Charaka-Samhita Translated Into English
Calcutta: Abinash Chandra Kaviratna, 1890. First English Translation. Parts I–VII only. Seven octavos, publisher's original wraps. An early English translation of the Charaka-Samhita, one of the foundational classical texts of Ayurvedic medicine, translated and published by Kaviraj Abinash Chandra Kaviratna in Calcutta. Traditionally attributed to Charaka and later revised by Dridhabala, the work is among the most important surviving sources for ancient Indian medical theory, diagnosis, treatment, diet, materia medica, hygiene, and the ethical duties of the physician. This copy comprises Parts I–VII only, ending at page 216, representing an early partial run of Kaviratna’s scarce serialized translation rather than the complete work. Even incomplete, it is a desirable and historically significant publication for collectors of Ayurveda, Indian medicine, Sanskrit literature in translation, history of medicine, and late nineteenth-century Calcutta printing. Part 1 has repairs to the wraps, many of the other wraps are detached, some tears and chips, discoloration, some marginalia, else in good condition. Item #366
Price: $400.00