the conditions tending to prolong or shorten life, dwells on the nature of diseases, their causes and methods of treatment. It is the oldest medical book of the Hindoos, and is divided into eight parts or tantras. These are : —
1. Shalya — Surgery. This includes the methods of removing foreign bodies, of using surgical instruments, of applying bandages, and of treating various surgical diseases.
2. Shalakya — Treatment of diseases of parts situated above the clavicles, such as the diseases of the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc.
3. Kaya-chikitsa — General diseases affecting the whole body, such as fever, diabetes, etc.
4. Bhoot-vidya — Demoniacal diseases. This chapter describes the means of restoring by prayers, offerings, medicines, etc., deranged faculties of the mind supposed to be produced by demoniacal possession.
5. Kaumara-bhritya — Management of children — comprising the treatment of infants and the diseases they are subject to.
