Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c18.s1.4

v1.c18.s1.4

A ‘correlation’ can only be probabilistic. A positive correlation of the trace element profile between ore and metal cannot be accepted as sufficient or conclusive evidence for indigenous manufacture. On the other hand, lack of correlation does not construe necessarily a negative evidence. As we have said, ore types vary even within a region of hundred square kilometres.* Besides, certain impurities such as arsenic might have been eliminated through certain simple pre-smelting operations such as roasting.