[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Travellers (1500–1858)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel) › [Storia do Mogor](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.manucci) › [Storia do Mogor (Irvine)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.manucci~en-irvine) › 345.9 # Storia do Mogor 345.9 Storia do Mogor (Irvine) 345.9 - **Language:** English ### [345.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.manucci~en-irvine.345.9) While I was in his house one day he sent for a vicious black snake to show me. He placed it in a pot along with ten ounces of crude mercury, then luted the lid on skilfully with clay. Next the pot was placed on the fire, and a learned Arab was ordered to recite the Quran over it. Beholding this rash act with alarm, I departed. Observing this move, he sought the reason of my leaving the place. I replied that I did not think the spot was safe. At that moment the pot was overturned, the Quran fell from the Arab's hand, he was struck, and fell senseless on the floor. In spite of this accident he did not intermit the pursuit of the fancies he had in his head; on the contrary, he left as an inheritance to his son, Mir Husain, these methods of attempting to make gold. When the latter died at Sūrat there was found among his effects a large provision of retorts prepared for these purposes. This was attested by the Reverend Father Lorenzo of Angoulesme, who was present. It is a fact that this governor never discovered the way to manufacture gold; but, on the other hand, it is true that he found a mode, by his astuteness, \[29\] to force much money out of the hands of the merchants at that port (Surat). But by this action he was unable to profit, for when his life left him \[so soon afterwards\] the money was lost too. - [Previous: 345.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.manucci~en-irvine.345.8) - [Next: 345.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.manucci~en-irvine.345.10) - [Up: 345](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.manucci~en-irvine.345) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.manucci~en-irvine.345.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.manucci~en-irvine.345.9) · Pramāṇa