History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c15.s1.5

c15.s1.5

Vagbhata is regarded as unrivalled in the principles of medicine (*sutra*). But his treatise may, however, be represented as an epitome of the Charaka and the Susruta with some gleanings from the works of Bhela and Harita. He introduces certain modifications and additions to surgery described in the Susruta. Mineral and natural salts chiefly figure in the prescriptions along with vegetable drugs; mercury is incidentally mentioned, but in such a perfunctory manner as to exclude any assumption about the knowledge of its compounds. Some metallic preparations are, however, recommended in it, which would presuppose an advanced knowledge of chemical processes.