A History of Indian Medical Literature v3.c46.139

v3.c46.139

The usual subjects are covered. Many verses are taken from the monographs on the pulse attributed to Kaṇāda and Rāvaṇa or are very similar to verses found there, although the author does not disclose his sources except mentioning Parāśara by name The deities presiding over the pulses of vāyu, pitta and kapha are Brahmā, Śiva and Viṣṇu (10), or, according to another view, Vāyu, Sūrya and Candra (11). The difference in examining the pulse in male and female patients (the pulse of the right hand in males and that of the left in females) is mentioned and explained as due to the head of the kūrma (tortoise) 84 being directed upwards and downwards in males (16–18). 85 The pulse in diseases is hardly described (76–81), whereas the frequency of the pulse, dependent on the age of the patient, is elaborately dealt with (82–90). 86 The pulse is explained as brought about by rhythmic contractions of the heart which, with vāta as an intermediary, make the blood move through the vessels (91–92).