Page:A History of Hindu Chemistry Vol 1.djvu/179

Rh "At the outset, however, we shall say something referring to the diversity of objects (which are the refuse of the tastes). All objects are the results of the combinations of five primal elements (viz., Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether or Space). As regards Medical Science, object are of two kinds, viz., those endowed with animation and those that are inanimate. The attributes which inhere in objects are sound, &c., heaviness &c., ending with solubility."

We now quote only a few typical instances of mineral and metallic preparations.

"The five kinds of salts viz., sauvarchala, saindhava, vit, audbhida, with sāmudra." [See Index under the respective headings].

"Sulphate of copper, sulphate of iron, realgar, orpiment and sulphur in combination with vegetable drugs are prescribed for external application in ringworm, eczema, leprosy, &c.,"