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(Thirteen species of mountain birds, with one additional species)

(From *Bencao Shiyi* / Supplement to Materia Medica)

[Names] Auspicious Bird (Rui)
Li Shizhen states: According to the *Qin Jing* (Classic of Birds), the male is called Feng (Phoenix), and the female is called Huang (Phoenix). They are also collectively referred to as Rui (Auspicious Bird). "Rui" signifies that all other birds bow down in submission. Among the 360 types of feathered creatures, the Phoenix is their leader; hence, the character for "Feng" consists of "bird" (Niao) and "fan" (All/General). "Fan" means general or total. In ancient times, it was written as the character "Peng," which is an ideogram. "Huang" means beautiful and grand.

[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen states: The Phoenix is the Vermilion Bird of the South. According to the *Han Shi Wai Zhuan*, the image of the Phoenix resembles a swan in front and a Qilin (Kylin) behind, with a swallow's jaw, a chicken's beak, a snake's neck, a fish's tail, a stork's forehead, and mandarin duck cheeks. Its scales resemble those of a dragon, and its back resembles that of a turtle. Its feathers display five colors, and it stands four to five chi tall. It soars across the four seas and appears only when the world is governed by the Way. Its wings resemble axes and halberds, and its voice resembles a xiao (vertical bamboo flute). It does not peck at living insects nor break living grass. It does not live in flocks nor travel in pairs. It perches only on parasol trees (Wutong), eats only bamboo seeds, and drinks only sweet spring water. The *Shan Hai Jing* (Classic of Mountains and Seas) records: On Mount Danxue, there is a bird shaped like a chicken, with five-colored patterned feathers. It feeds and drinks naturally, sings and dances on its own; its appearance brings peace to the world. Cai Heng states: There are five distinctions in the appearance of phoenixes: those with more red are Feng; those with more blue/green are Luan (Luan Bird); those with more yellow are Yuanchu; those with more purple are Yuezhuo; and those with more white are Gu (Swan). Furthermore, various books name them differently, and the text is too voluminous to record here. According to Luo Yuan's *Erya Yi*: In Beigan Mountain north of Nan'en Prefecture, cliffs rise thousands of ren high, unreachable by apes and bei (mythical beasts). Phoenixes nest there, feeding only on insects and fish. When strong winds and rain blow their chicks down, the small ones resemble cranes but have slightly shorter legs.

[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications] Treats exhaustion-induced blood stasis, promotes the flow of meridians and vessels, and calms the spirit. Treats fright-evil, epilepsy, and "ji xian" (epilepsy-like symptoms in chickens or humans manifesting similarly), fever, mania, and frantic running. Grind with water and take orally (attributed to Chen Cangqi).

[Elucidation] Chen Cangqi states: The white stone-like substance found under the feet of the Phoenix is named Fenghuang Tai (Phoenix Terrace). Although the Phoenix is a spiritual bird, it occasionally comes to display its grace. One should wait for where it perches, dig two or three chi deep into the soil, and retrieve the object. If it resembles a round stone and is white like an egg white, it is indeed Fenghuang Tai. However, since the Phoenix perches only on parasol trees and eats only bamboo seeds, how could such a terrace exist near the ground and enter the soil? This must be a natural principle of things that cannot be fully understood. Currently, places with Phoenixes may not necessarily have bamboo, and places with bamboo may not necessarily have Phoenixes. It is likely that this exists only in the Land of Qilin and Phoenix. For instance, the "String-Mending Glue" presented during the Han Dynasty was said to be made by boiling Phoenix marrow; what is strange about that?

Li Shizhen states: According to the *Lüshi Chunqiu*: West of the Flowing Sands and south of Mount Dan, there are Phoenix eggs, which are eaten by the Wo people. Thus, the place of origin is not considered unusual. Regarding the String-Mending Glue, the *Dong Ming Ji* (Records of Mysterious Events) attributes its creation to Luan blood. Therefore, the *Leigong Paozhi Lun* states: Broken strings or snapped swords return to their original state upon contact with Luan blood. Chen氏 (Mr./Ms. Chen) believed it was made from Phoenix marrow. These are likely fabrications and need not be debated extensively.