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VII.] their own method of prolonging life to a wonderful extent by regulating their breathing. By a careful attention to the rules of conduct, diet, and ways of thought, as well as by the adoption of certain postures for restraining their inspirations and expirations, the Yogis are said to enjoy perfect health and happiness. They no doubt make use of certain medicinal drugs to stave off hunger and thirst without detriment to their health, and knowing its marvellous powers they now and then have occasion to use Parada (Mercury) during their austere practice. Sulphur being an indispensable ingredient in the preparation of the drug, Paracelsus is right in alluding to "a potion of sulphur and quicksilver." This "Luther Alter," as he is called, nourished in the sixteenth century, and had himself great faith in mercury, and his principal mixture w T as styled "Mercurius Vitae." To mercury, when freed of all traces of lead, tin and other impurities, is ascribed the virtue of curing eighteen kinds of leprosy, eye diseases, fevers and impotency, and it is further credited with the power of prolonging life. As a therapeutic agent it is believed to be matchless.

Medicines prepared from the vegetable, animal,