lime; it is more than probable that the Hindoos were not 
ignorant of the process, as directions are given in their 
writings for obviating the effects, when too powerful, of the 
caustics made from these salts. From Dr. Ainslie, we learn 
that a formula is contained in their works (of the date of 
which I am ignorant) for making ammonia, which the 
Tamools call navachara acranum, and the Dukhunees 
AiSj-j soongneh, evidently derived from soongna, to smell. 
Dr. Ainslie informs us, that it is prescribed only as a local 
stimulant to the nose, in languors, fainting fits, and 
hysterics.* 
The acids, also, which Geber has noticed, are found in 
Hindoo works, though I am unacquainted with the dates 
when these were written; but the differences in the processes 
indicate independence of investigation, if not of origin. 
Vinegar was known in very ancient times; but Sulphuric 
acid, which Geber obtained by distilling alum with a strong 
heat ; the Tamool Vytians (physicians) prepare by burning 
sulphur with a small portion of nitre, in strong earthen 
vessels, and call Gunduk ha alter, essence of sulphur. 
Nitric acid, which Geber called dissolving water, and made 
by putting into an alembic lbj of sulphate of iron of 
Cyprus, ^lb. of saltpetre, and £lb. of alum of Jumani 
(Yemeni ?), the Hindoos prepare by mixing together salt- 
petre, alum, and a portion of the liquor wrung out of cloths, 
spread over plants of Cicer arietinum (the chick pea or 
common gram of India). When the cloths become moistened 
by the deposition of dew, they more readily absorb the 
acid (or acidulous salt), which the plants secrete so abun- 
dantly on the surface of their leaves and shoots, and which 
* The process adopted by the Hindoos, as given by Dr. Ainslie (Mat. 
Med. of India, I. p. 367) for making ammonia, is the following : — Take of 
navacharum (sal ammoniac) one pollum, simie chunamboo (chalk) two 
pollums ; dry the two ingredients carefully, then mix them and sublime 
with a strong heat. 
