Page:A History of Hindu Chemistry Vol 1.djvu/197

being that, according to Susruta, bitumen is related to six instead of four metals (see below p. 53).

Iron Pyrites

Iron Pyrites are collected on the bank of the river Tāpī, of the lustre of gold and silver respectively (see below under "Rasaratnasamuchchaya", Bk. II, 77-81 and prescribed in the treatments of diabetes, leprosy, &c.

Gold Dust

Gold dust, mixed with lotus seed, honey, &c. is used as a tonic.

The Poisons

The Poisons are classified as animal, vegetable and mineral respectively. Under the last we have Phenasma bhasma^[1] and orpiment.

1. It is sometimes taken to mean white arsenic; "but it is very doubtful if Susruta meant any native white arsenic by it. The derivation of the term implies that it was obtained by roasting some sort of stone or ore." Dutt.