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(From *Tang Bencao*)

[Names] Hongtong (Copper, *Bencao Gangmu*), Chijin (Red Gold, Tao Hongjing). The powder form is named Tongluo, Tongmo, Tonghua, Tongfen, or Tongsha.
Li Shizhen said: Copper is of the same category as gold; hence the character "Tong" contains the radical for "Jin" (Gold) and the component "Tong" (Same).

[Collection and Explanation] Tao Hongjing said: Copper is called Red Gold; both raw and cooked copper are red, yet it was not used in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*. Currently, Tongqing (Verdigris) and large coins are used in prescriptions, all being raw copper, which should be classified in the Lower Grade.
Li Shizhen said: There are three types of copper: Chitong (Red Copper), Baotong (White Copper), and Qingtong (Bronze). Chitong is produced in the mountains of Sichuan, Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou, etc., where locals mine and smelt it by excavating caves in the mountains.
Baotong comes from Yunnan, and Qingtong comes from Nanfan (Southern frontier regions). Only Chitong is most widely used and can be employed in medicine. People refine Huangtong (Yellow Copper/Brass) using Lu Ganshi (Calamine), which looks like gold. By refining with Ashishi (Arsenic Trioxide), they produce Baotong. By mixing with Tin, they produce Xiangtong (Resonant Copper). *Shan Hai Jing* states that there are 467 mountains producing copper; now the number is unknown. *Baozang Lun* says there are ten types of Chijin: Danyang Copper, Wuchang Biman Copper, Yisheng Copper, and Shengyin Copper, all naturally formed without smelting, non-toxic, and suitable for making tripods. Persian Bronze can be made into mirrors. Silla Copper can be cast into bells. Shilü, Shiqing, Bai, and Qing coppers are all prepared through medicinal processing. Tie Tong (Iron Copper) is soaked in bitter gall water until it turns red, then smelted with coal to become black and hard. Xikeng Copper is very soft and can be transmuted. Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) is described in its own entry. *Heding Xinshu* states that copper shares the same origin as gold and silver; acquiring the Qi of Ziyang generates green color; after two hundred years, the green becomes stone, and copper is born within. Its Qi is Yang-endowed, so its substance is rigid and fierce. *Guanzi* says: Where there are Ling Shi (Limestone) above, there is Chitong below. *Dijing Tu* says: Where there is Cishi (Magnetite) in the mountain, there is Gold or Copper beneath. When grass stems turn yellow and bloom, there is copper ore below. The essence of copper vessels can transform into horses or servants. *Baopuzi* says: Copper has male and female aspects. When heated in fire until still red, if boys and girls pour water on it, the copper splits into two pieces; the protruding part is Male, and the concave part is Female. Using the Female as a female sword and the Male as a male sword, carrying them into rivers and lakes causes dragons and water deities to fear and avoid them.

Chitong Xie (Red Copper Filings)

[Preparation] Li Shizhen said: These are filings dropped from hammering copper. Alternatively, heat Hongtong in fire and quench it in water, causing it to fall off naturally. Wash clean with water, stir-fry in a clay pot with good wine until sparks appear, then take and grind into powder for use.

[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, Neutral, slightly toxic.
Li Shizhen said: Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) powder makes copper brittle; Badou (Croton Seed) and Niuzhi (Beef Tallow) soften copper; Cigou (Zizania Latifolia) and Ruxiang (Frankincense) make copper dull; this is due to the nature of these substances.

[Indications] Treats Zeifeng (Evil Wind) causing Fan Zhe (Opisthotonos). Heat the filings extremely hot, throw them into wine, drink five He (approx. 100ml), three times a day. Or, take five Jin (approx. 2.5kg) of Chitong, heat until red, immerse in two Dou (approx. 2 liters) of wine one hundred times, and consume as above. Also treats Axillary Osmidrosis (Fox Odor). Mix Chitong filings with vinegar to the consistency of wheat dough, place in a bag. First puncture the pulse point under the armpit to release blood, then apply the bag to seal the area; this is highly effective (*Tang Bencao*). Brightens the eyes, treats Fengyan (Wind Eye diseases), sets bones, welds teeth, and treats women's Blood-Qi disorders and Heart Pain (Meng Shen).
Combined with Wubeizi (Chinese Gall), it can dye hair and beard (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen said: *Taiqing Fuliian Fa* states: Copper forms by receiving the Yin Qi of the East (Yi Wood); its nature is slippery, and ingestion damages the Kidney. If it damages the Kidney, how can it set bones?
Zangqi said: Chitong Xie primarily treats fractures and injuries; it can weld human bones and those of livestock. Grind finely and take with wine; it goes directly to the bone injury site. After the animal dies, examine the bone; welding marks remain, which serves as verification. Hammered cooked copper is unsuitable for use.
Shenwei said: *Chaoye Qianzai* records: Cui Wu from Dingzhou fell from a horse and broke his leg. A physician took copper filings mixed with wine for him to drink, and he recovered. Ten years later, upon reburial, examination of his tibia fracture showed the copper still binding the bone.

[Attached Prescriptions] One old prescription.
Axillary Osmidrosis: Cui's Formula: Clean thoroughly with clear water, then wash with clear vinegar juice. Gently abrade the skin until slightly broken. Take copper filings, mix with vinegar, heat, and rub onto the area; very effective (*Waitai Miyao*).