Library

(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Bencao Jing Jizhu* / *Supplement to the Materia Medica*)

**[Names]** Cheng (from *Liezi*), Shilacun.

Li Shizhen states: The leopard is fierce in nature, hence its name "Bao". According to Xu Shen's *Shuowen Jiezi*: The leopard has a long spine; when it walks, the spine rises prominently, presenting a form that resembles one responsible for killing, thus the character 'Bao' contains the radical 'Zhi' (beast) and 'Shao'. Wang Shengmei's *Zishuo* states: The leopard's nature is to capture prey and eat according to measure, hence *Liezi* says: Qingning gives birth to Cheng, and Cheng gives birth to Ma. Shen Kuo's *Dream Pool Essays* records: People in Qin call the leopard "Cheng", and this term persists today as "Shilacun".

**[Collection & Explanation]** Tao Hongjing says: Leopards are extremely rare, and their use in medicine is scarce; only the tail is considered valuable.

Su Gong says: In Yin-Yang philosophy, there is a Leopard Tail Deity, and the imperial carriage procession includes a Leopard Tail Cart; the name sounds respectable. But what is truly valuable about a real leopard tail? I do not understand on what basis Tao Hongjing made this claim?

Su Song says: Currently... [text missing] ...and the pattern is black; [text missing] ...knowing what part is actually used for medicine...

Chen Cangqi says: Leopard fur is reddish-yellow with black patterns, resembling coins that are hollow in the center, arranged side by side. There is also a "local leopard" (Tu Bao), which is small in size. These are distinct species, not capable of transforming shapes; this was merely a metaphor used by sages. Fearing that physicians might not know this, I have recorded it.

Li Shizhen says: Leopards are occasionally found in Liaodong and the mountains of the southwest. They resemble tigers but are smaller, with white round heads, cherishing their lustrous fur. Those with coin-like patterns are called Golden Coin Leopards, suitable for making coats. Those with mugwort-leaf patterns are called Mugwort Leaf Leopards, of a lower grade. Additionally, from the Western Regions comes the Gold Thread Leopard, with patterns like gold threads. There is a Water Leopard in the sea, corresponding to the Ji Constellation. *Qin Chong Shu* records: A tiger gives birth to three cubs, one of whom becomes a leopard. Thus, leopards can undergo transformation, a fact unknown to Kou Zongshi. Leopards fear snakes and mice, while lions, bo, and Qusou can eat them. *Huainanzi* records: Command the tiger to extend, command the leopard to stop; all things have their constraints. [Text missing] records: When a fox dies, its head faces its native hill; when a leopard dies, its head faces the mountain. This shows they do not forget their origins. Leopard fetus is extremely delicious and is one of the Eight Delicacies.
Meat

**[Flavor & Properties]** Sour, neutral, non-toxic. Sun Simiao says: Warm, slightly toxic. Do not consume in the first lunar month, as it damages the spirit and shortens lifespan.

**[Indications]** Calms the five zang organs, repairs severe injuries, lightens the body and benefits qi; long-term consumption is beneficial to humans (*Bencao Jing Jizhu*). Strengthens sinews and bones, fortifies willpower, resists cold and heat, and makes one vigorous and strong (*Rihua Bencao*). Repels ghosts, charms, and evil spirits; benefits the kidney (Sun Simiao).

**[Elucidation]** Meng Xiao says: Leopard meat makes one's temperament bold and rough; after eating, one feels the effect immediately, which settles after digestion. Long-term consumption yields similar effects.

Chen Cangqi says: This beast is fiercer and more agile than the tiger, hence it can calm the five zang organs, repair severe injuries, lighten the body, and strengthen sinews and bones.
Fat

**[Indications]** Combined with hair-growth ointment, applied in the morning, hair grows by evening (Meng Xiao). Also used in facial creams (Li Shizhen).
Nose

**[Indications]** Treats fox-mania. Boiled with fox nose and taken orally (Chen Cangqi. Li Shizhen notes: According to *Waitai Miyao*, it is used in Cui Shi's prescriptions.)
Skull

**[Indications]** Burned to ash and leached with water to remove dandruff caused by wind-head (Meng Xiao). Made into pillows to ward off evil (Li Shizhen. From *Wuxing Zhi*).
Skin Chen Cangqi says: One should not sleep on it, as it startles the spirit. If its hairs enter a wound, they are toxic.

Li Shizhen says: According to *Linyi Ji*: In the southern border of Guangnan, there is a "La insect" that eats human corpses and cannot be driven away. Only by covering it with leopard skin can it be repelled out of fear...