xxiv
This is easily accounted for. The Susruta, such as has been preserved to us, is generally held to be a comparatively modern recension by the celebrated Buddhist Chemist, Nágárjuna,[1] who is said to have added the Uttaratantra or the Supplement.[2] Here for the first time in the history of Hindu Medicine and Chemistry, we come accross a personage who is historical rather than mythical (see below). That the redactor thoroughly recast and remodelled the Susruta is evident from the fact that there are numerous passages in it which agree almost verbatim with the Charaka, and which appears to have been amply laid under contribution.
- ↑ "यत्र यत्र परोक्षे नियोगस्तत्र तत्रैव प्रतिसंस्कर्त्तृसूत्रं ज्ञातव्यमिति प्रतिसंस्कर्त्तापीह नागार्ज्जुन एव" Vide Dalvana's commentary.
- ↑ Cf. "It is said by Dalvanáchárya, the commentator of Susruta, that at the time of war between the Bauddhas and Hindus, the Susrutatantra was re-edited and rendered more comprehensive by the renowned chemist Siddhanágárjuna with a supplement called "uttaratantra." Since that period it has been known by the name of Susruta Samhita." Introduction to "Vaidyakasabdasindhu" p. 6. by Kavirája Umesachandra Gupta Kaviratna.
