

X 





THE 



MATERIA MEDICA 



OF THE HINDUS 



PART III. 



s 



ANIMAL MATERIA MEDICA. 



THE LEECH. 



Leeches have been employed by the Hindus from a very re* 

 mote period, Susruta gives a detailed account of their varieties, 

 habits, mode of application, etc. Hie aceonnt of leeoheB has been 

 translated in fall by Dr. Wise. Pundit Madhu Sudan Gupta ba<i 

 aleo furnished a note on the subjeot for publication in the Bengal 

 Dispensatory. I will not therefore attempt a new translation but 



will give an extract from Dr. Wise 



"There are twelve 



varieties of leuohea, six of which are venomous, and six uteful 

 The venomous leeches are found near putrid fish or animals in 

 foul, Btagnant and putrescent water. Such leeches are consequently 

 to be avoided. The good leeches are found in clear and deep pools 

 of water which contain water lilies, and are surrounded with sweet 

 smelling plants. The middle sized leeches are the best. These 

 leeches are to be caught on a piece of leather or cloth, and placed 

 in a new water pot in which son^e clay and pure water has been 



put. 



i 



plants are to be plac 



1^ 



d in 



the pot for them to lie upon, and the roots of water lilies and dry 



flesh are to be given them for food. The water is to be changed 



every third 



blood 



part, or make one or two very slight scarifications- w- 



day, and 



m 



water pot every seventh , day. ** 



leeches do not fix quiokly, apply a drop or two of milk or 



t • 



hioh 



them to fix themselves more readily. When 



