Part 3 - Construction of a Laboratory

The proper place for a laboratory is a wide and beautiful garden, with all sorts of medicinal plants grown there-in, in a beautiful town where the images of the Deities, Hara and Gauri (Shiva and Shiva) are worshipped, and where there is nothing to fear from cheats, ignorant people, thieves etc. The laboratory should be freed from all sorts of disturbances, should have a sufficient, number of doors and windows, and should be within the reach of a sufficient supply of pure water. It is in such a place that the intelligent should carry on their metallurgical operations in seclusion. On the eastern side of the laboratory.should be erected what is called a Rasamandapa (i.e., a big hall for the Storing of metals), which should be furnished with a sufficient number of doors and windows, and should have a sufficient quantity of daylight entering^; Into it. The floor of this hall should be very plain, strong as stone, and clear as quartz. In the midst of this hall should be erected a platform or dais with its best characteristics, in which is to be placed a Phallic emblem of God, made of mercury, which should be worshipped by the adept, in accordance with the procedure laid down in the sacred books (and with special reference to the instructions given below).