The Classical Doctrine of Indian Medicine: Its Origins and its Greek Parallels c13.5

c13.5

Plato recognises three classes of diseases. The first are due to the alterations of the four constitutive elements of the body similar to that of the universe—earth, fire, water and air (82 a-83 e). Others are related to humours produced by the elements and are susceptible to corruption (83 e-84 c). The third class (84 d) comprises diseases due to pneuma, to phlegm (*phlegma*) and bile (*khole*). This is the thesis which is in accord with the classical Indian doctrine. The exposition of Plato is, unfortunately, extremely rudimentary and very confused.²