What is the history and chronological evaluation of rasa shastra?

Rasa Shastra, a branch of Ayurvedic medicine, focuses on the use of minerals and metals for therapeutic purposes. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Indian texts, with the earliest references found in the "Rasaratna Samuchaya" and "Rasa Siddhanta," dating back to around the 8th to 12th century CE. Over the centuries, Rasa Shastra evolved through the contributions of various scholars, incorporating alchemical processes and refining techniques. By the medieval period, it gained prominence for its methods in preparing herbal and metallic formulations, significantly impacting traditional medicine practices in India.