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The 120 superior drugs serve as the sovereign (Jun, monarch) agents, primarily nourishing life to correspond with Heaven. They are non-toxic; taking them in large doses or for a long time does not harm the human body. Those who wish to achieve lightness of body, benefit Qi, and prolong life should base their selection on the Superior Class Scripture (Shangpin Jing).

The 120 medium drugs serve as the minister (Chen, deputy) agents, primarily nurturing nature to correspond with Humanity. Some are non-toxic, while others are toxic; their suitability must be carefully weighed. Those who wish to suppress diseases and tonify deficiency and emaciation should base their selection on the Medium Class Scripture (Zhongpin Jing).

The 125 inferior drugs serve as the assistant (Zuo, envoy) agents, primarily treating diseases to correspond with Earth. They are mostly toxic and should not be taken for a long time. Those who wish to eliminate cold-heat pathogenic factors, break up accumulations, and cure illnesses should base their selection on the Inferior Class Scripture (Xiapin Jing).

The three classes total 365 types, corresponding to the 365 degrees (solar terms/days) of a year, where one degree corresponds to one day, thus completing a year. Tao Hongjing of the Later Liang Dynasty added the *Bie Lu* (Separate Records of Famous Physicians), which also contained 365 types, doubling the number to a total of 730 names. The *Ben Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) was written in vermilion ink, while the *Bie Lu* was written in black ink to distinguish them.

The properties of superior class drugs can also cause disease, but their power is mild and concentrated, lacking immediate effects. However, if taken regularly over years, they will surely yield great benefits.

The properties of medium class drugs have deeper descriptions regarding disease treatment, while claims of lightening the body become thinner. For those who take them, removing illness is fast, but extending lifespan is slow.

The properties of inferior class drugs directly focus on attack and expulsion. Their toxic and fierce qi damages the harmonious balance of the body and cannot be taken frequently.

Drugs produced in different regions have specific climatic and geographical preferences. One must refer to the *Tu Jing* (Illustrated Canon) for selection to ensure efficacy. Ginseng grows in Shangdang, Astragalus (Huangqi) in Mianshan, Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Rehmannia (Dihuang) from Huaiqing are highly prized, Corydalis (Yanhusuo) and Atractylodes (Cangzhu) from Maoshan are superior. Fennel imported by ship is firm and solid, Stephania (Fangji) from Hanzhong is large and round. Agarwood (Muxiang) from Guangxi and Angelica sinensis (Danggui) from Sichuan bear names according to their origin, Picrorhiza (Huhuanglian) and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium (Yinchaihu) gain fame due to their location. Unless one pre-sources authentic drugs, how can one achieve therapeutic results? As for roots and stems of herbs, harvesting times vary. Roots are mostly harvested in February and August, when qi and fluids are stored. Stems and leaves are harvested only at the end of summer and beginning of autumn, when growth is vigorous. It is said that spring harvesting should be early, and autumn harvesting late. Generally, one should harvest when the aroma and potency are full, each at its appropriate time. Storage methods also require attention. There are differences between sun-drying and fire-baking, and ventilation and sealing vary. Polygonatum (Huangjing) and Dihuang stored in sealed containers will not mold. Pinellia (Banxia) and Arisaema (Nanxing) become firm after being baked in ash water and dried. Panax ginseng and Lycium (Gouqi) must be frequently dried during the plum rain season. Coix seed (Yiyi) and Dioscorea (Shanyao) can be sun-dried multiple times during warm weather. Borax is stored with mung beans; borneol is stored with rush pith. If one does not pay close attention, regret will come too late (like biting one's navel). When buying in markets, one must be especially vigilant in identification. If not authentic regional drugs, weeds and impostors often confuse them. Mistaking Xidai for agarwood, identifying Scrophularia (Xuanshen) as Pericallis (Xuduan), using pine resin drops as frankincense, grinding Dysosma (Wulingzhi) to pass off as myrrh, dyeing Gardenia (Shanzhi) black to mimic Amomum (Sharen), boiling Pinellia (Banxia) yellow to act as Curcuma (Jinshu), grinding ox hooves to simulate rhino horn, passing off tiger tibia as donkey bone, cotton stalks resembling Agastache (Huoxiang), wild Angelica looking like Peucedanum (Duhuo), Ligusticum (Chuanxiong) mixed with Ligusticum chuanxiong (Bencao), crushing Iris (Malin) into Ziziphora (Zelan) powder, mixing Dysosma (Wulingzhi) with musk, pounding camphor to fake borneol, mixing calcined iron ore (Duanshi) with flour to make Aconite (Fuzi), mixing purple skin with soil to shape small cloves (Xiao Dingxiang). Deceptive tricks are countless and cannot be listed one by one. Careful and detailed observation depends on the individual.