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In view of the growing popularity of Ayurveda in India and abroad, there is a growing demand from students, teachers and research workers for books on different aspects of this unique system of Life-Science in a non-technical and easily understandable language, particularly in English. Alchemy (transmutation of ordinary mercury into gold, etc.), which is considered to be a myth in the West was in practice in this county much before 5th cent. B.C. and it was practically demonstrated in Delhi in the presence of some leading personalities only a few years back. Metals and minerals which are very toxic when taken internally in unprocessed form, are made absolutely non-toxic and therapeutically very potent. A killer-poison is covered into a healer nectar by special processes and these processed metals and minerals and their preparations are used by Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of diseases with absolute confidence since thousands of years. Unlike some of the synthetic and so-called wonder drugs of the present day, the Ayurvedic metallic preparations have no undetected slow poisoning effect. Instead of side (toxic) effects, these metallic preparations produce side benefits. While they cure some of the obstinate and otherwise incurable diseases, they rejuvenate the body and promote longevity. Thus, these are useful for both patients healthy persons. This book describes details of the methods prescribed in texts and followed by manufacturers as well as physicians for processing the metals and minerals including gems, jewels and poisonous vegetable products along with the basic Physico-Chemical as well as Philosophical concepts for these students, teachers, scientists and intellectuals. About the Author Vaidya Bhagwan Dash has had an outstandingly brilliant academic career. He holds a Master's degree and a doctorate from Delhi University in addition to postgraduate qualifications in Ayurveda. A Sanskrit scholar, he handles the English language with equal felicity. A significant advantage to his propensity for research in Ayurveda is Dr. Dash's proficiency in Tibetan, German, French and Mongolian. In the course of nearly twenty-five years dedicated to research in and the practice of Ayurveda, Dr. Dash has attended several important conferences and seminars both in India and abroad. He has also contributed innumerable articles to reputed national and international journals in deology, medicine and science. The author of many important publications covering several aspects of Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine, he has to his credit three volumes of an English translation of Caraka Samhita, the ancient Ayurveda classic. He was recently on a short-term assignment as WHO Consultant in Traditional Medicine to the Government of Bhutan. He was working as Deputy Adviser (Ayurveda) to the Government of India in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare till 31 May 1981, when he took voluntary retirement with a view to enable him to devote more time academic and research work. He is the recipient of Gold medal of the presidency of the Italian Republic, Senate, Chamber of Deputies and Cabinets, awarded by the Pio Monzu Centre on the recommendation of the Centre's Scientific committee.