Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c44.5

v2.c44.5

Kaṇāda, the founder of the *Vaiśeṣika* system of philosophy was primarily concerned with the material aspects of the universe. He postulated only four kinds of elements: *kṣiti*, *ap*, *tejas* and *vāyu*. In his view *ākāśa* is non-material and serves merely as an inert substratum for sound and energy to travel. The later-day astronomer, Āryabhaṭ also accepted this principle of four elements, ignored the Vedāntic concept of twin forms of *ākāśa* and the origin of matter from non-matter. Kaṇāda believed that light and heat are different forms of *tejas* and the atoms or *aṇus* are eternal, ultimate, indivisible and infinitesimal. (Gough, 1975: 138)