[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956) › c21 # 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](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.1) PATALA i. ### [c21.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.2) In this the (mythical) origin of the Tantra is given. ### [c21.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.3) PATALA ii. ### [c21.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.4) Kakachandeswari said:— ### [c21.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.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](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.6) Sri Bhairava said:— ### [c21.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.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](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.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](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.9) Verses 21-22 describe the preparation of crucibles from clay free from straw and rocky materials. ### [c21.10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.10) Thereafter follows a method for the transmutation of iron into gold—a process not very clear. ### [c21.11](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.11) PATALA iii. ### [c21.12](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.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](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.13) This resembles the modern treatment of refractory silicates with fusion mixture. ### [c21.14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21.14) CHAPTER VIII --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c21) · Pramāṇa