Alchemy and Metallic Medicines in Ayurveda
author: Vaidya Bhagwan Dash
edition: 2003, Concept Publishing Company
pages: 236
language: English
ISBN-10: 8170220777
ISBN-13: 9788170220770
Topic: Rasashastra
Summary: This book details on the utility of metals and minerals as explained in the branch of Ayurveda dealing with Medicinal alchemy (Rasashastra). Starting with details regarding its origin, history and development, the remaining chapters deal with the physico-chemical elements, treatment of mercury, recipes for day-to-day practices and much more.
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Introduction:
In view of the growing popularity of Ayurveda in India and abroad, there is a growing demand from students, teachers and research workers for books on different aspects of this unique system of Life-Science in a non-technical and easily understandable language, particularly in English. Alchemy (transmutation of ordinary mercury into gold, etc.), Which is considered to be a myth in the West was in practice in this country much before 5th cent. B.C. and it was practically demonstrated in Delhi in the presence of some leading personalities only a few years back. Metals and Minerals which are very toxic when taken internally in unprocessed form, are made absolutely non-toxic and therapeutically very potent. A killer-poison is converted into a healer nectar by special processes and these processed metals and minerals and their preparations are used by Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of diseases with absolute confidence since thousands of years. Unlike some of the synthetic and so-called wonder drugs of the present day, the Ayurvedic metallic preparations have no undetected slow poisoning effect. Instead of side (toxic) effects, these metallic preparations produce side benefits. While they cure some of the obstinate and otherwise incurable and promote longevity. Thus, these are useful for both patients and healthy persons.This book describes details of the methods prescribed in texts and followed by manufactures as well as physicians for processing the metals and minerals including gems, jewels and poisonous vegetable products along with the basic Physico-Chemical as well as Philosophical concepts for these students, teachers, scientists and intellectuals.
Available pages:
[About the Author (Vaidya Bhagwan Dash)]
[Preface]
[Introduction]
[Introduction (2): Superiority of Mineral Drugs]
[Introduction (3): Distinctive Features]
[Introduction (4): Purpose of processing]
Contents of this online book (index):
The full text of the Alchemy and Metallic Medicines in Ayurveda in English can be quickly summarized in the following table of contents. Becaue these pages are not available to read online, I would recommend you buy the book.
Chapter I: Historical Background of Rasasastra [link]
Chapter II: Physico-Chemical and Philosophical Concepts [link]
Chapter III: Rasa and Rasasala [link]
Chapter IV: Parada (Mercury) [link]
Chapter V: Popularly used Mercurial Preparations [link]
Chapter VI: Processing Other Metals and Minerals [link]
Chapter VII: Gems and Jewels [link]
Chapter VIII: Animal Products and Silajatu [link]
Chapter IX: Poisonous Vegetable Products [link]
Paribhasa (Glossary of Technical Terms) [link]
Equipments and Implements used in Rasa Sastra [link]