Khan was a Sunni physician of some importance at the end of the 18th century who served as physician to the Moghul emperor Shak Alam II (ruled 1759-1806) and possibly also to his son Akbar II. He was responsible for introducing aspects of the new science current in Europe in his day and was the author of works in Persian and Arabic, including this dictionary of Indian drugs. This English translation by a superintending surgeon in the Bengal service with over 25 years experience of medical practice in India was published in 1833. Readers should be aware that the book is reprinted for historical interest only and should under no circumstances be construed as offering current medical advice.

Hakim Muhammad Sharif Khan was a Sunni physician of importance at end of 18th century from modern day Uzbekistan.He was physician to the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II (ruled 1759-1806) and possibly to his son Akbar II (ruled 1806-1837). Sources differ as to when he died, some recording that he died in 1805 and others that he died eleven years later in 1816.Hakim Muhammad Sharif Khan was responsible for introducing aspects of the new science current in Europe in his day, and he composed works in Persian, as well as in Arabic, including a dictionary of Indian drugs.

This book traces the Islamic healing tradition's interaction with Indian society and politics as they evolved in tandem from 1600 to 1900, and demonstrates how an in-house struggle for hegemony can be as potent as external power in defining medical, social and national modernity. This is a pioneering work on the social and medical history of Indian Islam.

Anonymous's 'The Taleef Shereef; Or, Indian Materia Medica' is a groundbreaking work that delves into the world of Indian medicinal herbs and their applications. The book is written in a detailed and informative style that provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Set in the context of ancient Indian medicine, the book explores various herbs, their properties, and how they were used medicinally in traditional Indian practices. Anonymous, the enigmatic author of this work, displays a deep knowledge and understanding of Indian herbal medicine, leading to the creation of this invaluable resource. The author's anonymity adds an air of mystery to the text, inviting readers to focus solely on the wealth of information presented. I highly recommend 'The Taleef Shereef; Or, Indian Materia Medica' to anyone interested in herbal medicine, traditional healing practices, or the rich history of Indian medicine. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the uses and benefits of Indian medicinal herbs, making it a must-have for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

In this innovative analysis of medicine and disease in colonial India, David Arnold explores the vital role of the state in medical and public health activities, arguing that Western medicine became a critical battleground between the colonized and the colonizers. Focusing on three major epidemic diseases—smallpox, cholera, and plague—Arnold analyzes the impact of medical interventionism. He demonstrates that Western medicine as practiced in India was not simply transferred from West to East, but was also fashioned in response to local needs and Indian conditions. By emphasizing this colonial dimension of medicine, Arnold highlights the centrality of the body to political authority in British India and shows how medicine both influenced and articulated the intrinsic contradictions of colonial rule.