《神农本草经》 掌禹锡曰∶旧说《本草经》三卷，神农所作，而不经见，《汉书·
艺文志》亦无录焉。汉平帝纪云∶元始五年，举天下通知方术本草者，所在轺传遣诣京师。
《楼护传》称∶护少诵医经本草方术数十万言，本草之名盖见于此。唐李世 等以梁《七录》
载《神农本草》三卷，推以为始。又疑所载郡县有后汉地名，似张机、华佗辈所为，皆不然
也。按《淮南子》云∶神农尝百草之滋味，一日而七十毒，由是医方兴焉。盖上世未着文本，
师学相传，谓之本草。两汉以来，名医益众，张、华辈始因古学附以新说，通为编述，本草
由是见于经录也。
寇宗 曰∶《汉书》虽言本草，不能断自何代而作。《世本》、《淮南子》虽言神农尝百草
以和药，亦无本草之名。惟帝王世纪云∶黄帝使岐伯尝味草木，定《本草经》，造医方以疗
众疾。乃知本草之名，自黄帝始。盖上古圣贤，具生知之智，故能辨天下品物之性味，合世
人疾病之所宜。后世贤智之士，从而和之，又增其品焉。韩保升曰∶药有玉石、草、木、虫、
兽，而云本草者，为诸药中草类最多也。
《名医别录》 李时珍曰∶《神农本草》药分三品，计三百六十五种，以应周天之数。
梁陶弘景复增汉、魏以下名医所用药三百六十五种，谓之《名医别录》。凡七卷，首叙药性
之源，论病名之诊；次分玉石一品，草一品，木一品，虫兽一品，果菜一品，米食一品，有
名未用三品。以朱书《神农》，墨书《别录》，进上梁武帝。弘景，字通明，宋末为诸王侍读，
归隐勾曲山，号华阳隐居，武帝每咨访之，年八十五卒，谥贞白先生。其书颇有裨补，亦多
谬误。
弘景自序曰∶隐居先生在乎茅山之上，以吐纳余暇，游意方技，览本草药性，以为尽圣
人之心，故撰而论之。旧称《神农本经》，予以为信然。昔神农氏之王天下也，画八卦以通
鬼神之情，造耕种以省杀生之弊，宣药疗疾以拯夭伤之命。此三道者，历众圣而滋彰。文王
、孔子，彖象、繇辞，幽赞人天。后稷、伊芳尹，播厥百谷，惠被群生。岐、黄、彭、扁，振
扬辅导，恩流含气。岁逾三千，民到于今赖之。但轩辕以前，文本未传。药性所主，当以识
识相因，不尔何由得闻。至于桐、雷，乃着在编简。此书应与《素问》同类，但后人多更修
饬之尔。秦皇所焚，医方、卜术不预，故犹得全录。而遭汉献迁徙，晋怀奔迸，文籍焚糜，
十不遗一。今之所存，有此三卷。其所出郡县乃后汉时制，疑仲景、元化等所记。又有《桐
君采药录》，说其花叶形色。《药对》四卷，论其佐使相须。魏、晋以来，吴普、李当之等更
复损益。或五百九十五，或四百四十一，或三百一十九。或三品混糅，冷、热舛错，草、石
不分，虫、兽无辨。且所主治，互有得失。医家不能备见，则智识有浅深。今辄苞综诸经，
研括烦省。以《神农本经》三品合三百六十五为主，又进名医别品亦三百六十五，合七百三
十种。精粗皆取，无复遗落，分别科条，区畛物类，兼注 时用土地所出，及仙经道术所须，
并此序录合为七卷。虽未足追踵前良，盖亦一家撰制，吾去世之后，可贻诸知音尔。
《桐君采药录》 时珍曰∶桐君，黄帝时臣也。书凡二卷，纪其花叶形色，今已不传。
后人又有《四时采药》、《太常采药时月》等书。
《雷公药对》 禹锡曰∶北齐徐之才撰。以众药名品、君臣、性毒、相反及所主疾病，
分类记之，凡二卷。时珍曰∶陶氏前已有此书，《吴氏本草》所引雷公是也。盖黄帝时雷公
所着，之才增饰之尔。之才，丹阳人，博识善医，历事北齐诸帝得宠，仕终尚书左仆射，
年八十卒。赠司徒，封西阳郡王，谥衣冠文物。《北史》有传。
《李氏药录》 保升曰∶魏李当之，华佗弟子。修《神农本草》三卷，而世少行。时珍
曰∶其书散见吴氏、陶氏本草中，颇有发明。
《吴氏本草》 保升曰∶魏吴普，广陵人，华佗弟子。凡一卷。
时珍曰∶其书分记神农、黄帝、岐伯、桐君、雷公、扁鹊、华佗、李氏，所说性味甚详
，今
《雷公炮炙论》 时珍曰∶刘宋时雷 所着，非黄帝时雷公也。自称内究守国安正公，
或者官名也。胡洽居士重加定述。药凡三百种，为上、中、下三卷。
其性味、炮炙、熬煮、修事之法多古奥，文亦古质，别是一家，多本于干宁晏先生。其
首序论述物理，亦甚幽玄，录载于后。干宁先生，名晏封，着《制伏草石论》六卷，盖丹石
家书也。
《唐本草》 时珍曰∶唐高宗命司空英国公李绩等修陶隐居所注《神农本草经》，增为
七卷。世谓之《英公唐本草》，颇有增益。显庆中右监门长史苏恭重加订注，表请修定。帝
复命太尉赵国公长孙无忌等二十二人，与恭详定，增药一百一十四种，分为玉石、草、木、
人、兽、禽、虫鱼、果、米谷、菜、有名未用十一部。凡二十卷，目录一卷，别为药图二十
五卷，图经七卷，共五十三卷。世谓之《唐新本草》。苏恭所释虽明，亦多驳误。礼部郎中
孔志约序曰∶天地之大德曰生，运阴阳以播物；含灵之所保曰命，资亭育以尽年。蛰穴栖巢，
感物之情盖寡；范金揉木，逐欲之道方滋。而五味或爽，时昧甘辛之节；六气斯 ，易愆寒
燠之宜。中外交侵，形神分战。饮食伺舋，成肠胃之眚；风湿候隙，构手足之灾。机缠肤腠，
莫知救止；渐固膏肓，期于夭折。暨炎晖纪物，识药石之功；云瑞名官，穷诊候之术。草木
咸得其性，鬼神无所遁情。刳麝 犀，驱泄邪恶；飞丹炼石，引纳清和。大庇苍生，普济黔
首；功侔造化，恩迈裁成。日用不知，于今是赖。岐、和、彭、缓，腾绝轨于前；李、华、
张、吴，振英声于后。昔秦政煨燔，兹经不预；永嘉丧乱，斯道尚存。梁陶弘景雅好摄生，
研精药术。以为《本草经》者，神农之所作，不刊之书也。惜其年代浸远，简编残蠹，与桐、
雷众记，颇或 驳。兴言撰缉，勒成一家。亦以雕琢经方，润色医业。然而时钟鼎峙，闻见
阙于殊方；事非佥议，诠释拘于独学。至如重建平之防己，弃槐里之半夏。秋采榆仁，冬收
云实。谬粱米之黄白，混荆子之牡蔓。异繁缕于鸡肠，合由跋于鸢尾。防葵、野狼毒，妄曰同
根；钩吻、黄精，引为连类。铅、锡莫辨，橙、柚不分。凡此比例，盖亦多矣。自时厥后，
以迄于今。虽方技分镳，名医继轨，更相祖述，罕能厘正。乃复采杜衡于及己，求忍冬于络
石。舍陟厘而取 藤，退飞廉而用马蓟。承疑行妄，曾无有觉。疾瘵多殆，良深慨叹。既而
朝议郎行右监门府长史骑都尉臣苏恭，摭陶氏之乖违，辨俗用之纰紊，遂表请修定，深副圣
怀。乃诏太尉扬州都督监修国史上柱国赵国公臣无忌、大中大夫行尚药奉御臣许孝崇等二十
二人，与苏恭详撰。窃以动植形生，因方舛性；春秋节变，感气殊功。离其本土，则质同而
效异；乖于采摘，乃物是而时非。名实既爽，寒温多谬。用之凡庶，其欺已甚；施之君父，
逆莫大焉。于是上禀神规，下询众议；普颁天下，营求药物。羽毛鳞介，无远不臻；根茎花
实，有名咸萃。遂乃详探秘要，博综方术。《本经》虽缺，有验必书；《别录》虽存，无稽必
正。考其同异，择其去取。铅翰昭章，定群言之得失；丹青绮焕，备庶物之形容。撰本草并
图经目录等，凡成五十四卷。庶以网罗今古，开涤耳目。尽医方之妙极，拯生灵之性命。传
万祀而无昧，悬百王而不朽。
《药总诀》 禹锡曰∶梁陶隐居撰，凡二卷，论药品五味寒热之性，主疗疾病及采蓄时
月之法。一本题曰《药象口诀》，不着撰人名。
《药性本草》 禹锡曰∶《药性论》凡四卷，不着撰人名氏，分药品之性味，君臣佐使
主病之效。一本云陶隐居撰。然其药性之功，有与本草相戾者，疑非隐居书也。
时珍曰∶《药性论》，即《药性本草》，乃唐甄权所着也。权扶沟人，仕隋为秘省正字。
唐太宗时，年百二十岁，帝幸其第，访以药性，因上此书，授朝散大夫，其书论主治亦详。
又着《脉经》、
《千金食治》 时珍曰∶唐孙思邈撰《千金备急方》三十卷，采摭素问、扁鹊、华佗、
徐之才等所论补养诸说，及本草关于食用者，分米谷、果、菜、鸟兽、虫鱼为食治附之，亦
颇明悉。思邈隐于太白山，隋、唐征拜皆不就，年百余岁卒。所着有《千金翼方》、《枕中素
书》、《摄生真录》、《福禄论》、《三教论》、《老子庄子注》。
《食疗本草》 禹锡曰∶唐同州刺史孟诜撰。张鼎又补其不足者八十九种，并旧为二百
二十七条，凡三卷。时珍曰∶诜，梁人也。武后时举进士，累迁凤阁舍人，出为台州司马，
转同州刺史。睿宗召用，固辞。卒年九十。因《周礼》食医之义，着此书，多有增益。又撰
《必效方》十卷，《补养方》三卷。《唐史》有传。
《本草拾遗》 禹锡曰∶唐开元中三原县尉陈藏器撰。以《神农本经》虽有陶、苏补集
之说，然遗沉尚多，故别为序例一卷，拾遗六卷，解纷三卷，总曰《本草拾遗》。
时珍曰∶藏器，四明人。其所着述，博极群书，精核物类，订绳谬误，搜罗幽隐，自《
本草》以来，一人而已。肤谫之士，不察其该详，惟诮其僻怪。宋人亦多删削。岂知天地品
物无穷，古今隐显亦异，用舍有时，名称或变，岂可以一隅之见，而遽讥多闻哉。如辟虺雷
、海马、胡豆之类，皆隐于昔而用于今；仰天皮、灯花、败扇之类，皆万家所用者。若非此
书收载，何从稽考。此本草之书，所以不厌详悉也。
《海药本草》 禹锡曰∶《南海药谱》二卷，不着撰人名氏，杂记南方药物所产郡县及
疗疾
之功，颇无伦次。时珍曰∶此即《海药本草》也，凡六卷，唐人李 所撰。 盖肃、代时人，
收
《四声本草》 禹锡曰∶唐兰陵处士萧炳撰。取本草药名上一字，以平、上、去、入四
声相从，以便讨阅，无所发明。凡五卷，进士王收序之。
《删繁本草》 禹锡曰∶唐润州医博士兼节度随军杨损之撰。删去本草不急及有名未用
之类，为五卷。开元以后人也，无所发明。
《本草音义》 时珍曰∶凡二卷，唐李含光撰。又甄立言、殷子严皆
《本草性事类》 禹锡曰∶京兆医工杜善方撰，不详何代人。凡一卷，以本草药名随类
解释，附以诸药制使、畏恶、相反、相宜、解毒者。
《食性本草》 禹锡曰∶南唐陪戎副尉、剑州医学助教陈士良撰。取神农、陶隐居、苏
恭、孟诜、陈藏器诸家药，关于饮食者类之，附以食医诸方，及五时调养脏腑之法。时珍曰∶
书凡十卷，总集旧说，无甚新义。古有淮南王《食经》一百二十卷，《崔浩食经》九卷，《竺
喧食经》十卷，《膳馐养疗》二十卷，昝殷《食医心镜》三卷，娄居中《食治通说》一卷，
陈直《奉亲养老书》二卷，并有食治诸方，皆祖食医之意也。
《蜀本草》 时珍曰∶蜀主孟昶命翰林学士韩保升等与诸医士，取《唐本草》参校增补
注释，别为《图经》凡二十卷，昶自为序，世谓之《蜀本草》。其图说药物形状，颇详于陶、
苏也。
《开宝本草》 时珍曰∶宋太祖开宝六年，命尚药奉御刘翰、道士马志等九人，取唐、
蜀本草详校，仍取陈藏器《拾遗》诸书相参，刊正别名，增药一百三十三种。马志为之注解
，翰林学士卢多逊等刊正。七年复诏志等重定，学士李 等看详。凡神农者白字，名医所传
者墨字别之。并目录共二十一卷。序曰∶三坟之书，神农预其一；百药既辨，本草存其录。
旧经三卷，世所流传；名医别录互为编纂。至梁贞白先生陶弘景，乃以《别录》参其《本经》，
朱、墨杂书，时谓明白，而又考彼功用，为之注释，列为七卷，南国行焉。逮乎有唐，别加
参校，增药余八百味，添注为二十一卷，《本经》漏功则补之，陶氏误说则证之。然而载历
年祀，又逾四百，朱字墨字，无本得同；旧注新注，其文互缺。非圣主抚大同之运，永无疆
之休，其何以改而正之哉。乃命尽考传误，刊为定本，类例非允，从而革焉。至于笔头灰，
兔毫也，而在草部，今移附兔头骨之下；半天河、地浆，皆水也，亦在草部，今移附玉石类
之间。败鼓皮移附于兽皮；胡桐泪改从于木类。紫矿亦木也，自玉石品而取焉；伏翼实禽也，
由虫鱼部而移焉。橘柚附于果实，食盐附于光盐。生姜、干姜，同归一说。至于鸡肠、繁缕、
陆英、蒴 ，以类相似，从而附之。仍采陈藏器拾遗、李含光音义，或讨源于别本，或传效
于医家，参而较之，辨其臧否。至于突厥白，旧说灰类也，今是木根；天麻根，解以赤箭，
今又全异。去非取是，特立新条。自余刊正，不可悉数。下采众议，定为印板。乃以白字为
神农所说，墨字为名医所传。唐附、今附，各加显注，详其解释，审其形性。证谬误而辨之
*Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Old theories state that *Bencao Jing* consists of three volumes and was authored by Shennong, but this is not found in canonical texts, nor is it recorded in the *Yiwen Zhi* (Bibliography) of the *Book of Han*. The *Ji* (Annals) of Emperor Ping of Han records: In the fifth year of Yuanshi, those throughout the realm who were proficient in prescriptions (*fangshu*) and *bencao* were summoned, dispatched via light carriages to the capital. The *Biography of Lou Hu* states: "Lou Hu recited hundreds of thousands of words on medical classics, *bencao*, and prescriptions when he was young." The name "*bencao*" likely appears here. Li Ji et al. of the Tang Dynasty inferred its origin from the Liang Dynasty's *Qilu* (Seven Records), which lists *Shennong Bencao* in three volumes. They also suspected that because the commanderies and counties mentioned included names from the Later Han, it might have been written by figures like Zhang Ji (Zhang Zhongjing) or Hua Tuo, but these suspicions are incorrect. According to *Huainanzi*: "Shennong tasted the flavors of a hundred herbs, becoming poisoned seventy times in one day," thus medical prescriptions arose. It seems that in ancient times, before written texts existed, knowledge was transmitted orally from master to disciple, referred to as "*bencao*." Since the Han Dynasties, the number of famous physicians increased. Figures like Zhang Ji and Hua Tuo began incorporating ancient learning with new theories, compiling them systematically, so *bencao* appeared in canonical catalogs.
Kou Zongshi said: Although the *Book of Han* mentions *bencao*, it cannot determine from which dynasty it originated. Although *Shiben* and *Huainanzi* mention Shennong tasting a hundred herbs to harmonize medicines, they do not use the term "*bencao*." Only the *Diwang Shiji* (Chronicle of Emperors and Kings) states: "The Yellow Emperor ordered Qibo to taste plants and minerals, establish the *Bencao Jing*, and create medical prescriptions to treat various diseases." Thus, we know the name "*bencao*" began with the Yellow Emperor. It seems that ancient sages possessed innate wisdom, enabling them to discern the natures and flavors of all things under heaven and match them to the appropriate treatments for people's illnesses. Wise men of later generations followed suit, supplementing it and adding more species. Han Baosheng said: Medicines include minerals, stones, herbs, trees, insects, and animals, yet it is called "*bencao*" because herbaceous plants constitute the largest category among all medicines.
*Mingyi Bielu* (Recorded Sayings of Famous Physicians) Li Shizhen said: *Shennong Bencao* divides medicines into three grades (Upper, Middle, Lower), totaling 365 types, corresponding to the degrees of the celestial sphere. Tao Hongjing of the Liang Dynasty added 365 types used by famous physicians from the Han and Wei dynasties onwards, calling it *Mingyi Bielu*. The work comprises seven volumes. It begins by discussing the origin of medicinal properties and diagnosing disease names; then categorizes medicines into Upper Grade Minerals/Stones, Upper Grade Herbs, Upper Grade Trees, Upper Grade Insects/Animals, Upper Grade Fruits/Vegetables, Upper Grade Grains/Foods, and the "Famous but Unused" category. The text of *Shennong Bencao* is written in red ink, while *Mingyi Bielu* is in black ink, and it was presented to Emperor Wu of Liang. Tao Hongjing, courtesy name Tongming, served as an attendant reader to princes at the end of the Liu Song Dynasty, later retiring to Gouqu Mountain, adopting the pseudonym Huayang Ju Yin (Hermit of Huayang). Emperor Wu frequently consulted him. He died at eighty-five and was posthumously titled Zhenbai Xiansheng (Venerable Master of Purity and Whiteness). His book offers considerable supplementation but also contains many errors.
Tao Hongjing's Preface states: "The Recluse resides atop Maoshan. Using spare time from breathing exercises, he engages in medical arts, reviewing the properties of *bencao* herbs, believing this exhausts the minds of the sages, and thus writes and discusses them. The old title *Shennong Benjing* seems correct. When Shennong ruled the world, he drew the Eight Trigrams to communicate with spirits, invented farming to reduce killing, and promoted medicinal cures to save lives cut short. These three paths were clarified through successive sages. King Wen and Confucius used hexagram statements and line statements to profoundly assist human-heaven relations. Houji and Yi Yin sowed grains, benefiting all living beings. Qibo, Huangdi, Pengzu, and Bian Que promoted guidance, their grace flowing to all sentient beings. Over three thousand years have passed, and people still rely on them. However, before Xuanyuan (Huangdi), written texts were not transmitted. The therapeutic effects of medicines must be understood through accumulated knowledge; otherwise, how could they be known? Only with Tong Jun and Leigong were they recorded on bamboo slips. This book should be similar to *Suwen* (Basic Questions), merely revised by later generations. Qin Shi Huang's burning of books did not affect medical prescriptions or divination, so they remained intact. But during the displacement of Emperor Xian of Han and the flight of Emperor Huai of Jin, documents were burned and lost, leaving less than one-tenth. What remains today are these three volumes. The commanderies and counties listed reflect Later Han administration, suggesting notes by Zhang Zhongjing or Yuanhua (Hua Tuo). There is also *Tong Jun Caiyao Lu* (Record of Tong Jun's Herb Gathering), describing flower and leaf shapes/colors. *Yaodui* (Medicinal Pairs), four volumes, discusses assistant and guiding relationships. Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, Wu Pu, Li Dang, and others have made additions and deletions. Some list 595 types, some 441, some 319. Grades are mixed, cold and hot properties confused, herbs and minerals indistinguishable, insects and animals unclassified. Moreover, therapeutic indications vary in accuracy. Physicians cannot see everything, leading to varying depths of understanding. I now synthesize various classics, condensing complexity. Taking the 365 types of *Shennong Benjing* as the main body, I add 365 types from famous physicians' records, totaling 730. Both coarse and fine materials are included, nothing omitted. Categories are distinguished, classes separated, noting current usage, geographical origins, and requirements from Daoist scriptures. Combined with this preface, it forms seven volumes. Though unable to fully follow past masters, it is a unique compilation, which I leave for connoisseurs after my death."
*Tong Jun Caiyao Lu* (Record of Tong Jun's Herb Gathering) Li Shizhen said: Tong Jun was a minister during the Yellow Emperor's time. The book had two volumes, recording flower and leaf characteristics, but is now lost. Later works include *Sishi Caiyao* (Herb Gathering in Four Seasons) and *Taichang Caiyao Shiyue* (Months for Herb Gathering by the Grand Commandant).
*Leigong Yaodui* (Leigong's Medicinal Pairs) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Xu Zhicai of Northern Qi. It classifies drug names, sovereign-minister roles, toxicity, incompatibilities, and indicated diseases, in two volumes. Li Shizhen said: This book existed before Tao Hongjing; it is the Leigong cited in *Wushi Bencao*. It was likely written by Leigong during the Yellow Emperor's era and embellished by Xu Zhicai. Xu Zhicai was from Danyang, knowledgeable and skilled in medicine, favored by successive Northern Qi emperors, rising to Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. He died at eighty, was posthumously granted Grand Sima, Prince of Xiyang, and the epithet Yiguan Wenwu. A biography exists in *Beishi* (History of the Northern Dynasties).
*Lishi Yaolu* (Li's Record of Medicines) Han Baosheng said: Li Dang of Wei was a disciple of Hua Tuo. He revised *Shennong Bencao* into three volumes, but it was rarely circulated. Li Shizhen said: Fragments appear in *Wushi Bencao* and Tao's *Bencao*, offering significant insights.
*Wushi Bencao* (Wu's Materia Medica) Han Baosheng said: Wu Pu of Wei, from Guangling, was a disciple of Hua Tuo. One volume.
Li Shizhen said: His book details the properties and flavors attributed to Shennong, Huangdi, Qibo, Tong Jun, Leigong, Bian Que, Hua Tuo, and Li. It is very detailed, but currently... [Text cuts off]
*Leigong Paozhi Lun* (Leigong's Treatise on Processing) Li Shizhen said: Written by Lei Xiao of Liu Song, not Leigong of the Yellow Emperor's time. He calls himself Neijiu Shouguo Anzheng Gong, possibly an official title. Hu Qia Jushi (Layman Hu Qia) revised and expanded it. It covers 300 medicines in three volumes (Upper, Middle, Lower).
Its methods for processing, roasting, boiling, and refining are archaic and profound; the language is primitive, belonging to a distinct school, largely based on Mr. Yan Feng of Ning. The opening preface discusses natural principles deeply. Mr. Yan Feng, named Yan Feng, wrote *Zhi Fu Cao Shi Lun* (Treatise on Subduing Herbs and Minerals) in six volumes, likely a Daoist alchemical text.
*Tang Bencao* (Tang Materia Medica) Li Shizhen said: Emperor Gaozong of Tang ordered Li Ji, Duke of Ying, and others to revise Tao Hongjing's annotated *Shennong Bencao*, expanding it to seven volumes. Known as *Yinggong Tang Bencao*, it had many additions. During the Xianqing era, Su Gong, Right Monitor Gate Longshi, requested revision. The emperor ordered Zhao Guoji, Duke of Zhao, and twenty-one others to review it with Su Gong, adding 114 medicines. They divided them into eleven categories: Minerals/Stones, Herbs, Trees, Humans, Animals, Birds, Insects/Fish, Fruits, Grains, Vegetables, and Famous but Unused. Totaling twenty volumes plus a catalog, along with 25 volumes of medicinal images and seven volumes of image descriptions, making 53 volumes total. Known as *Tang Xin Bencao*. Su Gong's explanations were clear but contained errors. Kong Zhiyue, Langzhong of the Ministry of Rites, wrote the preface: "The great virtue of Heaven and Earth is Life, distributing Yin and Yang to generate things; the preservation of sentient beings is Destiny, relying on nourishment to fulfill years. Beasts in caves and birds in nests feel little external influence; crafting metal and wood satisfies desires. Flavors may fail, missing the balance of sweet and pungent; Six Qi may deviate, violating cold and heat harmony. External and internal pathogens clash, body and spirit war. Diet causes intestinal disasters; wind-dampness exploits weaknesses causing limb afflictions. Pathogens entangle skin and pores, unknown how to stop; gradually solidifying in the heart and diaphragm, leading to premature death. Until Shennong identified herbs and stones; until officials named after clouds mastered diagnosis. Plants and trees acquired their natures, spirits could not hide. Opening musk and rhino horn drives out evil; refining cinnabar and stone draws in purity. Protecting the masses, saving the common people; merit equals creation, grace surpasses shaping. Daily use without knowing, yet we rely on it. Qibo, Hefu, Pengzu, Huanzhi set precedents; Li Dang, Hua Tuo, Zhang Ji, Wu Pu followed. Qin Shi Huang burned books, but this classic was spared; the Yongjia turmoil left this tradition intact. Tao Hongjing of Liang loved health preservation, studying pharmacology. He believed *Bencao Jing* was Shennong's work, an unchangeable canon. Regretting its age and damaged scrolls, and confusion with Tong Jun and Leigong's records, he compiled a unique work. Carving prescriptions, beautifying medicine. Yet, in the tripartite division, knowledge of distant lands was lacking; interpretations were constrained by solitary study. For example, replacing Jianping's Fangji with Huaili's Banxia. Harvesting Yuren in autumn, Yunshi in winter. Confusing yellow and white sorghum, mixing Jingzi varieties. Distinguishing Fanlu from Jichang, combining Youba with Yuanwei. Treating Fangkui and Yelangdu as same-root; linking Gougen and Huangjing. Confusing lead and tin, orange and pomelo. Such errors were numerous. Since then, until today. Although medical arts diverged and famous physicians succeeded each other, few corrected errors. They gathered Ducheng from Ji Ji, sought Rendong in Luoshi. Abandoned Zhili for Teng vines, rejected Feilian for Maji. Following doubt and acting rashly, no one noticed. Diseases became perilous, causing deep sighs. Then, Chen Yilang and Acting Longshi of Right Monitor Gate, Knight-Errant Su Gong, exposed Tao's deviations and popular errors, requesting revision, pleasing the Emperor. Edicts commanded Grand Sima Yangzhou Governor Zhao Guoji, Xu Chongchong, and twenty-one others to collaborate with Su Gong. We hold that moving/plant life varies by region; seasons change, affecting efficacy. Removed from native soil, quality remains but effect changes; wrong harvesting time makes the object correct but the timing wrong. Names and realities mismatch, cold/heat properties often erroneous. Used by commoners, deception is severe; applied to rulers, the sin is greatest. Thus, consulting heaven and earth, asking public opinion, distributing orders nationwide, seeking medicines. Feathers, scales, shells arrived from afar; roots, stems, flowers, fruits gathered. Investigating secrets, mastering arts. *Benjing* missing verified items were recorded; *Biilu* existing baseless items were corrected. Comparing similarities/differences, selecting what to keep. Ink and brush clarified debates; paintings depicted forms. Compiled *Bencao*, Image Descriptions, and Catalogs, totaling 54 volumes. To encompass past and present, open eyes and ears, perfect medical arts, save lives, transmit through millennia, stand eternal."
*Yao Zongjue* (General Principles of Medicines) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Tao Hongyin of Liang, two volumes. Discusses five flavors, cold/hot properties, therapeutic indications, and harvesting/storage months. Another title is *Yaoxiang Koujue*, author unknown.
*Yaoxing Bencao* (Materia Medica of Drug Properties) Zhang Yuxi said: *Yaoxing Lun* has four volumes, author unknown. Divides drug properties, sovereign-minister-assistant-courier roles, and therapeutic effects. Another version claims Tao Hongyin. However, some property descriptions contradict *Bencao*, suggesting it is not his work.
Li Shizhen said: *Yaoxing Lun* is *Yaoxing Bencao*, written by Zhen Quan of Tang. Zhen Quan was from Fugou, serving as Corrector of Texts in the Secretariat during Sui. At 120 years old during Emperor Taizong's reign, the Emperor visited him, asked about drug properties, and he submitted this book, receiving the title Chaosan Dafu. His discussion of indications is detailed. He also wrote *Maijing* (Pulse Classic)...
*Qianjin Shizhi* (Dietary Therapy from the Thousand Gold Formulas) Li Shizhen said: Sun Simiao of Tang wrote *Qianjin Beijifang* (Emergency Prescriptions from a Thousand Gold Pieces) in thirty volumes. He excerpted discussions on nourishment from *Suwen*, Bian Que, Hua Tuo, Xu Zhicai, etc., and edible parts of *bencao*, classifying them into Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, Birds/Beasts, Insects/Fish as dietary therapy appendices. It is quite clear. Sun Simiao secluded himself on Taibai Mountain, refusing summons from Sui and Tang, dying over 100 years old. His works include *Qianjin Yifang*, *Zhong Su Shu*, *Shesheng Zhenlu*, *Fulu Lun*, *Sanjiao Lun*, and commentaries on *Laozi* and *Zhuangzi*.
*Shiliao Bencao* (Dietary Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Meng Shen, Prefect of Tongzhou in Tang, wrote this. Zhang Ding supplemented 89 types, totaling 227 entries in three volumes. Li Shizhen said: Meng Shen was from Liang. He passed the Jinshi exam under Empress Wu, rising to Fengge Sheren, then exiled to Taizhou Sima, later Tongzhou Cishi. Emperor Ruizong recalled him, but he declined. Died at 90. Inspired by the *Rites of Zhou*'s concept of Dietary Physicians, he wrote this with many additions. Also wrote *Bixiao Fang* (10 vols) and *Buyang Fang* (3 vols). Biography in *Tang History*.
*Bencao Shiyi* (Supplemental Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Chen Cangqi, County Magistrate of Sanyuan, during Kaiyuan era of Tang. Although Tao and Su had supplements, many omissions remained. Thus, he wrote a Preface/Examples (1 vol), Supplemental Entries (6 vols), and Resolving Confusions (3 vols), collectively *Bencao Shiyi*.
Li Shizhen said: Chen Cangqi was from Siming. His works were exhaustive, precise in classification, correcting errors, and uncovering hidden knowledge. Since *Bencao*, he stands alone. Superficial scholars, failing to grasp his comprehensiveness, mock his eccentricity. Song scholars also abridged him. How can they know that heavenly and earthly products are infinite, and ancient/modern visibility differs? Usage depends on timing, names may change. How can one judge the learned based on limited views? Items like Bihui Lei, Seahorse, and Chickpeas were hidden then but used now; Yangtian Pi, Lamp Wick, and Broken Fans are used by millions. Without this book, how could they be verified? This explains why *Bencao* must be thorough.
*Haiyao Bencao* (Maritime Medicine Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: *Nanhai Yupu* (Spells of Southern Sea Medicines), two volumes, author unknown.杂乱 records southern medicinal origins and therapeutic effects, lacking order. Li Shizhen said: This is *Haiyao Bencao*, six volumes, written by Li Xun of Tang. Li Xun was likely active during Dezong/Daizong eras, collecting...
*Sisheng Bencao* (Four-Tone Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Xiao Bing, recluse of Lanling, Tang. Arranged by the first character of drug names according to the four tones (Level, Rising, Departing, Entering) for easy lookup, with no new insights. Five volumes, prefaced by Jinshi Wang Shou.
*Shanfan Bencao* (Abridged Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Yang Sunzhi, Medical Doctor of Runzhou and Military Attendant, Tang. Removed non-urgent and "Famous but Unused" items, five volumes. Post-Kaiyuan figure, no new insights.
*Bencao Yinyi* (Phonetic Meanings of Materia Medica) Li Shizhen said: Two volumes, written by Li Hanguang of Tang. Also by Zhen Liyan and Yin Ziyan...
*Bencao Xingshi Lei* (Categorized Properties and Functions of Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Du Shanfang, Medical Artisan of Jingzhao, dynasty unknown. One volume. Explains drug names by category, attaching preparation methods, antagonisms, incompatibilities, compatibilities, and antidotes.
*Shixing Bencao* (Dietary Nature Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Chen Shiliang, Deputy Commander Peirong and Teaching Assistant of Jianzhou Medical School, Southern Tang. Classified drugs from Shennong, Tao Hongjing, Su Gong, Meng Shen, Chen Cangqi related to diet, attached dietary physician prescriptions, and five-season organ-nourishing methods. Li Shizhen said: Ten volumes. Compiles old sayings, little new meaning. Ancient works include Huainan Wang's *Shijing* (120 vols), Cui Hao's *Shijing* (9 vols), Zhu Xuan's *Shijing* (10 vols), *Shanxiu Yangliao* (20 vols), Zan Yin's *Shiyi Xinjing* (3 vols), Lou Juzhong's *Shizhi Tongshuo* (1 vol), Chen Zhi's *Fengqin Yanglao Shu* (2 vols), all containing dietary therapies based on the Dietary Physician concept.
*Shu Bencao* (Shu Materia Medica) Li Shizhen said: Meng Chang, Lord of Shu, ordered Han Baosheng and other physicians to cross-reference, supplement, and annotate *Tang Bencao*, creating *Tu Jing* (Image Description) in 20 volumes. Meng Chang wrote the preface. Known as *Shu Bencao*. Its illustrations of drug shapes are more detailed than Tao and Su.
*Kaibao Bencao* (Kaibao Materia Medica) Li Shizhen said: In the sixth year of Kaibao, Song Taizu ordered Liu Han, Daoist Ma Zhi, and eight others to carefully collate Tang and Shu *Bencaos*, referencing Chen Cangqi's *Shiyi*, correcting aliases, and adding 133 medicines. Ma Zhi provided annotations, edited by Lu Duoxun. In the seventh year, Ma Zhi re-edited, reviewed by Li Mu. Shennong's text marked in white, famous physicians' in black. Total 21 volumes including catalog. Preface: "Among the Three Fens, Shennong is included; having distinguished hundred medicines, *Bencao* records them. Old classic three volumes, widely circulated; Mingyi Bielu compiled mutually. Tao Hongjing of Liang combined Bielu with Benjing, using red/black ink, considered clear, annotating functions in seven volumes, circulated in the South. Tang added revisions, increasing drugs by 800+, totaling 21 volumes, supplementing Benjing's omissions, correcting Tao's errors. But over 400 years passed, red/black ink origins diverged, old/new notes incomplete. Only a sage ruler unifying the world could rectify this. Ordered full verification, printing definitive edition, correcting improper categories. E.g., Brush-tip Ash (rabbit hair) moved from Herbs to Rabbit Skull Bone; Half-sky River, Earth Slurry (waters) moved from Herbs to Minerals; Broken Drum Skin to Animal Skins; Hu Tong Lei to Trees; Zijuan (resin) from Minerals to Trees; Fuyi (bat) from Insects/Fish to Birds. Citrus/Pomelo to Fruits; Salt to Light Salts. Fresh/Dried Ginger unified. Jichang, Fanlu, Luying, Shuque grouped by similarity. Referenced Chen Cangqi's Shiyi, Li Hanguang's Yinyi, tracing sources or medical efficacy, comparing pros/cons. Turkic Bai (white root) formerly ash, now tree root; Tianma root formerly Chi Jian, now distinct. Removing error, adopting correctness, establishing new categories. Remaining corrections countless. Adopted public consensus, printed plates. White characters for Shennong, black for famous physicians. Tang additions/Current additions clearly noted, explaining forms/natures, verifying errors."