Charaka-Samhita — trans. Kaviraj Avinash Chandra Kaviratna

My dear Sir. — Thanks for the 15th part of the translation of Charaka Samhits, which I have just received. This part is exceedingly valuable by reason of its dealing with a subject which is of vital importance to the public. It is to be regretted that the work is not more widely patronised. I have no doubt that everybody who reads it is much benefited by it.

Yours very truly,

(Sd.) Peary Mohan Mukerji.

( From G. A. Grierson, Esq., C. S. )

Bankipore.

My dear Sir, — I have to thank you for Part XV of your very useful translation of Charaka.

I quite agree with you that Charaka' s work can be read by laymen with great interest. It is by no means a book which is to be read only by professional medical

Yours truly,

(Sd.) G. A. Grierson.

( From the Medical Age., U. S. A.)

The Charaka-Samhits. By Avinash Chandra Kaviratna. Part XIV, Octavo ;

pp. 38. The Deva Press, Calcutta.

The contents of this fasciculus are varied and interesting. The functions of the heart are described, and the “ten great duets arising therefrom” explained. Next are elaborated and discussed the “five things essential to prolong life,” viz : — Universal compassion ; increase of energy ; subjugation of the senses ; knowledge of Brahma: and the practice of Brahmacharyya. Also are carefully pointed out the . characteristics that accrue to those that are truly conversant with medical scriptures. The seven principal questions relating to life, and errors concerning them, follow, finally is a dissertation on the conduct of good physicians towards charlatans.

No medical man interested in the archaeology of his profession should lose the opportunity of subscribing for this work, which is both unique and remarkable, giving evidence that all of civilization and of medicine does’not pertain to the Christian or any other era.

CHARAKA-SAMHITA

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH.

AYINASII CHANDRA KAVIRATNA.

-Samhii

Editor of Ci

Editor of Chi

System

TITIONER

Medicine, &c., &c., &c.

‘Deva Press”, 27, College Sti

Published

( The right of translation is reserved. )

ABSTRACT OF CONTENTS.

PART XVIII.

The contents are varied and interesting-. The observations on the book to be selected for study, the qualifications of the preceptor, and the bearing of the pupil, will amply repay perusal.

Lesson VII terminates in this Part. In the concluding portion of that Lesson occurs an account of the manner in which a few medicines destructive. of worms may be prepared.

Lesson VIII commences in this part. It treats of how disease is to be conquered by the physician.

First comes the selection of the proper book which one is to take up for study. The characteristics of such a work are laid

The next thing is the selection of a Preceptor. The character¬ istics of a good Preceptor are set forth.

How the Pupil should approach the Preceptor and what he should do. The manner of study. The method of teaching. The examination of the intending pupil by the Preceptor. The quali- ’fications of the Pupil.

The time when both Preceptor and Pupil should begin. The preliminary rites to be performed.

The directions the preceptor should give the pupil regarding his carriage or deportment during the 'state of pupilage. (The discipline laid down, it may be said, deserves to be imitated in modern colleges and universities.)

The classes of persons to whom medicines should not be adHow the physician should enter the houses of his patients. What he should do, having entered the house.

The methods of discussion which physicians should adopt for keeping up their knowledge or for gaining knowledge. There are two, kinds of discussion, viz'., Peaceful discussion and Hostile discussion. The manner in- which peaceful discussion should be conducted.

| The manner of conducting hostile discussion. What qualities are good, and what bad, in controversy.

Elaborate instructions, for 'the most connected -with dialectical philosophy, are laid down for observance by a physician wishing to enter into a hostile discussion with another.

Technical terms explained.

CHARAKA-SA MHITAl

54i

When the physician ascertains that the cow-dung cakes have all burnt off, and that the oily substance in the Bhallataka seeds has dropped from the upper into the lower vessel, he should then take up the embedded jar.

Taking out of that second jar the oily substance, it should be mixed with the powdered grain of Vidanga ( Embelici Ribes ). The mixture should contain two parts of Bhallalaka oil and one part of Vidanga grain.

This mixture should next be exposed to the sun for one whole x ,ry day.

Having prepared it in this way, the physician should give unt the patient a proper dose for drink.

It will purge the patient properly.

Having purged him, the subsequeut drinks ( as noted before should be given to him.81*

Using the oil of Bhadradaru ( a ) and Saralakashtha ( b ) in this way, the physician should give it to the patient for drink.

The same oil should be used as enemata when the time comes for administering it.sa+