Library

Cantonese dialect records: Produced in the rock caves of Xiqiao Mountain, large as a fledgling swallow, with wings growing at the ends of its feet. *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica), under the entry for Shiyan (Stone Swallow), citing *Rihua Zi Bencao*, has no mention of treating gan syndrome (pediatric malnutrition). Nowadays, people in Guangdong use it quite effectively, so it is added here.

It treats pediatric gan syndrome and emaciation in children; taking it leads to immediate recovery. The proverb says: "If an infant is thin, probe for [Shiyan], this is it."

It is used in Li's Funaowan (Bat Brain Pill). It treats carbuncles and ulcers where the toxin sinks inward; taking it prevents the toxin from attacking the heart.

Zhang's *Ri Chao* (Daily Notes) records: This is the essence of the Peng bird (mythical giant bird). The Peng bird flies alone without a mate. On days when the sea is calm and waveless, seeing its shadow below, one mistakes it for a female; its essence overflows and falls onto the earth becoming Tu Cha (Earth Spade); onto wood becoming Mu Cha (Wood Spade); only when falling on stone does it retain its true nature, which is best; if it falls into water, throwing a woman's garment into the water allows it to leap out by itself.

Note: Shicha (Stone Spade) belongs to the category of Shenxujiao (Astringent Gum). Soaking it in wine and drinking it strengthens yang and promotes fertility. Ginger wine can resolve its toxicity.

Luotu (Cormorant): Shape like a goose but black with a red face, commonly called "Moyugong" (Fish-Grabbing Master); households in water towns often raise them to catch fish; after October, feeding them dog meat makes their bodies warm and resistant to cold, so even breaking ice to enter water, they do not freeze to death.

It treats kidney cough, commonly known as Dunqiang (sudden choking cough), where coughing reverses upward from the lower abdomen, continuing for dozens of times before pausing and restarting; severely, every cough induces vomiting and pulls pain across both hypochondria. Taking one boiled in plain water causes the fetus to transform into bloody fluid and exit via urination; taking up to two doses is invariably effective.

Cuiniao (Kingfisher), also known as Yu Cui, has a large tongue that is usable. *Bencao Gangmu*, under the entry for Yugou (Heron/Kingfisher), only states that its meat can treat fish bone impaction, and attaches a note about Feicui (Jade); it also says medical texts do not use this, but its efficacy is roughly the same. Now, the use of its tongue is added.

Zhentou Feng Jiting Formula: One Cuiniao tongue, soaked in tung oil, dried, then soaked and dried again until hard as a three-edged needle. When the disease attacks, place the bird's tongue... [Text cuts off]

Rare Medicinal Product: White head, yellow wings, yellow feet. Treats throat pain.

Rare Medicial Product: Produced in Guangdong. Sun Xiachuan said: This creature eats many Yujin (Curcuma aromatica) seedlings in the mountains, so its meat is loose and crisp. It resolves depression and dissipates stagnant qi.