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The scales of the dragon number eighty-one, conforming to the number 9x9, which represents the extreme of Yang. Therefore, it corresponds to Chen (the fifth Earthly Branch) and governs water. The scales of the carp number thirty-six, conforming to the number 6x6, which represents the extreme of Yin. Thus, it transforms Yang and becomes a dragon. (*Pi Ya*) The fire of the dragon flares up when it meets dampness and burns fiercely when it encounters water. However, if driven away by human fire, the flames will extinguish. Hence, the *Xiang Huo* (Ministerial Fire, residing in the Liver and Kidney, responsible for growth and warming) of humans is similar to it. (Also cited)

Dragon bone is found in Shanxi (Jin), as well as Mount Tai, Cangshan, and other regions, within mountain rocks, riverbanks, and earth burrows. These are places where dragons shed their bones during transformation and liberation; they are shed bones, not bones from dead dragons. Elk shed antlers, crabs shed claws, snakes shed skin, and dragons shed bones. Bones that are fine with broad patterns belong to females; those that are coarse with narrow patterns belong to males. Those possessing all five colors are of the highest grade; white and yellow ones are medium; black ones are inferior.

It has a sweet and neutral taste, and a slightly cold nature, belonging to "Yin containing Yang." It enters the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, and Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It also connects with the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian, Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, and Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. It calms the soul (*Hun*) and spirit (*Po*), and secures against collapse, specifically treating rectal prolapse.

For bleeding from the nine orifices, powdered Dragon Bone is blown into the nose. In cases where a patient suffered a massive epistaxis (one hu, an ancient unit of volume) that resisted various treatments, this method immediately stopped the bleeding. For nocturnal emissions caused by mental exertion, equal parts of Dragon Bone and Polygala Root (*Yuanshi*) are ground into powder. Half a qian (approx. 1.5g) is taken with cold water on an empty stomach.

It has an astringent taste and a neutral-cool nature. Its primary function is to calm the soul and spirit, treating epilepsy, convulsions, and manic disorders. The wandering *Hun* is likened to the unpredictable transformations of the dragon. The steadfast *Po* is likened to the tranquility of the dragon. Therefore, for an unsettled *Po*, Tiger Eye is used to stabilize it; for a soaring *Hun*, Dragon Tooth is used to calm the spirit. Dragon Bone enters the Heart, Kidney, and Intestines/Stomach meridians. Dragon Tooth enters only the Liver and Heart meridians. Thus, Dragon Bone serves both to stop diarrhea and astringe essence, whereas Dragon Tooth is used solely to settle fright and calm the spirit. (Cited from Zhong Chun) Combined with Schizonepeta (*Jingjie*), Landfill Weed (*Zelan*), Moutan Bark (*Danpi*), Bryony Vine (*Sumu*), Ginseng (*Renshen*), Achyranthes (*Niuxi*), Safflower (*Honghua*), Rhizoma Alismatis (*Puhuang*), Angelica Sinensis (*Danggui*), and fresh urine of boys (*Tongbian*), it treats postpartum blood stasis attacking the heart, leading to mania and delirious speech. It must not be mistaken for mania caused by Cold Damage (*Shanghan*); misdiagnosis can be fatal. Combined with Realgar (*Niu Huang* - note: likely typo in original for Niuhuang/Calculus Bovis, but text says Niu Huang), Rhinoceros Horn (*Xijiao*), Uncaria (*Gouteng*), Cinnabar (*Zhusha*), Rehmannia Root (*Shengdi*), Poria (*Fushen*), Amber (*Hupo*), Gold Leaf (*Jinbo*), Bamboo Sap (*Zhuli*), Heavenly Wheat (*Tianzhuhuang*), and Storax (*Suhe Xiang*), it treats epilepsy and convulsions in adults and children.

[Discussion] The transformation of the dragon is the most spiritual, being purely Yang. Yet Yang originates from Yin. Thus, relying on water establishes its spirit; losing water causes its spirit to fail. Exhaling breath creates clouds, symbolizing the divine manifestation of Kidney Water resembling Yin. Its form and spirit resemble teeth and nose.

For conditions such as dysentery, bloody diarrhea, uterine bleeding, and hematuria, these are typically caused by heat accumulation and stagnation in the blood. The treatment method should be to promote circulation and drainage; one should not immediately use astringents. Only in cases of chronic illness with collapse due to deficiency is it applicable.

[Differentiation and Treatment] The best quality Dragon Bone is found at the spine and brain area, displaying white brocade-like patterns, and sticks to the tongue when licked. It is processed by boiling in water, washed, and dried. For every jin (approx. 500g) of Dragon Bone, one dou (approx. 10 liters) of Black Soybeans (*Heidou*) is used.