Page:A Short History of Aryan Medical Science.djvu/99

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Chap. VI.]
THEORY OF INDIAN MEDICINE.
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irritable, enterprising, proud, loving self-praise, kind-hearted ; a huge eater, often feeling thirsty and hungry, fond of scents and flowers, sweet, bitter, astringent and cold food, and spirits dis- tilled from molasses ; has good memory, and dreams of fire and lightning. The tiger, the monkey, the cat, the wolf and the spider, are said to be bilious by nature.

A phlegmatic person has a fair complexion, long and black hair, broad chest ; likes bitter, astringent and hot diet ; is strong and forbearing, true to his word, courteous, pious, and intelligent, but slow in work ; is fond of vocal and instrumental music as well as lecherous, takes delight in physical exercise and is constant in love. He often dreams of rivers and ponds. The eagle, the swan, the lion, the horse and the ox, are said to have phlegmatic constitutions.

Wind is engendered by fasting, watching, jumping, severe exercise, and excessive indulgence in sexual intercourse ; bile by very hot, dry and bitter food, and intoxicating drinks, as well as by anger and excess in venery ; and phlegm by want of sleep, sleeping in the day-time and eating without appetite.

Besides the three humours described above,