[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.seal-1915) › c4.s2.26 # The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c4.s2.26 The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c4.s2.26 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s2.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.seal-1915.c4.s2.26) The \*Rasaratna-samuchchaya\* divides the mineral kingdom (Earth substances, simple and compound) into the following classes: (1) The eight Rasas: mica, pyrites, bitumen, blue vitriol, calamine, etc. (2) The eight Uparasas (useful in operations of mercury): sulphur, red ochre, green vitriol, alum, orpiment, realgar, collyrium, and medicinal earth, to which may be added the eight Sádhárana Rasas, sal-ammoniac, cowrie, cinnabar, rock vermilion, etc. (3) The gems diamond, emerald, sapphire, cat's-eye, sun-stone, moon-stone, pearl, etc. (4) The metals gold, silver, iron, copper, lead, tin, and the alloys brass and bell-metal. Other Earth substances are six salts, three alkalis, mineral earths, and several poisons. - [Previous: c4.s2.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.seal-1915.c4.s2.25) - [Next: c4.s2.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.seal-1915.c4.s2.27) - [Up: c4.s2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.seal-1915.c4.s2) ## Cites (1) - [Rasaratnasamuccaya](https://indike.org/pramana/in.med.rasa.samuccaya.pramukha.rasaratnasamuccaya) — Vāgbhaṭa (alchemist), Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.seal-1915.c4.s2.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.seal-1915.c4.s2.26) · Pramāṇa