āyur—veda m. the science of health or medicine (it is classed among sacred sciences, and considered as a supplement of the Atharva-veda; it contains eight departments: 1. Śalya or (removal of) any substance which has entered the body (as extraction of darts, of splinters, &c.); 2. Śālākya or cure of diseases of the eye or ear &c. by Śalākās or sharp instruments; 3. Kāya-cikitsā or cure of diseases affecting the whole body; 4. Bhūtavidyā or treatment of mental diseases supposed to be produced by demoniacal influence; 5. Kaumāra-bhṛtya or treatment of children ; 6. Agada-tantra or doctrine of antidotes; 7. Rāsāyana-tantra or doctrine of elixirs; 8. Vājīkaraṇa-tantra or doctrine of aphrodisiacs, [Suśr.]; [MBh.]; [Hariv.] &c.)