A History of Hindu Chemistry, vol. 1

Materia medica pharmacology; the study of medicinal substances has also found, in Udoy Chand Dutt, an able exponent. One branch, however, has until this time remained entirely neglected—namely, chemistry. Indeed, it may be assumed that on account of its complex and technical nature, it has hitherto repelled investigators.

The progress of chemical knowledge among the ancient nations has always had a fascination for me. The classical works of Thomson, Hoefer, and Kopp have been my favorite companions for the last twelve years and more. In the course of my studies in this field, I was naturally led to an inquiry into the exact position which India occupies therein; and with this view, I undertook a systematic examination, from the chemical standpoint, of the Charaka An foundational text on Ayurveda., the Susruta An ancient Sanskrit text on medicine and surgery., and the various standard works of the Ayurvedic and Iatro-chemical relating to the application of chemistry to medicine periods, which have escaped the ravages of time. It was at this stage that I was brought into communication with M. Berthelot Marcellin Berthelot (1827–1907), a famous French chemist and historian of science. some five years ago—a circumstance which has proved to be a turning point, if I may so say, in my career as a student of the history of chemistry. The illustrious French savant, the Doyen dean; the most respected or senior member of the chemical world, who has done more than any other person to clear up the sources and trace the progress of chemical science in the West, expressed a strong desire to know all