A History of Indian Medical Literature v2.c33.380

v2.c33.380

212 See Su.Sū.13. Cf. Ca.Ci.23.155cd. 213 Daḷhaṇa completes this list. 214 See on Indian scorpions: *R.I. Pocock (1900); B.K. Tikader (1987): 28–38 (Scorpionida, the scorpions), 38–40 (Solpugida, the false-spiders or wind-scorpions), 40–43 (Pedipalpida, the whip-scorpions), 43–49 (Pseudoscorpionida, the pseudoscorpions); *B.K. Tikader and D. Bastawde (1983); WIRM X, 9–10. 215 The venom of three species of scorpions of the genus Buthus has been reported to be virulent, sometimes proving fatal to children; the venom of species of the genus Heterometrus is far less toxic (see WIRM X, 10). 216 Cf. Ka.8.62cd. 217 Cf. Ka.8.57ab. 218 Cf. Ca.Ci.23.150–151. 219 Cf. Ca.Ci.23.173, 208cd–209ab. See on the treatment of scorpion-stings in folk medicine: S.C. Mitra (1915a), (1915b). 220 Cf. Ca.Ci.23.144–146. 221 Compare Su.Ka.8.93 and Mādhavanidāna 69.38. 222 See on Indian spiders: R.E. Hawkins (1986): 419–421, 527–530; *R.I. Pocock (1900); B.K. Tikader *(1980), *(1982), (1987); WIRM X, 7–9. See on venomous spiders: W. Bücherl (1971b); B.K. Tikader (1987): 120–122. 223 The venom of Latrodectus hasseltii Thorell and L. hasseltii indicus (Simon), spiders found in some parts of Gujarat and adjoining regions (B.K. Tikader, 1987: 121), is reported to be dangerous to mammals and human babies, who may die from its neurotoxic effects; the bites of species of Lycosa Latr., a genus of wolf spiders, causes creeping ulcerations in the skin; some species of Spariolenus often cause serious injuries to human beings (see WIRM X, 8–9). B.K. Tikader (1987: 121–122) also mentions Loxosceles indrabeles Tikader as an Indian spider with a painful bite; he states that the effects of its bite begin with the formation of a blister at the site of the wound; the skin turns purple and black, and as it falls away there is left a pit that slowly fills with scar tissue; sometimes there is liver or kidney damage which may result in death. Less severe symptoms of arachnidism are caused by the bites of members of the genera Chiracanthium and Phidippus (B.K. Tikader, 1987: 122). In general, Suśruta’s concern about spider bites appears to be without a firm basis, because most spiders are so timid that they do not bite men even when handled roughly (see B.K. Tikader, 1987: 120–121). 224 Compare Su.Ka.8.98–99 and Mādhavanidāna 69.39–40. 225 Probably the same as the agivarṇā spider. 226 Cf. Ca.Ci.23.200cd–204.