Hindu Medicine c5.s3.53

c5.s3.53

The specific nature of the single drugs compounded into arcana, though they were described as to their flavors, virtues and so forth, remained to a large extent wrapped in mystery; there existed no technique of experimental tests by which the effects of the drugs might be determined. The efficacy of the drugs was more or less a matter of faith, based on ancient usage and previous experience, as such methods prevail among shepherds and old women; yet the doctors professing Hindu or mediaeval medicine had passed examinations and were of the educated and intel-