CHAPTER XLV.
Now we shall discourse on the Chapter, which deals with the rules to be observed in respect of liquid substances in general (Drava-Dravya-Vidhi-madhyayam).
Water Group:—Atmospheric, or rain water is possessed of a non-patent taste. It is ambrosial in its nature, pleasant and beneficial to life. It is enlivening,*[1] invigorating or strength-giving,†[2] refrigerent, frigorific, antipyrotic, anti-hypnotic, and conquers vertigo, drowsiness and fits of fainting. It is most wholesome to the human body. After having fallen upon the surface of the earth it acquires one of the six different tastes according to the nature of its receptacle such as, a river, or a Nada (a river with a masculine name), a pond, a tank (Vapi)‡[3], a Kupa $[4], a Chunti #[5], a fountain, an Artesian spring a Vikira ¶[6], fallow land (Kedar), or a pond covered over with a growth of aquatic plants
- ↑ *Enlivens the body during fits of fainting and such like cases.
- ↑ †Imparts strength to the exhausted or emaciated frames.
- ↑ ‡A tank or a large well with its sides protected by buttresses of masonry work.
- ↑ $A well with flights of masonry steps descending to its bottom.
- ↑ #An ordinary well, unprotected by buttresses and unprovided with steps.
- ↑ ¶ A flow of subterranean water dug out of a bed of sand.
