Scientific Thoughts of India Series Book 3 - Chemistry

Introduction India is the land of Vedas. Here flourished philosophy, art, literature and science. The last one, science in India is less known to others. During the ancient period India was supreme in scientific knowledge. Innumerable scientific facts and theo- ries spread over in philosophical and literary works. Let me take one drop from the ocean to substantiate. The concept of number-line is seen in Sankara's commentary on brhadaaranyaka upanishath. Different atmospheric layers and their varying power of refraction of light are given in the drama, sakuntalam of Kalidasa. Rising of freezing point on lowering the pressure, concept of escalator etc. are seen in Meghasandesa of kalidasa. All these are in the medium of Sanskrit. Only Sanskrit scholars can reach there. Disciples of philosophy are interested only in philosophical aspects of the granthas. Similar is the case with literature also. For under- standing the scientific aspects in these works the reader must have a scientific aptitude and scientific attitude. This is the reason why common readers nowadays are unaware of science scattered in the works of literature and philosophy. In ancient times the level of scientific awareness was high for the people. This may be the reason for including scientific principles in literature and philosophy when it becomes apt and necessary.

**Contents and Sample Pages**