The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s1.1

c4.s1.1

Charaka divides material objects into three classes, namely, mineral, animal and vegetable. Minerals consist of gold, silver and other metals; diamond, emerald and other gems; realgar, orpiment and other ores; and the various sorts of earths. Vegetables are divided into four classes, namely, *Vanaspati*, *Vriksha*, *Virudh* and *Oshadhi*. Those plants which produce fruits, without first showing their flowers, are called *Vanaspati*. Plants which produce fruits from flowers, which are known by their flowers and fruits, and which wave small branches from their trunks, are called *Vriksha*. Plants which during their growth are supported by other plants, are called *Virudh*, *Pratánavatya* or *Valli*. Lastly, those grasses, etc., which die after maturing their fruits, are called *Oshadhi*. Animals are divided into four classes, namely, *Jaráyuja* or mammalia, *Andaja* or oviparous, *Svedaja* or those produced from animal excretions, as parasites, etc., and *Udbhijja* or those produced under ground or from vegetable matter, as for example *Indragopa*, a sort of red insect.