Historical Facts About Jainism

Author(s): Lala Lajpatrai
Publisher: Jain Associations of India Mumbai

Page 50

SCIENCE AND JAIN DOCTRINE OF ANIMISTICISM.
In Science the great doctrine of Animisticism is of great modern interest, the same having been demonstrated to be true by the great Scientist of India Sir Jagdischandra Bose. It is now scientifically established that the Jain belief as to life in trees, shrubs, niinerals etc. is a doctrine not based merely upon theological speculation but is a doctrine which stands the test of latest scientific investigations and is capable of practical demonstration. Not only has it been proved that trees, plants, shrubs, etc. have life but also that they have various emotions such as grief and delight and that they respond to various artificial drugs administered to them. No other philosopliy has stood the test of science. It speaks voluines for the marvellous accuracy of thought and logic and intelligence of the great Jain thinkers of yore whose principles of life remain unshaken in the 20th century.57
MEDICINE.
In medicine Vagabhatta is a renowned Jain physician and is considered throughout India as standard authority in Ayur-Veda. There are many ancient treatises of Nagarjuna and others available on the various branches of Ayur Veda. One of the latest comprehensive works on the subject of medicine is Yoga Chintamani of Shri Harshakirti who flourished in the 18th century. He has also written Vaidyaka-Saroddara and