Library

*Hai Tai Cha Ji* (Records of the Envoy to Taiwan) states: Opium smoke is made by cutting hemp fibers and opium earth into shreds, and boiling them in a copper pot. Opium is mixed with tobacco, placed in bamboo tubes filled with palm fiber, and smoked collectively by groups of people; its price is several times higher than that of ordinary tobacco. Those who specialize in this trade are known as running "opium dens." After one or two sessions of smoking, one cannot bear to be apart from it for even a moment; a warm sensation flows directly to the Dantian (lower abdomen), allowing one to stay awake all night. Locals use this substance as an aphrodisiac, leading to limb atrophy and visceral prolapse, not stopping until death. Officials frequently issue strict prohibitions, yet there are cases where those arrested and bound still beg for a brief respite to smoke another tube. Opium earth originates from Batavia (Jakarta).

*Hai Dong Zha Ji* (Notes from the East Sea) records: Opium is produced in foreign countries such as [missing character], Luzon, etc., and is a contraband item across the sea. Wretched individuals in Taiwan often mix it with tobacco and smoke it, claiming it boosts spirit and allows one to stay awake overnight. Smoking sessions always involve inviting many people to take turns cooking and laying mats on kang beds. Everyone sits side by side on the mats, with a lamp lit in the center. Smoke pipes, serving as conduits, are approximately eight or nine fen long, stuffed with palm fiber or hair, and capped with silver ends featuring a small hole the size of a little finger. Yellow clay is molded into a gourd shape, hollowed out, and ignited. It is inserted into the small hole at the pipe's end, with opium placed in the gourd head. A small amount of smoke is sufficient; one inhalation burns it completely with a crackling sound. Appetite suddenly doubles, requiring rich and sweet foods; otherwise, the intestines and stomach become uncomfortable. In the first few months of use, cessation is still possible. However, after prolonged use, any temporary cessation leads to extreme exhaustion and near-death sensations. Ultimately, it results in bankruptcy and loss of life. Smokers develop dark faces, shrugging shoulders, and tears flowing from both eyes, eventually dying with intestinal prolapse.

It effectively treats epigastric pain. Miraculous efficacy.

Tibetan incense produced in Tibet, formed into balls or cakes, is of good quality; stick-shaped ones are inferior. Purple-yellow color and very potent aroma are preferred; if the fragrance can be smelled from over a hundred paces away when burned, it is excellent. Counterfeits are called "Jing Xiang" and are not used medicinally. Incense from Da Jian Lu (Kangding) is not as good as that from Tibet. Tibetan incense is divided into red, yellow, and purple varieties. Xiao Tenglin in *Xizang Jianwen Lu* (Record of Observations in Tibet) states: Tibetan incense comes in purple and yellow colors, and coarse and fine types, available everywhere, but the best is produced in Batang. Zhu Dajun says: He personally saw black ink-like Tibetan incense; burning it has strong parturition-inducing effects. Mi Yuanliang says: Tibetan incense has purple and yellow colors. The purple variety contains juice from Suosuo grapes, giving it a purple hue. Its nature opens orifices, penetrates and rises, and can induce smallpox eruption. The yellow variety has a descending nature, can induce labor, and should not be used indiscriminately. Wenren Dayuan says: There is green Tibetan incense, considered the most expensive. Burning it and inhaling the smoke clears the eyes; he did not know what herbs were used. Ye Mingzhai says: Among Tibetan incenses, there is a type of white small pellet. When burned, the aroma is refreshing and elegant, also offered by Tibetan monks, though its name is unknown. Inhaling its aroma can treat constipation due to intestinal dryness and Qi deficiency in the elderly. Burning one or two pellets during defecation is best. It can also treat smallpox. Ma Shaoyun in *Weizang Tushi* (Illustrated Record of Ü-Tsang and Amdo) states: Tibetan incense comes in purple and yellow types. Authentic ones produce smoke reaching the heavens, likely made from precious mineral powders. There are also black and white incenses; white incense is also called Jiji Xiang. Black incense is also called [missing character] Xiang.

My commentary: Only purple and yellow Tibetan incenses are genuine products. The red, green, black, and white varieties mentioned elsewhere belong to other incenses and are rarely seen nowadays. I preserve these statements for reference. Wang Jinglue once made Tibetan incense for Yin Gong, the Textile Commissioner. His formula, obtained from Lhasa, is recorded here: 2 pian of Suxiang (Agarwood), 4 liang each of Chenxiang (Sandalwood), Huangshu Xiang (Aged Sandalwood), Huangtan Xiang (Yellow Sandalwood), Guangmuxiang (Aquilaria); 2 liang each of Chunhua, Gansong (Nardostachys), Sanai (Costus), Rose petals, Mudingxiang (Clove), Xixin (Asarum), Guipi (Juniper bark), Shengjun (Rhubarb), Paicao (Andropogon), Ruxiang (Frankincense), Jinyan Xiang, Olive oil, Suhe You (Styrax oil), Qinan Xiang (Agarwood), and Shui Anxi (Benzoin). 1 liang of Bingpian (Borneol). All ingredients are ground into extremely fine powder. Two jin of high-quality Elm flour and 10 liang of Huoxiao (Saltpeter) dissolved in water are added, along with aged strong wine, to mix and form the incense. It expels evil spirits and cures malignancies, with effects similar to Cangzhu (Atractylodes). For non-erupting smallpox, placing it at the corner of the bed and letting the child smell it can help the rash emerge, which is very effective. It cures malaria, induces labor, and brightens the eyes.

Note: Smallpox is congenital fetal toxin. It does not consolidate without fire and erupts upon contraction of pathogens. It strictly forbids dry and hot substances. Using aromatic fumigation only exacerbates dryness and cracking. I remain skeptical of the claim that it helps the rash emerge, as all incenses have drying properties, and Qinan Xiang is particularly potent. Scabs are called Miao (seedlings), and eruptions are called Hua (flowers). Since they are flowers, their nature must prefer moisture. How can dry aromatics aid toxicity? Even if it helps emergence, it may ultimately lead to dry redness progressing to black depression.