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Tao Hongjing, in his annotation on Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas), stated: "Use Shipi (Stonespleen) as Xiaoshi (Saltpeter). Boil one hu (a unit of capacity) of Shipi in water to obtain three dou (a unit of capacity) of product, pure white like snow. When a stone is thrown into it, it dissolves; hence the name Xiaoshi." According to research, Shipi, Mangxiao, and Xiaoshi all grow in the saline lands of the Western Regions. They are formed from the crystallization of brine, and their origins and similar categories are alike.

It is toxic. The variety produced in gold mines has severe toxicity; ingestion can lead to death. The variety found in the caves of mountains inhabited by ethnic minorities in Lingnan resembles fragmented red-black stones, similar to "Jintieshi" (Gold-Iron Excrement). People in the south say that shed teeth of venomous snakes are found in stones; also, snakes adhere to stones. Furthermore, feces of Zhen birds (mythical poisonous birds) falling on stones cause them to shatter. The toxic parts are collected as "Shengjin" (Raw Gold), which is considered as Xihuang (Realgar), possessing toxicity; Xionghuang (Orpiment) is also toxic. Those produced in gold mines belong to this same category. For humans poisoned by gold medicine, snake antidotes are used. The method for identifying symptoms is detailed in the section on Jin She (Gold Snake). The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states that Huangjin (Gold) is toxic, which is a grave error. "Shengjin" is entirely different from the gold mentioned there.

Non-toxic. It treats abdominal distension forming Jia masses (abdominal lumps), pain, and stifling sensation after consuming raw fish sashimi, where food and drink cannot be swallowed, leading to gradual emaciation. Take dozens of river stones, heat them until red-hot, and immerse them five sheng (a unit of volume) of water seven times. Drink the hot water immediately. Repeat this process three to five times; the Jia mass should be discharged through defecation.

This substance can burn candle grease; half a vat of candle grease becomes lacquer-like. It is inedible. This is the essence of water and stone, and naturally should have specific therapeutic effects. Checking various prescriptions, I found references stating that the *Bowuzhi* (Records of Various Things) mentions stone fat-water from the southern mountains of Jiuquan, resembling juice of fatty meat. When taken into vessels, it congeals like fat, appearing pure black, indistinguishable from ointment. Local people call it Shiqi (Stone Lacquer). However, I cannot find relevant prescriptions now, which deeply regrets me.

Heat it until red-hot and immerse in water, adding several ge (a small unit of volume) of salt. It treats Feng Sao Yin Zhen (wind-induced hives/urticaria) and can also be used for washing. Additionally, take stones the size of goose eggs, heat them fiercely until red-hot, and immerse them in vinegar more than ten times. Until the stones completely fragment, collect the powder, dry it in the sun, mix with vinegar, and apply to swollen areas. This comes from the *Book of Northern Qi*; the physician Ma Siming cured Fa Bei (carbuncles on the back) and various malignant swellings. These are all common stones.

Bitter in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. It treats traumatic injuries and internal damage, blood stasis, and relieves severe stifling and restlessness bordering on death. Dissolve it in wine and ingest. People in the southern regions use it to apply to poison arrowheads, and for bites from large vipers in deep mountains. Quickly, part the hair on the top of the patient's head in a cross shape to induce bleeding. Apply the powdered medicine to the wound and cover the injured area. The toxin will necessarily attack upwards and drain downwards; several sheng of yellow fluid should be excreted, relieving the stifling sensation. Locals value it highly, wearing it around the waist to prevent poisoning from arrows. It also treats malignant sores, heat-toxin carbuncles and swellings, Chi Bai You Feng (red and white wandering wind/erysipelas), and Shi Chuang (eroding sores). Northerners refer to swelling as You Feng (Wandering Wind) and apply it mixed with water. It originates from inside Shishang Mountain in Hezhou, resembling fragmented stones or sand. Locals store it in bamboo tubes.