Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 1.djvu/109

Chap. I.] prolongation of human life, and the invigoration of memory and the vital organs of man. It deals with recipes which enable a man to retain his manhood or youthful vigour up to a good old age, and which generally serve to make the human system invulherable to disease and decay.

The Va'jeekarana-Tantram (Science of Aphrodisiacs)—treats of measures by which the semen of a man naturally scanty or deficient in quality becomes shorn of its defects; or is purified, if deranged by the Vitiated humours of the body (such as wind, etc.; or is invigorated and increased in quantity (if pure and healthy); or acquires its healthy and normal consistence (if thinned and enfeebled by indiscretions of youth) [In short, it deals with things which increase the pleasures of youth and make a man doubly endearing to a woman].

Thus the entire science of the Ayurveda is classified into the eight preceding branches. Now tell me, which of them is to be taught and to which of you? Said the disciples:—"Instruct us all, O Lord, in the science of surgery (Shalya) and let that be the chief subject of our study." To which replied the holy Dhanvantari:—"Be it so." Then the disciples again said:—"We are all of one mind in the matter, O Lord, that Sushruta shall be our spokesman and ask