Part 1 - Characteristics of Copper (tamra)

Copper (tamra) is of two kinds, viz. that which is found in Nepal, and that which is found elsewhere. The copper found in Nepal is the better of the two. The second kind of copper is known by the name of “mlechha” copper.

Copper of the first kind is very smooth, soft, red, malleable, heavy, incapable of losing its properties by the application of heat, and has excellent properties. Copper of the second class (i.e., mlechha copper) is red with white or black tints, is hard, causes vomiting in excess, and assumes a black appearance even when washed off,

Characteristics of bad copper.

The copper which is pale, blackish red, light, full of cracks, coarse, and consists of layers should not be used In mercurial operations and medicines.

Characteristics of good copper.

Good copper is red as jaba flower; is soft and soothing, malleable, and free from iron and lead: such a copper should be used for incineration. For the purpose of incineration, Nepal copper is to be used. Other copper may also be used, if properly freed from alloy. In the absence of absolutely pure copper, the expert physician should make use of the essence cf tutthaka (this essence being no other than absolutely pure copper),

Properties of copper.

Copper is astringent, sweet and bitter, but sour and pungent, when digested in the stomach. It is a purgative. It pacifies pitta and phlegm, is cool, heals boils, carbuncles, etc., is light, and cures obesity; it also cures the following diseases:—anemia, udara, piles, fever, leprosy, cough, asthma, phthisis, pinasa, dyspepsia with acidity, dropsy, worms, colic, obesity, poison, and eye diseases.

Evil properties of copper, not duly purified and incinerated.

Copper (tamra), not duly purified and incinerated, impairs longevity, beauty, semen, and strength. It also gives rise to vomiting, loss of consciousness, nausea, leprosy, and colic.