After defining the true physician, the text then goes on to characterize the quacks, the impostors who are said to be the harbingers of diseases. Their behavior is described graphically. The statement in this chapter that there are two kinds of physicians contradicts an earlier statement made in the eleventh chapter of the [[Sutra Sthana]] called [[Tistraishaniya]], where three kinds of physicians are described and defined. When we examine these classifications closely it can be understood that there are two types of quacks - one who dresses up and tries to imitate a real physician (''chhadmadhara bhishaka'') and the other who declares association with a well-known physician (''siddhasadhita'') in a bid to project himself as a genuine physician. In the thirtieth chapter, the quacks are described in one category. It is interesting to note that there is some discussion on the regulation of the profession. The responsibility of censuring quacks is vested with the King/State. Therefore, the text bluntly states that quacks roam around in the world because of the oversight of the King. And for the reason that the state may not be effective in eliminating the quack doctors, the text also issues a public warning to the laity, beseeching them to identify quacks and to never partake of the clinical services offered by them. | After defining the true physician, the text then goes on to characterize the quacks, the impostors who are said to be the harbingers of diseases. Their behavior is described graphically. The statement in this chapter that there are two kinds of physicians contradicts an earlier statement made in the eleventh chapter of the [[Sutra Sthana]] called [[Tistraishaniya]], where three kinds of physicians are described and defined. When we examine these classifications closely it can be understood that there are two types of quacks - one who dresses up and tries to imitate a real physician (''chhadmadhara bhishaka'') and the other who declares association with a well-known physician (''siddhasadhita'') in a bid to project himself as a genuine physician. In the thirtieth chapter, the quacks are described in one category. It is interesting to note that there is some discussion on the regulation of the profession. The responsibility of censuring quacks is vested with the King/State. Therefore, the text bluntly states that quacks roam around in the world because of the oversight of the King. And for the reason that the state may not be effective in eliminating the quack doctors, the text also issues a public warning to the laity, beseeching them to identify quacks and to never partake of the clinical services offered by them. |