History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c39.s6.13

c39.s6.13

In the writings of the medical schools of ancient India, originating from Charaka and Susruta, we frequently come across instances of chemical composition and decomposition, by processes, more or less crude, of calcination, distillation, sublimation, steaming, fixation, etc Mention may also be made of the various metallurgical processes described, e g, extraction, purification, killing, calcination, incineration, powdering, solution, distillation, precipitation, rinsing or washing, drying, steaming, melting, casting, filling, etc. To these were added several special processes for mercury (e.g., fixation). Application of heat in different measures—strong, medium and mild, was often employed to give rise to the product in view.