Significance of Patanayantra
Patanayantra, as described in Rasashastra, serves two primary functions. First, it refers to a vessel meant to hold water alongside another vessel of a precise size for mercury containment, sealed with a unique cement. Secondly, Patanayantra is an apparatus created specifically for the sublimation of mercury, playing a vital role in the utthapana process. This dual functionality highlights the importance of Patanayantra in the practices surrounding mercury in traditional sciences.
In Dutch: Patanayantra; In Finnish: Patanayantra; In Spanish: Patanayantra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Patanayantra'
Patanayantra in Hinduism is interpreted as a specialized apparatus for sublimating mercury, featuring a water vessel and a precisely sized mercury vessel sealed with a unique cement blend, integral to the utthapana process.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) An apparatus specifically designed for the sublimation of mercury, utilized in the utthapana process.[1] (2) A vessel designed to contain water and another vessel of a specific diameter and height to contain mercury, sealed with a cement made from buffalo’s milk, iron, and treacle.[2]
The concept of Patanayantra in local and regional sources
Patanayantra is an essential distillation appliance highlighted in regional sources and illustrated in the Haft ahbab, showcasing its significance in traditional methods of extracting substances through distillation processes.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is an appliance for distillation, and is depicted in drawings from the Haft ahbab.[3]