Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c44.2

v2.c44.2

Fortunately for our purpose, some writers took interest in (a) atomic constitution of matter and (b) medical uses of minerals, metal oxides and sulphides, etc., which involved reduction of minerals to the metallic stage and subsequent oxidation or reaction with sulphur. The chemistry and therapeutic aspects of medicines, both organic and inorganic, were covered in the alchemical texts called Rasaśāstra. Although the alchemical texts evolved in India during the middle of the first millennium after Christ, their basis had been laid earlier over centuries, and we would discuss this background first.