Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 1.djvu/178



Now we shall discuss the Chapter which treats of the essential qualifications of a physician before he formally enters his profession (Vishlkha'-nupraveshaniya-madhya'yam).

A physician haying thoroughly studied the Science of medicine, and fully pondered on and Verified the truths he has assimilated, both by observation and practice, and haying attained to that stage of (lucid) knowledge, which would enable him to make a clear exposition of the science (whenever necessary), should open his medical career commence practising with the permission of the king of his country. He should be cleanly in his habits and well shaved. and should not allow his nails to grow. He should wear white garments, put on a pair of shoes, carry a stick and an umbrella in his hands, and walk about with a mild and benignant look as a friend of all created beings, ready to help all, and frank and friendly in his talk and demeanour, and never allowing the full control of his reason or intellectual powers to be in any way disturbed or interfered with.

A physician, haying met with a messenger of happy augury, or having been encouraged on his journey by the notes of auspicious birds or sights, should go to the house of his patient. [Then, haying entered the