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Chemistry in Rasaratnasamuchchaya (1300 AD to 1550 AD); from Acharya Prafulla Ray’s A History of Hindu Chemistry.

Extracts from Book VI.
INITIATION INTO DISCIPLESHIP

[This chapter is full of directions for the mystic Tantric rites after the performance of which the pupil is to be initiated into the secrets of mercurial lore.]

The instructor must be wise, experienced, well-versed in chemical processes, devoted to Siva, and his consort Parvati, sober and patient. The pupil should be full of reverence for his teacher, wellbehaved, truthful, hard-working, obedient, free from pride and conceit and strong in faith.

Chemical operations are to be performed under the auspices of a ruler, who is God-fearing, who worships Siva and Parvati and whose territory is free from anarchy; and the Laboratory, to be erected in the depth of a forest, should be spacious, furnished with 4 doors and adorned with the portraits of the Gods.