An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. I: Sutrasthanam — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1907)

It may be inferred from the foregoing illustrations that there is not a single substance in the world but is endued with certain curative virtues. Drugs or substances, used in specific combinations and according to the indications of a disease under treatment, prove curative in virtue of their native virtues and potencies. The time, during which a drug or a medicine exerts its curative virtues, is called its Kala or the period of action. That which immediately results from the use or application of a medicinal remedy is called its Karma or physiological action. The principle, in virtue of which the action is performed, is called its potenc)' or Viryam. That, in which the action takes place, is called its receptacle or Adhikaranam. The means by which it is effected is called its agency or Upaya, while that what it accomplishes is called its therapeutic effect or Phalam.

Of these the drugs of purgative virtue are possessed 48

p. 378

of attiibutes which specifically belong to the earth and water. Earth and water are heavy, and naturally gravitate downward owing to their heaviness. Hence it is inferred that purgative drugs are largely endued with the specific attributes of earth and water, in virtue of which they are more strongly attracted towards the centre of the earth (gravity). Drugs endued with emetic properties are possessed of attributes which form the characteristics of fire and air. Fire and air are light, and naturally ascend upward owing to their lightness. Hence it is inferred, that emetic (Vamana) drugs are largely possessed of attributes, which are upcoursing in their nature. Drugs or substances endued with both emetic and purgative virtues are characterised by attributes belonging to both the aforesaid elements (earth and fire).

Drugs, which soothe the deranged bodily humours, are permeated with, qualities which specifically belong to the principle of the sky. Astringent (Sangrahaka) drugs are endued with attributes, which specifically belong to the air owing to the drying character of the latter element. Appetising (Dipana) drugs are largely possessed of attributes which belong to the material principle of fire. Lekhana (Liquefacient) drugs or substances are endued with attributes which belong to fire and air. Constructive or restorative (Vringhanam) drugs or substances are endued with attributes which speciChap. XLI. ]p. 279

fically belong to earth and water. These inferences should be carefully remembered at the time of prescribing medicines.

Authoritative verses on the subject ; — The deranged bodily Vayu readily yields to the curative efficacies of drugs possessed of attributes, specifically belonging to the earth, fire and water, while the deranged Pittam is speedily soothed or restored to its normal state by drugs having attributes, specifically belonging to the earth, water and air. Similarly, the deranged Kapham is pacified by drugs possessed of attributes which characterise the sky, fire and air.

The bodily Vayu is increased by the use of drugs possessed of attributes which specifically belong to the sky and air, while the Pittam is increased by the use of those which are largely endued with the specific attributes of fire. The bodily Kapham of the body is increased by the use of drugs which are largely endued with the specific attributes of the earth and water. Thus having ascertained the dominant attributes of drugs, a physician should use them for the pacification of two or more of the deranged humours of the body according to the exigencies of a case.

Of the eight-fold potencies of a drug, such as cooling, thermogenetic, oleaginous, heavy, parchifying, plastive, keen and slimy, keenness and thermogenetic

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THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA'. [ Chap. XLI.

potency should be ascribed to the attributes of fire ; coohng potenc)- and that of engendering slime, to the predominance of the attributes of water in a drug or substance ; 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 predominance of the attributes of earth and air ; and heavy and light digestion, to the same cause.