Charaka-Samhita — trans. Kaviraj Avinash Chandra Kaviratna

This is their especial indication, viz., clad in the robes of physicians and indulging in self-praise, they walk along the public streets, in expectation of calls.f

The rest are treated of in Lesson XXX. ‘Grahana’ indicates the acquisition of the scriptures. ‘DhSrana’ implies their retention. ‘VijnSna’ means correct knowledge of their meaning. ‘Prayoga’ is application of the scriptures. ‘Karma’ is treatment. ‘Kâryya’ indicates the results of drugs and remedial operations. ‘K51a’ is time in respect of treatment or the application of remedial operations. 'Kartri' means agents. 'Karana' implies means. — T-

* It is evident that the Rishi was for suppressing quacks by penal legislation. Unfortunately, the question is not easy of solution as to who are quacks. Under most Governments, Homoeopathy is still regarded as a form of quackery. In India, under British rule, the system propounded by the Rishi himself is regarded as quackery. Kavirajes are classed in State-returns as herbalists, a fine instance of the appreciation in which the Hindu system of medicine is held by the rulers of the country ! The fact is impossible of disproof that thousands of chronic cases, given up by European physicians as hopeless, are cured by these despised herbalists. Dysentery, when it attacks a European, generally proves fatal in India. Yet those Europeans who place themselves under Kavirajes, get themselves cured in no time of this formidable disease. — T.

t It would be curious to ascertain what the dress was of physicians in ancient India. To this day, many physicians, who have no calls, pass and repass along the public thoroughfares in their good and handsome carriages drawn by excellent steeds, to create the impression that their practice keeps them engaged for the whole day. — T.

( From F. Id. Skrine, Esgr., /. C. S.. )

Bhaugulpore , 18th December, 1894.

‘Dear Sir, — Charaka Samhita continues 'to be as quaint and interesting as ever, and when complete/ it will form a perfect Encyclopaedia of Indian Medi¬ cine. You ought to present a set to the Royal College of Physicians, &c., &c.”

( From Ii. A. D. Phillips. Esqr., I. C. S. )

Monghyr, the 23rd. September, 1894.

"Dear Sir, — I, beg to acknowledge with thanks receipt of Part X of the English translation of Charaka. Many of the precepts are highly instructive and are such as the most recent developments of medical science are tending to impart. , I shall look forward with interest to the causes of the depopulation of entire towns and villages."

( The Journal of the American Medical Association, Chicago, U. S. A. )

* "This is thetwelfth fasciculus of the series, the appearance of which we have from time to time chronicled. This fasciculus, which is not less interesting than its predecessors, touches on the very practical topics of wine, water and milk. The student of medical history must receive this book with the keenest interest. The vews of the ancient Hindus on water and milk will be read with pleasure. ”

( The Medical Age, Detroit, Michigan, U. S. A. )

"Part XI loses none of the interest which attached to its predecessors. This work when completed will be the most valuable addition to historical medicine that has ever been published! No practitioner who is interested in the history of his profession can afford to be without this wonderful work.”

( Meyer Brothers' Druggist, St. Louis, U. S. A. )

"The contents of this fascicule are varied and extremely interesting.”

( The Indian Daily News ).

"The translation of Charaka Samhita had reached its twelfth fascicule. We may gather from it what the Rishis thought of milk and wine, of certain made dishes, of. the excessive use of honey which produced almost certain death, of the peculiar excellence of rain water. Ghee, we are told, ‘strengthens the memory and the understanding,’ while curds ‘are. generally harmful in autumn, summer and spring.’ Notwithstanding the huge amount of nonsense that was passed off , in those, days, as doubtless in these, to be science, the Rishis were shrewd enough in their way, and have; sent down to posterity a few observations Which modern medical research fully endorses.”

PART XIV.

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CHARAKA-SAMHITA

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH.

PUBLISHED BY

AVINASIT CHANDRA KAVIRATNA,

Editor of Charaka-Samhita and of Susruta-Samhita (in original) with Commentaries ; Bengali and Hindi Translator of CharakaSamhita and of Susruta-Samhita ; Editor of ChikitsaSamhilani (Medical Journal in Bengali) ; Prac¬ titioner of the Hindu System of Medicine, &c., &c., &c.

CALCUTTA:

Printed b\ Girish Chandra Chakravarti, “Deva Press”, 6i Mirzapur Street, and

Published at

200, Cornwallis’ Street.

( The right of translation is reserved. )

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