A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v1.c18.s4.12

v1.c18.s4.12

Having placed an open earthen vessel on his fire and having put some water in it, the *rungwala* prepares a mixture consisting of about four parts of nitre (say 1 lb.), one part of common salt and 1 part of alum (say ¼ lb each).¹ He then puts the mixture into the vessel, taking care always that the water in the vessel be not more than what is necessary for dissolving about half the amount of salts added. The solution is then heated till it boils evolving large quantities of gases and fumes, amongst which chlorine can be easily detected by its unmistakable corroding odour.