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

Folds of Skin : —Seven folds or layers of covering (Tvaka — skin) are formed and deposited on the rapidly transforming product of the combination of (semen) Sukra and Sonita (fertilized ovum) which have been thus charged with the individual Soul or Self in the same manner as layers (of cream) are formed and deposited on the surface of (boiling) milk. Of these the first fold or layer is called Avabhaisini (reflecting) as it serves to reflect all colours and is capable of being tinged with the hues of all the five material principles of the body. The thickness of this fold measures eighteen-twentieth of a Vrihi* (rice grain) and it is the seat of skin diseases, such as Sidhma, Padma-

* The complexion of a person is due to this first layer ; and as the colour of an opaque body is due to the rays that are reflected from its surface, this layer is rightly named Avabbas'ini or reflecting layer.

** The text runs "Vriherashtadashabhaga," which means eighteen (or so mr.ny) parts of a Vrihi ; and Dalian comments that "Vrihi" stands for a measure equal to the twentieth division of a Vrihi or rice grain.

Chap. IV.] SARIRA STHANAM. I45

kantaka etc. The second fold (from the surface) is called Lohita ; it measures a sixteen-twentieth of a Vrihi and is the seat of such (cutaneous affections; as Tilakalaka, Nyachcha and Vyanga etc. The third fold or layer is called Sv^ta^, which measures in thickness, a twelve-twentieth of a Vrihi, and forms the seat of such diseases as Ajagalli, Charmadala, and Mas'aka etc. The fourth fold or layer is called Taimr^ measuring an eight-twentieth of a Vrihi and forms the seat of such diseases as the various kinds of Kilasa and Kushtha etc. The fifth fold or la\-cr is called Vedini, measuring in thickness a five-twentieth of a Vrihi and forms the seat of Kushtha, Visarpa, etc. The sixth fold or layer is called Rohiui, which is of equal thickness as a Vrihi (grain), and is the seat of Granthi, Apachi, Arvuda, Slipada and Gala-ganda etc. The seventh fold or layer is called Mansa-dhara' twice a Vrihi in thickness and is the seat of l^hagandara, Vidradhi, and Ars'a etc. These dimensions should be understood to hold good of the skin of the fleshy parts of the body, and not of the skin on the forehead, or about the tips of the fingers, inasmuch as there is a surgical dictum to the effect that an incision as deep as the thickness of the thumb may be made into the region of the abdomen with the help of a Vrihi-mukha (instrument). 3

The Kalas too number seven in all and are situated at the extreme borders (forming encasement and support) of the different fundamental principles (Dhatus) of the organism. 4.

Memorable Verses : — x^s the duramen or core of a piece of wood or stem becomes exposed to view by cutting into it, so the root principles (Dbattus) of the body may be seen by removing the successive la}ers or

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tissues of its flesh. These Kalds are extensively supplied with Sndyus (fibrous tissues), bathed in mucous, and encased in a membranous covering. 5-6.

IVIansacIhara-Kala:- Of these Kalds.the first is named Maasadhara (^fascia), in the contained flesh (bodily substance of the Kala) of the Sira (veins), Snayu (fibrous tissues), Dhamani (arteries) and other Srotas (channels) are found to spread and branch out. 7.

IVIcmorable Verse : — As the roots and stems of a lotus plant respectively situated in the ooze and water (of a tank), do simultaneously grow and expand, so the veins etc. situated in the flesh, grow and ramify. 8.

Raktadhara- Kala : -The second KaU is called Rakta-dhara (Vascular tissue of the blood vessels etc.X The blood is contained in these inside the flesh and specially in the veins (Sira) and in such viscera of the body as the liver and spleen. 9.

Memorable Verse:— As a plant containing latex in its tissues, when injured or pricked, exudes milky juice, so blood oozes out instantaneously on the flesh of the body (supplied with the Raktadhard-kala) being injured. 10.

IVIedadhara-Kala :— The third Kald is called Medadharat (adipose tissue). Meda (fat) is present (chiefly) in the abdomen of all animals, as well as in the cartilages (small bones). The fatty substance present in large bones is called Majjai (marrow). 11.

IVIemorable Verse :— Marrow is found inside large bones, whereas a substance similar in appearance and found inside other bony structures (cartilages i should be considered as Meda, mixed with blood. The fats, present in purely muscular structures, go by the name of Vassi (muscle-fat). 12-13.

[Chap. IV. SARIRA STHANAM.

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