Introduction

“Salutations to the God of Mercury, who is all pervading, the only cause of hit ion and dissolution and because of whom the universe exists.”

Each substance in this universe endeavors to metamorphose qualitatively. this effort, man too, specially endowed with the sense of discrimination — Riddhi, naturally stands out. This development pertains to all aspects of life, in chiding health. Since health is a prime requirement for achieving any means, he b1, for this purpose, started making use of mother nature. Thus many “paths” save evolved with respect to time and space and have become popular. In spite of the difference in these paths, all of them have two fundamental principles in common (i.e) — removal of the disease and preservation of health. Normally quick removals of disease and permanent up keeping of health have always held import3nce. This was not possible with ordinary health and Medical systems, thus necessitating the discovery of a better system which could successfully serve this purpose.

This search has ended with the advent of Mercurial System. In text books of Rasa Sastra, it is mentioned that this science has its roots with Lord Siva and his negate. The very thought inculcates undeterred dedication and devotion towards system. Thus treatment with Mercurial has been considered as — “Divine Therapy”. Everybody, irrespective of such beliefs, have doubtlessly agreed upon the fast, gentle and permanent curing capacity of these drugs.

“Though the writing of books on Rasasastra had started during 7th, 8th Century A.D.; it dates back to antiquity. This is evident by the references we come roses in Vocalic, Brãhmaza, Smrti and Samhitã literature. During 12th century A.D., Rasa.ãstra enjoyed the highest popularity, resulting in numerous books being written in this century. and afterwards — being replete with drugs, of mercurial kingdom. At present, every ayurvedic physician invariably uses rasa drugs. Modern medical system has been fear — stricken by this system, since Mercury, Arsenic and other heavy metals are freely used.

These drugs are not used as such in the body. Purification, subjecting to various processes, incineration etc... arc done to these materials to remove the toxicity, added with other herbal drugs and are given in a dose which is homologous to the diseased and the disease. Therefore there is no question of side-effects/bad effects, as feared by modern physicians.

Higher learning centers like, The Gujarat Ayurveda University —Jamnagar, Banaras Hindu University — Varanasi and many other P.G. Centers of Rasasastra (like P.G. Department of Rasasastra — Dr. N. R. S. Government Ayurveda College - Vijayawada), have been striving hard to clear the doubts raised by the modern counter-parts with respect to drug safety and efficacy. It is expected that such endeavors be encouraged further and these medicines are popularized in the interest of every body’s health, since Rasagastra alone has the capacity to give befitting solutions to the health challenges, arising time and again. Training in rasagástra has been institutionalized, with the establishment of CCIM (Central Council of Indian Medicine) and specific curriculum has also been developed which has gone through various changes.

When I requested Dr. Namburi Hanumantha Rao to write his opinion on the Telugu version of this book (Published in 1997), he has, with a forethought, suggested to bring it out in English also, since the subject and the presentation were lucid in Telugu version. It took almost more than a decade to complete this Herculean task.

I will be very happy, if this fulfills the much felt need of — effective teaching aids in Ayurveda especially in Rasasastra and helps the Students, Scholars, Scientists and Teachers of Rasasastra, in taking the subject to their minds.

What is unique about this work is, apart from lucidity, inclusion of pottali kalpana with original versification on pottali, appendices on modern analytical methods and values, Namboori Phased spot test (NPST), guidelines for manufacture of Ayurvedic medicines, along with good manufacturing practices (GMP) and list of dissertations and theses of Post Graduate and Ph.D, Scholars (to the possible extent).

It is expected that the experts would scan this book diligently and give suggestions which will be carried out in the editions to come.

In the service of the super cosmic, ‘Parabrahma’ and his rays — the human race.