History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c36.s7.18

c36.s7.18

As the Hindu Iatrochemists were very particular about the *killing* of the metals being ensured, they had often to hit upon proper tests for securing this purpose Thus Rasaratnakara says:—"In order to examine whether the mercury has been completely reduced to ashes, it has to be heated over a gentle fire for three hours. If the weight remains constant, know then that it has been completely *killed*." In other words, it means that if there be any free mercury present, it would volatilise off and thus there would be a loss in weight.