The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c3.26

c3.26

Besides the systematic treatises on the description and treatment of diseases above noticed, there are several works in Sanskrit devoted especially to the description of the synonyms and properties of individual medicines and articles of diet. The oldest treatise on this subject is the one called Rájanirghantu. It is generally ascribed to Dhanvantari, but Pundit Madhusudan Gupta estimated the age of this work at 600 years. As both mercury and opium are mentioned in this treatise, it cannot be older. Some later compilations on this subject are in general use at the present day. In the North-West Provinces, the Nirghantu, compiled by Madanapála, is generally perused by students. In Bengal, a very superficial compilation, under the name of Rájavallabha, is in currency. In Orissa, a superior work, called Satkantha-ratnábharana, is used.