Encyclopaedia of Indian Medicine (In 6 Volumes)

Health has been a continuing concern of man and the world is now recognizing the holistic principles of traditional medical systems. Ayurveda encompasses the entire corpus of Indian medical wisdom. Ayurveda is the science and art of good living. It is as much a worldview as a practical discipline. The Encyclopaedia of Indian Medicine presents details from core texts in Sanskrit, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil, culled from forgotten and little known manuscripts and journals. It thus includes traditional details, the spirit and outlook of original texts other authors would miss. The six volumes thus present a comprehensive and factual knowledge of Indian medicine for the modern mind. Volume One: Historical Perspective: The volume traces the development of medical thought in India down the ages. It provides information on all the medical authors and their works available in print or in ancient manuscripts. Content analysis of the more important works is based on firsthand study of the original texts. To facilitate comparative study, allied systems like Arabian, Chinese, Tibetan and Yunani have also been noticed. Volume Two: Basic Concepts: The well being of the individual is treated holistically, involving the mind, body and spirit. The book explains the basic concepts of Ayurveda, because here the theories determine practice. The well-defined philosophical framework is what gives Indian medicine consistency and integrity. Philosophical formulations gleaned from definitive texts are included. Volume Three: Clinical Examination and Diagnostic Methods: This volume contains a detailed account of the several methods of diagnosis, the related conceptual framework and the rationale behind prescriptions. There is a special section on surgical instruments and operations. Volume Four: Materia Medica (Herbal Medicines) : This exhaustive volume deals with herbs and plants used in Indian medicine. Entries made in alphabetical order specify botanical names and habitat. The medicinal action and therapeutic hints have been included along with some illustrations. Volume Five: Materia Medica (Minerals and Metallic Drugs): A by-product of research done by brilliant alchemists, Indian drugs derive from a rich tradition inorganic chemistry. The book records the different processes, equipment and therapeutic action of traditional drugs. Volume Six: Diseases and Their Cures: The last volume deals with alphabetical entries of different diseases according to Ayurveda while including their western classification, pathogenesis and symptoms. Different treatments prescribed according to leading authorities are recorded. Causative factors, constituents’ affected and classical prescriptions make the information comprehensive.