solid food, (Ashitha) drink, Leedham (food taken by licking), and the Khaditam (food that is chewn and assimilated only for the enjoyment of a specific taste). A variety of substances enters into the composition of our food, which admit of being grouped under various preparations and necessarily involve the co-operation of a large number of dynamical forces. I am eager to learn of the substances and their specific inherent properties, virtues, potencies and transformations (chemical reactions) which constitute the daily food of human beings, inasmuch as a physician, who is ignorant of them, is quite helpless in checking or curing any distemper and maintaining health in individuals. And since food (diet) determines the origin of all created beings, instruct us, O Lord, on the proper regimen of food and drink."
The holy Dhanvantari, thus addressed by Sushruta, replied as follows:—"O child, hear me discourse on the proper regulation of food and drink as requested by you. There are several species of Shall rice such as, the Lohitaka, Shali, Kalama, Kardamaka, Panduka, Sugandhaka, Shakunahrita, Pushpandaka, Pundarika, Mahashali, Shita-Bhiruka, Rodhra-Pushpaka, Dirghashuka, Kanchanaka, Mahisha-mastaka, Hayanaka, Dushaka, and Maha-Dushaka etc.
Metrical Texts:—The several species of Shall rice are sweet in taste, cooling in potency,
