A History of Indian Medical Literature v1.c23.344

v1.c23.344

Śilājatu is described, called thus because it exudes from rocks (śilā) heated by the sun, and resembles lac (jatu); 138 it has six sources (yoni); consisting of the six metals (loha), which can be recognized by their specific odour; the potency (vīrya) and taste of śilājatu correspond to the metal from which it derives; the relative superiority and inferiority of the types of śilājatu depend on these metals, the merits of which increase in the following order: tin, lead, (copper, silver, gold,) iron 139 (13.4–8ab). The general properties of śilājatu (13.8cd–9ab) and the best variety (13.9cd–10ab) are described, followed by the way to prepare it for medicinal use, the proper administration of the drug, and the results that may be expected from its regular employment (13.10cd–17ab). 140