Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 1.djvu/182



Now we shall discuss the Chapter which treats of the pharmacy of alkalis or potential cauteries (Ksha'rapa'ka-vidhi-madhya'yam).

In cases that require incising, excising and scraping, alkalis or alkaline preparations are of greater importance than surgical instruments and appliances (both principal and secondary or substitutive), as they are possessed of the virtues of subduing the three deranged bodily humours (such as wind, bile and phlegm).

The etymological signification of the term Kshára (alkalis) is based on their property of corroding (the skin or the flesh of an affected part of the body), or on their peculiar quality in destroying the skin and flesh where such an effect is desired. Since a variety of substances enter into the composition of Kshára (alkalis), they are endued with the virtue of subduing the three deranged bodily humours. Owing to their white colour, Ksharas should be included within the category of cooling substances (Saumya).

But since many drugs or substances of a hot or fiery nature (Ágneya) enter into their composition, Ksháras (alkalis) are endued with the properties of blistering, burning, suppurating (Páchana), opening etc., without