Now we shall deal with the mode of handling the abovesaid instruments:—The Vriddhipatram and other instruments for excising (Bhedanam) should be caught hold of at a part between the blade and the handle. In acts of scraping the Vriddhipatram and the Mandalagram should be handled with the palm of the hand slightly turned up. The instruments for secreting should be caught hold of at the roots of their blades at the time of using them, while in the case of a king, an old man, a timid or a delicate person, a child, a woman and specially in the case of a prince of the royal blood, the Trikurchakam should be used when any secreting or exudating operation would be necessary. The handle of a Vrihimukham should be kept concealed within the palm of the hand and the blade should be caught hold of with the thumb and the index finger (Pradeshini). The Kutharika should be first supported on the left hand and then struck with the thumb and third finger of the right. The Ara, the Karapatram and the Eshani, should be caught hold of at their roots. The rest of the surgical instruments should be grappled according to requirements.
The abovesaid instruments are shaped like things which their very names imply, as have been already described. The Nakashastram and the Eshani measure eight fingers in length. The Suchi (needle)
