Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c8.39

c8.39

The commentary Āyurvedadīpikā or *Carakatātparyatikā* composed by Cakradatta in the 11th century directly bears testimony to the present form of Carakasamhitā, just as is the case with Suśruta. The older commentary of Haricandra or Hariscandra which is quoted by Cakradatta and other old authors is apparently lost. In spite of the old commentary the text has been handed down in a worse condition than in the case of Suśruta, as is evident from great difference between the MSS and the available numerous editions. The last two sthānas and the concluding part of the fifth (41 Adhyāyas in all) do not come from Caraka himself, but are supplemented by Dṛḍhabala born in the Panjab (Pañcanada) "from many books". As a whole, however, the Carakasaṃhitā by its form and contents makes even more antique impression than the Suśruta Saṃhitā. It exceeds the Suśruta Saṃhitā in extensiveness in spite of the complete absence of surgery, which fact is explained by its naive width and looseness. Caraka has in common with Suśruta his terminology and general views, the interchange of prose and poetry, the absence of opium, pulse-feeling and the quicksilver preparations. He has the archaic expression Rājamātra in common with the very old Macartney MS¹⁰.