Library

(Song Dynasty *Kaibao Bencao* Record)

[Names] Zhenzhu (Pearl, from *Kaibao Bencao*), Bangzhu (Mussel Pearl, from *Nanfang Zhi*).

[Collection and Explanation] Li Xun stated: True pearls are produced in the South Sea, generated by *Haliotis discus hannai* (Shijueming/Abalone). Those produced in Nüwa of the Western Road in Shu are generated by mussels/clams; their luster is white and excellent, but not as dazzling as those imported by ship. Drilling requires a diamond drill.

Su Song stated: Currently, they are produced in Lianzhou, and also in Beihai. Produced from "Zhumu" (female pearl-producing mollusk), also called Zhumu, which belongs to the mussel family. According to *Lingbiao Luyi*: In Lianzhou, near the sea, there are islands with pools. Although these pools are on the sea, people suspect the bottom connects to the sea, yet the water is fresh, which is inexplicable. Locals collect small mussels, make them into dried meat for food, and often obtain fine pearls like rice grains. Thus, it is known that mussels in these pools, regardless of size, contain pearls. However, those who now obtain Zhumu say they get them from the seaside, not necessarily from pools. The mussel species in Beihai differ slightly. People take their meat, sometimes obtaining pearls, but they are not very lustrous, not common, and unsuitable for medicinal use. Furthermore, among mussels, there is a type resembling *Pinna nobilis* (Jiangyao) with pearls in its belly, but none compare to the rarity and abundance of those from the South Sea.

Chen Cheng stated: In the ponds and marshes of Hebei, there are also pearls up to one cun in diameter, mostly slightly red; their Zhumu differs from those in Lianzhou. However, in clear, fast-flowing water, the color is bright white; in turbid or stagnant water, the color is dull.

Li Shizhen stated: According to *Lianzhou Zhi*: [Text fragment implies diving to collect mussels]. Colors vary by region. I once saw someone enter the sea and bring back several loads of "pearl trees." These trees resemble willow branches; mussels grow on the trees, and some grow on rocks. Divers chisel rocks to find trees to seek mussels, which is very strange. Also, according to *Nanyue Zhi*: Pearls of 9 fen size are considered large grade, possessing luster. Those flat on one side like an inverted pot are named [Name missing in text] pearls. Next are walking pearls, smooth pearls, etc. *Gegu Lun* states: Southern barbarian pearls are white and round; Ma Jia Zhu (Horse Price Pearl) is the top grade. Pearls green like jade are good; those with old color, mixed with stone powder turning blue-green, or having an oily smoke appearance are inferior. Whenever mussels hear thunder, they become emaciated. They conceive pearls due to lunar influence, hence called "Pearl Womb." If there is no moon at Mid-Autumn, mussels have no pearl womb. Zuo Si's fu says: "Mussel clam pearl wombs complete or wane with the moon," which is correct. Lu Tuan said: Mussels/clams lack yin-yang distinction; shark pearls are in the eye, nautilus pearls in the skin, turtle pearls in the foot, mussel pearls in the belly. None are as valuable as mussel pearls.

[Processing] Li Xun stated: For use, employ new, intact pearls that have not been drilled or strung, grind them into powder, only then are they suitable for ingestion. If not fine enough, they will damage the viscera.

Kou Zongshi stated: For use, employ new and clean ones stored in silk bags. Place oysters weighing about 4-5 jin in a flat pan, support them stably from all sides, then place the pearls on top. Add Radix Sanguisorbae (Diyu), Wu Hua Pi, and Wu Fang Cao, each 4 liang (chopped), cover them, and boil continuously in fermented grain water for three days and nights. Take out, wash clean with Licorice Decoction, pound finely in a mortar, sieve again, and grind twenty thousand times before use.

Wang Shenwei stated: *Baopuzi* records: True pearls over one cun in diameter, when ingested, can grant longevity. Soaking them in whey turns them into liquid like mercury. Combined with Pumex (Fushi), honeycomb, and Snake Yellow, they can extend life by three chi.

Li Shizhen stated: For medicinal use, do not use jewelry or pearls exposed to corpse qi. Soak in human milk for three days, boil, then pound and grind as above. Another method: store in a silk bag, place inside tofu, boil for the time it takes to burn one incense stick; this is said not to damage the pearl.

[Flavor and Toxicity] Salty, sweet, cold, non-toxic.

[Indications] Calms the Heart and stabilizes the spirit. Applied to the eyes to remove corneal opacities and membranes. Applied to the face to make the skin lustrous and complexion good. Applied to hands and feet to remove [text missing]... Plugged in the ear, treats deafness (*Kaibao Bencao*). Ground to remove opacities and descend phlegm (Zhen Quan). Removes [root?]... Treats pediatric difficult labor, expels dead fetus and placenta [...].

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen stated: Zhenzhu enters the Jueyin Liver Meridian, thus it can calm the soul and stabilize the spirit, improve vision, and treat deafness.

[Attached Prescriptions] Five old prescriptions, six new prescriptions.

Calming Soul and Stabilizing Spirit: One bean-sized amount of Zhenzhu powder, mixed with one shell-full of honey, taken orally, three times daily. Especially suitable for children (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*).

Sudden Shock and Inability to Speak: Zhenzhu powder, mixed with rooster comb blood, formed into pills the size of soybeans. Insert three or four pills into the mouth (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*).

Dust Obscuring Vision: Rub the eye with a large pearl to restore clarity (*Gegu Lun*).

Difficult Labor in Women: One liang of Zhenzhu powder, taken with wine, results in immediate delivery (*Qianjin Fang*).

Retained Placenta: One liang of Zhenzhu ground to powder, taken with vinegar (*Qianjin Fang*).

Dead Fetus in Uterus: Two liang of Zhenzhu powder, taken with wine, results in immediate expulsion (*Waitai Miyao*).

Smallpox Not Erupting: Seven pearls ground to powder, mixed with fresh well water and taken (*Rumen Shiqin*).

Smallpox and Carbuncle Toxins: See prescription under Pea in the Grain Section.

Liver Deficiency with Dim Vision and Blindness: One liang of Zhenzhu powder, two he of white honey, two carp bile sacs, mixed and decocted in a copper vessel until half remains. Filter through new cotton and store in a bottle. Apply frequently to the eyes until cured (*Shenghui Fang*).

Congenital Blindness: Same prescription as above.

Pediatric Wind Stroke with Limb Spasticity: One liang of Zhenzhu powder (water levigation), one qian of Gypsum Fibrosum powder. Each dose: one qian, decocted in 0.7 sheng of water to 0.4 sheng, taken warm, three times daily (*Shenghui Fang*).

Stubborn Corneal Opacity: One liang of Zhenzhu, two liang of Radix Sanguisorbae (Diyu), boiled in two large bowls of water until dry. Take the Zhenzhu, soak in vinegar for five days, rinse with hot water to remove vinegar odor, grind to fine powder. Apply a small amount to the eye until healed.