Article ID: CBB217517057

Indigenous knowledge on ancient Indian alchemical alloying (2021)

unapi

In recent times, the metallic drugs synthesized through traditional Indian alchemy processes are gathering much attention owing to their therapeutic nature and physico-chemical properties. The extractive metallurgy and alloy formulation of this tradition have hardly been explored as it involves sturdy pyro-technological treatments to extract the essential medicinal properties of hard substances like minerals, metals and stones. However, through modern characterization tools, it is possible to investigate the submerged sensible patterns, and tap their new dimensions of applicability. In the present work, a critical analysis is attempted to study the materials and pyro-technological treatments followed in alloying process of Indian Alchemy. The inner crucible coatings incorporated in the ancient Indian alchemical systems are studied by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). It is found that the tradition of using materials like Borax, ghee etc., traces back to Indian philosophies of 600 BCE. Also, it is believed that they used to extract active principles from ores, minimizing their metallic dosages and without alteration in their potency for treatment. The alloys synthesized and characterized involve Au, Ag, Cu, Zn and other minerals like śilājit and svarṇamākṣika (Chalcopyrites).

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Authors & Contributors
Chattopadhyay, Pranab Kumar
Jiang, Tingyu
Jovanović, Marija
Karpenko, Vladimír
Kuzmanović-Cvetković, Julka
Li, Jianxi
Journals
Antiquity
Ziran Kexueshi Yanjiu (Studies in the History of Natural Sciences)
Ambix: Journal of the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry
Archaeometry
Guangxi Minzu Xueyuan Xuebao
Historical Records of Australian Science
Publishers
Cambridge University Press
Archaeopress
Oxbow Books
Casa de Velázquez
Concepts
Metallurgy
Metals and metallic compounds
Technology
Bronze
Artifacts
Alchemy
People
Ovid
Paterson, Mervyn
Time Periods
Ancient
Prehistory
20th century
21st century
Han dynasty (China, 202 B.C.-220 A.D.)
Zhou dynasty (China, 1122-221 B.C.)
Places
China
India
Israel
Rome (Italy)
Venezuela
Germany
Institutions
Australian National University
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