History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c32: Book Vii. On the Laboratory
History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c32
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Book Vii. On the Laboratory
c32.1
The laboratory is to be erected in a region, which abounds in medicinal herbs and wells. .. it is to be furnished with various apparatuses. The phallus of mercury is to be placed in the east, furnaces to be arranged in the south-east, instruments south-west; washing operations in the west; drying in the north-west.... The *koshthi* apparatus for the extraction of essences, the water vessels, a pair of bellows and various other instruments are also to be collected; as also the thrashing and pounding mortars, the pestles, sieves of various degrees of fineness, earth for the crucibles, dried cow-dung cake, retorts made of glass, earth, iron and conch-shells, iron pans, etc. 1-18
c32.2
Those who are truthful, free from temptations, given to worship of *devas* and brahmins, self-controlled and used to live upon proper diet and regimen—such are to be engaged in performing chemical operations. 30
c32.3
Such herbalists, as are not deceitful and are well-versed in the knowledge of the drugs and plants and in the language of many countries, should be employed. 32
c32.4
BOOK VIII