Library

A merchant surnamed Xue from Henan said: He once saw at the residence of Governor Yong of Jiaxing large lumps of "Longxie" (Dragon excretion) that had congealed. The texture was also light, weighing anywhere from six or seven taels to over a jin. Each lump exhibited spiral patterns resembling ivory grain, with colors being either pure black or brownish-white. To distinguish authenticity, scraping a small amount and steeping it in boiling water would cause its aroma to transform into cloud-like vapor. Upon encountering a woman, the vapor would rush towards her hairline, swirling and refusing to disperse, attributed to the dragon's lustful nature. When ingested by humans, it does not dissipate within the abdomen; however, it dissolves upon sight of chicken soup. If no chicken soup is consumed after ingestion, the next day during defecation, the substance remains intact, unchanged in color, and can be washed clean for reuse without emitting an odor. Its efficacy includes warming the uterus in women and treating deficiency-cold in the lower origin (lower jiao/kidney area) in men, used in sexual arts. Additionally, Shi Liangyu stated: He once observed blood of the dragon congealed into chunks the size of chess pieces, smooth enough to reflect images, feeling cold as ice to the touch. Since dragons are purely yang, why their blood alone is cold remains inexplicable. What exactly is "Longxie"? Is it saliva and blood? Or semen and urine? None can be known; these accounts are preserved pending verification.

*Kunyu Tushuo* records: In the Great Eastern Ocean, there is a fish named "Xileng". Its upper body resembles human male or female forms, while the lower body is a fish tail. Its bone is used medicinally, with females being more effective. It stops bleeding and treats various internal injuries and blood stasis lesions.

*Benjing Fengyuan* states that Shiyu (Tenchu) has a tonifying nature, warming the middle and benefiting deficiency, without the risk of triggering toxicity. Those born in rivers are larger, greenish in color, and extremely sweet and delicious. Those born in the sea are smaller, darker in color, and slightly less flavorful. Observing that they emit light in dark rooms, they are far from ordinary fish. *Compendium* mentions its flesh tonifies deficiency and fatigue, and its oil treats scalds and burns. Under the section on collective explanations, it notes its scales were used as women's ornaments but omits medicinal uses. Zhang Jiashi said: Shiyu scales must be plucked when the fish is alive, specifically the second scale near the water line; those that are sharp and long are best. Scales from dead fish have reduced medicinal power.

For treating scalds and burns: *Fengyuan* records: Boiling Shiyu scales in sesame oil and applying them yields immediate results. Mao Jizhi said: Applying Shiyu scales to leg sores relieves pain immediately.

For treating Ding sores (carbuncles/furuncles): Chen's transmitted formula: Apply Shiyu scales to the Ding sore, which will bite tightly. First, ensure the patient eats a full meal with wine and food. Then, slightly lift the edge of the fish scale and pull it off forcefully; the root of the Ding sore will be extracted. However, extracting the root is excruciatingly painful; without being drunk and full, the patient may faint. Fu's formula: For water Ding sores, use two long scales located between the two fin-like lobes under the gills near the belly. These are best but rare; nowadays, people substitute them with large scales from the back, which dissolve the sore upon application. Mao Shihong's Experience Collection: Pluck the Shiyu "ye" (scale/protuberance) by hand, keep it away from water, dry in shade, and store. This is the premier miracle drug for extracting Ding sores. When using, open the head of the Ding sore with a silver needle, apply one piece, cover with cooling ointment, leave overnight, then remove. The Ding sore is pulled out by the root. Afterwards, use Shengji San (Regenerate Flesh Powder) to complete healing. I treated two noblewomen with sores on their big toes that had persisted for two or three years without healing. I soaked a piece of the "ye" in Honeysuckle decoction, dried it, and applied it. Within a few days, it healed.

For treating Chancre (genital ulcer): *Jiusheng Kuhai*: Roast Shiyu scales until dry, grind into white powder, named Bailong Dan (White Dragon Pill). Apply it, and it heals immediately; possessing this guarantees medical success.

For treating Blood Moles (hemangiomas): Cai Yunbai said: When a person develops a blood mole and picking it causes unceasing bleeding, apply Shiyu scales. It will scab and heal.