A History of Indian Medical Literature v1.c25.604.1

v1.c25.604.1

Chapter two (garbhāvakrānti), which corresponds to part of chapter one of the Śārīrasthāna of the Hṛdaya,46 is concerned with the process of conception, i.e., the union of semen and ārtava and the entry of the jīva (2.2);47 the product of fertilization divides and assumes a particular form; it develops into a male when semen, into a female when ārtava predominates; a napuṃsaka will be born when semen and ārtava are in balance; vāta may split the product of fertilization into two or more parts, thus giving rise to twins or another type of multiple birth; morbid changes of semen and ārtava lead to abnormalities in the embryo (2.3);48 the early and the later developing signs of pregnancy (2.4);49 the menses disappear during pregnancy because the rajas-transporting channels are obstructed by the foetus; the accumulating rajas develops into the aparā,50 or, according to others, into the jarāyu; due to this obstruction of rakta (= rajas), the romarājī becomes visible (2.5); part of the asṛj (= rakta) goes upwards, thus leading to swelling of the cheeks and breasts, and to a dark colour of lips and nipples (cūcuka); another part, coloured (white) by kapha, goes to the breasts and turns into milk,51 replenished after parturition by the juice deriving from the mother's food (2.6); the development of the child during the first three months of pregnancy (2.7);52 the mental and bodily characteristics of a male, female or napuṃsaka become manifest;