History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c1.1

v1.c1.1

The *Susruta Samhita* mentions the use of *kshar* (alkali) for cauterization and for the treatment of wounds. The *Charaka Samhita* also refers to the use of *kshar* in the treatment of various diseases. The preparation of *kshar* involved the burning of specific plants and the collection of their ashes, which were then processed to obtain the alkaline substance. This process indicates a sophisticated understanding of chemical properties and their applications in medicine.