Iron in Ancient India c7.s6: Sulphide of Iron

c7.s6.1

The sulphide of iron does not seem to have been prepared in the pure state. It occurs in preparations such as *lauha-parpati*, *sidha-jogeswar* and other Tantrik medicines along with the sulphide of mercury and vegetable substances. The mixture of sulphides (lauha-parpati) is prepared, as described in Rasendra-shār-samgraha and other works, by taking two parts of mercury, two parts of sulphur and one part of killed iron and then melting this well-rubbed powder in an iron laddle with clarified butter on a gentle fire. It is then poured over plantain leaves and gently pressed and finally treated with vegetable substances.