History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c26.19

c26.19

Arkaprakasa or a treatise on the preparation of medicinal tinctures and essences should also find a place here. Its authorship is ascribed to Ravana, the mythical king of Ceylon. The contents of the work, however, reveal its date. For instance, mercury, treated with *samkhadravaka*, is prescribed as the remedy for *phirangaroga* (syphilis) Opium is also found in its prescriptions; while the term *jasada* is used to indicate zinc. As a distilling apparatus, tinned copper vessel has been recommended Mahommedan influence is distinctly discernible in this hybrid production. The very title of the book is evidently Sanskritised from the Persian *arrak* (essence).