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History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c18.s4: Description of Mercurial and Metallic Compounds

History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c18.s4

Language
English

Contents

Description of Mercurial and Metallic Compounds

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(from 8th century A.D. to 12th century A.D.)

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For collecting mercurial and metallic compounds of medicinal importance following source materials or texts have been studied:

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| 1. | Rasa Hṛdaya Tantra | Govinda Bhagavatpada | 8/9th AD |
| 2. | Rasārṇave Tantra | Unanimous | 11th AD |
| 3. | Cakradatta | Cakrapāṇi | 11th AD |
| 4. | Rasendra Cūḍāmaṇi | Somadeva | 12th AD |
| 5. | Rasa Prakāśa | Sudhākar Yaśodhara | 12th AD |
| 6. | Rasendra Cintāmaṇi | Dhuṇḍhuka Nātha | 12th AD |

1. Rasa Hṛdaya Tantra (8/9th century. A.D)

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This text is written by Shri Govinda Bhagavatpāda in about 8/9th century. A.D. The major portion of this text is devoted to describe Pārada Saṃskāras (18 special processes of Mercury).

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The 19th chapter of this text had dealt about the internal uses of Mercury. It is clearly mentioned here that if mercurial compounds for achieving Rasāyana effects are used without subjecting with kṣetrikaraṇa procedure then these neither produce desired effects in the body nor prove beneficial to the human tissues, instead produce various kinds of doṣas (toxic effects) all over the body.

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Forms of Mercury Recommended for internal use

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It is also mentioned in 19th Chapter of this text that Mercury may be used internally either in ‘ Āroṭa’ (Purified form) or in Bhasma (ash) or Baddha (solidified forms).

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Mercurials for Internal Use

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1. Kalkīkrta Sūtayoga I (RHṛ. 19/19) Here purified Mercury mixed with Māksika (Chalcopyrite), Śilājatu (Vitumen), Loha Cūrṇa (Iron powder partially converted to Iron Oxide), Haritakī Cūrṇa, Bibhitakī Cūrṇa, Vidāṅga Cūrṇa, Ghee and Honey made into paste form may be used internally to prepare body suitable for mercurial therapy.

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2. Kalkīkrta Sutayoga II (RHṛ. 19/20) Here purified mercury is mixed with Ghana (Mica), Kānta loha (Magnetic Iron), Ghee and Honey made into paste form is advised for internal use to achieve Amaratva (immortality) and Kṣetrikaraṇa effect.

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3. *Ghana Satvādi Baddha Pārada yoga I (RHṛ 19/34)*

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Here Mercury made solid by mixing and consuming ¼ part of Abharaka Satva & Kānta loha and equal part of Tīkṣṇa Loha is recommended for internal use to obtain Kṣetrikaraṇa effect.

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4. *Ghana Satvādi Baddha Pārada Yoga II (RHṛ. 19/35)*

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Here Mercury made solid by mixing and consuming Abhraka Satva, Kāntaloha bhasma and Suvarṇa bhasma and triturated with Satavari juice is advised for internal use alongwith Ghee & Honey.

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5. *Mrta Rasendra Yoga (RHṛ 19/37-38)*

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Here Mercury is made to consume Abhraka, Sasyaka, Makṣika, Rasaka, Darada, Vimala, Vajra, Śilājatu, Vaikrānta, Kānta, Tīkṣṇa, Suvarṇa, Rajata, Pittala and Tāmra and then reduced to ashes is recommended for internal use.

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*Doses of Mercury for internal Uses (RHr 19/40)*

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It is mentioned in this text that Mercury which has consumed and assimilated various metals and minerals, may be used internally in 1 guñjā to 1 māsa dose.

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*Compounds of Mercury & Metals*

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1. *Amara Sundarī Guṭikā (RHṛ 19/65-66)*

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It is a compound of Kānta Loha, Abhraka Satva, Gold, Silver, Copper and Mercury and advised for internal use.

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2. *Mrta Sañjīvanī Guṭikā (RHṛ 19/67-72)*

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It is a compound of mercury, lead, gold, magnetic iron and metallic contents of Chalcopyrite and Mica.It is made into Guṭikā form (pills) and advised for internal use.

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3. *Vajriṇī Guṭikā (RHṛ 19/73-74)*

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It is a compound of mercury, Kānta loha satva, Abhraka satva, Copper, Gold, Silver and Diamond and made into Guṭikā form and advised for internal use.

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4. *Khecarī Guṭikā (RHṛ 19/75-76)*

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It is a compound of mercury and of superior precious stones. It is made into Guṭikā form and advised for internal use.

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Besides mercurial processes and compounds the metals and minerals found useful in mercurial processes, have been classified in different groups and described as follows:

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*Metals*

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In this text nine substances are described as metals and have been classfied in two groups, viz. 1. Sāraloha and 2. Pūtiloha groups. In Sāraloha group - Gold and Silver are included. In Pūtiloha groups - Copper, Brass, Steel iron, Magnetic iron, Cast Iron, Tin and Lead are included.

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It is also mentioned in this text that the metals included in *Pūtiloha* group needs *Śodhana* (purification).

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*Minerals*

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Sixteen mineral drugs are described and classfied in the following two groups, viz. *Mahārasa* group and *Uparasa* group. Each group consists of eight drugs. In *Mahārasa* group :

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1. *Vaikrānta* 2. *Kānta* 3. *Sasyaka* 4. *Mākṣika* 5. *Vimala* 6. *Adrija* 7. *Darada* and 8. *Rasaka* are included.

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In *Uparasa* group - 1. *Gandhaka* (Sulphur) 2. *Gairika* (Hematite) 3. *Śilā* (Realgar) 4. *Āla* (Orpiment) 5. *Ksiti* (Alum) 6. *Khecara* (Ferrous Sulphate) 7. *Añjana* (Lead sulphide) and *Kaṅkuṣṭha* (*Viraṅga*) are included.

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Besides above mentioned minerals following *Lavaṇas* (salts) and *Ksaras* (alkaline substances) are also found mentioned in this text, viz.

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*Salts* : 1. *Saindhava* (Rock Salt) 2. *Sāmudra* (Sea Salt) 3. *Culhikā lavaṇa* (mixture of Sodium & Potassium Salts) 4. *Sauvarcala* (black salt) 5. *Romaka* (salt of alkaline earth) and 6. *Biḍa lavaṇa* are included.

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*Alkaline substances* : 1. *Swarji Ksara* (Sodium Bicarbonate mineral) 2. *Taṅkana Kṣāra* (Borex) 3. *Yava Kṣāra* (Alkaline material obtained from burning of Barley plant).

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These metals and minerals are advised for internal use only after treating these with *Śodhana* and/or *Māraṇa* processes.

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*Procedures for Śodhana Process*

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Here *Śodhana* is not restricted to chemical purification only as it is seen often that in many cases some impurities are added to the materials during *Śodhana* process and thus, in the context of Indian Medicine (Ayurveda) *Śodhana* means removing of toxic materials/unwanted materials from the drugs which are not found useful for the body and also adding something with the drugs subjected to *Sodhana*. For this, the following procedures are generally used.

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*Procedures*

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1. *Tāpana* & *Nirvāpa* (Heating and quenching in liquids) (*Fig.1*)

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2. *Swedana* (Boiling in liquids) (*Fig.2*)

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3. *Drāvaṇa* and *SecanaDhalana* (Melting and pouring in liquids) (*Fig.3*)

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4. *Kṣārāmla Kalka Lepana* and *Agnidhmapana* (Pasting and heating in strong heat)

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5. *Dravana* and *Vāpana/Jāraṇa* (Melting and Sprinkling of drugs) (*Fig.4*)

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6. *Bhāvanā* (Meceration/trituration with liquids) (*Fig.5*)

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7. *Bhāvanā* and *Puṭana* (Trituration and Heating in a closed *Sampuṭa*) (*Fig.6*)

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8. *Agni Tāpana* and *Utphullana* (Removal of water of crystallization by heating and puffing).

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(a) (b)

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Fig.1 (a) Tāpana, (b) Nirvāpa

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Śalākā (rod) Bhāṇḍa (vessel for liquid) Rasa Pottalī (bundle containing mecury) Kānjika (sour gruel liquid) Agni Jwālā (burning fire)

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Vastra (cloth) Rasa (mercury) Kadalī Patra (plantain leaf) Auṣadha kalka (paste of drugs) CONTENTS OF POTTA

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Fig.2 Dola-Yantra

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(a) (b)

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Fig.3 Dravana and Dhalana

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(4) (5)

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Fig.4 Jāraṇa] [Figure: Fig.5 Khalava-Yantra

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These are some of the procedures to remove the impurities and toxic material from the drugs and to impregnate organic materials to make these organo metallic compounds. Not only the procedures for Śodhana are mentioned in this text but the Śodhanīya drugs are also mentioned here, the details of Śodhana concept are found mentioned in this text. As regards the Loha Māraṇa concept a few terms related to this concept are found mentioned in this text such as Bhāvita and Putita with reference to Tīkṣṇa loha and Mṛta with reference to Śulva (Copper). It indicates the starting of development of Māraṇa concept in this text.

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Apart from Śodhana and Māraṇa processes of metals this text seems to have given more emphasis on Satvapātana (Metal extraction) concept. As this text is mainly devoted to describe 18 special processes of Mercury and during these processes Vaikrānta, Kānta, Sasyaka, Mākṣika and Vimala etc. minerals are recommended to be added with Mercury but these could not be consumed by Mercury in their original form as only the metal content of these minerals could be mixed with Mercury as Grāsa, hence many methods for the Satvapātana (metal extraction) of these minerals are found mentioned in this text. Moreover while describing the Satvapātana methods for various minerals the specific colour of the *Fig. 6 Puṭa-Yantra*

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Puṭa-garta (pit for heating) Upalakas (dung cakes) Ava samputa (closed lid) Samputa sandhi bandha (closing of lid joint)

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particular *Satva* (Metal content) of the particular mineral is also mentioned and on that basis it could be said that the author knew that a particular mineral is a compound of particular metal and that metal could be extracted from the mineral as *Satva*.

2. Rasarnava Tantra (11th century A.D.)

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The author of this text is unknown. It is written in the form of conversation between *Devī* (Goddess) and *Bhairava* (Lord Śiva). The probable date of this text is about 11th century A.D. There are 19 (Nineteen) Chapters in this text and these are devoted to deal Mercury, its eighteen *Saṃskāras* and in the end a few mercurial compounds/preparations recommended for internal use. Besides mercurial processes and preparations a few metals and minerals required for being used in mercurial processes are also found described in this text.

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Metals and their Classification

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In *Rasārṇava* only six metals are described and are divided in three groups, viz.
1. *Sāraloha* - Gold and Silver
2. *Sādhāraṇa* Loha - *Tīkṣṇa* and *Śulva* (Steel iron and Copper)

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3. *Pūtiloha* - Lead and Tin

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These metals are claimed to be *akṣaya* in preceding order if subjected to heating i.e. lead is lost highest on heating, while there is no loss in Gold on heating. In *Loha* varieties *Kānta Loha* is also found mentioned in this text.

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*Minerals and their Classification*

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Besides metals, a few minerals and their groups are also found mentioned in this text, viz.*Abhraka* (Mica), *Vaikrānta* (Turmaline), *Vajra* (Diamond) and *Kānta* (Magnetite) are included in *Śakti* group that means these are used to induce *Śakti* (high potentiation) in Mercury and are described in detail.

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In addition to above minerals eight minerals of Mahārasa and eight minerals of uparasa groups are also found mentioned in this text, viz.

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*Minerals of Mahārasa group*

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Mākṣika (Chalcopyrite), Vimala (Iron Pyrite), Śaila/Adrija (bitumen/Mineral Pitch), Capala (Tin mineral), Rasaka (Zincite/Zinc Mineral), Sasyaka (Copper sulphate mineral), Darada (Cinnebar/Mercury mineral) and Srotoñjana (Galena/Lead mineral).

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These have been included in Mahārasa group as these are claimed to be very useful in Mercury processings.

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*Minerals of Uparasa group*

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Gandhaka (Sulphur), Tālaka (Orpiment), Śilā (Realgar), Sauraṣṭri (Alum), Khaga (Ferrous Sulphate), Gairika (Hematite), Rājāvarta (Lapis lazuli) and Kaṅkuṣṭha (Unidentified mineral).

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The Satvas (metallic contents) of these minerals are generally used in Rasa Saṃskāras (mercurial processes) for Jāraṇa and Rañjana purposes etc.

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*Mercurial and Metallic Compounds*

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1. Divya Rasāyogas (Rṇv.T. 12/248-251) This is a compound of Gold, Mica and Mercury which after certain treatments is advised for internal use to prolong life in men. The urine, stool and sweats of the man who uses this compound develops the power of transforming Copper into Gold.

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2. Daradādi Pārada Yoga (Rṇv.T. 12/318-321) It is a compound of Mercury, Orpiment, Realgar, Copper Pyrite, Cinnebar and aconite. It is advised for internal use after certain treatment to make the men free from wrinkles and greying of hairs and also to prolong his life span.

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3. Vyoma Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 12/346-347) It is a compound of Mercury, Mica, Mākṣika Satva, Diamond Turmaline and Orpiment. It is advised for internal use mixed with Ghee, Jaggary and Honey to prevent and to cure greying of hairs of a man.

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4. Vaikrāntādi Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 12/350-351) It is a compound of Mercury, Turmaline, Mica, Magnetic Iron and Diamond taken equal to Mercury and Rājāvarta 1/4 th to Mercury. It is advised for internal use to cure all kinds of diseases and to prevent senile changes.

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5. Amara Sundarī Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 12/352-353) It is a compound of Mercury, Gold, Silver, Copper, Magnetic Iron and Mica. It is advised to be kept in mouth to make the man free from senile changes, wasting diseases and to make him very strong.

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6. Sūta Bhasmādi Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 12/354-358) In this compound Mercury, Kānta Loha and Mākṣika are used in ash form alongwith Śilājatu, Vidaṅga and Pathyā. It is used internally mixed with honey and ghee contineously for one year to make the consumer very strong and to live long.

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It is said further in this text that if Mercury is used in ‘bhasma’ form it acts as best rasāyana, does not produce any toxic effects (complications of Mercury) and known as Divyauṣadhi.

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7. Khecari Guṭikā/Sundarī Rasa (Rṇv.T. 12/371)

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It is a compound of Mercury, Gold, Copper and Orpiment. Its bolus should be treated with Śailavāri and then be used internally to grant thousand years long life.

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8. Vajrāṅga Sundarī Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 18/174-177)

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It is a compound of Mercury, Gold, Silver, Iron, Tin, Copper, Mica, Ferrous Sulphate and Diamond. After completing the process it is advised to be kept in mouth to achieve all types of Siddhies (success), to destroy ageing process and death.

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9. Sarva Siddhiprada Rasa (Rṇv.T. 18/178)

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It is a compound of Mercury, Gold, Silver, Copper, Magnetic Iron, Steel Iron, Tin, Lead, Mica Satva and Diamond. It is advised to be kept in mouth to induce sexual vigour, to destroy high temperature and doṣa sañcaya and to prolong lifes span.

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10. Sarva Siddhidā Guṭikā (Rṇv.T. 18/179-181)

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It is also a compound of Mercury, Gold, Mica Satva, Diamond and Kānta Loha. It is also known as Divya guṭikā and advised to be kept in mouth to achieve all types of Siddhies.

3. Cakradatta (11th AD)

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The Cakradatta is a most popular and important text on Ayurvedic therapeutics written by Shri ‘Cakrāpāṇidatta’ in about 11th century A.D. In this text many processes concerning to Mercury, Metals and minerals and many Mercurial and Metallic compounds are found described alongwith herbal preparations and other Ayurvedic subjects.

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A. Mercurial Compounds (prepared with sulphur)

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1. Rasa Parpaṭi (CD. Grahaṇī 85-91)

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It is a compound of Mercury and Sulphur in Sulphide form. To prepare this purified Mercury and Sulphur are advised to be taken. For preparing ‘Rasa Parpaṭi’ these are first mixed and made into black powder form (Kajjali form) by trituration (Fig. 5), and then made into thin scally (Parpaṭa like) form by melting on slow fire and pressing in between Banana leaf.

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2. Tāmra Prayoga (CD. Grahaṇī 92-98)

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It is a compound of Mercury, Sulphur and Copper, prepared by heating through Bāluka Yāntra method (Fig. 7).

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3. *Kṣudhāvati Guṭikā* (CD. Amlapitta 40-53) It is a compound of Mercury, Sulphur, Mica, Iron and rusted Iron (*Mandura*) and advised for internal use in cases of hyper acidity like conditions.

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4. *Rasa Maṇḍūra* (CD. Pari-Śula 54-56) It is a compound of Mercury, Sulphur and *Maṇḍūra* and prescribed for *Pariṇāma Śūla* (Duodenar ulcer).

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*Mercurial Compounds (prepared without Sulphur)*

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5. *Rasa Guṭikā* (CD. Arśa 177) It is a compound of Mercury and Mica alongwith some herbal drugs and advised for internal use in piles and to stimulate *Agni* (digestive fire).

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6. *Sūtagarbha Karañja Bījaprayoga* (CD. Vṛṣya 51) In this Mercury is first closed inside the *Karañja bīja* which is then wrapped with Gold sheet. It is advised to be kept in mouth at the time of sexual intercourse to retain semen discharge for longer duration.

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7. *Pārada Pralepa* (CD. Kṛmi 14) It is a mercurial paste prepared by mixing Mercury with *Dhattūra* juice or *Tāmbūlapatra* juice and applied externally to destroy *Yūkās* and their cysts in the hairs.

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*B. Metallic Compounds*

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Iron compounds in Leha (licking) form :

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1. *Agnimukha Loha* (CD. Arśa 161-168) It is an iron compound containing number of herbal drugs and prepared in the form of *Leha* (licking preparation) and advised for internal use.

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2. *Bhallātaka Loha* (CD. Arśa 169-176) It is also an iron compound containing number of herbal drugs and prepared in leha form for internal use.

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*Ayorajādi leha* (CD. p. 27) *Dārvyādi leha* (CD. p. 28), *Dhātrīleha* (CD. p. 29) are also iron compounds prepared in *leha* form.

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Iron Compounds Prepared with Herbal drugs :

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Following Iron compounds, prepared with herbal drugs, are found referred to in this text : *Nāgarādya Cūrṇa* (CD. Pāṇḍu 5), *Ayora jaḥ Prayoga* (CD. p. 6) *Navāyasa Loha* (CD. p.10), *Vidaṅgādya Loha* (CD. p. 33-34), *Tikṣṇa Loha Cūrṇa Prayoga* (CD. Sula 80), *Loha Cūrṇa yoga* (CD. Pari. Śula 13), *Kṛṣṇadi Cūrṇa* (CD. Pari. Sula 14-15), *Pathyādi Cūrṇa* (CD. Pari.Śula 16), *Sāmudrādi Cūrṇa* (CD. Pari.Śula 17-20), *Saptāmṛta Loha* (CD. Pari. Sula 23-24), *Triphalā Loha* (CD. Pari.Sula 82), *Triphalādya Loha* (CD. Pari Śula 57), *Lohaguṭikā* (CD. Pari Śula 58-59), *Dhātrī Loha* (CD. Pari Sula 60-65), *Lohamṛta* (CD. Pari Śula 66-72), *Vidaṅgādya Cūrṇa* (CD. Sthaulya 5), *Vidaṅgādya Loha* (CD. Sthaulya 6-9) and *Loha rasāyana* (CD. Sthaulya 19-29).

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Besides these iron compounds there is a reference of ‘Amṛta Sāra Loha rasāyana’ in Rasāyanādhikāra of this text in which loha śodhana vidhi (method of Iron purification) and loha māraṇavidhi (method of Iron incineration), reasons for loha śodhana and trividha loha pākas (three types iron heating techniques) - such as bhānupāka (heating through Sun rays Fig. 8), sthālīpāka (heating in a wide mouth vessel with triphala decoction Fig. 9) and puṭapāka (heating by Puta system) for converting iron into fine ash form are described in detail.

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Iron Compounds prepared with Minerals :

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In this group Iron compounds prepared with some minerals like Maṇḍūra (an Iron Oxide formed naturally/rusted iron), Mica and Sulphur are described.

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1. Kṣudhāvti Gutikā (CD. Amlapitta 40-53) It is a compound of Iron prepared with Mica, Loha Kiṭṭa/Maṇḍūra (rusted iron), Mercury and Sulphur.

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2. Dhātrī Loha (CD. Śul. 51-58) It is also an iron compound in which mica and iron oxide formed naturally are mixed.

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3. Loha Maṇḍūra Cūrṇa Prayoga (CD. P sul. 13) In this Iron powder is mixed with Iron oxide and Triphalā Cūrṇa and advised for internal use in Pariṇāma Śula.

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Compounds of Mandura (Iron Oxide)

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Maṇḍūra itself is an Iron compound (Iron oxide) formed naturally if Iron is kept in an open atmosphere for a long duration. Here the chemical reaction (Oxidation) proceeds slowly. It is also a therapeutically useful material hence, a number of Mandura containing compounds are found described in this text.

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1. Maṇḍūra Prayoga (CD. Pāṇḍu 31) It is a naturally formed Iron oxide compound processed in such a way that it is converted to a very fine powder form, suitable for internal use. The other compounds of Iron oxide (Maṇḍūra) are :-

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Fig.8 Bhānu-Pāka Fig.9 Sthālī-Pāka Tryūṣaṇādi Maṇḍūra (CD. p. 35-40), Punarnavā Maṇḍūra (CD. p.41- 43), Vajra Vaṭaka Maṇḍūra (CD. p. 44-48), Maṇḍūra yoga (CD. Śul. 78), Dhātrī Loha (CD. Śul. 51-58), Loha Maṇḍūra Cūrṇa Prayoga (CD. Su. 13), Kolādi Maṇḍūra, Bhīma-Vaṭaka Maṇḍūra, Kṣīra-Maṇḍūra, Gavikādi-Maṇḍūra, Śatāvarī-Maṇḍūra, Tārā Maṇḍūra, Rāma-Maṇḍūra, Bṛhacchatāvarī-Maṇḍūra and Rasa-Maṇḍūra (CD. p. 27-56), Kṣudhāvatī Guṭikā (CD. Aml. p. 40-53).

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Copper Compounds

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Besides Mercury and Iron compounds there is a reference of ‘Tāmra Rasāyana’ in Rasāyanadhikāra of Cakradatta (126-148). In these two procedures of Tamra Rasāyana are described which include copper purification method and incineration methods alongwith their doses, indications and method of uses.

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Apart from above the purification process for following drugs have also been found described in Cakradatta Amlapitta Cikitsā. In this text purification methods for Abhraka (Mica), Loha (Iron), Maṇḍūra (Iron Oxide), Rasa (Mercury) and Gandhaka (Sulphur) are described.

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Thus, it may be said that during the time of Cakradatta (11th AD) the Śodhana and Māraṇa methods for Mercury and a few metals and minerals have been developed. In metals Iron, Copper and Maṇḍūra Compounds are mainly referred to in this text.

4. Rasendra Cūḍāmaṇi (12th A.D.)

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Rasendra Cūḍāmaṇi is an important text of Alchemy and therapeutics written by Sri Somadeva in about 12th century A.D. This text seems to be more systematic and well classified and covers almost all the aspects of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics specially concerning to Mercury, Metals and Minerals.

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It is important to mention here that in this text though Mercury and its processes are described in detail the mercurial compounds of therapeutic importance are not found described. In this text ‘Jāraṇa’ process of Mercury is given more importance and the method for ‘Abhraka Satva Jāraṇa’ in different proportion alongwith their properties and Tāmra Jāraṇa, Loha Jāraṇa and Suvarṇa Jāraṇa methods are also found described. but, there is no mention of ‘Mūrcchanā’ process in this text which is important from the point of view of preparation of mercurial commpounds of curative value.

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As regards the metals, minerals, their processing and compound preparation this text for the first time devoted three chapters completely and exclusively.

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In this text nine metals have been described as lohas and have been classified in three groups, viz.

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1. Śuddha Loha 2. Pūti Loha and 3. Miśra Loha *Metallic Compounds*

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1. *Soma Nāthī Tāmra* It is a compound of Copper, Mercury, Sulphur, Orpiment and Realgar and prepared in a *Kupi* (Bottle) through *Balūkā yantra* system of heating. Its dose is 4-6 ratti (500-750 mg). It is a method of preparing *Tamra bhasma* (Copper Sulphide).

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2. *Soma Devodita Tāmra bhasma Yoga* It is a compound of Copper prepared in *bhasma* form with Mercury, Sulphur and a few Herbal drugs. Its dose is 2 ratti mixed with *Pippalī* and ghee.

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3. *Amṛta Loham* : It is an Iron compound prepared in *bhasma* form from *Kāla Loha* or *Kānta loha* with Sulphur, *Matsyākṣi* and Milk.

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4. *Rajata Rasāyana* It is a compound of Silver, Copper and Mica alongwith *Trikatu* equal to all. It should be used mixed with Ghee and honey.

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5. *Kānta Rasāyana* It is a compound of *Kanta Loha* (magnetic iron), and *bhasma* mixed with *Abhraka Satva*, Gold, Copper, *Vaikrānta* and *Raupya Mākṣika*.

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6. *Vaṅga Rasāyana* It is a compound of *Vaṅga bhasma* (tin oxide) mixed with *Kānta Loha bhasma*, *Abhraka bhasma* and *Rājāvarta bhasma*.

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7. *Śisā Rasāyana* It is a compound of lead in which lead *bhasma* is mixed with *Mākṣika bhasma*, Copper *bhasma*, Silver *bhasma*, *Kānta Satva bhasma*, *Abhra Satva bhasma* and *Sphaṭikā bhasma* and processed as per direction.

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8. *Pittala Rasāyana* It is a compound brass *bhasma* mixed with *Kānta bhasma* and *Abhra Satva bhasma* and with some herbal drugs.

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Besides these metallic compounds the processing methods i.e. *Śodhana* (purification) and *Māraṇa* (Incineration) of each metal referred to in this text are also found described in this text here. These processes are employed to convert the metals into some compound form by way of some chemical reactions taking place during processing. Thus since the beginning of 12th century A.D nine substances included under *Loha* (Metal) group are processed in such a way that these either change into Oxide, Sulphide, Sulphate form or into very fine state of subdivisions and thus making these readily absorbable into the system.

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These processes also help to make these preprations less or even non toxic to the human system on internal use.

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It is also important to mention here that for *Śodhana* and *Māraṇa* of each metal, number of methods are found described in this text which may sometimes help to convert the metals into different compounds on the basis of the drugs used in the process.

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In the beginning of the 14th Chapter, a few fundamental principle for *Loha Māraṇa* are also found mentioned in this text, such as *Loha Māraṇa* with *Rasa Bhasma* or Mercurial compounds is considered best, with herbal drugs medium, with sulphur etc. minerals inferior and with *Arilohas* (anti metals) most undesirable as it may induce undesired properties in the *bhasmas*.

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Another important point mentioned in this text is about the use of the term ‘*Bhasma*’ in the context of metals and minerals i.e. this text for the first time used the term *bhasma* for *Mṛta Loha* frequently.

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Apart from above, this text has also mentioned the heating systems and the heating schedules required to prepare *bhasma* of different metals. The number of heatings required for each metallic *bhasma* are found specified in this text.

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The specific colour of the finished product (*bhasma*) of each metal is also found mentioned indicating the relationship between the type of compound prepared in the particular metal with particular processing method.

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Further, it is also mentioned in this context that for preparing the *bhasma* of particular metal particular type of *puṭa* (heating temperature pattern) is required for getting optimum chemical reaction to prepare a desired compound of the metal. In addition to above following minerals and Gem stones are also found described and advised to be subjected to *Śodhana* and/or *Māraṇa* processes to convert these into desired compounds in which these prove beneficial/effective to the system and become least or non toxic.

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In *Minerals* : Mica, Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, Copper Sulphate, Iron pyrite, Bitumen/Mineral Pitch, Zincite, Chalcopyrite, Sulphur, Orpiment, Alum, Realgar, Galena, *Kankuṣṭha* (Unidentified mineral), Green Vitriol, Hematite, Arsenic, Ammonium Chloride, Cowry, Amber, Red Oxide of Mercury, Cinnabar and litharge are described.

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In *Gem Stones* : Ruby, Pearl, Coral, Emerald, Topaz, Diamond, Sapphire, Hessonite/Cinnaman Stone, Cat’s eye. These are either treated with *Śodhana* and/or *Maraṇa* process for converting these into desired compounds.

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Further, in the beginning of this text descriptions regarding pharmacy, its staff and equipments, alongwith definitions of various technical terms, apparatus’, crucibles, heating systems, schedules and different kinds of furnaces and various groups of herbal and mineral drugs are also found mentioned.

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5. *Rasa Prakāśa Sudhākara* (12th century A.D.)

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It is another important text of Indian Alchemy and therapeutics. It has been written in the later part of 12th century A.D. by Shri Yaśodhara bhaṭṭa. It contains 13th Chapters which are devoted to describe Mercury, its compounds, 9 metals, their types, properties and processing techniques, 20 minerals, Nine Gems, 103 metallic and mineral compounds and artificial preparation of Gems and Metals.

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In this text many details regarding Mercury such as its *Doṣas* (impurities), *Saṃskāras* (18 special processes for removing its various types of impurities and potentiating it in many ways specially for making it suitable for internal use) are found described.

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As regards mercurial compounds the four types of Pārada bandhas either on the basis of forms (i.e. Jalūkā, Khoṭa, Poṭa and Bhasma) or on the basis of the types of drugs used i.e. Mūlikā (herbs), Maṇi (Gems), Dhātu (Metals) and Druti (liquified metals) are found mentioned. It is also mentioned in this text that for making Pārada Bhasma the Mercury extracted from Hiṅgula (Cinnabar) should be used as Mercury obtained from this mineral was considered to be free from impurities and superior in properties. From this Pārada three coloured bhasmas are described to be prepared i.e. Red, Black and White.

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The Red and Black coloured pārada bhasmas are the Red and Black sulphides of Mercury while white coloured pārada bhasma may be Mercuric Mercurous chloride.

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In case of other types of Pārada bandhas it may be said that these may be the metallic amalgams of Mercury.

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In metals Gold, Silver. Copper, Iron, Tin, Lead are the pure metals and Bell metal, Brass and Varta Loha (German Silver) are the metallic alloys which when treated with Śodhana and Māraṇa treatments may forms some metallic compounds depending upon the methods and drugs used during these treatments i.e. either in oxide or sulphide or in mixed compound form except Gold which is made to reduce to finest form only.

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In minerals Mica is Ferromagnesium aluminium silicate compound which when treated with māraṇa treatment may convert into an Iron and Aluminium oxide. Chalcopyrite may convert into Copper and Iron Sulphide, Zincite into Zinc oxide, Copper Sulphate into Copper Sulphide, Ferrous Sulphate into Ferric oxide and Calcium Carbonate into Calcium oxide etc. compounds. Many minerals are used only after their purification treatments which means these are used in their original form and compounds. As in their case probably no change in their compound is considered necessary to achieve their therapeutic effectiveness.

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Further in VIIIth Chapter author himself has mentioned 103 formulations which are herbomineral compounds or organo metallic compounds and these are recommended for being used internally for the treatment of respective diseases as therapeutic agents.

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Besides processing of minerals for therapeutic uses the minerals are used for extracting their satvas (Metal contents). And so extracted metals are also advised to be treated with respective Sodhana and Māraṇa treatments to convert these into suitable metallic compounds for therapeutic uses.

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It is also mentioned in these texts that the metals obtained as satvas are many times superior in their therapeutic effectiveness than the native metals (metals obtained from nature in natural form).

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The text has also mentioned the artificial preparation methods for a few gems and metals. That means in ancient times probably many metals could not be obtained in sufficient quantities in nature and this might have made them to think for some alternative sources to obtain metals and minerals and as a result artificial gem making and metal making methods were evolved.

6. Rasendra Cintāmaṇi (12th century A.D.)

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This text is written by Shri Dhuṇḍhuka Nātha in the later part of 12th century A.D. The Indian alchemy and therapeutics are dealt with in this text. It includes a few important manufacturing processes, mercurial and metallic compounds.

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In mercurial processes 19(nineteen) *saṃskāras* (special processes) for removing various types of mercurial *doṣas* (impurities/toxic materials) and for inducing many alchemical and therapeutic properties in Mercury are described.

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Besides special processes of Mercury a most important process known as *Mūrcchanā* (compound making) for preparing mercurial compounds of therapeutic importance is described for the first time in this text. This text gives much emphasis on *Mūrcchanā* as according to it this is the only process which induces a definite disease destroying capacity in mercurial compounds.

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It is further said in the context of *Mūrcchanā* that before subjecting Mercury with this process prior purification of Mercury is essential. Many kinds of *Mūrcchanā* are described in this text and of these following two types are most important from therapeutic point of view, viz. 1. *Mūrcchanā* with Sulphur and 2. *Mūrcchanā* without Sulphur.

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Further in the context of *Mūrcchanā* with Sulphur it is said that without doing ‘*Ṣadguṇabali jāraṇa*’ (without burning six times Sulphur with Mercury) the desired disease destroying power could never be induced in Mercury. It is also mentioned in this text that for inducing Rasayana property consumption and digestion of Mica (*Satva*) and Gold into Mercury is highly essential. Hence, in relation to Mercury *Mūrcchanā* and *Jāraṇa* are the two most important processes to potentiate Mercury for therapeutic as well as Rasāyana purposes.

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The methods and the apparatus’ required for burning six times sulphur are also described in this text, viz.

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1. As regards the method the Sulphur should either be added at a time or gradually and the heat should be applied through *Sikatā yantra* Bātuka system in a graded (slowly increasing) manner with a view to allow sulphur to remain in contact with mercury for longer duration.

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2. As regards the apparatus the *Sikatā* and *Bhūdhara* yantras are specially recommended. Thus, for ‘*Ṣadguṇa Gandhaka Jāraṇa*’ the *Kūpīpāka* method is usually followed. The descriptions regarding the *Kūpī* (bottle) and its sealing materials are also found mentioned in this context.

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Besides ‘*Ṣadguṇa Balijāraṇa*’. The preparation method for preparing *Kajjalī* is also mentioned in this context.

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Further, in the context of ‘*Mūrcchanā* without Sulphur’ this text has mentioned about ‘*Lavaṇa Mūrcchanā*’ i.e. compounding of Mercury with *lavaṇa* (Sodium Chloride) and the compound thus prepared is known as ‘*Rasa lavaṇa Piṇḍa*’. It is also claimed as one of the type of *bandhas* (solidified state) of mercury.

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It may be mentioned here that though, the term ‘*Rasa Karpura*’ is not found mentioned in this text the terms ‘*lavaṇa mūrcchanā*’ and ‘*rasa lavaṇa piṇḍa*’ and its preparation method (heating in *Kūpī* through *Sikatā* yantra) indicate that the mercurial or mercurous compound known as mercuric chloride was known and prepared in India since the later part of 12th century A.D.

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It is also mentioned in this context that if pure Mercury is not available then use Hiṅgula (Cinnabar) an important of ore of Mercury for obtaining pure Mercury through Damuru Yantra by extraction method.

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Thus, in short it could be said that this text has mentioned the Mūrcchanā process for the first time to preparre Mercurial commpounds of therapeutic importance. Two types are usually recommended in therapeutics for curing various diseases, viz.

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1. The compounds of Mercury prepared with Sulphur. Its examples are Kajjali and Rasa Sindūra.

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2. Non Sulphur compounds i.e. compounds of mercury prepared with herbs and lavana.

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For preparing Kupipakva Rasāyanas and/or Ṣaḍguṇa balijāraṇa heating through Sikatāyantra in a graded manner is advised to achieve optimum properties and benefits. If pure Mercury is not available its important mineral hingula was used for obtaining (extracting) pure Mercury to prepare mercurial compounds with sulphur or lavana by Mūrcchanā process.

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It is claimed that for inducing curative power in Mercury, Ṣaḍguṇa Balijāraṇa is essential and for inducing Rasāyana property Jāraṇa of Mica (Satva) and Gold is essential.

Linked texts (6)