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The *Zhubing Yuanhou Lun* (Treatise on the Pathogenesis and Symptoms of All Diseases) states: When Yin and Yang are harmonious, the two Qi (vital energies) interact; Yang exerts its influence and Yin transforms it, thus leading to pregnancy. However, conception occurring when the Three Yin meridians converge tends to result in the birth of a girl.

During the second month of pregnancy, it is termed "Beginning Zang" (formation of internal organs), where Jing (essence) forms and wraps the Bao (uterus/womb). By the third month, it is called "Beginning Fetus"; at this stage, blood no longer flows turbulently, and the form changes according to what is seen, lacking a fixed shape. At this time, male and female characteristics have not yet differentiated. Therefore, for pregnancies under three months, medicinal prescriptions or methods can be used to transform the fetus into a male.

The *Chan Jing* (Obstetrics Classic) records Yi Fangyin saying: A virtuous mother should remain calm during pregnancy; live in peace, cultivate virtue, and avoid witnessing gruesome events. It is advisable to handle civil and military weapons, draw bows and shoot arrows, hunt male pheasants, observe male tigers, and ride horses with hunting dogs; such practices ensure the birth of a son.

Another method: In the third month of pregnancy, take a willow branch growing towards the east, three cun long, and tie it to the sash without losing it; the child will be male.

Another method: In the third month of pregnancy, place Wuqia (Acanthopanax gracilistylus) under the bed without letting the mother know; the child will be male.

Another method: Upon first sensing pregnancy, ingest one piece of Yuancanshi (feces of domestic silkworms), without letting the mother know. (Note: The *Qianjin Fang* records: Take with well-water, three times daily; a male child is certain.)

Another method: Place four stalks of Shinancao (Rhododendron molle) under the skirt without letting the mother know; a male child is certain.

Another method: Take fourteen Sangpiaoxiao (Cicada Mantis Egg Case), grind into powder, and take with wine. If unavailable, use whatever quantity is available; success is assured.

The *Ge Shi Fang* records: After sensing pregnancy for three months, urinate in places where male chickens have bathed.

Another prescription: Secretly place a large knife under the sleeping mat. (The *Ruyi Fang* agrees.)

Another prescription: Take the umbilical cord of a newborn boy, dry it in the shade for one hundred days, burn it to ash, and take with wine.

The *Jiyan Fang* records: Take one bowstring, store it in a crimson bag, and wear it on the woman's left arm.

The *Qianjin Fang* records: Take one liang of Xionghuang (Realgar), store it in a crimson bag, and wear it.

The *Luyan Fang* treats cases where only daughters are born and no sons, stating this is a disorder of the husband (Daifu), not the fault of the wife. Marsilea Powder Prescription:

Machi (2 fen, stir-fried) Tusizi (1 fen) [Marsilea quadrifolia; Semen Cassiae]

These two substances are ground together using the teeth of a mottled horse, sifted, and taken before meals as one fangcunbi (a measure approx. 1 cubic inch) three times daily, taken with well-water.

The *Zhenzhong Fang* describes methods for women wishing to transform a female fetus into a male:

In the second month of pregnancy, moxa-apply three Zhuang (cones) below the navel to ensure a male birth. (Note: The *Chan Jing* records: Upon first sensing pregnancy, moxa-apply the center of the navel.)

Another prescription: To seek a male in the third month of pregnancy, take three cun of the husband's sash, burn to ash, mix with two sheng of well-water, and drink facing southeast; this is highly effective.

The *Lingqi Fang* records: Before three months, place an axe under the woman's bed to reverse the sex to male. (Note: The *Ruyi Fang* records: Placing it under a chicken coop results in roosters.)

The *Ruyi Fang* states that eating flowers of Yinancao (Daylily) leads to male birth; another view says wearing it during pregnancy ensures a male birth. (Note: The *Bencao Jiyi* records: Xuanncao is also known as Yinnancao. The *Bowuzhi* states pregnant women wearing it bear sons. This name was added by medical practitioners.)

Another prescription: Use twenty feathers from the left wing of a black chicken, place them under the woman's skirt to yield a male.

Another prescription: Take two feathers from the wings of a male duck, place them under the woman's sleeping mat without her knowledge.