Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 1.djvu/125

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CHAPTER III.

Now we shall discuss the chapter which deals with the classification of the Ayurveda and the order [in which the venerable Dhanvantari discoursed on them to his pupils]. Adhyayana-Samprada'niyam.

It has been stated before, that a hundred and twenty chapters have been distributed among the five parts or subdivisions (of the present work) in the following order :— Forty six in the part of Definitive Aphorisms (Sutra-Sthanam); sixteen in the part dealing with the Etiology of diseases (Nidanam); ten in the part explaining the Anatomy and physiology of the human body (Sharira Sthanam); forty in the part of Therapeutics (Chikitsitam); and eight in the part dealing with poisons and their antidotes (Kalpa-Sthanam). In addition to these the Uttara-Tantram consists of sixty-six chapters.

Metrical texts : The Sutra-Sthanam which contains forty-six chapters, is so called because it discusses in the form of hints, arranges in the form of aphorisms and connects by links topics relating to longevity. Chapter 1 Describes the origin of the science of the Ayurveda. 2 Relates to the formal initiation of a pupil into the science of medicine. 3 Deals with the