An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. II — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1911)

The six kinds of insects known as the Gala-goli, S'veta-krishnd, Rakta-rdji, Rakta-mandala, Sarva-s'veta, and the Sarshapika belong to one and the same species. A bite by any of these insects excepting by a Sarshapikd is attended with a burning sensation and slimy exudation from and swelling in the seat of the bite, that of the Sarshapika being accompanied by an attack of dysentery (Atisdra) and pain at the heart. 12.

^ata-padi (centipede): — The S'ata-padi (centipede) species is divided into eight kinds, viz.^ the Parusha (rough), Krishna (black), Chitra (of variegated colours), Kapilika (tawny brown), Pitaka (yellow), Rakta (red), S'vetd (white) and the Agni-prabha (resembling fire in virtue). A bite by any of these insects is attended with swelling, pain and a burning sensation in the heart. A bite by one of the Sveta or the Agni-prabha species }s marked by all the aforesaid symptoms as well as byp. 94p. 746 violent epileptic fits, an intolerable burning sensation and eruptions of white pustules (Pidaka). 13.

IVIanduka (frogs):— The Mandukas (frogs) are divided in eight different species viz.^ the Krishna, Sara, Kuhaka, Harita, Rakta, Yava-varnAbha, Bhrikuti and the Kotika A bite by any of these is accompanied by an itching sensation in the seat of the bite and a flow of yellow-coloured foam from the mouth. A bite by one of the Bhrikuti or Kotika species gives rise to the aforesaid symptoms as well as a burning sensation, vomiting and a severe attack of epileptic fits in addition thereto. 14.

A bite by one of the Vis'vambhara species of insects is followed by Sita-jvara (catarrhal fever) and an eruption of white pimples (Pidakd) in the shape of mustard seeds round about the seat of the bite. A bite by one of the Ahinduka species is marked by piercing pain, a burning sensation, itching and swelling (in the affected locality), as well as by delirium. A bite (contact) by one of the Kandumakai species is followed by a yellowness of the complexion, vomiting, dysentery and fever, etc. A bite by one of the S'uka-vrinta or such like species is attended with itching and Kotha (urticaria) and the bristles of the insects are found to be adhering to the affected locality. 15.

Pipilika (Ants) : — There are six kinds of Pipilikji (ants) viz.y the Sthula-s'irsha, Samvahika, Brahman ika, Kapilika and the Chitra-varna. A bite by any of these is attended with imflammatory swelling and a burning sensation (in the seat of the bite) resembling those produced by contact with fire. 16.

IVIakShika (^stinging flies): — Flies (]\Iakshika) may b^ divided into six species viz., the Kantarika, Krishna, Pingalika, Madhulika, Kashayi and the Sthalika. /^ bite by any of these is accompanied by swelling and ap. 747 burning sensation. A bite by one of the Sthalikd or the Kashayi species, however, is marked by the preceding syn:iptoms as well as by the eruption of pustules (Pidaka\ with supervening symptoms in addition thereto. 17.

lYIasakas (Mosquitoes): — Mosquitoes (Mas'akas) are divided into five species, viz., the Samudra, Parimandala, Hasti-mas'aka, Krishna and the Parvatiya. A mosquito (Mas'aka)-bite is characterised by a severe itching and swelling of the affected locality ; while the symptoms which mark a bite by a Parvatiya one are similar to those of a bite by fatally venomous insects, and a sting of the points of their antennae is followed by the appearance of pustules (Pidaka) attended with a burning sensation and suppuration therein, when scratched by the finger-nails. The characteristic features of a bite by Jalaukas (leeches) with the mode of treatment thereof have already been described. 18.

IVIemorable Verses :— The poisons of the

Gaudheyaka, Sthalikd, Svetd, Agni-samprabha, Bhrikuti and the Kotika belonging to their respective classes are incurable. 19.

Contact with the dead body, stool or urine of a venomous animal is accompanied by itching and a burning sensation, pricking pain, eruption of Pidakd (pustules), ulcers and Kotha as well as by a slimy and painful exudation. The local skin is found to suppurate and the treatment would be the same as in the case of a wound by an envenomed arrow. 20.

A bite which is neither depressed nor raised, but very much swollen with pain (round about), but unattended with any pain in the seat itself just after the bite, should be regarded as not easily amenable to any medical remedy. 21.

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