[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877) › c4.s1.1 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s1.1 The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s1.1 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.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. - [Previous: c3.42](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c3.42) - [Next: c4.s1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.2) - [Up: c4.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.1) · Pramāṇa