Library

[Shennong Huangdi Shijin] (Dietary Prohibitions of Shennong and the Yellow Emperor) Recorded in the Han Dynasty's *Qilüe* (Seven Categories) as seven volumes, now lost.
[Shennong Shiji] (Dietary Taboos of Shennong) Recorded in the Song Dynasty's *Chongwen Zongmu* (General Catalogue of the Chongwen Bureau) as one volume, now lost.
[Huangdi Za Yinshi Ji] (Miscellaneous Dietary Taboos of the Yellow Emperor) Recorded in the *Qilu* (Records of Seven Categories) as two volumes, now lost.
[Laozi Jinshijing] (Dietary Prohibition Classic of Laozi) Recorded in the Sui Dynasty's *Jingjizhi* (Bibliography of Classics) as one volume, now lost.
[Cui Shi Hao Shijing] (Dietary Classic by Cui Hao) Recorded in the Old Tang Dynasty's *Jingjizhi* as nine volumes, now lost.
In his preface, he said: From childhood to adulthood, what I heard with my ears and saw with my eyes, including the domestic skills practiced by my mothers and aunts, I studied and practiced without omission. I served my parents-in-law with food and drink morning and night, and provided offerings for sacrifices throughout the four seasons. Although I had physical strength, I could not rely on servants and often did things myself. In the past, during times of war and famine, we could only eat vegetable paste to survive and could not afford various foods. For over ten years, banquets were no longer fully prepared. I feared that long-term neglect would lead to forgetting, leaving future generations with no knowledge or experience. Since I did not study books in my youth, I divined and transmitted these practices, writing them into nine chapters. The language was concise yet elegant, demonstrating intelligence and strong memory. After the death of my parents, I encountered the rise of the nation, helping to quell rebellion and pacify the four directions. I held a high position in the government, participated in major decisions, and received abundant rewards, with livestock covering the marshes and wealth accumulating to tens of thousands. I wore layered brocades and ate fine grains and meats. Reflecting on my life, I recalled the time when Zilu carried rice to support his parents, which can never be regained. Therefore, I compiled these remaining texts to show them to future generations. (From the Biography in *History of the Northern Dynasties*)

[Liu Shi Xiu Shifang] (Dietary Prescriptions by Liu Xiu) Recorded in the *Qilu* as one volume, now lost.
The Sui Dynasty *Jingjizhi* notes: Written by Liu Xiu, Champion General of Qi.

[Cui Shi Yuxi Shijing] (Dietary Classic by Cui Yuxi) (The name Yuxi was missing in the old Tang catalog; corrected and supplemented here based on current catalogs.) Recorded in the Sui Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as four volumes, now lost.
Regarding this book, the character definitions cited in the *Shileiju* excerpts differ from those in the *Bencao* (Materia Medica) and small Japanese books. For instance, mushrooms are called "qi," mustard greens are called "xincai," pondweed is called "gupeng," winter jasmine is called [name], turtle dove is called [name], "Gao Tianzi" bird is called cloud sparrow, rail bird is called frog bird, spine-scaled fish is called tilapia, zhe lü fish is called [name], and fragrant fish is called [name]. It seems they listed contemporary names, but later dictionaries lost their explanations, just as "huang" referred to bamboo fields, "lan" to fierce winds, and "zhang" to ledgers—terms used in the Six Dynasties period that modern people consider vernacular. Medical official Tian Ze Wenshu (Zhongshu) extracted Cui Yuxi's statements scattered in ancient books and compiled them into two volumes. Although incomplete, it is sufficient to understand the flavors of the cauldron.

[Wuming Shi Shijing] (Anonymous Dietary Classic) Recorded in the *Qilu* as two volumes, now lost.
[Shijing] (Dietary Classic) Recorded in the *Qilu* as nineteen volumes, now lost.
[Shijing] (Dietary Classic) Recorded in the Sui Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as fourteen volumes, now lost.
[Sishi Yushijing] (Four Seasons Imperial Food Classic) Recorded in the Sui Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as one volume, now lost.
[Taiguan Shijing] (Imperial Kitchen Dietary Classic) Recorded in the *Qilu* as five volumes, now lost.
[Taiguan Shifa] (Imperial Kitchen Dietary Methods) Recorded in the *Qilu* as twenty volumes, now lost.
[Shifa Za Jiushi Yaofang Baichu Bing Chuowufa] (Dietary Methods, Miscellaneous Wine and Food Essential Prescriptions, White Wine and Crop Methods) Recorded in the *Qilu* as twelve volumes, now lost.
[Jiazheng Fang] (Household Management Prescriptions) Recorded in the *Qilu* as eleven volumes, now lost.
[Shitu Sishi Jiu Yaofang] (Food Diagrams, Four Seasons Wine Essential Prescriptions) Recorded in the *Qilu* as one volume, now lost.
[Ma Shi Wan Shijing] (Dietary Classic by Ma Wan) Recorded in the Sui Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as three volumes, now lost.
[Zhuge Shi Ying Huainan Wang Shijing Bing Mu] (Dietary Classic of King of Huainan by Zhuge Ying, with Catalog) (The author's name was missing in the old Tang catalog; corrected based on Tang catalogs.) Recorded in the Sui Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as 165 volumes, written during the Daye era. (Old Tang *Jingjizhi* lists 130 volumes, with a 10-volume catalog; New Tang *Jingjizhi* lists 230 volumes, 13 volumes of phonetics, and a 10-volume food catalog.) Now lost.

[Wuming Shi Shanxiu Yangliao] (Anonymous Dietary Delicacies and Nourishment Treatments) Recorded in the Sui Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as twenty volumes, now lost.
[Zhu Shi Xuan Shijing] (Dietary Classic by Zhu Xuan) Recorded in the Old Tang Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as four volumes, now lost.
[Zhao Shi Wu Sishi Shifa] (Four Seasons Dietary Methods by Zhao Wu) Recorded in the Old Tang Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as one volume, now lost.
[Lu Shi Renzong Shijing] (Dietary Classic by Lu Renzong) Recorded in the Old Tang Dynasty *Jingjizhi* as three volumes, now lost.
[Meng Shi Shen Shiliao Bencao] (Dietary Therapy Materia Medica by Meng Shen) Recorded in the *Yiwenuel* as three volumes, now lost.
The Old Tang Book Biography states: Meng Shen was from Liang County, Ruzhou. He passed the imperial examinations and, early in the Chuigong era, was promoted multiple times to become a Fengge Sheren. Meng Shen loved medical arts since youth. Once, at the home of Fengge Shilang Liu, he saw gold bestowed by imperial decree and told him, "This is medicinal gold." If fire is applied to it, five-colored vapors should appear. The test proved true. Empress Wu Zetian heard of this and was displeased, so she transferred him to serve as Sima of Taizhou due to some incident. Later, he was promoted multiple times to Chun Gong Shilang. When Emperor Ruizong was in his princely residence, he summoned Meng Shen to serve as a Reading Tutor. During the Chang'an era, he served as the Prefect of Tongzhou and was granted the title of Yin Qing Guanglu Dafu. At the beginning of the Shennong era, he retired and returned to his mountain residence in Yiyang, focusing on medicinal nourishment. Although old in age, Meng Shen's will and energy were like those of a young man. He once told his close associates, "If one wishes to preserve the body and nurture nature, one must keep good words on one's lips and good medicine in one's hand." When Emperor Ruizong ascended the throne, he summoned Meng Shen to the capital for potential appointment, but Meng Shen firmly declined due to old age and frailty. In the second year of Jingyun, an imperial edict graciously bestowed 100 pieces of fabric and ordered special supplies of mutton, wine, and porridge twice a year in spring and autumn. Early in the Kaiyuan era, Bi Gou, the Henan Yin, considering Meng Shen to have the demeanor of ancients, renamed his residence "Ziping Li." He soon died at the age of ninety-three.
Meng Shen's official conduct involved strict collection, yet his administration was efficient despite its complexity. He wrote one volume each on Family Sacrificial Rituals and Essentials of Mourning Garments, and three volumes each on Nourishing Prescriptions and Effective Prescriptions.
Zhang Yuxi stated: *Shiliao Bencao* (Dietary Therapy Materia Medica) was written by Meng Shen, Prefect of Tongzhou in the Tang Dynasty. Zhang Ding supplemented its deficiencies with 89 items, bringing the total to 227 entries, all describing the effects of food and medicine in treating diseases, in three volumes.

[Yan Shi Gui Shifa] (Dietary Methods by Yan Gui) Recorded in the New Tang *Jingjizhi* as ten volumes, now lost.
The New Tang *Jingjizhi* note says: A descendant of Zhen, written by the Commander of the Zhenxi Army. During the Zhaozong era, he went to Bianzhai as an envoy.

[Zan Shi Yin Shiyi Xinjian] (Mirror of the Heart of the Dietary Physician by Zan Yin) Recorded in the Song Dynasty *Chongwen Zongmu* as two volumes (*Yiwenuel* lists three), now lost.
Zheng Qiao said: Written by Zan Yin, Medical Doctor of Chengdu.
According to this book, the *Yifang Leiju* cites thirteen treatises and 209 prescriptions, allowing us to grasp its general outline.

[Chen Shi Shiliang Shixing Bencao] (Dietary Nature Materia Medica by Chen Shiliang) Recorded in the *Yiwenuel* as ten volumes, now lost.
Zhang Yuxi said: *Shixing Bencao* was written by Chen Shiliang, Vice Lieutenant of Peirong and Teaching Assistant of Jianzhou Medical School during the Later Tang regime. Because there were formerly officials known as Dietary Physicians who treated hundred diseases through dietary nourishment, he selected materials from the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, as well as Tao Hongjing, Su Jing, Meng Shen, and Chen Cangqi, classifying drugs related to diet and adding explanations. It also records various prescriptions of dietary physicians and techniques for nourishing the Zang-Fu organs according to the five seasons. Xu Kai, Academician of the Jixian Hall, wrote the preface.

[Wang Shi Yijian Shifa] (Dietary Methods by Wang Yijian) Recorded in the *Yiwenuel* as ten volumes (Song *Chongwen Zongmu* lists five), now lost.
[Wuming Shi Yangshen Shifa] (Anonymous Nourishing Body Dietary Methods) Recorded in the Song Dynasty *Chongwen Zongmu* as three volumes, now lost.
[Lou Shi Juzhong Shizhi Tongshuo] (General Discussion on Dietary Therapy by Lou Juzhong) Recorded in the Song Dynasty *Chongwen Zongmu* as one volume, now lost.
Chen Zhesun said: *Shizhi Tongshuo* is one volume, written by Lou Juzhong of Dongguo, a merchant selling herbal mortars in Lin'an. His son passed the imperial exams, obtaining a low-ranking official post through merit. Chancellor Zhao Zhongding wrote a postscript. The book has six chapters, mainly arguing that if diet is regulated, the body is regulated; this is one technique of superior physicians to treat disease before it arises. (*Wenhian Tongkao* lists sixteen chapters).

[Zheng Shi Qiao Shijian] (Dietary Mirror by Zheng Qiao) Recorded in the Song Dynasty *Chongwen Zongmu* as four volumes, now lost.
[Hushi Sihui Yinshan Zhengyao] (Essential Essentials of Drinks and Foods by Hu Sihui) Recorded in the *Yicang Mulu* as three volumes, extant.
His preface says: I observe that our dynasty possesses the four seas, and distant and near regions pay tribute. Rare delicacies and strange products are gathered in the inner treasury. However, some may be unsuitable for certain climates, or dry and dampness may not harmonize. If those managing the kitchen cannot examine their nature and flavor and offer them indiscriminately, consumption might inevitably cause illness. We reverently believe that Emperor Shizu was sagacious. Following the *Rites of Zhou*, there were Physicians, Dietary Physicians, Disease Physicians, and Surgeons, each with distinct duties. Four Grand Physicians in charge of drinks and foods were appointed. They selected non-toxic, non-contradictory herbs suitable for long-term consumption and nourishment from the *Bencao*, harmonizing them with diet and the five flavors. Regarding daily imperial meals, careful preparation was required. Who was responsible? What items were used? When serving wine, cups made of agarwood, sand gold, or water-grade materials were mandatory. Pouring must be moderate, and duties performed competently. Daily usage was recorded in calendars to verify subsequent effects. As for decoctions like Qiongyu, Huangjing, Tiandongdong, and Cangzhu pastes, and preparations like ox marrow and goji berry, all rare delicacies were properly handled. Thus, the Sage Ancestor enjoyed longevity and freedom from illness. We respectfully believe Your Majesty, upon ascending the throne, faced heavy state affairs. Amidst your busy schedule, following ancestral regulations, such as nourishing and regulating techniques and the appropriateness of various foods, continuously improving daily, ensures Your Majesty's health. This subject, Sihui, was selected for the role of Dietary Physician since the Yuan You era and has served for many years, enjoying heavenly provisions. Reflecting on how to repay this great grace, I dare not fail to exert loyalty. With spare time, along with Duke Zhao Guo,臣 Pulanxi, I collected rare delicacies, pastes, and decoctions used by previous emperors, along with various *Bencao*, famous doctors' prescriptions, daily necessities like grains, meats, fruits, and vegetables, selecting those with beneficial natures and flavors, compiling them into a book named *Yinshan Zhengyao*, divided into three volumes. Items not收录 in the *Bencao* are added here. I hope Your Majesty pardons my presumption, observes my foolish loyalty, and during leisure, learns from the sages' preservation methods, follows the current climate, discards emptiness for substance, hoping for peace. Then Your Majesty's lifespan will be boundless, and all under heaven will receive your virtue. I respectfully present this collection of *Yinshan Zhengyao* for your inspection, trembling with excitement and humility. Third month, Tianli Year 3, Submitted by Hu Sihui, Grand Physician of Drinks and Foods.

[Wu Rui Riyong Bencao] (Daily Use Materia Medica by Wu Rui) Recorded in the *Yicang Mulu* as eight volumes, extant.
Li Xun's preface says: This is the *Riyong Bencao* compiled by Wu Ruiqing, a medical practitioner from Haining during the Tianli era of the Yuan Dynasty. Over time, the old printing blocks are half destroyed. His sixth-generation grandson, Jing Su, inherited his grandfather's spirit and intended to reprint it but died before completion. His son, Shi Xian, continued the work and asked me to write the preface. The term "Daily Use" in *Bencao* refers to extracting content relevant to diet. Diet nourishes humans and cannot be absent for a day, yet harmful substances exist. Wise people observe them, while the masses remain ignorant. Thus, often a precious life is lost in a moment of eating without realization. Ruiqing pitied this, classified over 540 food items into eight volumes, naming it *Riyong Bencao*, and published it. Past events cannot be追回, but future ones can be saved. His intention was benevolent. However, without studying the *Shennong Liaoji Bencao* and works of past sages, as well as Daoist texts, how could one know? Although flavors from all directions exceed this, one can infer from this. Observing the *Analects*, Confucius did not eat wine bought in the market or meat bought in the market, nor spoiled food, ugly-colored food, improperly cooked food, or out-of-season food. Thus, diet was indeed carefully observed by the Sage's school. Ruiqing can be called a good learner, continuing his ancestors' will, restoring lost texts, allowing broken benevolence and kindness to continue for over two centuries. Shi Xian can be called a good successor. Both deserve recording. I further privately think this compilation, though matters are near, benefits are far; though language is shallow, meaning is deep. It not only prevents ordinary errors in diet. For ministers and sons wishing to show loyalty and love through daily meals, this must be known. Hence, I write this preface.

Li Shizhen said: *Riyong Bencao* consists of eight volumes. Wu Rui, a medical practitioner from Haining in the Yuan Dynasty, selected parts of the *Bencao* relevant to diet, dividing them into eight categories, adding a few items. Rui, courtesy name Ruiqing, was a person of the Yuan Dynasty, during the reign of Emperor Wenzong.

[He Shi Helv Shiwu Bencao] (Harmonious Food Materia Medica by He Lv) Two volumes, extant.
[Wang Ying Shiwu Bencao] (Food Materia Medica by Wang Ying) Two volumes, not seen.
Li Shizhen said: *Shiwu Bencao* was written by Wang Ying, Prefect of Jiujiang and native of Jiangling, during the Zhengde era. Lu He, courtesy name Lianfu, from Dongyang, previously compiled this book using *Bencao* items related to food. Ying obtained the manuscript, divided it into two volumes, categorized into eight groups: water, grain, vegetables, fruits, poultry, beasts, fish, and flavor.

[Wuming Shi Ri Shi Bencao] (Anonymous Daily Food Materia Medica) Not seen.
Xu Chunfu said: Written by the Chief Clerk of the Yi Prince's Mansion. (*Gujin Yitong*)

[Ning Yuan Shijian Bencao] (Dietary Mirror Materia Medica by Ning Yuan) Recorded in the *Yicang Mulu* as two volumes, extant.
Li Shizhen said: *Shijian Bencao* was compiled by Ning Yuan from Jingkou during the Jiajing era. It briefly describes edible items with a few words, offering no significant insights.

[Wu Lu Shipin Ji] (Collection of Food Items by Wu Lu) Recorded in the *Yicang Mulu* as two volumes, extant.
[Mu Shixi Shiwu Jiyao] (Essentials of Food Compilation by Mu Shixi) Recorded in the *Yicang Mulu* as eight volumes, not seen.
[Li Shizhen Shiwu Bencao] (Food Materia Medica by Li Shizhen) Twenty-two volumes, extant.
According to Matsudaira Shiryu (Xiuyun)'s *Bencao Zheng'e*: Li Shizhen's *Shiwu Bencao* differs from the *Bencao Gangmu*. The book records eating Guanyin powder in November of the Bingzi year of the Chongzhen era. However, Li Shizhen's son Jianyuan submitted the *Bencao Gangmu* in the 24th year of the Wanli era. Thus, events in the Chongzhen era were unknown to Li Shizhen. This was likely edited by Yao Kecheng in the late Ming Dynasty, falsely attributed to Li Shizhen.

[Wu Wenbing Shiwu Bencao] (Food Materia Medica by Wu Wenbing) Four volumes, extant.
[Wuming Shi Shishuo] (Anonymous Discourse on Food) One volume, not seen.
As noted above in the *Zhutang Shumu*.

[Yue Fujia Shibian Zhen Zongshi] (Comprehensive Explanation of True Identification of Food by Yue Fujia) Not seen.
As noted above in *Yixue Zhengyin*.

[Shen Lilong Shiwu Bencao Huizan] (Compilation of Food Materia Medica by Shen Lilong) Twelve volumes, extant.
[Song Gongyu Yinshu] (Book of Diet and Drink by Song Gongyu) Six volumes, extant.
[Shi Yongtu Bencao Yizhi Shiwu Lei] (Category of Food in Bencao Yizhi by Shi Yongtu) Five volumes, extant.
[Yibaitang Zhuren Shiwu Bencao] (Food Materia Medica by the Master of Yibaitang) Three volumes, extant.