Page:A History of Hindu Chemistry Vol 1.djvu/127

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cix

Flügel[1] states on the authority of Kitāb-al-Fihrist that Susrud (the Sanskrit name Susruta, thus corrupted into Arabic) was translated by Mankh, the Indian, who cured Harun ar-Raschid of a severe illness, and was appointed physician in charge of the Royal Hospital. We also learn that a work on the official plants of India was rendered into Arabic by the same Mankh. The other comprehensive Sanskrit treatise, the Charaka was also fully laid under contribution.

We have ample and overwhelming testimony of Arabic writers, notably of Haji Khalifa, that Hindu astronomy, algebra and medicine were zealously studied by their compatriots, and many Hindu servants were induced to reside at the Court of the Caliphs as their instructors. Mussulman students,

    Harun and Mansur, either from the originals or translations, made at a still earlier period, into the language of Persia."——Journ. Royal Asiatic Soc. old series, vi. pp. 105-115.

  1. "Zur Frage über die altesten Uebersetzungen indischer und persischer medicinischer Werke ins Arabische; Ziet. deut. morg. Ges. xi. pp 148 and 325.