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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

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[[Ayurveda]] has emphasized the importance, need and application of examination, and has stressed that even truth should be examined first and only then should be accepted. In [[Sutra Sthana]], Chapter 11, four methods of examination of all existing and non-existing subjects of knowledge to be examined have been given<ref>Cha Charak Samhita Sutrasthana Adhyaya 11/17, Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji, Fifth Edition, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthana, Varanasi, 2001, 70. </ref>. These four specific methods of examination are ''aptopadesha'' (knowledge from authoritative person and scriptures), ''pratyaksha'' (direct observation), ''anumana'' (inference) and ''yukti'' (logic based interpretation). For clinical examination of a patient, ''yukti pramana'' is included in ''anumana'' because inference should be included in ''tarka'' (logic) and ''yukti''<ref> Agnivesha, Charak, Dridhabala, Charak Samhita Vimanasthana Adhyaya 4/3, Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji, Fifth Edition, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthana, Varanasi, 2001, 247. </ref> <ref> Agnivesha, Charak, Dridhabala, Charak Samhita Vimanasthana Adhyaya 4/4, Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji, Fifth Edition, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthana, Varanasi, 2001, 247. </ref>. The author did not feel the need for ''yukti'' to be done separately in clinical experiment, therefore three fold (''trividha'') method of examination has been described.  

[[Ayurveda]] has emphasized the importance, need and application of examination, and has stressed that even truth should be examined first and only then should be accepted. In [[Sutra Sthana]], Chapter 11, four methods of examination of all existing and non-existing subjects of knowledge to be examined have been given.[Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 11/17]. These four specific methods of examination are ''aptopadesha'' (knowledge from authoritative person and scriptures), ''pratyaksha'' (direct observation), ''anumana'' (inference) and ''yukti'' (logic based interpretation). For clinical examination of a patient, ''yukti pramana'' is included in ''anumana'' because inference should be included in ''tarka'' (logic) and ''yukti''[Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 4/3-4]. The author did not feel the need for ''yukti'' to be done separately in clinical experiment, therefore three-fold (''trividha'') method of examination has been described.  

There are, however, limitations to these tools because all the three examinations should be applied, though sequentially (described later in the chapter), since one cannot rely completely on any one of these examinations. A wise physician should use all the three tools together for a thorough assessment of the disease and then reach the final diagnosis. A physician who understands and exercises such practice does not commit any mistake in the treatment of the patients. <ref> Agnivesha, Charak, Dridhabala, Charak Samhita Vimanasthana Adhyaya 4/11, Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji, Fifth Edition, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthana, Varanasi, 2001, 249. </ref>

There are, however, limitations to these tools because all the three examinations should be applied, though sequentially (described later in the chapter), since one cannot rely completely on any one of these examinations. A wise physician should use all three tools together for a thorough assessment of the disease and then reach the final diagnosis. A physician who understands and exercises such practice does not commit any mistake in the treatment of the patients. [Cha.Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 4/11]

It is also interesting to know that these three methods of examination have been defined (with little difference) in [[Sutra Sthana]] 11th chapter [[Tistraishaniya]] too. On the basis of critical analysis of the subject, it could be opined that the description of three examination methods in [[Vimana Sthana]] is much more scientific and applicable in clinical methods while the description of [[Sutra Sthana]] chapter [[Tistraishaniya]] is applicable in other fields.

It is also interesting to know that these three methods of examination have been defined (with little difference) in [[Sutra Sthana]] 11th chapter [[Tistraishaniya]] too. On the basis of critical analysis of the subject, it could be opined that the description of three examination methods in [[Vimana Sthana]] is much more scientific and applicable in clinical methods while the description of [[Sutra Sthana]] chapter [[Tistraishaniya]] is applicable in other fields.