[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956) › c4 # History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c4: Preface History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c4 - **Language:** English ### Preface ### [c4.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.1) History does not, as generally represented, consist merely in the shifting of geographical boundaries of countries and dominions, in the changes of their names, in the military exploits of royalties and nations, or even in the undulations and migrations of greater and lesser waves of populations. These are but the casual and external changes, and may be viewed upon as the symptoms of the great mental vicissitudes of the human race. In the opinion of many eminent thinkers, individual fortunes or individual events, by themselves, are not of real importance in history, though they may be highly sensational or of great political and economic significance for the time being and occupy the headlines of newspapers. History, from a philosophical point of view, represents, in fact, a long range process involving very long durations and very large numbers. Individual persons or events are important in history to the extent they serve as symptoms of this long range process and as means to the realization of this process. For, individuals have their rise and decay, while history is a continuous process and knows no end. The real history of mankind is, therefore, constituted by the thoughts of the past; the leading conceptions of all remarkable forms of civilization; the achievements of genius, of virtue and of high faith. In short, it is the record of the past experience of humanity and of the evolution of the human mind with its ideas and sentiments, its truths and toils, its virtues and guilt. The scientific and cultural achievements of mankind, representing the progress of civilization, therefore, supply the materials for real history. In fact, history becomes utterly incomplete, if it fails to narrate the progress and development of science which has led to the modern civilization with its remarkable achievements. If there be any unfailing criterion for the growth of civilization or the evolution of human mind, it lies in the progressive unification of the world to which science has undeniably made the greatest contribution, inspite of the two frightful international conflicts on a global scale and a more intensive preparation for the third, aided by catastrophic atomic weapons derived from the pursuit of science itself. History of science, therefore, constitutes an integral part of the history of human civilization or of the true human annals of the earth; and as knowledge and wisdom grow only on the accumulated experiences of the past, it forms an essential element in the study of science itself. ### [c4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.2) But, to write a history of science, or any special part thereof, is no easy task. For, in the first place the writer must know both science and history; even the most perfect understanding of the one is inadequate for the purpose without some information of the other. Then again. he must assume a psychological detachment as a safeguard against all prejudices that tend consciously or unconsciously to exalt national or racial pride and thus influence his judgment. The task of the present writer is, however, considerably lightened not only by the limitation of his scope to the history of chemistry in ancient and medieval India, but also by the fact that he had merely to edit and more or less revise the pioneering work, the History of Hindu Chemistry, by his illustrious teacher Acharya Prafulla Chandra Rây. But at the same time, it must be admitted that the chronology, relating to the compilation of many ancient Indian treatises—literary, scientific or religious, is in a state of almost hopeless confusion. There is seldom any unanimity among the experts on any particular topic in this connection. The usage of ancient authors in recording the time of their composition by the period of the reign of the monarchs, under whose protection and patronage they lived and wrote, has contributed in no small measure to this confusion. Besides, there was no universally accepted era with definite origin, on the basis of which the dates could be calculated. As a result, there has been much controversy about the original source of many ideas and of the knowledge of many facts, the priority whereof might be claimed both by the Hindus and the Greeks of the early ages. It should not, however, be forgotten that one and the same idea might be conceived, or the knowledge of one and the same fact might be acquired, almost simultaneously or at slightly different periods of time by people in different countries in a perfectly independent manner. For, the evolution of human intellect is known to follow more or less the same pattern everywhere, irrespective of any geographical limitations. In the absence of any definite record of indisputable evidences, such controversies about any particular nation borrowing concepts and knowledge from the other, are obviously of little historical significance. They are likely to arouse, on the other hand, mere national vanities. In the present volume, the editor has, therefore, tried to adhere to the least controversial dates after a careful consideration of the balance of reliable evidences. Moderation, rather than extremism, has been a watchword with him, but without any irrational reverence for it. How far he has succeeded in his efforts is left to the judgment of competent authorities on the subject. ### [c4.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.3) The History of Hindu Chemistry by P. C. Rây went out of print nearly a quarter of a century ago. It had been the only publication which gave a systematic account of the achievements of the early Indians in the field of chemical knowledge. As a result, the students and historians of chemistry have keenly felt the need of filling up the void created thereby. In order to meet this demand the Council of the Indian Chemical Society decided some years ago to publish a revised edition of the History of Hindu Chemistry of the late Acharya P. C. Rây, who was the Founder President of the Society. The task of editing was entrusted to the present writer. In this new volume under the name of ‘History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India’ much new materials have been added, and all facts have been carefully sifted with a view to exclude those of doubtful origin or spurious character Reference has also been made to the social and cultural conditions of the country, associated with the different stages of development of chemical knowledge. Evidences, supported by illustrations wherever possible, of the skill displayed by the early Indians in the art of making glazed pottery, in the extraction and working of metals, in the preparation of caustic alkalies, oxides and sulphides of metals, etc., have been recorded It is expected that the students and historians of science will find in the book sufficient materials of interest and value for the proper assessment of the ancient Indian civilization and culture. ### [c4.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.4) As in the History of Hindu Chemistry, a discussion on the decline of scientific spirit in India has been introduced in a separate chapter. The section on the mechanical, physical and chemical theories of the ancient Hindus by B N. Seal has also been included as an appendix, though somewhat abridged from what appeared in the History of Hindu Chemistry. The original Sanskrit Texts in Devnagri script, relating to the main topics of the book, are reproduced after the appendix without any change from the History of Hindu Chemistry. This is followed by the reproduction of the Tibetan Texts in Roman script. The English translation of the Tibetan Text, Rasāyanaśāstroddṛti, which could not have been included in the main book, is also added here. The editor is deeply indebted to Sri Suniti Kumar Pathak, M.A., of Visvabharati University, Santi-Niketan, Bengal, who very kindly transcribed and translated this text from the Tibetan xylographs for the present volume. ### [c4.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.5) It is indeed a great pleasure for the editor to express here his deep sense of gratitude to Professor P. K. Gode, M.A., of Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute at Poona, who was very kind enough to go through the entire manuscript of the book and to help the editor with many valuable suggestions and useful informations The editor also desires to record his appreciation of the great service and assistance he has received from Sri Debabrata Bose, M.A. of City College, Calcutta, in collecting new materials for the book. He further wishes to express his indebtedness to some publishers and friends for permission to use their illustrations and photographs These are acknowledged at the appropriate places ### [c4.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.6) Calcutta, \*January\* 1, 1956 ### [c4.9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.9) ACHARYA PRAFULLA CHANDRA RÂY ### [c4.10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.10) \*Born August 2, 1861\* \*Died, June 16, 1941\* ### [c4.11](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.11) ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THE \*History of Hindu Chemistry\* ### [c4.12](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.12) ACHARYA PRAFULLA CHANDRA RÂY ### [c4.13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.13) Born in a cultured and rich family in the district of Khulna, now in East Pakistan, in 1861 (August 2) Prafulla Chandra imbibed from his very childhood through the influence of his father, who was a landed proprietor with liberal education, the principles of rational thinking and the value of disciplinary methods. After his preliminary education in his father's village school up to the age of nine, when the family migrated to Calcutta, he joined the Hare School and subsequently the Albert School. From the last named institution he passed the Entrance Examination in 1879. A persistent attack of dysentery in his school days left a permanent stamp of weakness upou his constitution. For his further study he joined the Metropolitan Institution, now known as Vidyasagar College, and used to attend the lectures on Physics and Chemistry at the Presidency College, Calcutta. The lectures and experiments of Professor Pedler in Chemistry at the latter institution stirred his imagination and awakened in him a spirit of enquiry and interest in natural science In 1882 he obtained the Gilchrist Scholarship, which enabled him to proceed to the United Kingdom and join the University of Edinburgh in the Faculty of Science. There he came under the influence of Professor Crumbrown in Chemistry which became his favourite subject. Alexander Smith and James Walker were his class-fellows. He obtained his D.Sc Degree in 1888 and became the recipient of several scholarships in the Edinburgh University. ### [c4.14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.14) On his return to India, Rây was appointed Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1889, where in 1911, only a few years before his retirement, he became the Senior Professor. Here he established a very high reputation as a successful teacher and investigator, and gathered around him a band of devoted research workers. He and his colleague Jagadis Chandra Bose, the then Professor of Physics at the Presidency College, were the first Indian teachers to initiate research work in natural science and to inspire young minds with a spirit of enquiry, desire for knowledge and quest for truth He used to take special delight in the study and teaching of the history of chemistry. In 1902 he published the first volume of his monumental work, the \*History of Hindu Chemistry\*, the second volume of which appeared in 1908. This was the result of a long and painstaking research, extending over a period of 15 years, and gives us a glimpse into the achievements of the early Hindus in the domain of positive science. The book was rightly acclaimed as a valuable contribution to the history of science ### [c4.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.15) In 1916 he retired from the Presidency College and assumed charge as the Head of the Department and Palit Professor of Chemistry in the newly started University College of Science, Calcutta Both at the Presidency College and at the University College of Science, Rây succeeded in training and inspiring successive bands of devoted research workers who dedicated themselves to scientific career. Gradually an Indian School of Chemistry came into being, largely through his example and influence. The publications from his laboratories at the Presidency College and the University College dealt with a large variety of chemical problems and numbered about a couple of hundred He took a leading part in the inauguration of the Indian Chemical Society in 1924, of which he was the Founder President for the first two terms The Society received liberal finacial aids from him from time to time ### [c4.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.16) Ray retired from his position as Palit Professor of Chemistry of the University College of Science in 1936 at the age of seventy-five, and remained as an Emeritus Professor till the end of his life He made a free gift of his salary during the last 15 years of his service to the University for the extension and development of the Department of Chemistry in the University College of Science and Technology. Several Research Fellowships and Research Prizes are being maintained out of the interests of the fund thus endowed. ### [c4.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.17) Prafulla Chandra received many honours in life. He was the recipient of Honarary Degrees of D.Sc. of the Universities of Durham, Dacca, Calcutta and Banaras. In 1911 he was made a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire and was knighted after the first world war. He was elected General President of the Indian Science Congress in 1920, and in 1934 became an Honorary Fellow of the Chemical Society, London, and also of the Deutsche Akademie, Munchen a little earlier. ### [c4.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.18) Rây was also held in great respect as a pioneer of chemical industries in India. In or about 1900 he founded the Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works, which was converted into a limited concern in 1902. He was also associated with a large number of industrial organizations. ### [c4.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.19) As a social worker and social reformer Rây rendered singular services to his country. He was ever ready to come to the rescue of suffering humanity, stricken by famine, flood or other natural calamities. ### [c4.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.20) Though a scientist by profession, his love for, and knowledge of, literature and history were rather remarkable. Tagore, Michael and Shakespeare were his favourite poets, from whose works he could quote off-hand from memory. The writings of Emerson and Carlyle fascinated him greatly. A measure of his interest in literature and history can be obtained from his oft-repeated remarks that 'he became a chemist by mere accident'. The first volume of his autobiography, Life and Experiences of a Bengali Chemist, was published in 1932, which was followed by a second volume in 1935. The book was dedicated to the youths of India with the hope of stimulating their activities for national regeneration. It provides an instance of his high literary ability. Professor Armstrong, while reviewing it in \*Nature\*, made the following comment ### [c4.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.21) ‘From beginning to the end the message of the book is one of the highest endeavour—pulsating with vitality and intellectual force”. ### [c4.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.22) Prafulla Chandra had a poor health, being victim of chronic dyspepsia and occasional insomnia. He lived a single and a very simple life of austerity, and always placed principles and ideals above material interests. It was a life of self-denial, but invigorated by the perennial fountain of all pure humanities. He gave away in charity almost all that he earned, keeping only the irreducible minimum for himself. It may be said of him that his wealth lay in the smallness of his wants. ### [c4.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.23) In politics, though never an active participant, Prafulla Chandra belonged to the nationalist school. The emancipation of India—political, social and economic, was his life's dream, for which he never ceased to strive. But unfortunately, he did not live to see the realization of his dream, as he passed away after a short span of illness on June 16, 1944, only a few years before India gained her independence. No truer picture of his life can possibly be depicted in words than that presented by the following quotation from what Sir Edward Thorpe wrote in \*Nature\* as early as 1919. ### [c4.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4.24) “Her (India's) elevation will not come in Sir Prafulla Chandra Rây's time. A small spare man, in feeble health, and a confirmed dyspeptic, he will be spent in her service But the memory of these services will survive''. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c4) · Pramāṇa