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(Song Dynasty *Kaibao Bencao* records)

[Names] Shisu Qian (Stone Marrow Lead). Su Song stated: Its color is greenish-yellow like copper, and it does not require smelting from ore, hence the name Ziran Tong (Natural Copper).

[Collection and Explanation] Su Song stated: Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) grows in the mountain rocks of Yongzhou where copper is produced. It is collected from pits and among stones, with irregular square or round shapes, and its color is greenish-yellow like copper.

Su Song further stated: Currently, it is found in the copper pits and among stones in Xinzhou and Huoshan Jun. Xinzhou produces a variety shaped like tangled copper wires, said to be exuded naturally from copper ores due to mountain air vaporization, similar to "Old Man's Beard" found near silver deposits. This variety is best for medicinal use. The variety from Huoshan Jun consists of lumps resembling copper but hard and heavy as stone; physicians call this "Shi" (Stone), which has weaker efficacy. There is no fixed time for collection. Physicians in the southern regions currently state that there are two or three types of Ziran Tong (Natural Copper): one type is as small as hemp or millet seeds, or composed of multiple facets linked together, up to the size of a peck measure, with a brilliant, bright yellow-golden appearance like gold or Shi, which is the highest grade for medicinal use. Another type forms blocks of varying sizes, also bright and reddish. A third type resembles Jiangshi (Ginger Stone) or Tiexi (Iron Scoria). There are also forms resembling unsmelted material, with indeterminate shapes, all originating from copper pits; they break easily upon striking, appearing in yellow-red or black-green hues, and transform into copper after smelting. This analysis is quite precise, yet I have never seen the wire-like variety. Furthermore, it is said that merchants often substitute "Shi" (Stone) for Ziran Tong (Natural Copper); when burned, it produces a blue flame like sulfur. This substitute comes in two or three varieties: one has a shell like Yuyuliang (Halloysitum Rubrum), and inside is bright like a mirror with a yellow color similar to Shi; another is greenish-yellow with wall-like structures and textures like bundled needles; a third has fragmented textures like granular sand. All are bright like copper, mostly white-green with little red, and burn completely into smoke and flame instantly. Many physicians mistakenly identify this as Ziran Tong (Natural Copper), and market goods are often this substitute. True Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) requires fire calcination, whereas this substitute fears fire; thus, it can be distinguished by this property alone. Dugu Tao stated: Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) originates from Yanshan County in Xinzhou. Deep within the silver field copper pits, copper ores formed over many years by mineral vapors resemble Mapibo (a type of fungus). Those that are purple-heavy and taste bitter/astringent when eaten are genuine. People currently mistake large "Shi" (Stone) for Ziran Tong (Natural Copper), which is an error.

Cheng stated: In the rivers and marshes of Chenzhou, a variety of Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) is produced. It is round like Shehan (Snake Containment herb), large ones like walnuts, small ones like chestnuts. It has an outer skin that is black and glossy. When broken, it is indistinguishable from "Shi" (Stone), except it does not emit a foul odor. It is particularly effective medicinally.

[Anonymous Author] "Shisu Qian" is Ziran Tong (Natural Copper). Do not use Fangjinya (Square Gold Tooth), which looks very similar; if mistaken and ingested, it causes fatal vomiting. "Shisu Qian" resembles dry Yinini (Silver Mud) and has a slightly sweet taste.

Li Shizhen stated: According to *Baozang Lun*, Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) grows in caves containing Cengqing (Azurite) and Shilv (Malachite). It resembles the roots of cold forest plants, is red and greasy, and may have wall-like structures. Another variety resembles Dansha (Cinnabar), being bright, hard, and angular, containing copper veins internally, which is especially good. Yet another variety resembles wood roots, is not red/greasy, crumbles into powder easily, and is extremely fine; it is found near mountains producing copper. The Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) used in common practice today is none of these genuine varieties.

[Preparation] [Anonymous Author] stated: After collecting Shisu Qian, crush it, boil it with Gancao Tang (Licorice Decoction) for one full day and night. Strain it out the next day, spread it to dry, pound it in a mortar, sieve it again, and soak it in Cu (Vinegar) overnight. Strain it the next day. Place it in a porcelain box coated with Liuyi Ni (Six-One Clay), holding two sheng (volume unit). Nourish it on mild heat for three days and nights until dry. Cover it tightly and calcine it with fire for two full day-night cycles. Remove the soil and grind it into powder. For every five liang of preparation, use two yi (weight unit) of vinegar as the limit.

Li Shizhen stated: Nowadays, people only calcine it with fire and quench it in vinegar seven times, then grind it finely and process it via water levigation (Shuifei).

[Flavor and Toxicity] Acrid, Neutral, Non-toxic. Da Ming stated: Cool.

[Therapeutic Actions] Treats fractures and injuries, disperses blood stasis, alleviates pain, and breaks accumulations (*Kaibao Bencao*). Eliminates blood stasis, drains pus, reconnects bones and tendons, treats postpartum blood pathogenic factors, calms the mind, and stops palpitations and fright; take ground with wine (*Rimiaozi Zhujiabencao*).

[Elucidation] Kou Zongshi stated: Someone fed Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) to a wild goose with a broken wing, and the goose subsequently flew away. Currently, for traumatic injuries from blows or falls, Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) is finely ground and water-leigated, mixed with Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) and Moyao (Myrrh), each half qian, taken with wine, while massaging the affected area.

Zhu Zhenheng stated: Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) is regarded by the world as a bone-knitting herb. However, there are many such formulas; generally, it is advisable to tonify Qi, Blood, and Stomach. Quack doctors seek rapid effects to cater to patients' desires. While copper itself is usable, if it is newly removed from fire, its Fire Toxin and Metal Toxin interact, carrying the Heat Toxin of aromatic herbs. Although it has bone-knitting merit, its drying and dissipating harm is worse than swords and knives; one must beware.

Li Shizhen stated: The bone-knitting efficacy of Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) is the same as that of Tongxie (Copper Filings) and cannot be denied. However, after knitting bones, it should not be taken regularly; regulating Qi and activating Blood suffices.

[Attached Formulas] Three new formulas.

Heart Qi Piercing Pain: Ziran Tong (Natural Copper), calcined with fire and quenched in vinegar nine times, ground into powder. Take a dose equivalent to "Yi Zi" (a small measure) mixed with vinegar; pain stops immediately. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*)

Qi Goiter on the Neck: Store Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) in a water jar. Use this water for daily diet and drinking; the goiter will gradually disappear. Alternatively, burn it and inhale the smoke for a long time. Also effective. (*Zhizhi Fang* by Yang Renzhai)

Summer-Heat-Dampness Paralysis, Inability to Move Limbs: Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) (heated red hot, soaked in wine overnight), Chuan Wutou (Sichuan Aconite Root, processed), Wulingzhi (Trogopterus Dung), Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome, soaked in wine) each 1 liang, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis, soaked in wine) 2 qian. Grind into powder, make pills with wine paste the size of wutong seeds. Take 7 pills per dose with wine. Stop when numbness in limbs is felt. (*Jide Tang Fang* by Lu Family)