Biography of Kaśyapa and his contribution to Kaumărabhrtya (paediatrics).

ABSTRACT

Maharsi Kaśyapa, the author of Kaśyapa Samhită was the son of sage Marica and Kala. Kaśyapa was an eminent physician and specialist in Kaumărabhŗtya (children's diseases) during ancient times. He was contemporary with Punarvasu. Bower's manuscript referred to him as skillful in children's diseases and many formulae are ascribed to him. Two names Kaśyapa and Kăśyapa appear in the history. Hornle thinks these two are the names of the same rsi there is a confusion over his date. Vrddha Jĭvaka was his disciple. Kaśyapa Samhită or Vrddha Jĭvakĭya Samhită was composed in the form of dialogue between Kaśyapa as the teacher and Vrddha Jĭvaka as his pupil. Vatsya later redacted it during Gupta period. The present editions of the Kaśyapa Samhită are based on the manuscript acquired by Pandit Hemraj Sharma. First edition was published in 1953. This Samhită mainly deals with the children's diseases.