Library

[Hu Gu (Tiger Bone)]
Pungent, warm. The best quality comes from the head and tibia bones that are yellowish in color. Various parts of the tiger's body can be used for medicine, with male tigers being superior to females. Tiger bones from those killed by arrows, which appear bluish-black, should not be used because the toxin has permeated the bone and blood, posing a danger to humans. Crush the bones, remove the marrow, apply su (animal fat), or soak in wine or vinegar according to specific methods, then roast over charcoal fire until yellow before use. Hu Gu is incompatible with Shu Qi (Euphorbia fischeriana root), Shu Jiao (Sichuan pepper), and Ci Shi (Magnetite).

[Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn)]
Sour, salty, bitter, cold. For medicinal use, select the black tip; fresh material is preferred. Processed items made into finished vessels and steamed are unsuitable. Saw the horn into small pieces, wrap them in paper, keep them in one's bosom overnight, and then grind them while dry so they turn to powder easily. Song Zhi (Rosin) and Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) serve as guiding herbs. It is adverse to Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix), Wu Hui (Aconiti Radix et Caulis), Lei Wan (Polyporus), fungi, salt, and soy sauce.
Li Binhu stated: The grain pattern of Xi Jiao resembles fish roe, called "Su Wen" (Millet Grain Pattern); if there are pores within the pattern, it is called "Su Yan" (Millet Pore). Black horns with yellow flowers are authentic, whereas pure black horns without patterns are inferior grade.

[Xiong Dan (Bear Bile)]
Bitter, cold. Counterfeit products are common in the market; transparent ones are preferred. To test authenticity, place a tiny amount in water; if it forms a thread-like line that does not disperse and moves swiftly, it is genuine. Other biles merely act slowly. Xiong Dan is adverse to Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) and Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix).
Zhou Mi wrote in *Qidong Yeyu*: Xiong Dan has the property of repelling dust. To test this, cover a vessel with clean water and dust; when a grain-sized piece of bile is dropped in, the accumulated dust clears away instantly.

[Ling Yang Jiao (Antelope Horn)]
Salty, cold. The horn is thin like a human finger, 4-5 cun long, with many nodes, tightly coiled and round. It should be finely chopped, protected from wind, crushed, sieved, and further ground to prevent flying dust from irritating the intestines. Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen) serves as a guiding herb and can soften silver.
Chen Cangqi noted: Shan Yang (Wild Goat), Shan Lv (Wild Donkey/Onager), and Ling Yang (Antelope) are similar, but Ling Yang possesses spiritual awareness. At night, to guard against danger, it hangs its horn on trees so the horn does not touch the ground, with only the curved... [text incomplete].
Li Binhu stated: Ling Yang resembles a goat but is blue-green with coarse hair and short, small horns; Shan Lv resembles the Wu sheep with long, large horns; Shan Lv has the body of a donkey but... [text incomplete].

[Lu Rong (Deer Antler Velvet)]
Sweet, salty, warm. First, coat evenly with su, then scorch over a fierce fire until all hair falls off. Lightly roast until yellow-brown, then grind into fine powder for use. Su must not be omitted. Some methods use wine-roasting or wine-steaming and baking, following the specific prescription. There may be small white insects inside; do not smell them.
Kou Zongshi said: Lu Rong is hardest to obtain if it is unbroken and has not lost blood, as its efficacy lies entirely in the blood. Those resembling purple eggplants are considered superior, named Qie Rong... [text incomplete]. Branching like a saddle, the tip of the antler is like... [text incomplete].
Shen Kuo in *Bi Tan* wrote: According to the *Yueling*, Milue (Elk) sheds its antlers at Winter Solstice, and Lu (Deer) sheds its antlers at Summer Solstice... [text incomplete].