Sisaka. Vern. Sisά.

Lead is produced abundantly in India in the shape of the sulphide called galena. Galena is sold in the bazars under the name of surma, and is much used by the natives as a collyrium.

The red oxide of lead, or minium, was manufactured by the ancient Hindoos. It is known by the name of sindura, and is used by all married Hindu women as a paint for the forehead. Litharge or massicot, called murdasang in Hindustani, has no proper Sanskrit name and was unknown to the ancients. In some recent compilations it is occasionally introduced as a component of some compound preparations. Carbonate of lead, called safeda, now common in the bazars and extensively used as a paint, is not mentioned by the ancient writers. The name saffedά is of Persian origin, and the article itself is an imported one.

Lead is purified and reduced to powder in the same way as tin. Lead thus prepared is a gritty powder of a greyish red colour. Chemically it is an impure carbonate of lead. Its properties are said to be similar to those of tin. It is seldom used internally except as a component of compound medicines containing a number of other metals. A probe made of lead is preferred for applying collyria to the eyelids.

The red oxide of lead, called sindura, is used externally in eruptive skin diseases in the form of ointment or liniment. Thus sindura and powdered black pepper mixed with butter is recommended to be applied in chronic eczema. An oil called Sinduradya taila1 is thus prepared. Take of mustard oil one seer, water four seers, minium four tolas and cumin seeds eight tolas. Boil together in the usual way. This oil is used in eczema and other eruptive skin diseases.