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Medical Sciences in Jaina Canons : (227)
semen. These parts last unto the end of the physical body40. Different limbs are given in Table 2. The modern medical sciences talk about chromosomal contributions for embryo rather than limbal
contributions.
(g) The developing embryo lies on the back, sides or mango-like curved postures in the womb. His activities and emotions correspond with that of his mother. He comes out of womb with his legs or head. His nature depends on auspicity or otherwise of this accumulated Karmas also. While coming out of the womb, the child weeps creating pains to his mother41
(h) The embryo has only psychical senses, luminous and karmic body at first. It does have neither physical senses nor body in gross. Its first intake is the emulsion made up of mother's blood and father's semen. Later on, it intakes biochemical liquids, fluids or elixir produced from digestions process of mother's intake. This intake from all sides is later gradually transformed into various organs. Due to this, the developing embryo does not have different types of excretions. Still later, it takes the elixir produced from mother's intake through a sprouted tissue 42.
(i) Different narratives in the canons indicate that the foetus is effected by physical and mental environmental and thoughts of the mother. Her psychology affects the nature of the would-be child13. Modern scientists have confirmed this canonical opinion through experimental techniques. Moreover, the nature and composition of semen and ovarious egg also affect the developmental characteristics of the foetus. The equation of completions with chromosomes does not seem proper, as while one is said to be a form of energy, the other is a series of chemically complex compounds. The science, of dreaming and prognosticism has also been related to pregnancy. It results as narrated in narratives of Kalpasūtra, Bhagavati and Antakṛta.
(j) There is mention of longings of pregnant women in the third or fourth month of gestations. These involve peculiar desires like artificial clouds, demon worship, eating of ones own husband's flesh etc. It is said that if longings are not satisfied, it effects the proper physical and mental formation of the foetus44.
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