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The frog is green in color, has a slender abdomen, a pointed mouth, and long hind legs; therefore, it is good at leaping. When its call is loud, it is called "wa" (frog); when its call is small, it is called "ge" (toad). This refers to what is mentioned in the *Yueling* (Monthly Ordinances) as "sparrows entering large waters transforming into clams." The poem by Han Yu of the Tang Dynasty, "A night of frogs crying until dawn," describes this creature. Consuming it has a neutral nature and can relieve fatigue and heat.

It is effective in tonifying lung deficiency and laborious cough, treating chronic cough that does not heal. If empty heat accumulates in the lungs for a long time, it forms sores; thus, coughing produces pus and blood, continuing day and night, with qi obstruction in the throat and chest and diaphragm pain. Take one tael each of Gejie (Gekko Gecko), Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), Sheng Xijiao (Raw Rhinoceros Horn - note: use substitutes in modern practice), Lujiaojiao (Deer Antler Glue), and Lingyangjiao (Antelope Horn). Except for the glues, all are crushed into powder. Then add the glues, and divide into four doses. For each dose, use three sheng of river water, slowly boil in a silver or earthenware vessel until half a sheng remains, filter out the dregs, and sip slowly while slightly warm before going to bed. After the liquid is consumed, pound the dregs again, combine them into one dose, add three sheng of water, boil until one sheng remains, and take as before. If the patient is extremely deficient and dislikes drinking water, reduce the amount of water. Zhang Zigao, son of Minister of Justice Zhang, was critically ill; receiving this prescription from Kuang, the Director of Secretariat, he recovered.

[Shi Can] Lives in caves and can also survive in water. Burn one tael of Shi Can (Stone Silkworm) to retain its properties, combine with three kernels of Roudoukou (Nutmeg), grind together into powder, and mix with rice drink to take two qian. It treats Qi hemorrhoids. If pus and blood are severe, add one tael of Yupi (Bark of Pomegranate or similar astringent bark, context implies specific medicinal bark) burned into the mixture. Stop when the disease is cured; there is no need to finish the entire dose.

There are many varieties of spiders, all of which are toxic. The classic texts do not specify which kind to use. Nowadays, people mostly use those found under eaves, on fence tops, or in alleys, which spin round webs in the air, have large abdomens, and are dark gray. Their urine landing on humans causes sores and ringworm.

Among them, the largest one is known in the capital as "Ma Datou" (Horse Head). Its body is green. Females have a ring of jade-green color around their waist. When used medicinally, males should be selected. Tao Hongjing stated that they are green with large eyes. However, among this type, there are originally no green ones; all have large eyes. This creature originates from water, hence it often flies over the water surface. Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty wrote, "Dragonflies skimming the water fly leisurely."

Calling it a herb is incorrect. The classic states it "dissolves knotted qi," but the annotations fail to clarify this. This creature is found everywhere, attached to stones in water, spinning silk cocoons like hairpins, about an inch long, covering its body. Its color resembles mud, and silkworms are inside. This is why it is called "Shi Can" (Stone Silkworm). It is rarely used by physicians today. It is also an aquatic insect, common in mountains and rivers.