substances,

due

diseases

in

are

to

heat-

and tend to produce a con-

dition of parchedness (Ruksha) in the organism, should

be prescribed as a wholesome diet

in

about through

the action of the deranged

Similarly, those

which are sweet and cooling

potency, prove wholesome

and the expressed

juice of sugar-cane

are

effects of

in

The Asavas

any poison.

their

Milk

beneficial to

of the Arka, Shelu, and Shirisha are beneficial

from the

Kapham.

in Pittaja distempers.

persons suffering from haemoptysis.

suffering

brought

diseases

(wines)

to

those

J;

Chap. XLVI.

Now

SUTRASTHANAM.

separately

wfe shall

describe

55^
the

after-drinks

to be taken after having used the articles of food

dealt

with under the several groups discussed before. The acid

soup

of Indian

Jujubes (Kola) should be taken after

a meal consisting of any of the afore-said cereAls

as,

the

Shukadhanyam, Kudhanyam,

should be used after a meal of

similar grain.

The Asa\a

Sour gruel

etc.

Mudga

pulse, or

of

flesh

and

of

those

Vadara

wines

taken the cooked

after

familv.
flesh

Ashvagandha

should be taken

flesh of

The Asava (wine

be taken after

wine

should

P^irna-Mriga (arboreous)

flesh

an

Phalasara

of any

of

after

wine

the hole-

Triphala wine should be

animal

with unbifurcated^

Khauira wine

hoops (Ekashapha).

the Pratuda

wine should be taken

after the

after the flesh of an

of

the flesh of the cave-dwelling

dwelling (Vileshaya) animals.

taken after the

having

wines should be

Prasaha species.

the

of

flesh

date palm

flesh of the

be used after the

Kola

should be used

Krishna Gandha

species.

after

of

fowls of the \'ishkira

of Kshira-Vriksha

used after having eaten

.(guha-shaya)

used

be

of the

and

Cocoanut

or

Dhanvaja family.

meal consisting of the

species.

the

the

should

flesh

The wine

species.

of

any

of the Pippali should be

(vN'ine

used after a meal of the long thighed venisons,

the

such

should

be taken

animal with bifurcated hoofs.

of Shringataka or

havmg

eaten the flesh

Kasheruka should
of an

animal of

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

552
the

XLVi,

Chap,

Kulechara (frequenting the shores of lakes

The same wines should be regarded

species.

after-potions

after

(Koshastha),

meal

or of the

consisting

etc.l

as proper

of

molluscs

of an animal of the Padi

flesh

Asava of sugar-cane (vinegar) should be

(lizard) family.

taken after having eaten the flesh of an animal of the

Plava

(diving)

Mrinalam

family.

any Nadeya

taken after

fish

wine

(whose habitat

Matulungu wine should be taken

river).

of any

wine should be taken

(lotus bulb),

Pomegranate,

after acid fruits.

Vetra wines should be taken after astringent

or

The Asava

Kanda [Khanda D.

of

three pungent drugs

taken after sweet

known

as the Trikatus

should be taken after Tala

Durva, Nala,

or

pungent

The Asava

fruits.

of

fruits,

Vetra

fruits.

R.] treated with the

should be

Sour and fermented

fruits.

the

is

after the flesh

Padma

of the sea fish (Samudra).

be

should

rice gruel

The wine

etc.

should be

taken

of

after

of Shvadanstra or of Vasuka

should be taken after Pippalis,

etc.

Darvi, or Karira

wines should be taken after

Kushmandas,

Asava of Lodhra should be

taken after taking the

Chuchchu,

potherbs

etc.

Triphala

taken after the Jivanti, potherbs,

rule

should

be

observed

in

The

etc.

wine should

etc.,

respect

be

and the same

of

Kusumbha

as

the

potherbs.

The Asava

(wine) of the drugs

Panchamula should be taken

known

after such

Mahd

potherbs as

SUTRASTHANAM.

Chap. XLVI.]

the Mandufta-parni,
the

taken after

marrow

or

pitli

the Date-pahn, Tala,

acid fruit should be

Wines of

etc.

553

such

of

trees

The wine known

etc.

as

as

the

Surasava, or fermented rice gruel

should he taken after

an excess of Saindhava

Water may

in

salt, etc.

be*

taken

in all cases.

absence of the proper after-drink

Authoritative verses on the subject.

Atmospheric or
and

drinks

some to

Hot water

birth.

which he

is

deranged Pittam.
the one

as

in

An

all

whole-

is

from his

habituated

derangements of the

cold water

which have their origin

as well

is

beneficial in

Vayu and Kapham, and

the

the best of

is

That kind of water

cordials.

a person to

water

rain

is

good

in diseases

the vitiated blood,

excessively

heavy

or in

meal,

which usually tends to derange

the fundamental humours of the body,

may be

and speedily digested with the help of a

suitable after-

drink.

on a fresh

easily

proper after-potion taken after a meal brings

relish

body, acts as

for

food,

increases

the bulk

of the

spermatopoietic beverage, disintegrates

the combination or accumulation of the deranged bodily

humours, soothes the organism, increases the softness

of the body, removes the
tion,

brings

on

sense of fatigue and

pleasurable

sensations

in

its

exhaustrain,

stimulates the appetite, subdues or pacifies the deranged

bodily
plexion,

70

humours, allays the

thirst,

improves the com-

and imparts tone and vigour to the system.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

554

Any

[Chap. XLVI.

beverage resorted to at the commencement of a

meal tends to produce a gradual emaciation of the frame;

meal

the one taken

during the course of a

against both

thinning and corpulency, while the one

drunk

its

at the

close

of a

guards

meal serves to greath' add

growth and rotundity.

Hence, drinking

at

meals

should be most judiciously determined and taken

with

to

its

The food

the greatest forethought and discretion.

down

the

into

stomach of a person unused to such

long retains undigested and

liquids

verted into

chyme

or being

positive source of discomfort.

potion

resists

digested,

being con-

and becomes a

Hence, the use of an

imperatively obligatory on

is

carried

all

human

after-

beings,

except those suffering from dyspnoea, cough, ulcerative

endocarditis

Urahkshata),

ptyalism,

aphonia,

and

from diseases affecting the part of the body situated

above the

clavicles.

the

After

lengthy

use of an

conversation,

after-potion, a

potion

may

bodily

humours) which

regions

sleeping and

reading

order that the

im.bibed

singing,

should be refrained from,

in

long walk, a

not affect the stomach, and (aggravate the

of the throat

taking lodgment

about

and chest may give

rise

the
to a

secretion of mucous, impair the appetite, develop such

distressing

symptoms as vomiting

etc.,

and produce many

other distempers as well.

The

lightness or

heaviness of a food stuff does not

Chap. XLVI.

SUTkAS'l'HANAM.

555

These properties depend more

go contrary to nature.*

upon the mode of cooking or preparing them than upon

the nature of

more upon

substances themselves;*

tl?e

mode

the quantity in which they are taken than the

their cooking or preparation

boiled

(ht.

rice)

and more upon the food

;t

upon the quantity of

than

itself

and more upon the time

use, I

ol

(of

its

its

maturity) than

upon the food.

The

question of lightness

stuff affects

the

unhealthy,

the

idle,

heaviness of a

or

the

food

luxurious,

and men of delicate constitution and impaired appeand such nice discernment of the properties of an

tite,

food

article of

men

healthy

who

is

not imperatively obligatory on strong,

and good healthy

of active habits

are habituated

hard and solid

to

fares,

digestion,

and who

can tolerably afford to dispense with such thoughts

Here ends the description of the group of

altogether.

after-potions.

Hear me,
observed
*
light
*

If

it

O my

child, discourse

connection

in

be asked

why

the flesh

As

for

Vribi

taken

till

example,

seeds are

the appetite

with regard

to

is

Wihi corn

may

As

for

be

such as

Pishtaka, each succeeding one

is

kitchen

is

naturally
instance,

heavy of digestion, but*

a heavy food should be

while an article which

eaten to satiety. J

the

is

naturally so.

for

Manda, Peya,

As

X'ilepi,

for

is

light

instance,

Bhakta and

heavier than ihe one immediately preceding

example, newly hanested

year's standing.

il is

but half satisfied,

digestion

of the varieties of food

As

light, t

The

eating.

an animal of the Janigh^l?, family

of

The answer would be because

fried

it.

with

on the rules to be

rice

is

heavier

than

the

one of a

THE SUSHKUTA SAMHITA.

556

made

should be

The

physician should get the

prepared by experienced cooks

the

(so

and the colour he

ta^ie

XLM.

and kept clean and pure,

spacious

and none but the trusted ones should

thereto.

[Chp.

have
food

access
or

diet

as to impart to

desires),

and have

it

it

kept at a clean and pure spot, concealed from the -view

of the

After that, the food having been

public.

made

innocuous by the admixture of anti-toxic medicines,

and freed from

mantra over

it,

by reciting (an Arthavan)

poison

all

and having been besprinkled with the

water of mystic incantation, should be served (to the

king).

Serving of a
the

mode

IVIcal

Peya,

Now

of serving out the different

butter should be served out

Loha)

in

a silver

bowl

as

The

known

Pradigdha

Mansam

and Kharas

in

Clarified

and

all

kinds ot

fruit

the Laddukas), on leaves.

as the Parishushka

and

should be served on golden plates

and meat essences

fluid edibles

dishes.

a vessel of steel (Kanta-

in

and confectionary (such

preparations of meat

shall describe

stone

utensils

in

cordials

should be given

Sh^davas and Sattakas,

in

in cool

bowls; Katvaras

and cool boiled milk

Other drinks, wines

copper vessels.

(Payah)

in silver

earthen

pots

and

and Raga-

pure glass bowls, or

in

vessels

made

of crystal and Vaidurya gems.

should

]ilace

the bowls containing preparations of pulse,

boiled

rice

and lambatives on

clean,

The cook

spacious

trays

Chap. XLVI.

SUTRASTHA'NAM.

557

of fanciful" design, and spread them

king/

the

kinds

All

soups

etc.,

his

while

right,

all

meat- essences, drinks, cordials, milk, Khada-

Peya

and

Yusha,

front fof

in

confectionary and

of desserts,

dry viands should be served on

out

be

should

on

placed

Bowls containing preparations of

treacle,

his

left.

Raga-Shadava,

and Sattaka should occup)- a place midway between

the two sets of bowls described above.

The
the

intelligent

of serving dishes as above laid

rules

with

conversant

well

physician,

down, should

attend upon the king at his table, and spread out on the
purified

level

floor

of a

perfumed and flower-decorated chamber, and

blissful,

the king should partake

served

dishes,

seasoned

in

the

of those

hot nor

neither

first

and

saline,

meal.*

the pomegranate,

fruit as

after that,

Peyas and boiled

the

lasle of

sweel viands

Vdyu located

stomach

would lend

to

(x\gnyashaya),

u|)

acid

the

or

fire

should be eaten,
dishes, as

saline

taste

of digestion

while the pungent taste enjoyed

subdue the Kupham.

at

would naturally go

ealeii al the outset

in the

middle of a meal would rouse

pancreas

etc.,

and prepared

rice

ones

at the forepart of

or

First

meal, such

of at the

their

attendance should see that the

in

and of the pungent and other

the close of the

llie

and cooked and

cold,

partakes of the sweet dishes, then of the acid

king

The

and pleasant

The physician

sacred

mode, and possessed of

desired

specific tastes.

subdue

spacious,

beautiful,

solitary,

at

to

partaken
located in
its

close

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

558

well as confectionary.
solid

or

thick

Certain authorities maintain that

viands should be eaten

while others a^er that

rule.

Of fruits,

the

destroying properties, and

Amalaka

all.

outset, middle

(fruit)

is

at the outset,

contrary should be

Amalaka has the

the

Chap. XLVi.

the

humour-

greatest

the most harmless of them

is

therefore

recommended

and the close of a meal.

at

the

Such things as

the Mrinalam (the stem of a lotus plant), the Visham (the

Kanda and sugar-cane should be

lotus bulb), Shaluka,

eaten at the beginning of a meal, and never at

man, who

well-read in

is

(Ayurveda), should

sit

the

its

close.

Science of medicine

during his meal

in

an easy posture

on a high seat and partake, at the right time, with

his

body erect and

act

of eating light,

his

whole mind engaged

wholesome emollient and warm

which are congenial to

in

fluid

of boiled

even

preparations,
rice,

the

in

neither

when feehng

the

his

viands,

temperament and abound

with

an

adequate

quantity

too hurriedly nor too slowlv,

pinch of a keen

and piercing

hunger.

Food eaten with a good

and

relishing.

appetite

The food which

is

temperament begets no discomfort

Light food

is

soon digested.

tone and vigour to

the appetite.
hurriedly

is

the system.

Food eaten

pleasant

congenial to one's
after

Emollient

Warm

neither too

uniformly digested.

tastes

the

eating.

food gives

food improves

slowlv nor too

Food abounding

in

SUTRASTHAXAM.

Chap. Xl.VI.j

components

fluid

is

not

iniperfecth'

attended by any acid reaction.

leads to a

happy and perfect

maintain the fundamental

tlieir

normal

559
digested,

Moderation

digestion and

is

food

in

tends

to

bodv

of the

]irinciples

nor

in

state.

During the cold months, when the nights are longer,

substances, which

tend to subdue the bodily humours

which are naturally deranged during that season, should

be eaten

the days

when

the morning, while during the seasons,

in

inordinately

are

things

long,

congenial in those seasons should be

autumn

spring and

afternoon.

(In

nights are

equal,

the meal

which

eaten

are

the

in

when days and

should be taken just at

the middle part of the day and night.*

meal should not be eaten before the appointed

time,

nor

before

the

has

appetite

Similarly, over or insufficient eating should

number of

feels

light

diseases,

and

meal eaten

be

equally

Eating at an improper time and before

refrained from.

the system

come.

fully

at

and

free

brings

may ultimately

on

large

lead to death.

an hour long after the appoiiited time

tends to aggravate the bodily Vayu, which affects thg

"

This rule holds good

the course of a day

and

in

night.

the case of persons,

Those,

who

who

eat a single

meal

are in the habit of eating

in

two

meals a day, should eat a light half meal at one and quarter Prahara

in the

morning and another between the third and the fourth Praharas

in the

afternoon

(Panjikdkfira).

between the third and

ilie

According

to

Jejjada,

the

nieals

should be

fourth Prahara both in the day and night.

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

560
digestive
its

fire,

and

[Chc>p.

second meal.

Insufficient

adequate^satisfaction,

Over

eating,

disinclination

is

he can easily

made

to

all

nutritive) properties.

Moderation

in diet

(Annam

it is

which

with poison, or out of

pebbles, dust

cooked on

etc.,

has

food as

the golden

is

the

previous day

or emits

fetid

the

eaten.

is

impure and

dirty,

which another has

which the mind

kept standing over-night, as

or

much

commendable (adequately

the

eaten a portion as well as that which

rejected.

the

food before partaking thereof and

Boiled rice food

insipid

of

the intestines, etc.

in

to take only as

nature of the time (day or night)

or

body,

taking into consideration the demerits of

particular

infested

dis-

which should be well cooked and

digest,

possess

rule, besides

bod)'.

as languor, heaviness of the

man

behoves a

it

in-

attended with such

stomach, accompanied by rumbling

Hence

but

movements, and distension

for

desire

and tends to weaken the

on the contrary,

symptoms,

tressing

all

gives

diet

of

difficulty in

the stomach creates discomforts and destroys

for

way

offers serious obstacles in the

The food thus digested with

digestion.

XLVI.

of weeds,

is full

instinctivel)^ repels,

or which

well

as

which

that

be

smell, should

has been
is

similarly

Also food which has been cooked long ago,

become

cold

and

hard,

and

rewarmed or which has been imperfectly

has

strained,

burnt and insipid should also not serve as food.

been
or

is

More

Chap. XLVi.

SUTRASTHANAM.

561

and more" palatable dishes should be successively taken

the

in

During the course of a meal,

course of a meal.

mouth should be frequently

the

rinsed

or

gargled

inasmuch as the palate thus constantly being cleansed

becomes more susceptible

thereafter

pleasures

of a

The

morsel.

first

and

the better

relished

is

and anythifig eaten

to taste,

gives

all

the

palate affected with a

sweet taste at the outset

fails

the

Hence, the mouth should be

successive

washed
with a

dishes.

to appreciate the tastes of

Sweet food eaten

at intervals during the meal.

relish

pleasurably affects the mind, brings joy,

energy, strength,

and

contributes to the

growth of the body

happiness

one of a contrary character

The

effects.

able

(Svddu)

eating, should

to

him.

train,

its

and

whereas the

attended with opposite

which does not

food,

after repeated

is

in

satiate a

man even

be considered as agree-

After finishing a

meal water

should be drunk

Food

in a

quantity whij:h would be beneficial.

should be gently drawn

adhering to the teeth

out by

means of

removed a kind of

tooth-pick,

fetor

is

inasmuch as

produced

in

if

not

the mouth.
I

The Vayu
digestion,

the

is

Pittam,

the process, while the

after the

subdued

completion

during

the

continuance of

is

that

of

increased immediately

Hence, the Kapham

the close of a

gent eater should attain

71

the

Kapham

act of eating.
after

after

increased

meal, and

the

to be

is

intelli-

end by partaking

fruit

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

562
an

of

pungent,

astringent,

chewing a betel

or

bitter

or

taste,

by

with broken areca nut,

leaf prepared

camphor, nutmeg, clove,

Chap. XLVi.

by smoking, or by

or

etc.,

means of anything that instantaneously removes the

viscidity
it

with

Mn

the

own

Its

Then the

the mouth,

cavity of

and permeates

essence.

eater

should take

rest, like

the sense of drowsiness incidental to eating

king,

is

removed.

After this he should walk a hundred paces and

in a

bed on

his left

After eating,

side.

enjoy soft sounds, pleasant sights and

fumes, soft and velvety touch,
ravishes the

of joy,

soul

since

in

should

sweet per-

tastes,

short

down

lie

man

anything that

and enwraps the mind with raptures

such pleasurable sensations greatly help

Sounds, which are harsh and

the process of digestion.

grating, sights, M'hich are abominable, touches, that

hard and unpleasant, smells, which are

agreeable, encountered after

impure and
splitting

The

execrable

boiled rice,
is

after-meal

should

siesta

basking before

should be avoided just

and hearty meal.

not

be

after

not

be

dis-

side-

in

the

and

long

exposure

to

the

swimming, bathing
the

close

which abounds

diet

enjoyed

a loud

or

fire,

courses should be refrained from.

should

and

followed by vomiting.

sun, travelling, driving in a carriage,

etc.,

fetid

are

meal, or the eating of

laugh after a meal

continuous

till

Only

of a

full

in

fluid

single

taste

course of

meal.

Chap. XLV[.

SUTFASTHA'NAM.

Cooked potherbs, boiled

in

large

quantities

should

tastes

acid

at

time, nor

should

taste

of one taste should

Articles

and

of inferior quality,

rice

a course of diet abounding in

avoided.

563

not be eaten
of various

articles

be constantly indulged

meal should not be eaten on the same

be

in.

second
event

da}' in the

of the appetite having become dulled by a previous meal.

Eating with a previous meal only partially digested

impairs

seriously

the

of dull or impaired

heavy

articles

digestive

appetite should refrain from

of food, as

well

be eaten,

and a double

be taken

if

Cakes should never

Of

which

their

drinks, lambatives

each

Heavy

articles of

is

or

stances should
articles

number
to

other

into

lumps

in

and produces

Dry

in

combination
fail

is

gastric

im-

measures
satiety.

till

liquid

to

with

It

sub-

Dry
large

do any injury

(Annam)

food

the stomach,

one

in large quantities.

substances

deficient

in half

be eaten

completely digested.

be

the

which abounds

in

food),

(solid

order of enumeration.

may

not be taken

the stomach.

can not

that

of food taken
of

the

food should be taken

only, while the lighter ones

Liquid food,

than

heavier
in

*it

hunger,

would be ensured.

and confectionary

succeeding one

mediately preceding

of

out

all

digestion

safe

water should

of

quantitiy

they are eaten at

eating

from partaking of

as

large quantities of light substances.

by

A man

functions.

taken
is

transformed

irregularly

digestion

alone

chymed,

followed by

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA

364

a reactionary

The

acidity.

character

that

stamps

Vidahi group or

not,

is

of

and gives

as belonging to

incompletely

but

reactionary acidity in

to

rise

whether

food)

injested
it

[Chap. XLVI.

digested

the event

of the Pittam being confined in the stomach, or in

intestines.

Dry food

and so

combinations (milk with

fish

are long retained in the

stomach

the

incompatible food

etc.\

(cakes,

the

and those, which

on),

an undigested

in

state,

tend to impair the digestive functions (Agni).

The Kapham, Pittam, and Vayu

duce the

(Amajirnam),
indigestion

tabdhajirnami.
fourth

acid

due

mucous

of

types

to

respectively pro-

indigestion

indigestion

chvme

of

incarcerated

fecal

matter

(Vish-

Certain authorities aver that there

class of indigestion,

of unassimilated chyle

known

as

the

day,

keeping

of

irregular eating, voluntary

sleep

hours in the night,

late

partaking of a light food with

the factors which interfere with

of food

indigestion

suppression of any natural urging of the bodv,

the

is

Drinking of an

Rasa-shesha).

abnormal quantity of water,

in

and

(Vidagdhajirnam),

and develop symptoms

strong appetite are

the proper digestion

of indigestion.

The

food taken by a person under the influence of envv.

passion, greed,

or

anger, etc., or

from a chronic distemper,

is

by a man

not properly digested.

Types of Indigestion : A
s^estion

in

which

the

suffering

undis^ested

case

food

of indi-

matter ac-

Chap. XLVI.

quires a

3UTRASTHAXAM.

sWeet taste

gested food acquires

is

food

matter

partially or

digested,

of the

flatus,

The type known

is

as

characterised by

the
is

inspite of the

The type

is

called

stomach

by a pricking

indigestion.

indigestion of unassimilated chyle

the absence

of

any

acid

no inclination

or

sour

for

food

normal character of the eructations,

further

characterised

of indigestion are sudden

delirium,

which

in

the

Vishtabdha

vomiting,

if

any.

by pain about the

The unfavourable
loss

of conscious-

water-brash, languor with a

gone-feeling in the limbs, and v^tigo,

end

stomach

the

stomach and entire suppres-

region of the heart, and water-brash.

symptoms

undi-

digested (one portion* being

eructations, but the patient feels

ness,

into

the other being not) followed

in

the

The form

down

brought

in

mucous;

(or

which

in

an acid taste

irregularly

or piercing pain
sion

chymous

Vidagdha indigestion.

called

the

called

(Amajirnam), that

indigestion

is

is

565

etc.,

which may

in death.

Fasting

is

beneficial in a case of

Amajirnam

indiges-

tion. Ejection of the contents of the

stomach giv^s

relief

of Vidagdha indigestion.

Fomentation

will

in a case

alleviate a

case

of Vishtavdha indigestion, while in an

indigestion of unassimilated

be

confined

to

chyle, the

patient

should

bed and fomentations and digestive

medicines should be administered as well.

In a case of

Vidagdha indigestion the patient should be made to

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

566

vomit the contents of

warm

till

he

Chap. XLVI.

stomach with the help of

his

water saturated with

chymous

salt,

while in a case

indigestion the patient should forego

restored to

is

from

suffering'

his natural

condition.

whose

indigestion

all

S5'stcm

of

food

patient

has been

and lightened with the abovesaid appliances

cleansed

go

should

condition

fasting

he

till

restored

is

regards the strength and

as

to

his

natural

humours of the

body.

The
some

eating together of both

of food

articles

Over

(Samashanam).

irregular

or

may

The

is

or insufficient

goes

eating at intervals

by the denomination

thoroughly digested

Adhyashanam.

injurious,

promiscuous eating

eating (Visham^shanam).

former meal

called

called

is

and at improper seasons

of

wholesome and unwhole-

in

Eating before
the

stomach

is

These three kinds of eating are

and speedily give

rise

tp a variety of diseases,

be ultimately Attended with

fatal

consequences.

drinking of cold ^^ater helps the speedy digestion of

a partially digested food, which has already been attend-

ed with a reactionary acidity, inasmuch as the coldness

of the
'

Pittam,

imbibed water tends

to subdue the

deranged

and the food thus moistened by the water

naturally gravitates into the intestines.

The man, who complains

of a burning sensation in

the stomach, throat or heart, shall find rehef by licking

a paste

made

of

honey and powdered Haritaki, or of

Chap. XLVI.

SUTRASTHAN

pulverised Haritaki and Draksha.

M.

The man,

strong and effulgent with the glow

an attack of indigestion
partake

in

,5.

.1

taken powdered

the ivorning,

Abhaya and

though

health, ap.-.rehen
:'\iv

wholesome mid-day meal

of a

\\ho,

Shunti.

after

Appeti^L.

be experienced even in a state of indigestion, v.h

chyle or food matter, accumulated

in

the stoni<

pressed upon by the deranged humours,

is

confineti

corner of the viscus without obstructing the passage c

heat
its

of the

local

This vicarious appetite

fire.

duped victims with the swiftness

kills

of a poison.

Specific properties of matter: -Xow

we

shall deal

with the actions of several properties of

matter, and fiom

the

properties

them should be

nature of

inferred the

which are inherent

in

kinds

variou'.>

of matter.

Coldness is

pleasurable,

virtues, alleviates epileptic

sation of the body,

reverse in
in the

its

and

fits,

thirst

action to coldness.

It greatly

process of suppuration in

an emollient tonic, and cosmetic.

opposite of oleaginousness

thing rough

vitalising, tonic,

to

to

it

tactual

heavy

styptic

and a burning sen-

arrests perspiration.

Oleaginousness imparts a gloss or

exercises

boils

Heat

the

is

helps to set

and abscesses.

oiliness,

and acts as

Parchedness

is

the

produces stypsis and makes

perception.

as regards digestion,

Sliminess

is

and tends*

produce Kaphani, and brings about the adhesion

I'HE

r,58

of

Aured bunes.

fr

Il-.c

or

;ss

./. less

Keenness

ulcer.

and

and

suppun-^^ion,

softness

the

is

The

agent.

now been

Now

hear

It

ten

tion.

me

acts

as

is

their

v."ith

the

is

liquefacient

irtues

Lightness

describe the other ten

and

actions

like

Fetidness

[s

is

and

Roughness

shminesS.

properties of

Fluidity

thickening

is

Odoriferousness

relishing.

sharpness.

of

described.

Compactness

Humidity

secretions.

arrests

oppOvSite

matter with their specific actions.

ing.

begets

produces languor, increases excrements, and

opposite of heaviness.

have

soaks up

or

sharpness

or

pleasing and flesh- buiMing.

y-jr conic,

healing

absorbs

It

and helps the process of heahng

secretions

or

'

Chap. XLVI.

quality of absorpti'on (Vishad)

opposite of sliniiness.

^..>

...

^A^iHITA.

;^i-iKU'i-^

is

moisten-

obstructive.
like absorp-

is

mild and

pleasurable, subtile,

the opposite of -odoriferousness,

produces nausea, and brings on a non-rehsh for food.

Laxativeness restores the normal

Narcotism

humours.
vitality.

Expansiveness

changes
(like

the
of

that

of which a drug

property in virtue

of

the

condition

of

condition

or

wine)
a

somewhat

digested.

identical

with the exception

in

its

undigested

in

and

Evolution or Emanativeness
its

that

state,

the

substance

instantaneously permeates the whole organism

subsequently

is

virtue
it

is

is

with expansiveness

permeates the organism

aud tends to disintegrate the

Chap.

root

body.

the

of

prfhciples

expansion of a drop of

the

like

SUTRASTHANAM.

XLVL]

helps

water,

permeate

to

569

Instantaneoiisness,

oil

bowl of

cast into a

whole

the

simultaneously with the use of a drug.

organism

Subtility

the

is

quality in virtue of which a thing can penetrate into the

smallest

capillaries

twenty
they

have been described

or virtues

qualities

stuffs

organism
principles,

shall describe the transformations

undergo
is

the

in

organism.

composed of the

and

food,

which

of

by the

five

elemental heat or

kindred in the

The

human

organism.^

which

is

food,

corporeal

its

consists of

constituent principles goes to

its

organic being

living

mental material principles (elements),

turn,

animated

fundamental material

five

the food of a

The

components.

which the

This

partakes of the character of

necessarily

its

is

live

one,

which

is

The

portion

of the

the
(as

of

stool

substance

in

and each

fire,

augment

its

own

followed by a sweet, digestive

completely

digested,

and the urine

well-digested food, the

drawn from the

the

are

while

contributes

towards the augmentation of the bodily Vayu

force).

funda-

digested,

reaction, goes to increase the quantity of Pittam,

the

as

are.

Now we
food

and channels of the body. These

(nerv^e

excreted

lymph chyle

well- matured

is

chyle,

has been described in the chapter on the description

Blood,

Chap.

XIV.

of

the

present

work).

The

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA.

570

lymph chyle
as

a\vay by the vital

carried

Vyana tends

strengthen

to

Vayu known
fundamental

the

all

XLVl.

[Chap.

pnnciples of the body.

Kaphftm
chyle,

Pittam

the

of

excreted matter

of

the

in

the corners of the

e3'es,

are the

the

are

the

hair

is

The waxy

and the

waxy

the

etc.,

and

Nails

excreted portions of the bones.

found

blood,

Perspiration

flesh.

fat.

lymph

the

of

tympanum,

the

in

portions

portion

that of

is

found

impurities

excreted

the excreted

is

deposits

oily secretions

which sometimes mark the skin are the excreted por-

from

and

sleep,

and so remains
the

With the dawn of day a man wakes

marrow.

tions of

root

sleep

till

partake of a

food eaten

in

eyelids.

his

body

the

meal

ac

day continues

Hence,

Accordingly,

night,

even

case

respect

in

when

man

Remains

But the

(super-eating).

has

of

similar

recourse

constricted

in

a state

sleep

and charged with humidity.

Hence,

in

sin
is

in the

and

body

his

on the following day

the

his

of

the

night
heart

of unconsciousness,

and the root principles of

fast

reverse

conduct

to

if

then undigested,

till

without the fear of committing the physical

Adhyashanam

non-

continue

waking.

of

state

man may

the

up

folds

of

principles

humid during the

unfolds like a lotus flower,

heart

his

it is

become

loose

beneficial

to

the event of the food taken

overnight being found to be not properly digested.

Chap.

SUTR.ASTHANAM.

XLV.

He, who
the

carefully

peruses

lliese

57
rules regarding

regimen of diet as approved of by the holy^sage

Dh^nvantari, the greatest of

aermits),
glorified

becomes great

in

all

the Rajarshis

wisdom, and

is

royal

sure to be

with the proud distinction of being the medical

adviser of his king or his nobles.

Thus ends

the forty-sixth Chapter of the SutrasthSnam in

SamhilA which

treats of

the Sushruta

Food and Drink.

Here ends the Sutrastharnam.

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