The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c9.t1.8

c9.t1.8

The Blood-vascular System.—There are two classes of blood conductors: (1) *Śirâs*, which break up into capillaries (*Pratân*) and distribute "pure" blood from the liver (and spleen) to the heart, and from the heart to the rest of the body (*asrigvahâscha rohinyah śirâh nâtyuṣnaśîtalâh*,—Suśruta, Sarîrasthâna, Chap. VII.; *cf.* Vâgbhata: *daśa mûlaśîrâh hritsthâh*, Chap. III., Sârîrasthâna), and (2) *Dhamanîs* (*Raktavâhinyah*), which proceed, two from the intestinal tract (portal vein and inferior vena cava), and two from the heart (superior vena cava and pulmonary artery?).