(History and Chronological Development of “Rasashastra” The word “Rasashastra” literally means the “Science of Mercury”. It is a specialized branch of Ayurveda dealing mainly with materials which are known as ‘Rasa dravyas’. Pharmacopoeia of ‘Ayurveda’ comprises of drugs derived not only from herbs but also from minerals, metals and animal products. According to the principles of ‘Ayurveda’, there is not a single substance in the Universe which does not have a potential to be used as a drug, provided it is used judiciously by the physician where it is required. In ‘Rasashastra’ the term rasa is indicative of ‘parade’ (mercury). (Its symbol is Hg , Atomic weight 200.6 ; specific gravity 13.6 and boiling point 357 *C ) It is capable of digesting other metals and minerals that come in ...