Hindu Medicine c7.233

c7.233

So extensive an oral tradition, passed on through the ages, was in constant danger of dwindling down to the level of a mere feat of memory taken for genuine skill. Suśruta insists that this enormous amount of oral learning be balanced by practical efficiency: the physician who masters both stands firmly on both his legs. Otherwise, when it comes to treating the patient, he will feel as insecure as a coward approaching the battleground.