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Shi Liuhuang (Stalagmite / Pyrite): Sour in taste, warm to extremely hot in nature, toxic. It treats erosion and ulceration of the female genitalia, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, and accumulation of foul blood; it strengthens sinews and bones, and treats alopecia capitis. It addresses accumulations and masses in the heart and abdomen, cold phlegm-rheum in the hypochondrium causing cough and rebellious qi ascending, cold pain and weakness in the feet, epistaxis, malignant sores, sores in the lower body, stops bleeding, and kills scabies mites. It can dissolve gold, silver, copper, iron, and other metals. It is found in the Muye Valley of Donghai, as well as Mount Tai and Hexi Mountains; it is the liquid residue of Mingfan Shi (Alumen). Donghai Commandery belongs to Beizhou, and Jishan also produces it. The first grade comes from Funan Linyi (modern central Vietnam), with a color like a newly hatched goose egg, known as Kunlun Huang. The second grade comes from foreign lands via Shu, with a deep and brilliant luster. Secular prescriptions use it effectively for foot weakness and chronic cold conditions. It is also used in *Xianjing* (Immortal Classics). The "dissolving of strange objects" refers to methods in *Huangbai Shu* (Art of Yellow and White) and alchemical pill preparation. The text states it is Alumen liquid, but since Alumen is absent in the south today, this may not be accurate. (From *Xinxiu Bencao* p. 47, *Daguan Bencao* Vol. 4, *Zhenghe Bencao* p. 102)

Cishi (Magnetite): Pungent and salty in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. It treats generalized Bi syndrome due to wind-dampness, pain in limbs and joints making holding objects difficult, shivering and soreness, clears excessive heat, relieves fullness and irritability, and treats deafness. It nourishes the Kidney, strengthens bone qi, benefits essence, removes irritability, unblocks joints, dissipates abscesses, scrofula (lymph node tuberculosis), neck masses, and throat pain, and treats pediatric convulsions. It should be calcined and taken with water. It also promotes fertility. Also known as Xuan Shi or Chu Shi. It grows in valleys of large mountains and rivers, specifically on the sunny slopes where iron deposits exist. It can be harvested at any time. (Chai Hu acts as its guide drug, neutralizes iron toxicity, is incompatible with Mudan and Mangcao, and fears Huangshizhi.)
It is also found in the south today. The best quality can suspend and attract needles; suspending three, four, or five needles is considered excellent. It neutralizes iron toxicity and dissolves gold. It is frequently used in *Xianjing*, *Danfang*, and *Huangbai Shu*. (From *Xinxiu Bencao* p. 53, *Daguan Bencao* Vol. 4, *Zhenghe Bencao* p. 111)

Ningshuishi (Halite / Rock Salt Stone): Pungent and sweet in taste, cold to extremely cold in nature, non-toxic. It treats fever, accumulation of pathogenic qi in the abdomen, skin burning and rotting sensation, irritability and fullness; taken as a decoction. It clears excess heat from seasonal pathogens, latent heat in the Five Viscera, stomach heat, irritability, thirst, edema, and bi-syndrome in the lower abdomen. Long-term consumption prevents hunger. Also known as Baishui Shi, Hanshui Shi, or Lingshui Shi. It resembles mica; those that can be broken are of good quality. It is the essence of salt. It grows in the valleys of Changshan, as well as in Zhongshui County and Handan. (It resolves Radix Crotonis toxicity and is incompatible with Diyu.)
Changshan is Hengshan, belonging to Bingzhou. Zhongshui County belongs to Hejian Commandery. Handan is Zhao Commandery, both belonging to Jizhou. The soil here is saline-alkaline, therefore... (Text cuts off) (From *Xinxiu Bencao* ..., *Daguan Bencao* Vol. 4, *Zhenghe Bencao* p. 112)