ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the “Principles of Plant Taxonomy” to offer “A Fresh Insight into the Ancient Indian Methodology and Philosophy of Naming and Classifying the Medicinal Plants.” Proper nomenclature and classification play important role in the systematization of any branch of knowledge. In this regard, Mishra demonstrates the extent to which the ancient Indian rishis and acharyas have shown transparency in their scientific observations. To them, to name was to touch the essence of the thing or object named. They could really enter into the soul or the consciousness of the thing or the object and then give the name as per their experience. We find a clear reflection of this in the names of the plants as they appear in various texts of Ayurveda. From the various names given to one plant one can truly understand not only the various morphological characteristics of that plant but also the special medicinal properties that the plant has. It is still a mystery how the ancient Indian Vaidyas or medical scientists could discover the exact property of a plant and its multidimensional aspects when there was no such facility for empirical science as exists today. This chapter brings a fresh insight into this aspect and throws light on the ancient Indian methodology and philosophy of naming and classifying the medicinal plants.
