Library

(Into the Compendium of Materia Medica)

[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen stated: Haiyan (Sea Swallow) originates from the East Sea. It is one cun in size, with a flat and round shape, having a dark green-black back and a white, crisp belly. It resembles Haipiaoxiao (Sepiae Endoconcha, cuttlebone), featuring patterns like mushroom caps. Its mouth is located on the underside of its abdomen, feeding on fine sand. There are five distinct hooks beside its mouth, which serve as its feet. The *Linhai Shuitu Ji* (Records of Waters and Soils of Linhai) states: Yangsuzhu (Sun's Foot) grows in the sea. It has a dark green-black back and a white belly, possessing five feet of equal length and size, with no discernible head or tail. When alive, its body is soft; upon death, it becomes dry and brittle. This refers to this creature. The *Linhai Yiwu Zhi* (Records of Strange Things of Linhai) records: Yan Yu (Swallow Fish) is five cun long and flies up more than one zhang during rainy weather. This may be a species sharing the same name.

[Flavor and Properties] Salty, warm, non-toxic.

[Indications] For pain caused by injuries exacerbated during rainy weather, decoct and drink the juice; sweating will lead to relief. It can also be incorporated into nourishing-yin prescriptions.

(Into the Sea Medicinal Materia Medica)

[Collected Explanations] Yue said: In the water, males and females chase each other, copulate shortly after, and then lay eggs resembling millet grains; these are authentic. They are also rare items.
Li Shizhen stated: Gu's *Haicha Lu* (Record of Sea Voyages) notes: Xiangsi Zi (Love Seed) resembles a snail, is solid inside like stone, and is as large as a bean. Stored in chests for years without decaying. If placed in vinegar, it spins endlessly. According to this description, this is Langjunzi (Gentleman's Son).

[Flavor and Properties] Missing.

[Indications] For difficult labor in women; holding it in hand facilitates delivery, proving highly effective.

Li Shizhen stated: Creatures with two feet and feathers are classified as birds (Qin). Shi Kuang’s *Qin Jing* (Classic of Birds) states: Among the three hundred and sixty feathered creatures, their fur corresponds to the four seasons, and their colors align with... Birds inhabit rocks, while plains birds dwell on the ground. Forest birds chirp at dawn, and water birds call at night. Mountain birds have short bodies and long tails, using their tails... or gazing sideways with their eyes, or vocalizing, or mating with different species (such as pheasants, peacocks, and snakes interacting). Their birth occurs either through wing-incubation of eggs or through transformation within the same qi (e.g., eagles transforming into turtledoves). Some arise from transformation of different species (e.g., field mice transforming into quails). Alas! The principles of things are so diverse; how can scholars fail to investigate them deeply? The Five Doves and Nine Hu were minimally adopted to name official positions. The male pheasant and owl provided poets with observational inspiration. The purport here is subtle. Not seductive, not... nesting. Regarding all things, the sage’s intent in usage or rejection, benevolence or killing, is surely not arbitrary? Records state: Heavenly products generate Yang energy. Feathered types are Yang within Yang, generally nurturing Yang energy. Thus, we collected those suitable for culinary or medicinal use, as well as those toxic or evil that must be known, forming the Section on Birds (Qin Bu), comprising seventy-seven species. Divided into four categories: Water, Plains, Forest, and Mountain. The old edition of the Bird Section contained three grades totaling fifty-six species. Now, one is added, one transferred from the Beast Section, one from the Insect Section, and one named but unused is transferred in.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica): Four species (annotated by Tao Hongjing of Liang Dynasty) *Mingyi Bielu* (Record of Famous Physicians): One species *Xinxiu Bencao* (Newly Revised Materia Medica): Two species (by Su Gong of Tang Dynasty) *Kaibao Bencao*: One species *Zhenglei Bencao*: Five species (by Li Shizhen of Ming Dynasty)
Annotations: Li Dangzhi’s *Yaolu* (Wei Dynasty) *Wu Pu Bencao* Lei Xiao’s *Paozhi* (Song Dynasty) Zhen Quan’s *Yaoxing* (Qi Dynasty) Xiao Bing’s *Sisheng* Li Xun’s *Haiyao* (Tang Dynasty) Sun Simiao’s *Qianjin Fang* Yang Sunzhi’s *Shixing* Chen Shiliang’s *Shixing* Han Baosheng’s *Chongzhu* (Shu region) Kou Zongshi’s *Yanyi* (Song Dynasty) Shen Wei’s *Bencao Tujing* Zhang Yuansu’s *Zhenzhunang* Li Gao’s *Faxiang* (Yuan Dynasty) Wang Haogu’s *Tangye Bencao* Wu Rui’s *Riyong Bencao* Zhu Zhenheng’s *Bencao Yanyi Buyi* Xu Yongcheng’s *Bencao Fahui* (Ming Dynasty) Ning Yuan’s *Shijian Bencao*