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Mercury (Shuiyin)
Its substance is the liquid form of Cinnabar (Zhusha). Its nature is extremely Yin and cold. Its therapeutic application addresses sores caused by worm erosion, with toxicity tending towards heavy and sinking properties. To restore original vitality and return to the root, one must know that proper refining is essential. To rescue from reversal and support critical conditions, one must understand that appropriate compatibility methods are required. (Mercury is extracted by roasting Cinnabar; it is deeply cold and highly toxic. When refined by ordinary fire, it becomes volatile and agile; when steamed by human breath, it penetrates bones and sinews, severing Yang qi and eroding the brain, with no greater harm than this. It coagulates when combined with Lead (Qian), binds when combined with Sulfur (Liu), brightens Copper (Tong), and prevents decay in corpses. However, ancient prescriptions for rescuing from critical states often use it together with Lead and Sulfur, taking advantage of their ability to subdue phlegm and restore vitality; these merits cannot be entirely overlooked. External applications are particularly effective.)

Calomel (Qingfen)
It is produced by sublimating Mercury. Pungent and cold, it can aggressively eliminate latent internal phlegm, dry dampness, and promote pus discharge; its fierce toxicity kills parasites in external sores. (Calomel is formed by sublimating Mercury, Salt (Yan), and Alum (Mingfan). Its drying, fierce, ascending, and dispersing nature is similar to that of White Mercurous Chloride (Shengyao). It excels at aggressively eliminating phlegm. In cases of chancre and other toxic sores, taking this drug may cause corrosion of the gum roots or the exudation of cold saliva from between the teeth. Although the chancre may heal, the toxin remains in the sinews and bones, often leading to fatal complications. Nevertheless, its efficacy in generating flesh and drying dampness for external treatment cannot be denied.)

Realgar (Xionghuang)
Born inheriting the Qi of pure Yang essence, it drives out Yin and breaks blood stasis, achieving effects through its pungent and hot properties. It enters the Stomach and unblocks the Liver, repelling evil spirits and pathogens, transforming accumulated phlegm, killing parasites, treating scabies, and applying topically to treat injuries from insect or snake bites. (Realgar grows on the sunny slopes of mountains, inheriting Yang essence Qi from the earth. The best quality is bright red like a chicken comb and free of sandstone impurities. Minerals such as Stone Yellow (Shihuang) or Smoky Yellow (Xunhuang) differ either in origin or in incomplete transformation, possessing foul odors and tastes; they are only suitable for killing parasites and treating scabies, distinct from Realgar. It should not be heated. It enters the Liver and Stomach meridians, breaks blood stasis, and transforms phlegm. Because it inherits pure Yang Qi, it can repel evil spirits, kill snakes, and detoxify all poisons.)