Part 1 - Characteristics of Lead (sisaka)

Its properties.

(1) The properties of lead (sisaka) are similar to those of tin. It is especially efficacious in diseases affecting the semen. It is bitter and sweet in taste.

(2) When incinerated, it increases longevity, semen, power of digestion of food, and procreative energy, if taken regularly and for a long time.

(3) Lead produces a very hot sensation in the system. It is soothing, bitter in taste, destroyer of vayu, kapha, prameha, and rheumatism, and increaser of power of digestion.

(4) Lead is bitter and sweet in taste. It is a good dyer of silver. By constant use, it increases memory, longevity, and semen.

(6) Lead, incinerated in the best way prescribed, is efficacious in phthisis, diseases due to vayu, gulma, anemia, giddiness, worms, colic due to an excess of phlegm, spermatorrhoea, chronic diarrhoea, diseases affecting the rectum, and loss of the power of digestion. It also serves as an aphrodisiac.

Test of lead free from alloy.

Lead is to be regarded free from alloy, if it melts quickly, weighs heavy, and presents a black and bright sectional surface at the place where it is cut into two pieces.