Page:A History of Hindu Chemistry Vol 1.djvu/118

 those institutions which are now called dispensaries.'

We have only to refer our reader to the chapter on the preparation of caustic alkali, in the Susruta, with the direction that the strong lye is to be "preserved in an iron vessel," as a proof of the high degree of perfection in scientific pharmacy achieved by the Hindus at an early age (p. 37). It is absolutely free from any trace of quackery or charlatanism, and is a decided improvement upon the process described by a Greek writer of the IXth century, as unearthed by M. Berthelot. As regards dispensaries and hospitals, every one knows that Budhistic India was studded with them (vide p. xxxii).

Speaking of the progress of chemistry in Europe in the XVIth century, Prof. Schorlemmer remarks:—

"Up to the XVIth century almost the sole object of chemical research had been to find the