A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v2.c34.220

v2.c34.220

The Rasaratna-samuchchaya divides the mineral kingdom (Earth-substances, simple and compound) into the following classes :- (1) The eight Rasas, mica, pyrites, bitumen, blue vitriol, calamine, etc. (2) The eight Upa-rasas (useful in operations of mercury), sulphur, red ochre, green vitriol, alum, orpiment, realgar, collyrium, and medicinal earth, to which may be added the eight Sádhárana Rasas, sal-ammoniaç, cowrie, cinnabar, rock vermilion, etc. (3) The gems, diamond, emerald, sapphire, cat's eye, sun-stone, moon-stone, pearl, etc. (4) The metals, gold, silver, iron, copper, lead, tin, and the alloys—brass and bell-metal. Other Earth-substances are six salts, three alkalis, mineral earths, and several poisons ( cf. vol. I, pp. 32-98 ).