A History of Hindu Chemistry Vol 1/The Transitional Period/Chapter 1
The Transitional Period
(From 800 A.D. to circa 1100 A.D.)
Chemistry in the Siddha Yoga of Vrinda and in Chakrapani
CHAPTER I
VRINDA
(Circa 900 A. D.)
Preparations in which Sulphide of Copper and Æthiops Mineral Figure
Sulphur, copper and the pyrites are to be pounded together with mercury and subjected to roasting in a closed crucible and the product thus obtained to be administered with honey. This is known as "parpati tāmram.[1]"
Take one part of sulphur and half its weight of mercury [The components to be rubbed together.].........The same to be administered with honey and clarified butter. This is called "rasāmrita chūrnam.[2]"
Quicksilver, rubbed with the juice of dhatura s. or piper betle, and applied externally, kills lice. (Poona ed. p. 122.)
A Collyrium
Compounded of 14 ingredients amongst which occur the belleric myrobalans, rock-salt, killed copper and blue vitriol—all in the powdered form. (Poona edition, p. 470.)
This very preparation, in identical recension, occurs in Chakrapānī under the name of "Nagārjuna Varti."
A Process of Killing Iron
The text, which occurs only in the Kásmír Ms. under रसायनाधिकारः। unfortunately in a mutilated from, would seem to indicate that the iron is to be first ignited in the fire and then macerated in the juice of the emblic myrobalan, and trewia nudiflora and exposed to the sun, and again to be macerated in the juice of certain other plants and then to be rubbed in a mortar.