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

In a case of the Granthika type (accompanied by the formation of knotty growths in its inside) the knotty growths or glandular formations should be first removed, and che affected locality should be bled with a surgical instrument and dusted with powdered Saindhava salt. Likewise, in a case of J^mvala type, blood-letting should be resorted to by scarifying the seat of the disease, which should be then washed with a spray of milk. The ulcer =^ ild be healed after the perfect purification of its internal morbid c^ Of ts. A case of the Srivi (secreting) type would readily vield to a inal plaster composed of the drugs known as Madhuparni, snd Mad' ..alil, or of Madhukam pasted with honey, or to the medicinal oil Uprepared and boiled with the same drugs and substances. A case of the Jahyam^na (burning) tj'pe should be treated with a plaster composed of the drugs known as the five Kalkas and Madhukam pasted together and nixed with clarified butter, or with a pasted compound of the drugs which form the group of the Jivakadi Varga with a quantity of clarified butter added to it. 20

p. 154

THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA. [Chap. XVI.

the nose should be enveloped in Karp^sa cotton and several times sprinkled over with the refined oil of pure sesamum. Clarified butter should be given to the patient for drink, and he should be anointed with oil and treated with purgatives after the complete digestion of the meals he has taken, as advised (in the books of medicine). Adhesion should be deemed complete after the incidental ulcer had been perfectly healed up, while the nose should be again scarified and bandaged in the case of a semi or partial adhesion. The adhesioned nose should be tried to be elongated where it would fall short of its natural and previous length, or it should be surgically restored to its natural size in the case of the abnormal growth of its newly formed flesh. The mode of bringing about the adhesion of severed lips is identical with what has been described in connection with a severed nose with the exception of the insertion of pipes. The 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 in the Sushruta

SamhitS which treats of the Piercing and Bandaging of t .-lobes.

Jivaw

opted, i with nd

2d as the :es.

CHAPTER XVII.

Now we shall discuss the Chapter which deals with the mode of distinguishing between suppurating and nonsuppurating swellings. Ama-pakkaishaniyamadhyayam.

Diseases such as, Granthi (Aneurism), Vidradhi, (abscess) and Alaji (inflammation of the edge of the cornea) etc. are ushered in by a preliminary swelling which subsequently develops symptoms peculiar to each of them. These diseases differ in their symptoms and outward shape. A swelling which may appear at any part of the body, and is round, elevated, even, or uneven in its (surface) is called a Shotha (swelling). It restricts itself to the skin and flesh of its locality and is characterised by the several or concerted action of the deranged bodily humours. The Shothas (swelling) admit of being divided into six different types according as they are caused by the action of the deranged Vayu, Pittam, Kapham or blood, or are due to the concerted action of the three fundamental humours of the bod)'', or are of traumatic origin.

Now we shall describe the symptoms which maT'k the respective actions of the humours in a welling. A swelling due to the action of the deranged iyu a.'tsumes a reddish or blackish hue and is shifting

1 its ciiif acter. It feels rough and soft to the touch,

1^6 THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA'. [ Chap. XVII.

and is marked by a sort of aching pain (peculiar to the deranged Vayu) which vanishes at intervals.