Page:A Short History of Aryan Medical Science.djvu/37

II.] extracted, and their wounds promptly dressed by the army surgeons. The Ashvins are reputed to have given new teeth to Poosha, new eyes to Bhagdeva, and to have cured Chandramas of consumption. These and many other wonderful cures effected by them raised them not only in the estimation of their compeers but also of the lord Indra, who became desirous of studying the, and learnt it from them.

Indra taught the science to his pupil, who wrote several works bearing his name, among which might be mentioned his "Atreya Samhita," in five parts, containing 46,500 verses in all. Atreya is one of the oldest authorities on Hindoo Medicine, and several later writers have based their treatises on his work. He imparted his knowledge, among others, to, , , , and , all of whom have distinguished themselves as authors of medical works that have been handed down to posterity. Agnivesha's "Nidananjana," or treatise on Diagnosis, is still admired. "Harita Samhita" is a standard book, which appears to have been dictated by Atreya in reply to Harita's questions ; for each chapter ends with the words, "Said by Atreya in answer to Harita," Some