406:8 The expression is 'The originator or causer of the distinctions (or duties) of the four castes.' The commentator, however, understands the expression to signify, that his descendants were of the four castes. So also the Váyu: 'The son of Ghritsamada was Śunaka, whose son was Śaunaka. Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śúdras were born in his race; Brahmans by distinguished deeds.' The existence of but one caste in the age of purity, however incompatible with the legend which ascribes the origin of the four tribes to Brahmá, is every where admitted. Their separation is assigned to different individuals, whether accurately to any one may be doubted; but the notion indicates that the distinction was of a social or political character.

406:9 Káśiya: Bráhma.

406:10 Dírghatapas: Váyu. Ghritsatamas: Agni. The Bhágavata inserts a Rásht́ra before this prince, and the Váyu a Dharma after him.

407:11 The eight branches of medical science are, 1. Śalya, extraction of extraneous bodies; 2. Śaláká, treatment of external organic affections: these two constitute surgery: 3. Chikitsá, administration of medicines, or medical treatment in general; 4. Bhútavidyá, treatment of maladies referred to demoniac possession; 5. Kaumárabhritya, midwifery and management of children; 6. Agada, alexipharmacy; 7. Rasáyana, alchemical therapeutics; 8. Bajikarańa, use of aphrodisiacs. Dhanwantari, according to the Brahma Vaivartta P., was preceded in medical science by Átreya, Bharadwája, and Charaka: his pupil Śuśruta is the reputed author of a celebrated work still extant. It seems probable that Káśí or Benares was at an early period a celebrated school of medicine.