Bharat Ek Khoj – Vaigyanik
Acharya Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna was a well-known metallurgist and alchemist of the 10th century. His dedicated research for twelve years produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the faculties of chemistry and metallurgy. The main aim of his experiments was to transform base elements into gold. But even though he was not successful in his goal, he succeeded in making an element with gold-like shine. Till date, this technology is used in making imitation jewellery.
In his research book, Rasaratnakara, he has discussed methods for the extraction of metals like gold, silver, tin and copper. Nagarjuna was the first to use mercury and Kharpar (antimony) as medicine, making them insoluble. He found five types of mercury. As the author of medical books like “Arogyamanjari” and “Yogasar,” he also made significant contributions to the field of curative medicine. Because of his versatile knowledge, he was appointed as Chancellor of the famous University of Nalanda.
-Dr Shobha Tawade
Team, ScienceNow Digital
