Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c44.s6.18

v2.c44.s6.18

The medical treatise Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya of Vāgbhaṭa (AD 800-850) mentioned widespread uses of minerals and natural salts like copper sulphate, red ochre, realgar, orpiment, iron sulphate, etc. in external applications for sores. The idea of cauterisation of wounds by alkalis was borrowed from Suśruta. There were only a few examples of mercury salt therapy which was evidently not widespread in its use.