The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s13.t1.8

c4.s13.t1.8

Sauviránjana or galena is chiefly used as a cosmetic for the eyes, and is supposed to strengthen these organs, improve their appearance and preserve them from disease. It enters into the composition of some collyria for eye diseases. Galena, heated over a fire and cooled in a decoction of the three myrobalans for seven times in succession, is rubbed with human milk and used in various eye diseases.¹ Another collyrium prepared with lead is as follows. To one part of purified and melted lead, add an equal portion of mercury and two parts of galena, rub them all together and reduce to powder. Now add camphor, equal in weight to one-tenth part of the mass and mix intimately. This preparation is said to be useful in eye diseases.² From the composition and uses of lead and galena above described it would seem that by the term surmá the Hindus meant sulphide of lead, and not sulphide of antimony as is generally supposed.