Library

(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])

**Names:** Yu (pronounced like "Yu"), [Nao] (pronounced like "You", sometimes written as "KT"), [Ape-like creature] (pronounced with two sounds, " 、lei", sometimes written as a specific character), Xianhou [Immortal Monkey].

Li Shizhen stated: Guo Pu said that the Guoran [a type of primate] calls itself by its own name. Luo Yuan said: When humans capture one of them, the entire group cries out and rushes to its aid; even if it is killed, they do not leave. It is called "Guoran" because attracting them is certain. The larger ones are called "Ran" or "Yu"; the smaller ones are called [Character A] or [Character B].

**Collected Explanations:** Zang Qi stated: According to *Nanzhou Yiwu Zhi* [Records of Strange Things from Southern Provinces], in Jiaozhou there exists a beast called Guoran, which names itself. Its shape is larger than an ape, its body length does not exceed three chi, but its tail is longer than its head. Its nostrils face upward; when it rains, it hangs from trees and plugs its nostrils with its tail. Its fur is long, soft, fine, and smooth, with a white base and black patterns, resembling the spotted feathers on the flanks of a teal duck. Gathered together to make coats and mats, it provides great warmth. The *Erya* mentions [Character C], characterized by upturned nostrils and a long tail, referring to this animal.

Li Shizhen stated: The Guoran is a benevolent beast. It inhabits mountains in the southwest. It lives in trees, resembling an ape, with a white face, black cheeks, abundant beard hair, and colorful fur. Its tail is longer than its body, ending in a fork, which it uses to plug its nose during rain. It likes to travel in groups, with elders leading and juveniles following. They yield food to one another, show affection in dwelling, gather when alive, and accompany each other in death. What Liu Zongyuan described as benevolence, yielding, filial piety, and kindness refers to this animal. In ancient times, [Character D] was depicted on ancestral ritual vessels (Zongyi), taking advantage of its filial piety, yielding nature, and wisdom. Some say the "You" in "Yuyou" [hesitation] refers to [Character E]. Its nature is suspicious; upon seeing people, it climbs trees, moving up and down uncertainly, even running into collisions, breaking heads and legs. Thus, people use it to metaphorize those who are indecisive, and colloquially describe [Character F] as foolish or dull.

Meat

**Flavor and Properties:** Salty, neutral, non-toxic.

**Indications:** Malaria and miasma-induced chills and fever. Boil the meat with five flavors [herbs/seasonings] and consume it; sitting on its skin also yields therapeutic effects.

**Elucidation:** Li Shizhen stated: Consulting Zhong Yu's *Ode to Guoran*, it says: Resembling a monkey and an ape, with black cheeks and a blue-green body. The meat is not of high quality. Only the skin is precious. However, *Lüshi Chunqiu* states among delicious foods is roasted [Character G] meat. Do their natures differ?

**Appendix:** Mengsong. Li Shizhen stated: Mengsong, also known as Menggui, is a smaller variant of [Character H]. It is purple-black in color and originates from Jiaozhi. Kept for catching mice, it surpasses cats and martens.

Changmao [Long Hair], white in color, shaped like a held board. *Shudi Zhi* [Records of Shu] states: [Character I] resembles a monkey but is extremely agile. It often stays in trees, leaping suddenly like flying birds.