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A CU'LTURAL-STUDY OF THE NISITHA CURNI
ledge.' Proper study of this Vejjasattha was enjoined upon every student of Medicine, and one versed in its theoretical knowledge and practical application could alone be styled as Mahavejja.2 The Vejjasattha dealt with three types of diseases, viz. vatita, pittiya and simbhiyas which were caused by the derangement of vāta ( air ), pitta (bile ) and simbha (śleşma--phlegm)-the three fundamental principles of physical economy. A simultaneous derangement of all the three was. termed sanni pata. The sage Dhanvantari had prescribed proper medicines for different types of diseases. In his various theories regarding the diseases and their treatment our author follows the precepts of Dhanvantari and the disciples of his school', i.e. Suśruta and others.
Diseases-- Various terms like rogao, vyadhi”, atanka:o and amayalı were meant to denote a disease. A distinction was marked between yoga and vadhi or atańka. Roga denoted a disease which lasted for a long time and could only be cured. slowly, while vyadhi or atanka were serious diseases affected.
For details on the problem or identity of Dhanvantari see-Sanskrit
Introduction to the Nirnayasāgara edition of Sušrutasanhita. 1. Filoft quoiadt, ato faziaragrūto a Tore SHREY -NC. 3, p. 512;.
Bih. V1, 2, p. 302. 2. Ibid. 3. FF FEET, "falam" fer alfaat itt, fuffet a fafazit a--NC. 3, p. 417. 4. For functions of Vāta, Pitta and Simbha (leşma) sce-Introduction to
Sušrutasanhitā by Bhišagratna ( Vol. 1, p. 111). 5. NC. 4, p. 340. 6. NC. 4, p. 340. 7. Caraka in his discourse upon the development of the foctal body cites
the opinion of Dhanvantari and also refers to the Dhanvantari School of surgeons mcaning thereby Susruta and his School. Susruta.
samnitārcd. by Bhisagratna, Vol. 1, introduction p. XI. 8. NC. 3, p. 417; NC. 4, p. 340. 9. NC. 3, p. 258. 10. NO. 3, p. 529. 11. NC. 2, p. 340.
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