A History of Indian Medical Literature v3.c50.s7.6

v3.c50.s7.6

The eighteen saṃskāras enumerated are svedana, mardana, mūrchana, utthāpana, patana, rodha, niyāmana, saṃdīpana, gabanabhakṣaṇamāna, samcāraṇa, garbhadṛti, bāhyadruti, jāraṇa, grāsa, sāraṇa, saṃkrāmaṇa, vedha, and śarīrayoga (11.14–16). The first eight saṃskāras, necessary for the preparation of medicinally useful substances, are described in more detail; the last ten saṃskāras, necessary for aurifaction, are neglected. Twelve doṣas of mercury are distinguished: three naisargikadoṣas: viṣa, vahni, mala; two yaugikadoṣas: nāga and vaṅga; seven aupādhikadoṣas or kañcukas: parpaṭī, pāṭanī, bhedī, malakarī, andhakārī, and dhvāṅkṣī (11.20–24).