Charaka-Samhita — trans. Kaviraj Avinash Chandra Kaviratna

If after the administration of the enemata (whose composition is explained above) and of the ‘Samsarjjana’ (z. e., cooling draughts in the form of ‘Peya,’ ‘Vilepi,’ &c.), the diarrhoea still lingers, then soft and oiled sticks should be inserted into the rectum. 92

The composition of the sticks (called Pichcchâvasti) is explained below.

Take some raw stalks (divested -of flowers) of £almali {Bomba* dfylcfbaricum).. . ..... . . I

CHAR A KA - SA M HI TA .

p. 1558

Wrap them round with raw Kuja blades (Poa cynosuroides).

Lave the bundle with black earth, and roast it in a fire made of dried cow-dung (collected from the fields).

When the covering of earth has become burnt, the (roasted) stalks of Bombax Malabaricum should be taken out and pounded (into a paste) in a large mortar (made of wood) and pestle.

Taking a portion of the paste, of the measure of a ‘Mushti’ (i. e., one pala), it should be dissolved in a ‘prastha’ (equal to 2 seers— in practice double the measure, or 4 seers, are taken) of boiled milk.

It should then be strained through a piece of clean cloth.

The liquid portion that is strained out should then be mixed with a proper measure of ghee and oil.

The paste of Madhuka (liquorice) should then be added, of proper measure.

t Sticks (for use as enemeta) should be made of the product.

\ The enemata should be administered to the patient after having rubbed his body with oil.

When the enemata comes out, the patient should take a bath (in cold water), and eat (boiled) rice, with meat-juice of the flesh of wild animals, or with milk. 93-96

[The word ‘ardra,’ literally ‘wet’ or ‘drenched in water,’ is used here in the sense of raw or green. Raw ‘ku$a’ blades are needed. Similarly, raw stalks of the flowers of Bombax Malabaricum are required. ‘Krishna-mrittikS’ is the well-known black earth called (in Bengal) ‘Entel.’ A ‘mushti’ is equal to one pala. Literally, it is •a handful/ The construction is ‘grite payasi prasthe.’ The first two words belong to the second line of verse 94 ; the last to the first line of verse 95. The reader should note that the solid portion of the preparation is to be rejected. It is only the strained milk that is Used for making the enemata.]

The enemata (called Pichccha-vasti), and also the dry enemeta and oily enemata possessing purgative virtues in especial, speedily conquer the following ailments even when they have been exceedingly

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Williaui Emmecte Coleman, Esq., San Francisco, California': — . As each successive part is issued, the greater intrinsic value of the work is apparent .

there is much in it both of interest and value to the Western mind, occidental medical science, therapeutic. American and European medical science has much to learn .

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Professor E. B. Cowel, Cambridge : — A cafeful translation of this ancient work will be very interesting and valuable. I can only hope that you may succeed in translat¬ ing the entire work. It will be a great achievement when finished.

R. G. Eccles, Esq., Dean St. Brooklyn, New York-. — Matter is certainly of great interest to me.

E. P. Davis Esq., Editor of the American fournal of the Medical Sciences, Phila- . delphia : — Thank you for this erudite and interesting contribution to the Medical literature.

F. A. Castle, Esq.,— Even a superficial examination of it impresses me with its importance. I shall certainly avail myself of an early opportunity for bringing it to the attention of the Librarian of the New York Academy of Medicine.

H. C. Wood, Esq., Philadelphia I have found it exceedingly interesting and sin¬ cerely hope that you will carry on the work to Completion and that I will be one of the happy oites who have a copy in my library. I have written a long notice of it which I expect will appear in the University Medical Magazine, the demi-official organ of the greatest Medical University in America.

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