[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) › c84 # History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c84: English Translation History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c84 - **Language:** English ### English Translation ### [c84.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.1) In the Indian language (i. e. Sanskrit): Rasayanasastroddrti—quotations from the text of Rasayana. In the Tibetan language: \*gser. 'gyur. bstan. bcos. bsdus. pa.\*—quotations from the text regarding the change of base metals into gold. ### [c84.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.2) Homage to the Omniscient One ### [c84.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.3) 1. Salutation to the Omniscient, \*Iswara\*, who bestows peace and good upon all beings, gives liberation from (worldly) enjoyment (\*lons.spyod\*) ### [c84.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.4) 2. Salutation to the revered \*Maheswari\*, who is beyond (\*rnam. par grol.\*—deliverance) what is gross or subtle, and is both explicit (\*gsal\*—visible) and non-explicit, and is one that pacifies all (\*mchog. tu. ži.\*). Let her bestow good and welfare (upon beings). ### [c84.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.5) Mercury Products ### [c84.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.6) 3. After compounding with various materials many useful products can be prepared from pure and solid mercury (\*dṅul. chu\*). ### [c84.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.7) Merits of Mercury ### [c84.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.8) 4. Mercury has three-fold merits (\*yon. tan\*): ### [c84.9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.9) (1) Burnt mercury (\*rgyal. ba\*—being conquered) cures diseases. (2) Heated mercury (\*smin pa\*) removes poverty (of the person engaged in experiments) (3) Confined (by mystic \*mantras\* of the Tantric School) mercury (\*bciṅs pa\*) goes into the sky (i. e. evaporates—\*mkha'. la. gro\*). (There is a traditional belief that an expert can fly by holding confined mercury). \[Burnt mercury obviously refers to the oxide of mercury. \*Ed.\*\] ### [c84.10](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.10) Merits of Mica ### [c84.11](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.11) 5. Heated mica (\*chan.tsher\*) has eight-fold merits. Heated with sulphur (\*mu.zi\*), it has six-fold merits. Like mercury, confined mica (by \*mantras\*) with gold facilitates flight in the sky (lit. how can you check the going into the sky) ### [c84.12](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.12) Copper Polish ### [c84.13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.13) 6. Take zinc on tin (\*Gsa'.tse=tin\*) and mercury dust (sediment) of equal proportion and powder them. Add (\*sla.ba\*) juice (of a kind of white coloured flower), double in proportion, with half of (the above mentioned) powder according to the method (mentioned in) spoken by Candrapaksa (\*zla.bai.phyogs\*). This compound can polish ('\*big\*—to pierce) many (lit. sixty four) sheets of copper (plates). ### [c84.14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.14) 7. This compound without mercury (being not strewn on \*mi gtor sin\*) is reddish. It enriches (the compounder). The heated oompound in a little viscid form is turned into sky-blue colour Then it will last long. ### [c84.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.15) Method of Melting ### [c84.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.16) 8 The process of melting (\*smin.pai.mtsan ñid\*): Boil mercury properly and add silver or gold (proportionately). They will be transformed into one body and will not be decomposed any more. \[This is amalgamation process—Ed\]. ### [c84.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.17) Method of Vandha\* \[confining\] ### [c84.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.18) 9. The method of confining is: Add (burnt) mercury (\*dban\*—lit. subdued) with heated mica. It enriches (the experimenter) and leads him to the door of religion (by the Tantric practices the practitioner can attain liberation). ### [c84.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.19) Gold-coloured Polish ### [c84.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.20) 10. These three are the rarest things on the surface of the earth: ### [c84.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.21) (i) the head of the bird \*cataka\* (who eats sky—\*kha.yan.nan mkha.zaba.dan\*) (ii) the compound which is formed with sulphur and \*haritala\* (iii) milk of lioness ### [c84.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.22) (traditional belief is that from milk of lioness pearl is formed). ### [c84.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.23) 11. The more these (rarest things) are old, the more they are (active). These things are to be heated and the product made by these things should be kept for many days. Then the compound will be an effective one. A large number of things (lit. one crore) will be polished. The polish being applied on iron that has glaze (\*'od.ldan.-lcags\*—purified iron) will be very good. ### [c84.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.24) 12. If those rare things be not available, the same product can be made by the following materials (1) (purified) iron (\*'od.ldan.lcags\*), (2) brass of 1/2 zo in quantity, (3) (zinc) tin, (4) copper, (5) \*Rahu svarna\*, a kind of flower (\*sgra gcan gser\*), (6) the white (stones used for medicine), (7) iron, (8) heated mercury (\*dnul chu.smin.pa\*). ### [c84.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.25) \*'Od ldan lcags.\* lit. means iron glaze. Here, iron is also mentioned. So it may be steel. žo is a kind of weight used in Tibet. 10 žo = 1 \*sran\*. \*sran\* is a kind of Tibetan coins like Indian Rupee. 1 žo = 1/10 oz ### [c84.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.26) Other Formulae ### [c84.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.27) 13. For making gold (\*rasāyana—gser.gyur\*) these six are to be mixed (1) mercury (2) sulphur (3) (\*dri med\*) dirtless \*nirmala\* (skt), or \*haritala\* (?) in equal proportions with sulphur (4) \*makshika\* (a kind of stone) (5) \*ntshal\*, vermilion (asafoetida ?) (6) \*kuntika-śikhi\*. ### [c84.28](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.28) 14. The learned knows the method of preparing a compound with red ochre (\*gser gyi.lelsag\*) and arsenic (\*ba.bla.-rnams.j.\*) etc., for which they should endeavour. ### [c84.29](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.29) Another Compound for Work on Gold ### [c84.30](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.30) 15. For making various works on gold add the following: arsenic, yellow colour (\*kha.dog ser\*), white metals (\*dkar pos.khams\*), mica and \*sobhir\* of equal proportions. Add \*kakusatha\* and melt these separately according to the method of the learned. ### [c84.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.31) 16. The attributes of the compound are : after distillation ( \*sbyans.par\* ) the fluid compound will be of glazy colour and of light weight. Afterwards, when it will be whitened, it will then be very acute and effective. ### [c84.32](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.32) Classification of Copper ### [c84.33](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.33) 17. Copper is red and hard, and, is of three categories : (1) of the best quality, copper is imported from Nepal ( \*Bal Yul\* ) (2) of the medium quality, copper is as a flower leaf or petal ( '\*dab.ma\* ) (3) copper of the inferior quality has no glaze but spots. ### [c84.34](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.34) Gold Polish on Copper ### [c84.35](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.35) 18. For the proper preparation ( of gold polish ) the compound ( of polish ) beginning with heated mercury will be made. Then the compound will be painted on pure copper ( of the best quality ). Afterwards this copper piece will be glazy and bright ( with the polish ). The compound of heated mercury is good. By this black lead will be turned into white colour. \[ Amalgamation—Ed. \] ### [c84.36](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.36) Polish on Lead ### [c84.37](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.37) 19. The fluid of lead is naturally light in weight. Lead with aloy will be good On black lead the polish will be soon active. The polish will make a piece of lead white. ### [c84.38](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.38) Polish of Brass ### [c84.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.39) 20. The fluid of brass is like that of gold ( in glaze ). It removes impurity present in other metals. The fluid of brass will be more strong and firm with some alloys ( being poured upon the fluid ). With copper, brass will last long. ### [c84.40](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.40) Quality of the Polish ### [c84.41](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.41) 21. The ( above mentioned ) compound ( of polish ) having no alloy ( \*dri.ma.yan.dag.ldan\* ) will give sound (\*sgra.ldan\*) (a tingling sound will occur when the compound will be dropped). It is heavy, strong and very adhesive (lit. firm and superior). Being applied on copper and lead, it is thickened and will last long (lit. it will hold fast). ### [c84.42](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.42) Qualities of Gold ### [c84.43](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.43) 22. Gold has got six qualities. It is (a) separable by cutting, (not by any other means), (b) yellow coloured when it is rubbed, (c) of saffron colour, being burnt in fire, (d) bright, (e) heavy, and (f) glittering like \*kunda\* flower or a shining star. ### [c84.44](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.44) 23. (Earlier) scholars enumerated sixty four \*lakshana\* or characteristics of gold polish, which are mentioned above and will be said later on. ### [c84.45](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.45) Polish on Steel\* \[glazy iron\] ### [c84.46](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.46) 24. If the work be done with keen concentration the polish will act on steel ('\*od.ldan.lcgas.rnams\*—glazy iron, etc.) very well (lit. hold strongly). For making powder from gold or steel (glazy iron, etc.) the method will be applied. ### [c84.47](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.47) Method of Powdering ### [c84.48](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.48) 25. The method of powdering:—An expert one knows the method with a kind of salt and with a kind of urine (\*dri.chu.sde.tshan\*) ### [c84.49](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.49) Method of Gold Powdering ### [c84.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.50) 26. Place (gold) on three earthenware pots (\*kon.bu\*) and add strong acid in quantity (\*skyur rtsi.rnam ba.man.pos\*). Then gold will be powdered. ### [c84.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.51) 27. In this way, copper and steel (glazy iron) will be purified by acid wash. ### [c84.52](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.52) Another Method of Purifying Copper ### [c84.53](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.53) 28. Add elephant (\*glan.-chen\*) bone dust (\*rus.phye\*) ### [c84.54](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.54) with glass jewel powder (\*'chin.bui.phye.mas\*) and sprinkle for seven times the urine of goat upon these two powders. ### [c84.55](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.55) 29. Learned men know the use of copper and its process of purification. Purified copper will be used in many ways. ### [c84.56](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.56) Method of Purifying Brass ### [c84.57](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.57) 30. The method of purifying rass is to be learnt properly. The learned knows the method of making brass dust by rubbing it with salt and urine for several days. And, afterwards, put (brass dust) in three earthenware pots (\*kon.bu\*) again and again (for washing). Then brass will be purified. ### [c84.58](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.58) Method of Purifying Bell Metal ### [c84.59](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.59) 31. The method of purifying bell metal (\*'khar.pa\*) is similar to that of brass. (You) should learn that well. (According to the method of powdering) fine dusts from it will be made. ### [c84.60](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.60) Then, add salt-mixed urine with those bell metal dusts and wash the material again and again for seven times. ### [c84.61](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.61) Method of Purifying Lead ### [c84.62](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.62) 32. Put (some) lead into fire until it gets copper-like colour (\*ji.zrid sans.su ma gyur\*). When it will have copper-like colour (\*zans gzugs\*), add some brass again on it ### [c84.63](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.63) 33. The learned knows the method of purifying the compound (copper and burnt lead), when it will have some (tingling) sound (\*sgra-ldan\*). The learned purifies lead according to the \*śāstras\*. ### [c84.64](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.64) 34. By arsenic powder (\*ba.blai.phye.mas\*) which is (as strong) as burning (\*'bar.bžin\*), and \*śrīkhaṇḍa\*'s juice (\*o.mas\*) it (lead dust) will be purified by washing for a day (again and again) ### [c84.65](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.65) 35. Lead will be well purified by burning on fire, and by (arsenic compound) powder Within seven days, lead will be made pure by washing with the juice of three kinds of fruits (\*bras.bu.gsum.gyis khu.bas\*). ### [c84.66](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.66) Method of Purifying Zinc ### [c84.67](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.67) 36. The process of purifying zinc is like that of lead, with the seed of \*kunali\* and the foamy content of wine (lit flower of wine—\*can.gi me.tog.khu.da\*, it may be a sort of flower from which wine is prepared). ### [c84.68](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.68) 37 The (above mentioned) powder should be pure. Add zinc to the powder and wash repeatedly by castor oil (\*od gi blo.gros mar.khu\*), and karanja oil ('\*od ki blo gros mar khu\*—literally means enkindling oil—castor oil. It may be a kind of medicine). ### [c84.69](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.69) General Method of Purification ### [c84.70](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.70) 38. The method of purification is well described; for, many people carry out this process wrongly. Scholars know how to burn lead in fire to make it pure by (removing alloy, or) adding malt \[from which beer has been brewed (\*sban.ma\*)\]. ### [c84.71](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.71) 39. Expert people know how to extract \[\*bku\*\] by applying urine three times and by washing \[seven\] several times Thus the purification will be made. ### [c84.72](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.72) Impure Gold ### [c84.73](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.73) 40 Impure gold will be detected, as \[a piece of\] impure gold will not shine much in light. ### [c84.74](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.74) Causes of Impurity and Wastage of Gold ### [c84.75](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.75) 41. The six things are. \[a\] salt, \[b\] urine, \[c\] acid, \[d\] by putting oil, \[e\] honey, and \[f\] unguent (alloy, \*byug.pa\*). \[Glod will be discoloured by these.\] ### [c84.76](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.76) Power of Siddhas ### [c84.77](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.77) 42. The learned \[\*siddhas\*—\*dnos grub\*\] can attain accomplishment of changing iron and other metals into gold, even not by applying any methods mentioned above. ### [c84.78](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.78) Process of Making Golden Colour ### [c84.79](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.79) 43-44. Steel \[glazing\] iron \[will shine\] as gold and glitter like silver. To make the things active at first, purify the metal and then work on. Add, then \*makshika\*, salt and acid together to make the \[polish\] colour very good. \*The Mulasastra of Rasāyana ends.\* ### [c84.80](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.80) \[Note. On p. 124 of the main text reference has been made to this work under the name of Dhatuvadasastra or Dhatuvadasastrodorti. It was stated there that in view of the imperfect impressions of the xylograph belonging to the Asiatic Society of Bengal and also of that of the Calcutta University library, it had not been possible to obtain an English translation of this work. Recutly Sri Suniti Kumar Pathak of Visvabharati University, Santi-niketan, from a careful comparison of the xylographs of the Asiatic Society, Calcutta University and of the Visvabharati library has succeeded in transcribing and translating the same for us. Ed \] ### [c84.81](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84.81) This page is completely blank. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.ray-1956.c84) · Pramāṇa