History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c20.s2: Patala Viii
History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c20.s2
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Patala Viii
c20.s2.1
* * * Alum, blue vitriol—all these severally or collectively are favourable for imparting colour to quicksilver.
c20.s2.2
Experts (on the properties) of metals are of opinion that tin gives strength, *tīkshṇa* (a variety of iron) colour; lead unctuousness, copper all these qualities (to mercury).
c20.s2.3
The purport of the verses that follow seems to be that when mercury is rubbed with certain sulphides, e.g. orpiment, pyrites, etc., and sublimed, it assumes the colour of lac or cochineal insect in the shape of red crystalline sulphide.