A Text Book of Rasashastra- The Mystical Science of Alchemy

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We have been extremely grateful to students and teachers for giving the encouraging response to our book. When we started working on publishing an update to the first edition within one year of the publication, we thought that we would correct the mistakes that were left in the first edition, but gradually, we realized that some topics needed update and some topics could be explained in better ways. Hence, this second edition has given us the opportunity to explore those topics.

In the first edition, though we focused more on the illustration of Rasa Mandapa, Yantra, Puta, Moosha and Koshthi, the description related to instruments like, Hot plate, Heating Mantle, Induction stove and Hot air oven and that were our unique contribution, regrettably those were not clearly visible in the printing. Hence, the most perceptible changes in this edition are adopting the new format and graphical presentation of some topics, so as to make it more effective for the scholars to understand the topics. Apart from this outlook of the book and minor corrections, we have made the following changes and updates :

• The chronology of text has changed in the chapter, History of Rasashastra', whereby we have added the description of Rasendra Chintamani and updated the description of Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India (API) and Drugs & Cosmetics Acts 1940.

• the schematic presentation of work distribution according to direction in Rasashala has been added.

• The references of the text Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya in all Moosha are added,including the additional information of Vajra Moosha for better understanding of the topic.

• The description of instruments such as Hot plate, Heating Mantle, Induction stove and Hot air oven are briefed in the chapter Koshihi.

• The list of Parada Ashtadasha Samskara found in different texts is revised.

• Elucidation of each Rasadravya is provided as per CCIM syllabus and all the pharmaceutical.

processes like Shodhana, Marana, Satvapatana etc is elaborated in easy way for explanation.

• Slight modifications are done in the formulations chapter.

Metals and minerals are the integral part of Ayurvedic therapeutics and are being used since ages to provide desired therapeutic effects in specific disease conditions. In Ayurveda, the art of using such metals and minerals is discussed under the heading of Rasashastra. This branch of science exclusively deals with different aspects of metals and minerals including their origin, varieties, characteristics (for identification of a best variety), processing techniques, properties, therapeutic applications, information on possibilities of developing adverse effects and their management etc. in a comprehensive way.

Though, they are being practiced successfully in different pathological manifestations without any noticeable toxic effects, use of metals and minerals in Ayurvedic drugs remains a most controversial issue for the followers of western medicine. These concerns are not always true. Mere presence of metal in a formulation will not develop adverse effects. Judicious administration considering all variants as explained in Ayurveda determines the benefit or otherwise. Pioneers of Ayurveda have considered in detail about the possible ways by which untoward effects can occur and provided all guidelines to avoid such occurrences.

Prior to internal administration, the metals and minerals are to be passed through a set of classical procedures like Shodhana and Marana etc. that make them bio-compatible, remove toxic potentials and impart the therapeutic efficacy.

**Contents and Sample Pages**