A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v1.c12.t11.19

v1.c12.t11.19

(1) The shining reddish brown crystalline sublimate of sulphide of mercury thus obtained is a favourite and frequently-used remedy with the Hindu physicians. It is reputed to be a panacea for a variety of ills that flesh is heir to. In the “Rasendrachintāmani,” “Rasendrasārasamgraha” and other treatises, this preparation is described as “Makaradhvaj” and “Rasasindūra” (lit. minium-like mercury). From the supposed presence of gold it is often named “Svarnasindūra” (lit. gold and vermilion). During sublimation, the gold of course is left behind. The general belief is that by association with gold the mercury acquires most potent efficacy. A later work, Rasapradīpa, is sceptical about the part which gold plays and recommends its being left out.