Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

CHAPTER IV.
Now we shall discourse on the Sdriram which
treats of the devclopiTient of a foetus in the womb,
as well as of the factors which contribute to the growth
of its different bodily organs and principles ^Garbha-
Vyakaranam-aariram). r.
The Fittam (fiery or thermogenic) and Sleshma
(lunar principles of the body, the bodily Vayu, the three
primary qualities of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas (adhesion,
cohesion and disintegration), the five sense organs, and
the Self (Karma-Purusha) are the preserver of the life
(Pranah) of the Foetus, 2.
Folds of Skin : —Seven folds or layers of cover-
ing (Tvaka — skin) are formed and deposited on the
rapidly transforming product of the combination of
(semen) Sukra and Sonita (fertilized ovum) which
have been thus charged with the individual Soul
or Self in the same manner as layers (of cream) are
formed and deposited on the surface of (boiling) milk.
Of these the first fold or layer is called Avabhaisini
(reflecting) as it serves to reflect all colours and is cap-
able of being tinged with the hues of all the five mate-
rial principles of the body. The thickness of this fold
measures eighteen-twentieth of a Vrihi* (rice grain) and
it is the seat of skin diseases, such as Sidhma, Padma-
* The complexion of a person is due to this first layer ; and as the
colour of an opaque body is due to the rays that are reflected from its
surface, this layer is rightly named Avabbas'ini or reflecting layer.
** The text runs "Vriherashtadashabhaga," which means eighteen (or
so mr.ny) parts of a Vrihi ; and Dalian comments that "Vrihi" stands for
a measure equal to the twentieth division of a Vrihi or rice grain.