This book describes the tradition of surgery in Indian medicine, which includes many detoxification therapies. The author is believed to be the scholar Sushruta, who lived over 3000 years ago. Susruta Samhita is considered one of the four principal books on surgery and the only work still existing today. Susruta-Samhita discusses 1120 illnesses, including injuries, illnesses relating to aging and mental illness. These discussions include 700 healing plants, 57 preparations derived from animal sources and 64 preparations derived from minerals.