Library

[Mercury]
Pungent in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily treats scabies (skin disease with itching and scaling), crusts, ulcers, and tinea capitis (fungal infection of the scalp causing hair loss); it kills lice in the skin; it induces abortion; it clears heat; and it neutralizes the toxicity of gold, silver, copper, and tin. When melted and refined back into cinnabar pills, long-term ingestion leads to immortality or eternal life. It is found in flat earth regions.
*The Classic of Famous Physicians* states: Also known as Gong (Mercury). It originates from Fuling and is derived from Cinnabar.
Note: *Shuowen Jiezi* states: " , produced from Cinnabar, is Mercury." *Guaya* states: "Mercury is called Gong." *Huainanzi · Dizhen Xun* states: "White , after nine hundred years, produces White ; White , after nine hundred years, produces White Gold." Gao You comments: "White , is Mercury."

[Ningshui Stone / Congealed Water Stone]
Pungent in flavor, slightly cold in nature. It primarily treats wind-stroke with alternating chills and fever, rebellious Qi in the epigastrium causing palpitations and panting, dry mouth with bitter and scorched sensations, dyspnea, hardness and pain in the abdomen, expels evil spirits, treats postpartum conditions involving milk, and heals metal wounds. It grows in mountain valleys.
*The Classic of Famous Physicians* states: Also known as Xi Shi (Fine Stone). It grows at Qi Mountain, Qilu Mountain, and Lumen Mountain. It can be harvested at any time.

[Magnetite]
Pungent in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily treats generalized bi-syndrome due to wind-dampness, pain in the limbs and joints, inability to hold objects, a sensation of cold shivering and soreness, clears severe heat, fullness, and deafness. Also known as Yuan Shi (Origin Stone), it grows in mountain valleys.
*Wu Pu's Materia Medica* states: Ci Shi (Magnetite), also known as Ci Jun (Magnetic Lord).
*The Classic of Famous Physicians* states: Also known as Chu Shi (Place Stone). It grows on the north side of Mount Tai and Ci Mountain; where there is iron, it grows on the sunny side. It can be harvested at any time.
Note: *Beishan Jing* states: "Mount Guanti, where Magnetite is abundant." Guo Pu comments: "It can be used to attract iron." *Guanzi · Dishu Pian* states: "Where there is Magnetite on the mountain, there must be copper underneath." *Lüshi Chunqiu · Jing Tong Pian* states: "Magnetite attracts iron." *Huainanzi · Xiawu Xun* states: "Magnetite can draw iron." It should only be written as "Ci" (Compassionate/Benevolent); the old form "Ci" (Magnetic) is incorrect. *The Classic of Famous Physicians* listing Yuan Shi as a separate entry is also incorrect.

[Ningshui Stone / Congealed Water Stone]
Pungent in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily treats body heat, abdominal accumulations and pathogenic Qi, a sensation of burning fire in the skin, and vexation/fullness. Taken with water, long-term ingestion prevents hunger. Also known as Baishui Shi (White Water Stone). It grows in mountain valleys.
*Wu Pu's Materia Medica* states: Shennong considered it pungent; Qibo, Yi He, and Bian Que considered it sweet and non-toxic; Li considered it extremely cold. Some sources say it grows in Handan. It can be harvested at any time. Its color resembles cloud mother-of-pearl (*Taiping Yulan* cites: also known as Hanshui Shi/Cold Water Stone).
*The Classic of Famous Physicians* states: Also known as Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) and Lingshui Shi (Ice Water Stone), it is the essence of salt. It grows at Chang'an Mountain and Ning Mountain, as well as in Zhongshui County and Handan.
*Fan Zi Jiran* states: "Water Stone comes from Hedong. Those with good luster are superior."