Rasaprakāśasudhākara

There are twelve faults; if they are not removed by the twice-born brahmin/initiated physicians, there is no success in mercury, and they are otherwise like death. (30)

Therefore, the removal of faults should be performed by the best physicians.

Steaming (Svedana)

Then, perform the steaming process properly on an auspicious day. (31)

The steaming of mercury should be performed by experts in a dolayantra swinging apparatus. Alkalis and acids, along with the five-plant group (padupanchaka). (32)

Also trikatu three pungents and triphala three fruits, accompanied by leadwort (chitrakam). Grind them all with flowers of vitriol and Saurashtra-earth. (33)

The medicines should be in equal parts, one-eighth the weight of the mercury. Having made a blind crucible (andhamusha), put the mercury inside. (34)

Wrap it with a three-layered cloth and birch bark. Having tied the mercury-pouch with a cord to a piece of wood. (35)

Hanging in a pot filled with fermented gruel water, steam it well for three days. This is called steaming. (36)

Grinding (Mardana)

Now, the grinding process, by which mercury becomes purest. I shall explain it truthfully and in detail. (37)

Grind the mercury in a mortar for three days. I shall now state the dimensions of the mortar. (38)

The circumference is sixteen fingers; its height is nine fingers. In width, make it six fingers deep. (39)

The neck width should be three fingers, and the middle should be made very smooth. The grinder pestle should be semi-circular and ten fingers long. (40)

Five palas a unit of weight of mercury should be purified in it by the best physicians. Grind it with the steaming medicines and fermented gruel. (41)

This is the certain method for the best of mercury to destroy external impurities. Wash it afterwards with warm fermented gruel water. (42)

Swooning (Murchana)

After this, I shall speak of the swooning of mercury. Swooning destroys faults and destroys the seven husks. (43)

Svarjika natron and yavashuka barley alkali, and the five-plant group. Grind all the acid medicines with mercury. (44)

Grind in a mortar for three days until it loses its form. This is called swooning here. (45)

It attains purity and the knots the bonding of faults/husks are broken.

Raising (Utthapana)

Now, the raising process of mercury by the best physicians. (46)