[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.s6 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s6: Mercury The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s6 - **Language:** English ### Mercury ### [c4.s6.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.1) Sans. पारद Párada. रस Rasa. ### [c4.s6.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.2) Mercury, though not mentioned by Charaka\* and Susruta, has in later days come to be regarded as the most important medicine in the Hindu Pharmacopœia. \*Párada\* literally means that which protects, and mercury is so called because it protects mankind ### [c4.s6.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.3) 1. आदित्यपाकं तैलम्। मञ्जिष्ठा त्रिफला लाक्षा निशा शिलालगन्धकैः। चूर्णिततैलमादित्यपाकं पामाहरं परम्॥ चक्रः। ### [c4.s6.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.4) 2. सिंहनादगुग्गुलुः। पलत्रयं कषायस्य त्रिफलायाः सुचूर्णितम्। सौगन्धिक पलञ्चैकं कौशिकस्य पलन्तथा॥ कुडवं चित्रतैलस्य सर्व्बमादाय यत्नतः। पाचयेत् पाकविद्वैद्यः पात्रे लौहमये दृढे॥ हन्ति वातं तथा पित्तं श्लेष्मानं खञ्ज- पङ्गुताम्। श्वासं सुदुर्जयं हन्ति कासं पञ्चविधं तथा॥ कुष्ठानि वातरक्तञ्च गुल्म- प्लीहोदराणि च। आमवातं जयेदेतदपि वैद्यविवर्जितम्॥ चक्रः। ### [c4.s6.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.5) \* There is a passage in Charaka in the chapter on \*Kushtha\* or skin diseases which some physicians construe into a recommendation for the use of mercury. It is this सर्व्व व्याधिविनाशन मद्रात कुष्ठो रसञ्चनिग्टहीतम. It may be translated as follows. Reduced mercury which cures all diseases should be taken by those affected with skin diseases. The term \*rasa\*, however, signifies mercury as well as many other things, such as myrrh, sulphur, gold etc., and since Charaka does not mention \*párada\*, the principal name for mercury, it is doubtful if he really meant mercury by the term \*rasa\*. Supposing, however, he did mean mercury, its use was at all events, in his time, confined to skin diseases only. ### [c4.s6.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.6) from all sorts of diseases. It is said that the physician who does not know how to use this merciful gift of God is an object of ridicule in society. ### [c4.s6.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.7) Good mercury is said to be bright like the mid-day sun externally, and of a bluish tinge internally. Mercury of a yellowish-white, purple, or variegated colour should not be used in medicine. Mercury, as met with in commerce, contains several sorts of impurities, such as tin, lead, dirt, stone, etc. If administered in an impure state it is said to bring on a number of diseases; hence it is purified before use. Various processes for purifying mercury are described in books. At the present day the following is generally adopted by Kavirājas. Mercury is first rubbed with brick-dust and garlic, then tied in four folds of cloth and boiled in water over a gentle fire for three-hours in an apparatus called Dolá yantra. When cool, it is washed in cold water and dried in the sun. Some practitioners use betle-leaves instead of garlic for rubbing the mercury with. Mercury obtained by sublimation of cinnabar is considered pure and preferred for internal use.¹ Cinnabar is first rubbed with lemon juice for three hours, and then sublimed in the apparatus called Urddhapátana yantra. The mercury is deposited within the upper pot of the apparatus, in form of a blackish powder. This is scraped, rubbed with lemon-juice and boiled in water, when it is fit for use. A peculiar form of mercury called Shadguna bali járita rasa² is thus prepared. A little sulphur is placed in an earthen pot, and over it some mercury. The pot is heated in a sand-bath, and, as the sulphur begins to melt, cautiously and gradually more of it is added to or placed over the mercury, altogether to the extent of six times the weight of the mercury. When the whole is melted like oil the pot should be quickly removed from the fire, and cooled till the mass is consolidated. It should then be broken, and the mercury extracted from within the mass. Mercury thus obtained is said to be superior to all other forms, but it is not much used at present. ### [c4.s6.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.8) ¹ हिङ्गुलोत्थरसः। जम्बीरनिम्बुनीरेण मर्द्दितं हिङ्गुलं दिनम्। जर्द्धपातन-यन्त्रेषु ग्राह्यः स्यान्निर्मलो रसः। कञ्चुकैर्नागवङ्गाद्यै निर्मुक्तो रसकर्मणि॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.9) ² षड्गुणबलिजारितरसः। क्षुद्रभाण्डे रसं कृत्वा वालुकायन्त्रमध्यगं। षड्गुणं गन्धकं तत्र क्षिपेदल्पल्पकं शनैः। तैलरूपो यदा गन्धस्ततोऽवतारयेत् द्रुतं। स्वाङ्गशीते दृढे गन्धे स्फोटयित्वा रसं नयेत्। सर्व्वरोगेषु दातव्यो रसो व्याधिनसूदनः॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.10) The purified metal obtained by the processes above mentioned is employed for the preparation of mercurial compounds. Four preparations of mercury are described in books, namely, black, white, yellow, and red, called respectively, \*krishna\*, \*sveta\*, \*pita\* and \*rakta bhasmas\*. ### [c4.s6.11](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.11) 1. \*Krishna bhasma\*. The black preparation is the black sulphide of mercury, made by rubbing together and dissolving over the fire three parts of mercury with one of sulphur.¹ ### [c4.s6.12](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.12) 2. \*Rasakarpura\*. The white preparation is the \*Rasakarpura\* or perchloride of mercury. Several processes are given for preparing it; one is as follows.² Take of mercury and chalk equal parts, and rub them together till the globules disappear. Rub this mixture of chalk and mercury with \*pánsu\* (salt obtained from saline earth) and the juice of \*Euphorbia nereifolia\* (\*snuhi\*) repeatedly. Enclose in a covered crucible and heat it within a pot full of rock salt. The perchloride of mercury will be deposited in the shape of a pure white powder under the lid of the crucible. The \*Bhāvaprakāsa\* gives the following process for its preparation.³ Take of purified ### [c4.s6.13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.13) 1. कृष्णभस्म। लौहपात्रेऽथवा ताम्रे पलैकं शुद्धगन्धकम्। मृदग्निना द्रुते तस्मिन् शुद्धसूतं पलत्रयम्॥ चिञ्चाथ चालयेत् किञ्चित् लौहदर्व्या पुनः पुनः। गोमये कदलीपत्रं तस्योपरि च चालयेत्॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.14) 2. श्वेतभस्म। पिष्टं पांशुपटु प्रगाढ़ममलं वज्राम्बुनानैकशः सूत' धातुगतं खटीकवलितं तत् संपुटे रोधयेत्। अन्तःस्थं लवणस्य तस्य च तले प्रज्वाल्य वह्निं हठात् घस्रं ग्राह्यमथेन्दुकुन्दधवलं भस्मोपरिस्थं शनैः॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.15) 3. अथ कर्पूर रसस्य विधिः। तत्र पारदस्य सञ्चिप्रशोधनं कर्त्तव्यम्। शुद्धसूतसमं कुर्यात् प्रत्येकं गैरिकं सुधोः। इष्टिकां खटिकां तद्वत् स्फटिकां सिन्धुजन्म च। बल्मीकं चारलवणं भाण्डरञ्जनमृत्तिकां। सर्वाण्येतानि संचूर्ण्य वाससा चापि शोधयेत्। एभिस्चूर्णैर्युतं सूतं यावद्यामं विमर्दयेत्। तच्चूर्णसहितं सूतं स्थालीमध्ये परिक्षिपेत्। तस्यां स्थाल्यां सुखे स्थालीमुपरां धारयेत् समाम्। mercury, \*gairika\* (red-ochre), brick dust, chalk, alum, rock salt, earth from ant-hill, \*kshári lavana\* (impure sulphate of soda) and \*bhándaranjaka\*, or red earth used in colouring pots, in equal parts, rub together and strain through cloth. Place the mixture in an earthen pot, cover it with another pot, face to face, and lute the two together with layers of clay and cloth. The pots so luted are then placed on fire, and heated for four days, after which they are opened, and the white camphor-like deposit in the upper pot is collected for use. ### [c4.s6.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.16) 3. \*Pita bhasma\*. The yellow preparation called \*Pita bhasma\*¹ is directed to be prepared as follows. Take of mercury and sulphur equal parts, rub them together for seven days with the juice of \*bhumyámalaki\* (\*Phyllanthus neruri\*) and \*hastisundi\* (\*Heliotropium Indicum\*). Place the mixture in a covered crucible, and heat it in a sand-bath for twelve hours. The result will be a yellow compound. ### [c4.s6.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.17) ¹ पीतभस्म। रसगन्धौ समौ ज्ञात्वा हस्तिशुण्डीद्रवैर्दृढम्। भूधातिकरसैः पिष्ट्वा पर्यन्तं दिनसप्तकम्। विष्ट्य वालुकायन्त्रे मूषायां सन्निवेश्य तत्। दिनमेकं ददेदग्निं मन्दं मन्दं निशावधि। एवं निष्पाद्यते पीतः शीतः सूतस्तु गृह्यते॥ रसेन्द्र सारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.18) 4. \*Rakta bhasma\*. The red preparation called \*Rakta bhasma\* or \*Rasa sindura\*² is prepared in a variety of ways. The following is one of them. Take of mercury and sulphur equal parts, rub together with the juice of the red buds of \*Ficus Bengalensis\* (\*vata\*) for three days successively, introduce the mixture within a bottle and heat it in a sand-bath for twelve hours. A red deposit will adhere below ### [c4.s6.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.19) ² रक्तभस्म वा रससिन्दूरः। पलमात्रं रस शुद्धं तावन् मात्रन्तु गन्धकम्। विधिवत् कज्जलीं कृत्वा न्यग्रोधाङ्कुरवारिभिः॥ भावनां त्रितयं दत्त्वा स्थालीमध्ये निधापयेत्। विरच्य कवची यन्त्रं वालुकाभिः प्रपूरयेत्॥ दत्त्वा तदन्ते मन्दाग्निं पचेदग्रामचतुष्टयम्। जायते रससिन्दूरं तरुणारुणसन्निभम्॥ अनुपानविशेषेण करोति विविधान् गुणान्॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.20) सवस्त्रकुट्टितमृदा सुद्रयेदनयोर्मुखम्। संशोष्य सुद्रयेद्भयो भूयः संशोष्य सुद्रयेत्। सम्यक् विशोष्य सुद्रां तां स्थालीं चुल्ल्यां विचारयेत्। अग्नि निरन्तरं दद्यात् याव- दिनचतुष्टयम्। अङ्गारोपरितद्यन्त्रं रक्षेद्यत्नाद्वहर्निशम्। शनैरुद्घाटयेद्यन्त्र मूर्द्धस्थालीगतं रसम्। कर्पूरवत् सुविमलं घट्ज्ञीयाद् गुणवत्तरम्॥ भावप्रकाशः। 1 पीतभस्म। रसगन्धौ समौ ज्ञात्वा हस्तिशुण्डीद्रवैर्दृढम्। भूधातिकरसैः पिष्ट्वा पर्यन्तं दिनसप्तकम्। विष्ट्य वालुकायन्त्रे मूषायां सन्निवेश्य तत्। दिनमेकं ददेदग्निं मन्दं मन्दं निशावधि। एवं निष्पाद्यते पीतः शीतः सूतस्तु गृह्यते॥ रसेन्द्र सारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.21) 2 रक्तभस्म वा रससिन्दूरः। पलमात्रं रस शुद्धं तावन् मात्रन्तु गन्धकम्। विधिवत् कज्जलीं कृत्वा न्यग्रोधाङ्कुरवारिभिः॥ भावनां त्रितयं दत्त्वा स्थाली- मध्ये निधापयेत्। विरच्य कवची यन्त्रं वालुकाभिः प्रपूरयेत्॥ दत्त्वा तदन्ते मन्दाग्निं पचेदग्रामचतुष्टयम्। जायते रससिन्दूरं तरुणारुणसन्निभम्॥ अनु- पानविशेषेण करोति विविधान् गुणान्॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः। the neck of the bottle. It is taken out in the shape of dark red shining scales. ### [c4.s6.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.22) The four preparations of mercury above mentioned, though described in most works on metalic medicines, are not, practically used in the treatment of disease under these names. In the present day the yellow preparation is not in use. The white form called \*Rasakarpura\* is now prepared, not according to the processes described in Sanskrit works, but by subliming the black sulphide of mercury with common or rock salt. In this form it is largely manufactured and sold in all the bazars. The red preparation is better known as \*Rasa sindura\*; and the black one as \*Rasa parpati\*. In fact, practically, prepared mercury means the red preparation or \*Rasa sindura\* and this is the form in which it is largely used. Besides this, the black and red sulphides of mercury are also used internally. The black sulphide is prepared by rubbing together equal parts of sulphur and mercury till the globules disappear. It is called \*Kajjali\*.¹ The red sulphide or cinnabar is called \*hingula\*. These four preparations, namely, cinnabar, the black sulphide called \*Kajjali\*, the red preparation called \*Rasasindura\*, and the \*Rasakarpura\* of the bazar, are the four principal forms in which mercury is used in Hindu medicine; that is, they constitute the basis of all the formulæ containing mercury. ### [c4.s6.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.23) ¹ कज्जल्लिका। शुद्धं सूतं तथा गन्धं खल्वे तावद्विमर्दयेत् । सूतं न दृश्यते यावत् किन्तु कज्जल्वद्भवेत् ॥ एषा कज्जल्लिका ख्याता दृहृष्टी वीर्यवर्द्धिनी । नानानु-पानयोगेन सर्व्वव्याधि विनाशिनो ॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः । ### [c4.s6.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.24) Mercury is said to be imbued with the six tastes, and capable of removing derangements of all the humours. It is the first of alterative tonics. Combined with other appropriate medicines it cures all diseases, acts as a powerful tonic and improves the vision and complexion. ### [c4.s6.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.25) In fevers of all descriptions, mercury is extensively used in combination with aconite, croton seed, \*datura\*, and other medicines. The following are a few illustrations. ### [c4.s6.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.26) \*Hingulesvara\*. Take of cinnabar, aconite, and long pepper, equal parts, rub together in a mortar and make into pills about four grains each. They are given, beaten up with a little honey, in ordinary remittent fever.¹ ### [c4.s6.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.27) ¹ हिङ्गुलेश्वरः । तुल्यांशं मर्दयेत् खल्वे पिप्पलीहिङ्गुलं विषम । द्विगुञ्जं मधुना देयं वातज्वरविसुक्कये ॥ भैषज्यरत्नावली । ### [c4.s6.28](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.28) \*Taruna jvarári.\*² Take of mercury, sulphur, aconite and croton seeds, equal parts, rub together with the juice of \*Aloe Indica\* and make into four grain pills. These pills act on the bowels and relieve fever. They are administered with sugar and water. ### [c4.s6.29](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.29) ² तरुणज्वरारिः । जयपालं गन्धकं विष पारदञ्च तुल्यं कुमारीस्वरसेन पिष्टम् । अस्य द्विगुञ्जा हि सितोदकेन ख्यातो रसोऽयं तरुणज्वरारिः । दातव्य एषोऽहनि पञ्चमे वा षष्ठेऽथवा सप्तम एव वापि । जाते विरेके विजितज्वरः स्यात् पटोलसङ्गाम्बुनिषेवनेन ॥ भैषज्यरत्नावली । ### [c4.s6.30](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.30) In diarrhœa and dysentery, mercury is used in a great variety of forms. The following are a few examples. ### [c4.s6.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.31) \*Vajrakapáta rasa.\*³ Take of mercury, sulphur, opium, mocha-rasa, (gum of \*Bombax Malabaricum\*), the three myrobalans, ginger, black pepper, and long pepper, in equal parts, powder and mix. Soak the powder in the juice of the leaves of \*Cannabis sativa\* (\*Vijayá\*) and \*Verbesina calendulacea\* (\*bhringarája\*) seven times and make into six grain pills. This medicine is administered with honey in obstinate chronic diarrhœa. Dose grains four to twenty-four. ### [c4.s6.32](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.32) ³ वज्रकपाटरसः । पारदं गन्धकं चैवाहिफेन सह मोचकम् । त्रिकटुं त्रिफलाञ्चैव सममेकत्रकारयेत् । भङ्ग भृङ्ग द्रवेश्च तत् भावयेच्च पुनः पुनः । रक्ति-त्रयं ततश्चैव मधुना सह भक्षयेत् । असाध्यां ग्रहणीं हन्ति रसो वज्रकपाटकः ॥ भैषज्यरत्नावली । ### [c4.s6.33](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.33) \*Rasa parpati.\*⁴ This is prepared by melting together a mixture of equal parts of sulphur and mercury in an iron ladle, smeared with ghee (clarified butter). The melted fluid is poured on a piece of plantain leaf, placed on a ball of cowdung. It is then pressed by another ball of cowdung, enclosed in plantain leaf. When cool, the black sulphide of mercury is obtained in the shape of round disks. It is much used alone, or with the addition of other medicines, in chronic diarrhœa. Other varieties of \*Parpati\* or mercurial preparations in shape of disks are prepared with the addition of iron, gold, copper etc, and used in this complaint, as for example, \*Svarna parpati\*, \*Panchámrita parpati\* etc. The preparation of the former will be described under the head gold. The latter is thus prepared. ### [c4.s6.34](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.34) ⁴ रसपर्पटी । पूर्वोक्तौ द्विविधशुद्धौ समानौ रसगन्धकौ । सम्मद्य कज्जलाभन्तु चूर्णं कुर्यादृढाश्रये ॥ ततो वदरवन्निस्त्रे लौहपात्रे द्रवीकृतम् । गोमयोपरि सन्न्यस्तकदलीपत्रपातनात् । कुर्याच्च पर्पटाकारं तस्सरक्तीदयं क्रमात् ॥ द्वादश-रक्तिका यावत् प्रयोगः प्रहराङ्कितः ॥ चिकित्सारत्नः । ### [c4.s6.35](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.35) \*Panchámrita parpati\*.¹ Take of sulphur eight tolás, mercury four tolás, prepared iron two tolás, prepared talc one tolá, prepared copper half a tolá. Rub together in an iron mortar, melt in an iron ladle and prepare disks like those of \*Rasa parpati\*, above described. Dose four grains with honey and ghee, to be gradually increased to sixteen or eighteen grains. \*Parpatis\* of different sorts when given in cases of diarrhœa with anasarca are conjoined with a milk diet, water and salt being prohibited. ### [c4.s6.36](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.36) ¹ पञ्चामृतपर्पटी। अष्टौ गन्धकतोलका रसदलं लौहं तदद्धं शुभम्। लौहाद्धं वराभ्रकं सुविमलं ताम्रं तदद्धार्द्धकम्॥ पात्रे लौहमये च मर्द्दनविधौ चूर्णिततथैकतः। दर्व्या वादर वह्निनातिसृदुना पाकं विदित्वा दहे॥ रम्भाया लघु ढालयेत् पटुरियं पञ्चामृता पर्पटी। ख्याता चौद्रघतान्विता प्रतिदिनं गुञ्जाद्वयं वर्द्धितः॥ लौहे मर्द्दनयोगतः सुविमलं भच्च क्रिया लौहवत्। गुञ्जाष्टवथवा त्रिकं त्रियुषितं सप्ताहमैवं भजेत्॥ भैषज्यरत्नावली। ### [c4.s6.37](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.37) \*Mahágandha rasa\*.² Take of mercury and sulphur each two tolás, and make a \*Parpati\* as before described. Take of nutmegs, mace, cloves, and \*nim\* leaves, each two tolás, powder them well, mix together, and inclose the mixture within bi-valve shells. Cover the shells with a layer of clay and roast in fire. When cool, extract the medicine from the shells. It is administered in doses of about four grains in the acute diarrhœa of children. ### [c4.s6.38](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.38) ² महागन्धकम्। रसगन्धकयोर्ग्राह्यं कर्षमेकं सुशोधितम्। ततः कज्जलिकाम् कृत्वा मृदुपाकेन शोधयेत्॥ जातीफलं तथाकोषं लवङ्गारिष्टपत्रके। एतेषां कर्षमात्रेण चूर्णेन सह मर्द्दयत्॥ सक्ता ग्टहे पुनः स्थाप्यं पुटपाकेन साधयेत्। गुञ्जाद्वयप्रमाणेन वटिकां कारयेद्बुधः॥ एतत् प्रोक्तं कुमाराणां रक्षणाय महौषधम्। अथोन्नं दीपनञ्चैव बलवर्णप्रसादनम्॥ दुर्व्वारग्रहणीरोगं जयेच्चैव प्रवाहिकाम्। सूतिकाख्यं जयेदेतदपि वैद्यविवर्ज्जितम्॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.39) \*Pándusudana rasa.\*¹ In jaundice, mercury is used along with other alteratives and purgatives, as in the following, called \*Pándusudana rasa\*. Take of mercury, sulphur, prepared copper, croton seeds and bdellium, equal parts, rub them together with ghee and make into two-grain pills. They are given with the juice of \*nim\* bark and honey in jaundice. Acids and cold water for drinking should be avoided. ### [c4.s6.40](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.40) ¹ पाण्डुसूदनरसः। रसं गन्धं मृतं ताम्रं जयपालञ्च गुग्गुलुम्। समांश-माज्यसंयुक्तां गुड़िकां कारयेद्भिषक्॥ एकैकां खादयेन्नित्यं पाण्डुशोथोपशान्तये। शीतञ्च जलं चात्रं वर्जयेत् पाण्डुसूदने॥ रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः। ### [c4.s6.41](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.41) In affections of the lungs mercury is used in a variety of combinations. The following are a few illustrations. ### [c4.s6.42](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.42) \*Rasendra gudiká.\*² Take of purified mercury two tolás. Add to it one tolá of the juice of \*jayanti\* leaves (\*Sesbania Ægyptica\*) and of fresh ginger, rub together till the mixture thickens, then soak it in the juice of \*Jussiœa repens\* (\*kanchata\*) and \*Solanum Indicum\* (\*vrihati\*) respectively for twenty-four hours. Take of purified sulphur eight tolás and soak in the juice of \*Verbesina calendulacea\* (\*bhringarája\*). When dry, mix the sulphur with the mercury, and rub together with sixteen tolás of goat-milk till the mass is fit for being made into pills. Dose about four grains, to be taken with goat-milk and juice of ginger. This pill is useful in bronchitis and cough generally. ### [c4.s6.43](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.43) ² रसेन्द्रगुड़िका। कर्षं शुद्धरसेन्द्रस्य खरसेन जयार्द्रयोः। शिलायां खल्लयेत्तावद्यावत् पिण्डं घनं ततः॥ जलकर्णा काकमाची रसाभ्यां भावयेत् पुनः। सौगन्धिकपलं भृङ्ग-रसेन विभावितम्॥ चूर्णितं रससंयुक्तमजाक्षीरपलद्वये। खल्लितं घनपिण्डन्तु गुड़ीं स्विन्नकलायवत्॥ कृत्वा दौ शिवमन्र्च्य द्विजातीन् परितोष च। जीर्णान्नोभक्षयेदेकां क्षीरमांसरसाशनः॥ सर्व्वरूपं जयं कासं रक्तपित्तमरोचकम्। अपि वैद्यशतैस्त्यक्तं नियच्छति॥ चक्रः। ### [c4.s6.44](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.44) \*Rájamrigánka rasa.\*³ Take of \*Rasa sindura\* three parts, prepared gold and copper one part each, realgar, orpiment and sulphur two parts each and mix. Introduce the mixture into the cavities of couries, close their openings with borax reduced to a paste with goat-milk, roast the shells in closed crucibles and take out the medicine when cold. Dose about four grains, with two grains of long and two of black pepper, honey and clarified butter. It is said to be useful in phthisis, and chronic bronchitis with fever. ### [c4.s6.45](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.45) ³ राजमृगाङ्करसः। रसमभ्रतयो भागा भागैकं हेमभस्मकम। मृतताम्रस्य ### [c4.s6.46](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.46) In diseases of the nervous system, several combinations of mercury with gold, iron, talc, etc. are used, such as, the \*Chaturmukha rasa\*, \*Chintámani chaturmukha\*, \*Yogendra rasa\* etc. They are all similar in composition, with but slight variation in the proportions of the active ingredients and their adjuncts. ### [c4.s6.47](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.47) \*Chintámani chaturmukha\*¹ is thus prepared. Take of the red preparation of mercury called \*Rasa sindura\* two tolás, prepared talc two tolás, prepared iron one tolá, prepared gold half a tolá, rub them together with the juice of \*Aloe Indica\* and make into two-grain pills. This medicine is said to be useful in nervous diseases, insanity, cephalalgia, deafness, noise in the ears, paralysis of the tongue, diseases of the female and urinary organs, phthisis, fever etc. It improves nutrition, increases the appetite and strength, and brightens the complexion. ### [c4.s6.48](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.48) ¹ चिन्तामणिचतुर्मुखः । कर्षैकं रससिन्दूरं तत्समं मृतमभ्रकम् । तदद्धं मृतलौहञ्च स्वर्णञ्च क्षिपेदबुधः ।। कन्यारसेन सम्पिष्य गुञ्जामात्रां वटीञ्चरेत् । अनुपानादिकं दद्याद् बुद्धा दोषबलाबलम् ।। हन्ति पित्तात्मकं वायुं केवलं पित्तसंयुतम् । हिक्कामरुचिं दाहं वान्तिञ्चाग्निं शिरोग्रहम् ।। प्रमेहं कर्णनादञ्च जडगद्‌गदमुकताम् । वाधीर्यं गर्भिणीरोगमश्मरीसूतिकामयम् ।। प्रदरं सोम-रोगञ्च यक्ष्माणं ज्वरकाषकं । बलवर्णाग्निदः सद्यः कान्तिपुष्टिप्रदायकः ।। चिन्तामणिरसाख्यं चिन्तामणिरिवापरः ।। ### [c4.s6.49](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.49) As an alterative tonic the red preparation of mercury, or \*Rasa-sindura\* already described, is much used in a variety of diseases. ### [c4.s6.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.50) भागैकं शिलागन्धकतालकम् ।। प्रतिभागद्वयं शुद्धमेकीकृत्य विमर्द्‌येत् । वराटों पूरयेत्तेन अजक्षीरेण टङ्कणम् ।। पिष्ट्वा तेन सुखं रुद्धा मृद्भाण्डे तत् निधापयेत् । शुष्कं गजपुटे पाच्यं चूर्णयेत् स्वाङ्गशीतलम् ।। रसोराजमृगाङ्कोऽयं चतुर्गुञ्जः क्षयापहः । दशपिप्पलिकं चौद्रैर्मरिचैकोनविंशतिम् ।। सहतैर्हापयेद् वैद्यो वातश्लेष्मभवे क्षये ।। भैषजरत्नावली । ### [c4.s6.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.51) Two other forms of this medicine in common use are called \*Shadguna balijárita rasa sindura\* and \*Svarna sindura\* respectively. ### [c4.s6.52](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.52) \*Shadguna balijárita rasa sindura\* is thus prepared. Take of mercury and sulphur equal parts, and prepare \*Rasa sindura\* as already described by sublimation in a glass bottle. On the second day, mix this \*Rasa sindura\* with an equal quantity of sulphur and again sublime the compound. Repeat the process in this way, six times. This preparation is considered superior to the ordinary \*Rasa sindura\*. ### [c4.s6.53](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.53) \*Svarna sindura\*¹ is thus prepared. Take of fine leaf gold one tolá, purified mercury eight tolás, mix together by rubbing in a mortar, add twelve tolás of sulphur and again rub together, till the mass is of a dark colour. Sublime in a glass bottle on the sand-bath. The three forms of \*Rasa sindura\* above mentioned are said to cure all sorts of diseases, but are particularly used in chronic fever, catarrh and cough of children, mental and bodily debility, anæmia etc. ### [c4.s6.54](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.54) ¹ स्वर्ण सिन्दूर: । सूक्ष्मपत्रं सुवर्णस्य सुशुद्धं कोलसम्मितम् । शुद्धसूतपलै केन मेलयेद्यत्नतो भिषक् ॥ सार्द्ध पल गन्धकञ्च कृत्वा कज्जलीकां ततः । निवेश्य काचकूप्याञ्च दृढायां परिवेष्टयेत् ॥ तां कर्पट मृदा चैव खटिकाभिः समन्ततः । सम्यनिरुध्य यत्नेन संपूज्येथ सहोमया ॥ बालुकायन्त्रमध्येतां सन्निरुध्य समा हितः । पचेद्वादशयामांस्तु निःसम्पाते सुनिर्जने ॥ एकाकी पाकवित्‌वैद्यः स्वाङ्गशीतं समुद्धरेत् । स्वर्णसिन्दूरमित्येतत् सर्व्वरोगनि सूदनम् ॥ संक्षिपसारः । ### [c4.s6.55](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.55) Mercury is used in syphilis both externally and internally. Syphilis and its treatment by mercury are described only in recent compilations, such as the Bhavaprakása. The following are a few illustrations of its use in this disease. ### [c4.s6.56](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.56) \*Saptasáli vati\*² Take of mercury and catechu each half a tolá, pellitory root one tolá, honey one and a half tolá. Rub together till the globules of mercury disappear, and divide into seven pills or boluses. One pill is administered every morning with water in primary syphilis. Acids and salt should not be taken after the use of this medicine. ### [c4.s6.57](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.57) ² सप्तशालीवटी । पारदष्टङ्कमानः स्यात् खदिरष्टङ्कसम्मितः । अकरा- करभस्यापि याच्च षड्धयोन्नत: । टङ्कत्रयोन्नत चौद्रं खल्ले सर्व्वञ्च निक्षि- पेत् । संमर्द्य तस्य सर्व्वस्य कुर्य्यात् सप्तवटीभिषक् । स रोगी भक्षयेत् प्रात: एकैकां अम्बुना वटीम् । वर्जयेदम्ललवणं फिरङ्गस्य नश्यति ॥ भावप्रकाशः ॥ ### [c4.s6.58](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.58) Rasa karpura or corrosive sublimate as sold in the bazars is recommended to be given in a single dose of eight grains. The medicine is enclosed in a ball of wheat-flour and covered with powdered cloves. It is swallowed with water so as not to touch the teeth. Salts and acids are forbidden to be taken after the use of this medicine. As the Rasa karpura of the bazars is not a pure perchloride of mercury, but is a mixture of calomel and corrosive sublimate in indefinite proportions, the patient sometimes escapes after this dose. When, however, it contains more of corrosive sublimate than of calomel, intense salivation, gastritis and even death may result. When such doses of poisonous remedies are recommended in standard works it is no wonder that we should occasionally come across cases of dreadful salivation, induced by native treatment. The circumstance of wheat-flour being used as a covering to the poison may act as an antidote to some extent. In secondary syphilis Rasa karpura is given in small doses in combination with cloves, saffron, sandal wood, and musk. ### [c4.s6.59](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.59) For external application, about a drachm of mercury is recommended to be rubbed between the palms with the juice of the leaves of Sida cordifolia (bátyálaka) till the globules of mercury are no longer visible. The palms are then to be warmed over the fire till perspiration breaks out from them.² ### [c4.s6.60](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.60) ¹ र सकर्पूरप्रशनेविधिः । फिरङ्ग संज्ञकं रोगं रसः कर्पूर संज्ञकः । अवश्यं नाशयेदेतदुचुः पूर्वचिकित्सकाः ॥ लिख्यते र सकर्पूरप्रशनेविधिरुत्तमः । अनेन विधिना खादेन्मुखे शोथं न विन्दति ॥ गोधूमचूर्णं सन्नोय विदध्यात् सूक्ष्मकूपिकाम् । तन्मध्ये निक्षिपेत्सूतं चतुर्गुञ्जामितं भिषक् ॥ ततस्तु गुटिकां कुर्याद यथा न दृश्यते वहिः । सूक्ष्म चूर्णे लवङ्गस्य तां वटीमवधूलयेत् ॥ दन्तस्पर्शो यथा न स्यात् तथा तामम्भसा गिलेत् । ताम्बूलं भक्षयेत् पश्चाच्छाकान्न लवणान् त्यजेत् । अस्मातपमध्वानं विशेषात स्त्रीनिषेवनम् ॥ भावप्रकाशः । ### [c4.s6.61](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.61) ² पोत पुष्प बलापत्रसैर्द्वगुञ्जामितं रसम् । हस्ताभ्यां मर्दये तावद्यावत् सतो न दृश्यते । ततः संस्वेदयेद्धस्तावेवं वासरसप्तकम् । त्यजेल्लवणमम्लञ्च फिरङ्गस्तस्य नश्यति ॥ भावप्रकाशः । ### [c4.s6.62](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.62) For fumigation in primary syphilis, about half a drachm of the black sulphide, mixed with one fourth part of wheat-flour, is employed daily for seven days in succession.¹ In secondary syphilitic eruptions the following composition is used for fumigation. Take of cinnabar one tolá, realgar half a tolá, powder and mix. About fifteen grains of this is used at a time. Powders for fumigation are heated over a fire of jujube tree wood, and the vapour is applied to the skin under cover in a closed room. ### [c4.s6.63](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.63) ¹ धूमप्रयोगः। पारदः कर्षमात्रः स्वात्तावानेव हि गन्धकः। तण्डुला-स्वात्तमात्राः सुरेषाः कुर्वति कज्जलोम। तस्याः सप्तवटीः कुर्यात्ताभिर्धूमं प्रयोजयेत्। दिनानि सप्त तेन स्यात् फिरङ्गान्तो न संशयः॥ भावप्रकाशः। ### [c4.s6.64](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.64) Mercury enters into the composition of several applications for skin diseases, as in the following. Take of cinnabar, sulphur, red oxide of lead, rock salt, seeds of \*Cassia tora\* (\*chakramarda\*), baberung, \*Cleome felina\* (\*svarnakshiri\*), and the root of \*Aplotaxis auriculata\* (\*kushta\*) in equal parts. Powder them, and reduce to a thin paste with the juice of datura, nim or betle leaves. This application is said to cure ringworm, eczema, prurigo, psoriasis etc.² ### [c4.s6.65](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.65) ² हेमक्षीरी विड़ङ्गानि दरदञ्चक तथा। दद्रुघ्नः कुष्ठ सिन्दूरं सर्वान्येवल मर्दयेत्। धत्तुरनिम्बताम्बूलीपत्रानाम् खरसैः पृथक्। अस्य प्रलेपमालेष यामाहृद्विचर्चिकाः। कण्डु स्वरससञ्चैव प्रशमं यान्ति वेगतः॥ शार्ङ्गधरः। ### [c4.s6.66](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.66) For lice in the hair, mercury rubbed with datura or betle leaf is recommended to be applied to the scalp.³ ### [c4.s6.67](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.67) ³ रसेन्द्रेण समायुक्तो रसो धुस्तूरपत्रजः। ताम्बूलपत्रजो वापि लेपो यूकविनाशनः॥ चक्रः। ## Linked texts (5) - [Cakradatta (Cikitsāsaṅgraha)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.sangraha.cakradatta) — Cakrapāṇidatta, Sanskrit - [Śārṅgadharasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.sangraha.sarngadharasamhita) — Śārṅgadhara (physician), Sanskrit - [Bhāvaprakāśa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.sangraha.bhavaprakasa) — Bhāvamiśra 1550, Sanskrit - [Bhaiṣajyaratnāvalī](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.cikitsa.gauda.bhaisajyaratnavali) — Govindadāsa, Sanskrit - [Rasendrasārasaṃgraha (Gopāla Kṛṣṇā)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.rasa.cikitsa.rasendrasarasamgraha) — Gopāla Kṛṣṇā 1800, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6) · Pramāṇa