A History of Indian Medical Literature v3.c49.s1.19

v3.c49.s1.19

Chapter seven (292–329) describes poisonous substances (viṣa). Ten sources of sthāvaraviṣa (poisons of vegetable origin and inorganic substances) are distinguished: roots, leaves, fruits, flowers, barks, milky juices, woods, exudates (niryāsa), tubers, and metals. The usual eighteen poisonous tubers are enumerated and described (292–303).⁴ The eight tuber poisons that may be used for medicinal purposes are divided into brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra types. The disorders caused by poisonous substances and the treatment of these disorders are dealt with. The purification and killing of tuber poisons are described, followed by rules about the medicinal uses of poisonous substances. The chapter ends with poisons of animal origin, especially snake venom.