Rasadhyaya 89_124

89_124

The large, red block of rock salt that is produced in the northern region: / having made a cavity in its center, having placed the steamed mercury there, chickpea alkali should be added on top; then a little lemon juice should be poured over it. / Then, to cover that cavity, another such red block of rock salt should be placed on top. / And here is the method [to follow]: / whatever the extent of the cavity is in the lower block, having left that much ground in the middle of the second block, it is hollowed out a little from above. / And when that is placed on top, it forms a rock salt saucer-casket. / Then, having made a pit one cubit deep in the ground, having placed the rock salt saucer-casket there, having applied dust to a depth of eight fingers on top, and having filled the pit with powdered cow dung, a fire should be kindled. / Then, having removed [it] in the morning, having washed it with fermented gruel, having placed it again in the rock salt crucible, having sprinkled sal ammoniac powder and lemon juice on top, having applied the upper cover, and having placed it back into the pit, a fire of dry cow-dung cakes should be kindled for a day and a night. / In this way it should be subjected to the refinement process seven times over seven days, day after day. / On the third day, pearl ash [is used]. / On the fourth day, alkali of jhījarīṭa [is used]. / On the fifth day, hiṅgupuṣā [is used]; on the sixth day and on the seventh day, powder of castor fruit [is used]. / In every case, lemon juice must indeed be poured on top. / When this is done, this restrained mercury withstands intense fire. / Likewise, desiring a little food, it moves its tongue. / Thus ends the eighth refinement process, restraint of the steamed mercury.