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In the *Nansha Wenji* (Collected Works of Nansha), Hong Ruigao, a Vice Commissioner from Linhai, wrote that in medical texts, gold, silver, jade, stone, copper, and iron are all recorded as substances that can be included in decoctions for medicine. Only tin is excluded. Occasionally used lead powder is also different from tin: tin is white while lead is black, and it must be forged into "zhou fen" (a specific form of powdered metal) before use. Dai Yuanli, a famous physician of the Ming Dynasty, once traveled to the capital. He heard of a practitioner with exceptionally high skills who treated a patient using a piece of tin. Dai Yuanli found this strange and asked for the reason. The doctor replied, "This is according to an ancient prescription." Little did he know that the character in the ancient prescription was actually "Xing" (饧, maltose/syrup). "Xing" refers to the sugar syrup made today from glutinous rice. Alas! Modern mediocre physicians arrogantly claim to be well-versed in ancient prescriptions, yet most fail to distinguish between "Tin" (锡) and "Xing" (饧)! I believe that modern mediocre physicians not only fail to recognize ancient prescriptions but also cannot identify the names of common medicinal materials. Some write "Hui Pi" instead of "Xinhui Pi" because they do not know that "Xinhui" is a place name; some write "Fuchuan Xiong" instead of "Fuxiong" because they do not know that "Chuan" and "Fu" refer to two different regions. These are all things I have witnessed with my own eyes.

(Bingzhang) Note: The "Xing" in ancient prescriptions is what we now call "Yitang" (Maltose Syrup), which is made by steaming or boiling large malt sprouts or glutinous rice. It harmonizes and tonifies Stomach Qi. The substance used in Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction) is exactly this.

Physicians state that dates have one hundred benefits and only one harm; pears have one hundred harms and only one benefit; leeks and tea are similar. I argue that among commonly consumed foods, those with mild and balanced properties, such as Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria), Lianzi (Nelumbinis Semen), and Longyan Rou (Longan Aril), all fall into the category of having one hundred benefits and one harm. Those with harsh and draining properties, such as Binglang (Areca Seed), Doukou Ren (Amomi Fructus Rotundus), tobacco, and alcohol, all fall into the category of having one hundred harms and one benefit. Only Guwu (Five Grains) are beneficial without harm. As for opium smoke, everyone knows it is harmful without benefit, yet the number of addicts increases daily, which is truly pitiable.

(Bingzhang) Note: Pears are cold in nature and rich in fluids. For individuals with Spleen and Kidney deficiency-cold, excessive consumption leads to abdominal pain and loose stools, which constitutes their "harm." However, for those with Yin deficiency and hyperactive fire, presenting with dry cough and no sputum, consuming pears can moisten the lungs, resolve phlegm, clear heat, and nourish dryness, which constitutes their "benefit."

When grains are not ripe, it is called "Chen" (䆫); when the abdomen is not full, it is called "Ji" (Hunger); extreme hunger is called "E" (Starvation). In ancient times, "Chen" and "Ji" had distinct meanings. Later generations used them interchangeably, which is incorrect.

(Bingzhang) Note: Additionally, when vegetables are not ripe, it is called "Jin" (馑). In recent times, people have combined "Chen" and "Jin" to indicate that both grains and vegetables are unripe, which is acceptable. This is the meaning involved.