[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.s7.1 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s7.1 The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s7.1 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s7.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s7.1) THREE compounds of arsenic are used in Hindu medicine, namely, arsenious anhydride or white arsenic, red sulphide of arsenic or realgar, and the yellow sulphide or orpiment. Of these three, orpiment and realgar have been used in medicine from a very remote period, and are indigenous to India. Native white arsenic is not met with in India. It is brought from Burma, China and the Persian gulf. It is not mentioned in the more ancient Sanskrit works, neither in the list of metallic ores, where orpiment, realgar etc. are described, nor in any prescription for the treatment of diseases. In compilations of a later date, however, such as the Bhávaprakása, and the Tantras, it is recommended as a powerful medicine for fever, and is now much used as such. - [Previous: c4.s6.67](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s6.67) - [Next: c4.s7.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s7.2) - [Up: c4.s7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s7) ## Linked texts (1) - [Bhāvaprakāśa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.sangraha.bhavaprakasa) — Bhāvamiśra 1550, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s7.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s7.1) · Pramāṇa