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108<br />
Diagram of an astronomical<br />
computation. Rajasthan, c. 18th<br />
century. Ink and colour on paper.<br />
Different systems of Indian thought, then, developed various<br />
theories of the origin, constitution and structure of matter. This<br />
diversity contributed significantly to the work of constructing<br />
scientific concepts which were freely applied to the methods of<br />
investigation of the material universe and in the development of<br />
such disciplines as, among others, chemistry, alchemy and<br />
medicine.<br />
Alchemy<br />
Alchemy and medicine originated as necessary aids to the<br />
fulfilment of spiritual objectives. The chief pursuit of alchemy,<br />
besides transmutations of substances, was to preserve the vital elixir<br />
of life and thus effect a state of physical balance and immutable<br />
duration, so that all the energies of the body were unified. In<br />
addition, the psychic changes following the intake of alchemical<br />
preparations were not induced for their own sake but for higher<br />
spiritual goals.<br />
Hindu alchemy can be traced back to the Vedic period. The Rig<br />
Veda describes the Soma Rasa, or the juice of the Soma plant, as<br />
amrita, which is akin to the Greek ambrosia. In spite of the<br />
divergence of views as to the attributes and properties of Soma, it is<br />
generally agreed that it must have been an extremely potent<br />
euphoriant. Authorities agree that it was a milky climbing plant,<br />
most probably Asclepias Acida or Ephedra or a type of uncultivated<br />
vine. For the extraction of juice, Soma herbs were<br />
crushed between two stones or pounded in a mortar; the extracted<br />
liquid was then filtered through sheep's wool and subsequently<br />
mixed with milk, butter or honey. The texts describe its reaction<br />
on the body as no less than a 'roar of a bull'. Soma was an<br />
inexhaustible source of strength and vitality: it increased sexual<br />
energy, stimulated speech and possessed healing properties.<br />
Though alchemical knowledge was widely cultivated in ancient<br />
India, it reached its zenith in the tantric renaissance period (AD<br />
700-AD 1300). The tantrikas intimately understood the body and<br />
its cosmic affinities; they were well aware of the various techniques<br />
of attuning the body by the use of mercury, medicaments,<br />
breathing exercises and helio-therapeutic meditation.<br />
Alchemical experiments were concerned mainly with the<br />
reduction of elements and their use in their primary forms. There<br />
is, it was believed, an original stuff, or ultimate substance, out of<br />
which the whole universe has been formed. This primal element<br />
could be reduced or precipitated as powder - the ash form of