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544 : Scientific Contents in Prākṣta Canons
it effects the proper physical and mental formation of the foetus 44,
(k) jñātādharmakathā and other canons mention about the proper foods and drinks to be intaken by pregnant ladies. They should be nourishing and according to seasons avoiding extremes of tastes and constituents injurious to health. It is stated that mother's food also effects the foetus 336
Besides these statements, the canons like B. A. and T. V. describe about the process of development of embryo during pregnancy. Table 4 gives a comparative statement about it in canonical, Ayurvedic and modern science. It suggests that the old descriptions are somewhat different and comparatively elementary with respect to medical sciences. Though the first month development seems to be similar, but later development differs to a large extent. Sex determination of the foetus is a third month phenomena now. The height and weight measurements of embryo and foetus vary between 104cm. to about 50 cms. and 104g to about 3.0 kg. While canons describe a foetus having only flesh and limbs in 2-3 months, medical science finds even heart, brain and sex signs during this period. Pregnancy longing is said to occur in varying ( 3rd or 4th ) months. The canonical conceivability age is also a matter of dispute for the westerners.
The present Ayurvedic system is utilising some of these facts into their new forms. Canons and old literature should, therefore, be taken as historical records of the existing knowledge and growth of knowledge should be taken as an esatablished fact. The statement of authentication of canonical descriptions should, hence, be taken not in literal sense but in the sense of reverence to the venerables.
(1) The position and shape of uterus canonically described externally is nearly as per current ideas as shown earlier.
(m) Sthānānga 45 and other canons have discribed the conditions under which there could be conception or no conception with or without copulation. Similarly, methods of annihi
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