The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c7.11

c7.11

The Hindu Materia Medica mentions *Âkâśavallî*, *lit.* sky-creeper, a name which seems to have been originally intended for some orchids; also *Plava* (*lit.* floating), weeds that float in stagnant ponds, and *Śaivâla*, mosses and lichens (*e.g.* दूर्वाकसेरुमवशैवालं जलेन कल्पितं पीतं शुक्रसेहहरं—*Chakrapâṇi-Samgraha*, also *Bhâva-* *Prakâsâ*). These are not classified, but like the mushrooms must come under the *Pâkaniṣṭha auṣadhis*, Auṣadhis that die after maturing, without bringing forth flowers or fruits.