A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v2.c32.105

v2.c32.105

Táranátha, it is true, completed his History in 1608 A. D.,* but he derived his materials from Tibetan sources and the analysis of Dulva by Csoma goes to confirm this account. We have already made use of the record left us by Hiouen 'Thsang.† It is thus clear that all the testimonies concur in ascertaining Nágárjuna not only as the originator of the Mádhyamika philosophy but also as an adept in magic, conjuration and alchemy, and that even so early as the 7th century A. D. The exact time during which he flourished is a matter of controversy. He is generally regarded as a contemporary of Kanishka. One cannot go far wrong in assigning circa 150 A. D. as the date of his succeeding to the Patriarchate.∗