Susruta was an ancient Indian surgeon born around 800 BC and the author of the book Susruta Samhita, (Sushruta's Compendium) in which he describes over 300 surgical procedures, 120 surgical instruments, classifies human surgery in eight categories and the first individual to describe plastic surgery. He is sometimes referred to as the "Father of Surgery." The followers of Susruta were called Saushrutas. The new students were expected to study for at least 6 years. Before starting their training they had to take a solemn oath. He taught surgical skills to his students using various methods, incision on vegetables and probing on worm eaten wood.