A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v2.c34.183

v2.c34.183

It is only in the mediæval Sánkhya-Pátañjala that under the influence of the Nyáya-Vaiseshika doctrine a radical difference was conceived to exist between the structure (or constitution) of a molecule composed of ‘isomeric’ atoms, and that of one composed of heterogeneous (or “polymeric”) atoms. In the former case, there was believed to take place intimate union (सङ्ग), in the latter case, only a grouping of comparatively free or loosely attached atoms round a radicle atom (व्यूहन), with liberation of Energy (उपस्तम्भ,—अवस्तम्भ—or विष्टम्भ) and the setting up of unequal stress and strain (गुणावैषम्यविमर्द्द—ईश्वरकृष्ण). At the same time, it was of course admitted that this distinction does not apply to the forms of subtile matter (Tanmátra—सूक्ष्मभूत) which could unite in intimate fusion, whether homogeneous or heterogeneous. For example, the subtile body (सूक्ष्मशरीर) which is supposed to be the seat or vehicle of the conscious principle is acknowledged by Vijñána-bhikshu to be penta-Bhautic (पञ्चभूतात्मक); in other words, all the five Tanmátras serve as material causes, though the gross body (the animal organism) is stated to be only a “polymeric” compound with the Earth-Bhúta as radicle or base.