Library

**Honey Chestnut (Milizi):** Effective for metal weapon injuries (Jinchuang) and fractures (Zhesang) (Source: *Bencao Gangmu*). [Origin] (Li Shizhen states) It is found in gold mines in Sichuan, Guang, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. [Texture] Its shape resembles Shehuang (snake yellow ore) but has thorns, with golden threads winding around it; it also belongs to the category of Wumingyi (pyrolusite). Alchemists collect it to prepare medicines for the "Five Metals" caskets and use it in the processing of Sanhuang (Three Yellows). [Color] Purple-brown, toxic.

**Stone Coal (Shitan):** Mainly treats women's blood qi pain, various sores and toxins, bleeding from metal weapon injuries, and pediatric phlegm epilepsy (Chutanxian) (Source: *Bencao Gangmu*). [Names] Meitan (Coal), Moshí (Graphite), Tiechan (Iron Charcoal), Wu Jinshi (Black Gold Stone), Jiaoshi (Charred Stone). (Li Shizhen states) Shitan is Wu Jinshi. In ancient times, graphite used for writing was called Moshí, while now it is commonly called Meitan; the pronunciation of 'Mei' and 'Mo' are similar. (*Shiyi Ji* states) Jiaoshi resembles charcoal. (*Lingbiao Lu* states) The Jiaoshi produced in Kangzhou is this substance. [Origin] It is abundant in mountains across the north and south. Previously, people did not use it, so few knew of it. Now, people use it as a substitute for firewood for cooking and smelting iron stones, bringing great benefit to the people. (*Xiaojing Yuanshenqi* states) When a ruler's virtue reaches the hills and mounds, Modan (black cinnabar/graphite) will emerge. (*Shuijing Zhu*) states that Shitan can be used for writing, but burns slowly, and its smoke harms humans. (*Youyang Zazu* states) Graphite from Wulao County does not extinguish even after burning for a year. (*Yijian Zhi* states) Graphite is produced in wells in Nanguo Village, Zhangde; there is a Geshi Mountain in Yixian County, a Geshi Cave in KYang County, and Shitan is produced in the Western Mountains of Yan, Jingzhou of Chu, Xingguo Prefecture, Mount Lu in Jiangxi, Yuanzhou, Licheng, and Ganzhou, all of which can be used for cooking. Another type of Geshi sticks to the tongue when licked and can be used for writing or drawing eyebrows; it is named Huameishi (Eyebrow Drawing Stone), which is Moshizhi (Graphite Resin), see under the entry for Shizhi. [Harvesting Time] Available anytime; locals dig caves into mountains, entering horizontally for over ten zhang to extract it. [Medicinal Part] For medicinal use, select solid blocks resembling stone. [Texture] There are large, smooth, stone-like blocks, and loose, charcoal-dust-like particles. Both have a sulfur odor and dissolve when sprayed with wine. The black soil of Yiling mentioned by ancients as "Jiehui" (Ash of Kalpa) refers to this loose substance. [Color] Pure black. [Taste] Sweet, Pungent. [Nature] Warm. [Formulas & Treatments] (*Yixue Jicheng Fang*) Treats bleeding from metal weapon injuries: apply thick powder of Shitan immediately. For deep wounds where rapid closure is undesirable, add Huashi (Talcum). (*Puji Fang*) Treats accidental ingestion of gold, silver, or coins stuck in the abdomen: grind one apricot-kernel-sized piece of Guangming Shitan (Bright Stone Coal) and one soap-bean-sized piece of Huangjin (Sulfur) into fine powder, take with wine. (Zihehe, *Rumen Shiqin Fang*) Treats abdominal accumulation/stagnation: Mix 3 liang of Wujinshi (Black Gold Stone) and natural tongkuang (Natural Copper Pyrite) ground into powder, simmer with vinegar to reduce to 1 liang; mix with 1 liang of Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) and 1 liang of Dahuang (Rhubarb) soaked in child's urine and dried, then ground into powder. Take 2 qian per dose, mixed with one cup of Honghua (Safflower) wine and half a cup of child's urine, taken before meals, twice daily. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*) Treats amenorrhea: Form three pills the size of mung beans using Baodou (Croton Seed) oil-free; administer with 1 qian of Wujinshi powder mixed in soup, which will unblock menstruation. (Zhang Jiegu, *Baoming Ji*) States that for postpartum "Erzhen" (afterbirth) stabbing pain, use Heibai San (Black and White Powder): Quench Wujinshi seven times in wine, mix equally with Hanshui Shi (Calcium Carbonate) ground into powder. Take 1.5 qian with rice water decoction; pain stops. If not stopped, take again. [Detoxification] People poisoned by coal gas may fall into coma and die; drinking cold water only can resolve it (Dugu Tao states). Used to remove tin halos and process Sanhuang (Three Yellows); also refers to Shiyan (Burnt Stone) from Sha Xiaoshi (Saltpeter combustion) (*Gangmu Fulu*). (Cao Shuya, *Yiwu Zhi* states) In Yuzhang, there is yellow stone with loose texture; pouring water on it generates heat, sufficient for cooking in tripods. Cooling requires re-watering. Zhang Hua called it Ranshi (Igniting Stone); it is also found in Gao'an.