Some Thoughts on Hindu Medicine — An Address by Kaviraj Mahamahopadhyaya Gananath Sen

Kaviraj Gananth Sen earned great reputation for his publication of Pratyaksa Sarira, Siddhanta-Nidana, Ayurveda Paricaya and as a founder of Viswanath Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya which later renamed as Gananath Sen Institute of Ayurveda and Research in Calcutta. His address at BHU deals with the advances made in Ayurveda about hundred years ago, the knowledge of treating plants under Vrksa-Ayurveda, the form of Materia medica and Pharmacy and the chemistry of Makaradhvaja used as stimulant and vitalizer. The Ayurvedists knew that there are certain diseases and ailments caused by ‘microorganisms’ and the knowledge of midwifery, and of compounds, which cured sexual debility under the name of Vaisnavi Sakti. The progress made in surgery and the instruments used were also taken into account. Finally, it dealt with the charges against the status of Ayurveda in the country about hundred years ago and action to be taken for its reform as a word of appeal to the people.