36 SANSKRIT MATERIA MEfctCA. 



diseases. Two other forms of tins medicine in common use are 

 called Shadgnna balijdrita rasa sindura and Svarna sindura 



respectively. 



Shadgnna balijdrita rasa sindura is tlius prepared. Take of 

 mercury and sulphur equal parts, and prepare Rasa sindura as 

 already described by sublimation in a glass bottle. On tlie 

 second day, mix this Rasa sindura with an equal quantity of 

 sulphur and again sublime the compound. Repeat the process 

 in this way, six times. This preparation is considered superior 

 to the ordinary Rasa sindura. 



Svarna sindura 1 is thus prepared. Take of line leaf gold one 

 tola, purified mercury eight tolas, mix together by rubbing in a 

 mortar, add twelve tolas of sulphur and again rub together, till 

 the mass is of a dark colour. Sublime in a glass bottle on the 

 sand-bath. The three forms of Rasa sindura above mentioned 

 are said to cure all sorts of diseases, but are particularly used in 

 chronic fever, catarrh and cough of children, mental and bodily 

 debility, anaemia etc. 



Mercury i3 used in syphilis both externally and internally, 

 Syphilis and its treatment by mercury are described only in 

 recent compilations, such as the Bhavaprak'tsa. The following 

 are a few illustrations of its use in this disease. 



SaptasdU vati? Take of mercury and catechu each half a toh'i 

 pellitory root one tola, honey one and a half tote. Ruh together 

 till the globules of mercury disappear, and divide into seven 

 pills or boluses. One pill is administered every morning with 



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