Page:A Short History of Aryan Medical Science.djvu/201

X.] excising ;, incising ; , probing ; , scarifying ; , suturing ; , puncturing ; and , evacuating fluids.

The surgeon, before commencing an operation, is enjoined to equip himself with all the requisites, such as the instruments, salts, bandages, honey, oil, water, etc. He should have practical experience of his art, and should have seen many surgical operations performed by others. He should be intelligent, steady, skilful, and should execute his work with a light hand. He should have by his side steady and strong attendants to assist him. The patient should be allowed to take light food before any operation is performed upon him. Abdominal operations, how- ever, and operations in the mouth, or about the anus, should be performed when the patient is fasting. The operation should be performed with the utmost care ; and after it is over, a sesamum poultice should be applied io the wound, and a cloth bandage be tied round it. A certain incense should be kept burning In the operation room. (This foreshadows the germ theory of the present day.) The surgeon should not leave his patient without offering a prayer to the Almighty for his speedy recovery. Particular attention