IKS Series : Book-7  

Chemistry and Metallurgy in Ancient Indian Thought

Chapter-1: Introduction to Sāṅkhya-Pātañjala System 

Explores the foundational principles of Prakṛti as the root cause of matter, its original constituents, and dynamic interactions in ancient Indian philosophy, emphasizing material evolution.

Chapter-2: Conservation of Energy in Sāṅkhya 

Discusses the eternal preservation of energy within Prakṛti, highlighting how it remains constant despite transformations, aligning with ancient views on cosmic balance.

Chapter-3: Transformation of Energy 

Examines processes where energy shifts forms within the Sāṅkhya framework, illustrating cycles of manifestation and absorption in material phenomena.

Chapter-4: Doctrine of Causation 

Analyzes satkāryavāda, the theory that effects pre-exist in causes, applied to chemical changes and material evolutions in Indian thought.

Chapter-5: Principle of Collocation and Energy Storage 

Covers the assembly of elements for energy storage, including mechanisms for accumulation and controlled release in Prakṛti's interactions.

Chapter-6: Liberation and Dissipation of Energy 

Details the release and scattering of energy, leading to dissolution of forms back into undifferentiated Prakṛti, with philosophical implications.

Chapter-7: Evolution of Matter 

Traces the sequential emergence of gross matter from subtle Prakṛti, integrating Sāṅkhya's evolutionary model with chemical perspectives.

Chapter-8: Infra-Atomic Units and Their Evolution 

Focuses on the development of sub-atomic particles as building blocks, exploring their role in forming complex structures in ancient theories.

Chapter-9: Chemical Analysis and Synthesis 

Outlines methods for breaking down and recombining substances, drawing from Sāṅkhya-Pātañjala insights into elemental interactions.

Chapter-10: Elements and Compounds in Ancient Chemistry 

Describes classification of basic elements (bhūtas) and their compounds, including properties and formations in medical and philosophical contexts.

Chapter-11: Chemistry in Ancient Indian Medical Schools 

Examines physical traits of mahābhūtās, mechanical mixtures, and emergent qualities in compounds as per Āyurvedic traditions.

Chapter-12: Molecular Properties in Chemical Compounds 

Investigates how atomic combinations yield new properties, with emphasis on color chemistry and sensory attributes in Indian systems.

Chapter-13: Measures in Ancient Chemistry 

Covers standards for weight, capacity, and the size of the minimum visible particle, essential for precise chemical practices.

Chapter-14: Pañcīkaraṇa: Vedantic Evolution of Matter 

Explains the quintuplication process where elements intermingle to form diverse matter, from a Vedāntic cosmological viewpoint.

Chapter-15: Atomic Theories in Buddhism and Jainism 

Compares momentary atoms in Buddhist thought and eternal atoms in Jainism, contrasting with other Indian chemical philosophies.

Chapter-16: Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika Chemical Theory 

Details atomic combinations, dynamic contacts like viṣṭambha, molecular motion (parispanda), and graphical representations of compounds in this school.

Professional Note

Authors may submit chapters other than those listed above, provided the proposed chapter aligns with the overall theme and objectives of the book.