History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India. Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry.
Calcutta, India: Indian Chemical Society, 1956. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Large octavo. xix, (ii), map, 494pp. Black textured cloth with gilt title, etc. to spine, b&w illustrations, fold-out, indexes. The first edition of this history of Hindu chemistry, from prehistory to the early 1800s, with appendicies of Sanskrit and Tibetan texts. Chapter headings: PREHISTORIC INDIA; Pre-Harappan Period; Indus Valley Civilization; VEDIC AND AYURVEDIC PERIOD; Vedic Period; The Constitution and Properties of Matter: Atomic Theory; Chemistry in Kautilya; Chemistry In The Charaka And The Susruta; Chemistry in the Bower Manuscript; Chemistry in the Vagbhata; Chemistry ion Practical Arts; TRANSITIONAL PERIOD: Vrinda and Chakrapani; TANTRIC PERIOD: A General Survey; Rasaratnakara of Nagarjuna; Chemistry in Rasarnava; Chemistry in Sarvesvararasayana; Chemistry in Dhatuvada; Chemistry in Rasahridaya of Bhikshu Govinda; Chemistry in Kakachanesvarinata Tantra; Chemistry in Rasendrachudamoni of Somadeva; Chemistry in Rasaprakasasudhakara of Yosodhara; Chemistry in Rasachintamani of Madanantadeva; Chemistry in Rasakalpa; IATROCHEMICAL PERIOD: A General Survey; Chemistry in Rasaratnasamuchchaya; Other Treatise; Notes of the Minerals, Gems, Salts etc; CHEMISTRY IN PRACTICAL ARTS (II): Metallurgy and working of Metals; Gun powder, Saltpetre, The Mineral Acids, Alum; Paper, Ink, Soap, Cosmetics etc; Conclusion:- Decline of Scientific Spirit in India; APPENDIX: The Physicochemical Theories of the Ancient Hindus; SANSKRIT TEXTS; TIBETAN TEXTS. Scattered light marks to rear board, corners and spine ends lightly bruised and rubbed, page edges darkened, front endpapers a bit discoloured. Overall a tight, unmarked VG+ copy in VG dust jacket (Dust jacket spine darkened, a bit chafed and chipped at corners and spine ends, small chip at mid-spine, not clipped). Item #63079
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