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164 : Scientific Contents in Prākrta Canons
surfacial, hard, soft (c) gravimetric, light, heavy and (d) natural effects, smooth, rough. Jaina58 has referred the last two as representing crystalline nature. This does not seem to be correct as this should be included in shape or surface effects. In exemplifying the two, goat's milk and sand have been mentioned which also do not lend support to Jaina's view, However, Pujyapāda59 has clarified these effects in terms of electrical nature. Table 11 : Tactile Attributes. System Number Thermal Gravi. Natural Surfacial 1. Vaise- 4 hot, cold,
elasticity șikas
a-hot-a-cold 2. Bud- 11
Light, desires smooth, dhas
heavy
(thirst, rough
4 bhūtas hunger ) 3. Jainas 8/10 hot, cold light, smooth hard,
heavy ( 1 rough soft pair as
above ) 4. Science 20 hot, cold density pain, hard, soft,
effervescence, deliquiscence, smooth, rough 10, brittle etc.
cold
It is clear from Table 11 that the Vaiseșikas have only thermal and surface effects. Buddhas have pointed out all categories of effects with some difference. The scientists have only three types of touch-effects thermal, gravimetrio and sur-facial with a large number of additional varieties. In addition, they have also added feeling of pain ( as by pricking the needle in the body ) as one of the touch effects. They have been able to measure the pain sensitivity. This touch effect does not find mention in canons, though there appears to be some description about it, but it refers more to mental or spiritual
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