Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 1.djvu/189

Chap.XI.] of the shreds of Amla-Kanjika, sesamum and Madhukam taken in equal parts, and pasted together, should be applied to the part burnt with an alkali; in the event of the latter having failed to produce the desired effect owing to the disease being deeply seated. Madhukam and the Kalka paste of sesamum mixed with clarified butter would cause such an (incidental) ulcer to heal.

Now you may ask the question how can an acid substance, which is fiery in its virtue and heat-making in its potency, tend to subdue the effects of an alkali which is possessed of similar virtues and properties, instead of augmenting them, as can naturally be apprehended? Well my child, the question can be fairly answered by stating, that substances of all tastes enter into the composition of an alkali except the acid one. The pungent (Katu) taste is the principal taste of an alkali, while the saline (Lavana) forms its minor or accessory flavour (Anurasa). Now this saline taste in conjunction with the acid one renounces its extremely sharp or irritating property and is thus transformed into one of sweetness or of soothing virtue. Hence it is that an acid taste tends to allay the burning incidental to an application of alkali (potential caustic) in the same way as water tends to put out fire.

An operation of perfect cauterisation with an alkaline application brings about an amelioration of the disease, or the disease is entirely subdued, accompanied by