[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877) › c4.s22.3 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s22.3 The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s22.3 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s22.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s22.3) however is not met with in any Sanskrit dictionary and is evidently Sanskritized from the vernacular sorá, a term of foreign origin. The manufacture of nitre was therefore most probably introduced into India after the adoption of gunpowder as an implement of warfare. It is necessary to observe here that many writers have erroneously translated nitre into the Sanskrit term yavakshára. This last however is not a nitrate but an impure carbonate of potash obtained by reduciug to ashes the spikes of the barley. - [Previous: c4.s22.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s22.2) - [Next: c4.s22.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s22.4) - [Up: c4.s22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s22) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s22.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s22.3) · Pramāṇa