A History of Indian Medical Literature v1.c22.28

v1.c22.28

Cakrapāṇidatta frequently quotes the views of predecessors and their interpretations of the text. In contrast with Ḍalhaṇa, however, it is difficult to make out which earlier commentator was his favourite authority. 121 Noteworthy are the numerous quotations from Jatūkarṇa and, in particular, the rarity with which Jejjata is cited. It is not uncommon to see Cakrapāṇidatta refer to a series of interpretations by predecessors without making a choice, or placing side by side a number of explanations. 122 The precise meaning of particular technical terms was unknown to him. 123 The same applies to the identity of a number of particular medicinal substances. 124 The vernacular names of drugs mentioned by him are usually those known in Bengal. 125