History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c22.s1.46

v1.c22.s1.46

*Mala Parīkṣā*: Examination of faeces is described as an important technique for diagnosis of a disease and disease state. Besides routine physical characteristics of stool such as colour, consistency appearance etc, an important consideration is the Sama-Nirāma Parīkṣā (M.Ni. 3, Ma.K, vs 12-13). For this a known amount of the faecal matter is dropped in water and if it floats on the surface of water it is inferred that the Mala is in Nirāma Avastha. If it dips in water it is considered Sama. The degree of Amavastha can be measured quantitatively by measuring the degree of dipping of the stool in depth of water. It is a very useful technique which can be interpreted in a variety of ways giving significant information on digestive and metabolic state of a patient.