न नामज्ञानमात्रेण रूपज्ञानेन वा पुनः| ओषधीनां परां प्राप्तिं कश्चिद्वेदितुमर्हति ||१२१||
Limitation of knowledge of names of plants only: Just by knowing the names and forms of herbs, though, no one can claim to have a perfect knowledge of the medicinal uses of the plants.
Importance of complete knowledge of therapeutic actions of plants: If one who knows the uses and actions of the herbs, though not acquainted with their forms, is called a pharmacologist, then what need be said of the physician who knows the herbs from all aspects!
योगमासां तु यो विद्याद्देशकालोपपादितम्| पुरुषं पुरुषं वीक्ष्य स ज्ञेयो भिषगुत्तमः ||१२३||
[Ethics in clinical practice] Qualities of best physician: He is the best of physicians who knows the science of administration of drugs with due reference to country and season and who uses it only after examining each and every patient individually.
Importance of judicious use of medicine: A drug that is understood perfectly can be used as an ambrosia. But the use of a drug that is not understood perfectly may work as poison, weapon, fire or a "bolt of thunder".