History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c21: Chapter Vii. Chemistry In Kakachandesvarimata Tantra
History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c21
- Language
- English
Chapter Vii. Chemistry In Kakachandesvarimata Tantra
c21.1
PATALA i.
c21.2
In this the (mythical) origin of the Tantra is given.
c21.3
PATALA ii.
c21.4
Kakachandeswari said:—
c21.5
\* \* \* Please, give a brief account of the chemistry of the metals, the killing of mercury and minerals, and the fusion of the gems. 3-4
c21.6
Sri Bhairava said:—
c21.7
\* \* \* \* Mercury rubbed with the ingredients of the *vida* and roasted in a closed crucible, is *killed* instantly. That mercury now acquires the power of converting a base metal into thousand times its weight of gold. 13-16
c21.8
Copper, treated with the above preparation of mercury and rubbed with the acids, alkalies and the milky juice of *Calotropis gigantea*., and roasted in a crucible, turns into gold. 18-20
c21.9
Verses 21-22 describe the preparation of crucibles from clay free from straw and rocky materials.
c21.10
Thereafter follows a method for the transmutation of iron into gold—a process not very clear.
c21.11
PATALA iii.
c21.12
*Liquefaction of Mica:*—Thin plates of mica are to be smeared with the three alkalies and borax, and then strongly heated in a crucible The entire mass fuses. \* \* \* \* \* 29-30
c21.13
This resembles the modern treatment of refractory silicates with fusion mixture.
c21.14
CHAPTER VIII