From The Hindu Archives, March 26, 1926: Medicine in ancient India

Madura, March 25: Dr. Lakshmipathi delivered a lecture yesterday on “Indian medicine” in the Edward Hall, Madura, under the presidency of the Municipal Chairman, Mr. R.S. Naidu, Bar-at-Law. He said after the recent publication of the Artha Sastra, which was not merely a text book of political economy, but an encyclopaedia of contemporary scientific knowledge in all departments, the history of Indian medicine and the methods adopted by the ancient Hindus for living a healthy life, had become very clear. The work had given us strong contemporary evidence in proof of many valuable facts contained in ancient medical works. The scale of punishment laid down for infringement of public health rules was very severe. Society was thoroughly organised in the most democratic manner. The medical practitioners were held in great esteem. The physicians helped the King, in keeping up a high state of morality in the State.