History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c26.8

c26.8

Rasaratnakara by Siddha Nityanatha, son of Parvati, comes next in order. The author gives the sources of his information and explains the object of his compilation in the following words: "Whatever has been revealed by Siva in Rasarnava under the preparations of mercury; the Dipika of Rasamangala on mercury; all that has been said by Nagarjuna for the benefit of the people afflicted with diseases, as also by Siddha Charpati, by Vagbhata and Susruta,—all these and many other treatises on mercury and minerals being consulted, I have, after rejecting the drugs and medicaments which have become rare and difficult to procure, put together (in my work) the essential features thereof. * * * All that I have learned from my teachers and have been in a position to subject to practical tests has been incorporated into my work for the benefit of mankind." In addition to the authorities cited above Nityanatha quotes from Chakrapani and Rasendrachudamani.