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(Song Dynasty *Kaibao Bencao*)

[Collected Explanations] Su Song stated: Shixie (Stone Crab) grows in the South Sea. It is said to be an ordinary crab that, after many years, has its body covered by sea foam, thereby transforming into stone. It floats out whenever there is a high tide. There is also another type that enters caves for many years and undergoes the same transformation. They are all finely ground and processed by water levigation (Shuifei), then added to other medicines as adjuvants.

Su Song stated: They are found in coastal prefectures. Although their substance is stone, they resemble crabs in general appearance, merely mixed with mud and coarse stones.

Li Shizhen stated: According to Gu's *Haicha Lu*: In Yulin Port, Yazhou, about half a li inland, the soil is extremely fine and very cold. When crabs enter this area, they become immobile within moments and turn into stone. People obtain it, name it Shixie (Stone Crab), place it on desks, and claim it can improve vision. Additionally, there is Shixia (Stone Shrimp) resembling shrimp, found by the sea; and Shiyu (Stone Fish) resembling fish, found in Xiangshan County. Neither Shiyu nor Shixia are used in medicine. The *Yitong Zhi* records: West of Yang County in Fengxiang Prefecture, there is a mountain ridge called Shanyulong. Excavating the ground and breaking open stones reveals them, which are said to prevent insect damage.

[Flavor and Properties] Salty, Cold, Non-toxic.

[Indications] Qingmang (decreased vision or blindness), Muyin (excessive ocular discharge), Fuyi (corneal nebula), Dingyi (ocular proliferations), Qichuang (lacquer dermatitis) (*Kaibao Bencao*). Resolves toxicity from all medicines and Gu poison (parasitic poisoning); treats epidemic febrile diseases; promotes labor and induces abortion; treats blood syncope. All are administered by grinding with warm boiled water (*Rimenzhujiabencao*). Rubbing with vinegar and applying externally treats carbuncles and swelling. Grinding with hot water and ingesting resolves mineral and metal toxicity (Su Song).

[Attached Formulas] New Formula 1.

Throat Bi (Sore Throat) with Swelling and Pain: Grind Shixie (Stone Crab) with water, drink the solution, and apply externally to the outside of the throat (*Shengji Zonglu*).

(Song Dynasty *Tujing Bencao*)

[Collected Explanations] Su Song stated: Shishe (Stone Snake) is found among rocks near the sea in the South Sea. Its shape coils like a snake, without head or tail, hollow inside, red-purple in color. Those coiling to the left are considered superior. It somewhat resembles a charn shell (Che Luo), but it is unknown what creature transforms into it. Generally, it is of the same category as Shixie (Stone Crab), and its functions are also similar.

Kou Zongshi stated: Shishe (Stone Snake) is colored like earth on ancient walls, coiled like a large Chinese date plum, hollow in the middle, with both ends of equal thickness. It does not belong to the same category as Shixie (Stone Crab); the crab is transformed from a real crab, whereas the snake is not transformed from a real snake. Nowadays, people rarely use it.

Li Shizhen stated: According to Yao Kuan's *Xixi Conghua*: By the sea in Nan'en Prefecture, there is a rocky cape. Whenever crabs pass over it, they turn to stone; snakes passing over it do so as well. It is unknown if this statement is true. If it is, then Shishe (Stone Snake) is indeed transformed from a real snake.

[Flavor and Properties] Salty, Neutral, Non-toxic.

[Indications] Resolves mineral and metal toxicity (Su Song).