History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c18.8

v1.c18.8

Historically the mention of mercury in literature could only be seen since the time of Classical literature of Ayurveda i.e. *Saṃhitās*. In this period a few mercurial compounds are found referred to specially for external application and one or two for internal uses. But in medieval period many mercurial compounds are being prepared and used in Ayurvedic therapeutics. During this period mercury is also considered to consist of many *doṣas* (impurities) which were recognised to produce many *vikāras*/diseases/bad effects in the body. Hence, before recommending its internal uses in the body ancient scholars have advised to treat mercury with various *saṃskāras* (special processes) to remove its *doṣas* (toxic effects) and to potentiate it further to make it more suitable for internal use in the body for achieving *Rasāyana* (rejuvenating) effect (total positive health) and also remarkable therapeutic effects.