Publication

Abstract : This article presents an English translation of an interview with a practitioner of traditional Indian medicine (Āyurveda), A. S. M*** N*** (1930 ~ ), in Kerala, India. The interviewee’s specialized field is traditional poison-healing (Viṣavaidya). The contents of the interview are: 1. History of the Family (1.1 Family Members, 1.2 Teachers, 1.3 Joint Family, 1.4 Elephant, 1.5 Father, 1.6 Tradition of the Veda), 2. Traditional Poison-healing (Viṣavaidya) (2.1 Textual Tradition, 2.2 Kōkkara Nampūtiriʼs Reformation, 2.3 Speciality of Treatments and Medicines in Kerala, 2.4 Treatment Methods, 2.5 Modern Medicine and Āyurveda, 2.6 Signs of Death, 2.7 Prevision, 2.8 Treatment fee, 2.9 Hydrophobia, 2.10 Mantra, 2.11 Features of Messengers (dūtalakṣaṇa), 2.12 Amtakalā and Viṣakalā), 3. Treatments for Elephants, and Bibliography.