A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v2.c32.t1.115

v2.c32.t1.115

One of the most favourite doctrines of the neo-Platonists was that the metals were engendered in the womb of the earth under the influence of the planets. According to Olympiodorus (5th century A. D.) lead is begotten by Saturn, "electrum" * by Jupiter, iron by Mars, copper by Venus, tin by Hermes, gold by the Sun and silver by the Moon. † Now, such a fascinating astrological belief was pre-eminently calculated to appeal to the Hindu instinct, especially as there was a "commercial and lively intellectual intercourse," to quote Weber's own words, between Alexandria and the West Coast of India. Varāhamihira's Vrihatsamhitá, if anything, is a repertory of astrological notions. In vain do we look even there for any such chance and solitary reference.* The alchemical literature of India is equally silent about it. † True it is there are two metals which are often designated as the sun and the moon respectively, namely copper and silver.* But this has nothing to do with the planetary generation of these metals. In the imagery of the Sanskrit poet the crimson tint of the rising sun and the pale white lustre of the moon are comparable to the colour of copper and silver respectively.