A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v2.c34.218

v2.c34.218

The Vásavadattá and the Dasakumára Charita in the sixth century allude to the preparation of a mass of fixed or coagulated mercury (पारद-पिण्ड इव कालधातुवादिनः—वासवदत्ता); a chemical powder, the inhalation of which would bring on deep sleep or stupor (योगचूर्ण—दशकुमारचरित); a chemically prepared stick or wick for producing light without fire (योगवर्त्ति का—दशकुमारचरित); and a powder which like anæsthetic drugs or curare, paralyses sensory and motor organs (सम्बन्धूनां मिव इन्द्रियाणाम् — वासबदत्ता — धीन्द्रियकर्मेन्द्रियाणां दर्पसः). Vrinda (circa 950 A. D.) notices the preparation of sulphide of mercury (रसाष्टचूर्ण) composed of one part of sulphur, and half its weight of mercury; and also of cuprous sulphide (पर्पटिताम्र). Chakrapáni (circa 1050 A. D.) mentions the preparation of the black sulphide of mercury, "by taking equal parts of mercury and sulphur".