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Shixie (Stone Crab)
Salty in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats Qingmang (blindness or blurred vision), Muyin (excessive ocular discharge), Fuyi (corneal nebula), and Dingyi (stellate corneal opacity), as well as Qichuang (lacquer dermatitis). Produced in the South Sea. It is also said to be ordinary crabs; after a long period, sea foam adheres to them, transforming into stone. They float out whenever there is a sea tide. Another type enters caves, and those of long duration undergo similar transformation. All are finely ground and processed by water levigation (Shuifei), used in combination with other herbs, and applied to the eyes for good effect. (Currently appended)
Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note: Rihua Zi states that Shixie is cool in nature. It resolves all kinds of herbal toxicity and Gu poison (parasitic disease/toxin), induces labor, aborts fetuses, treats Xueyun (blood syncope), dissipates abscesses, and treats Tianxing Reji (epidemic febrile diseases). It is taken by grinding with warm water. It is also stated that Fusshi (Floating Stone) is neutral in nature and non-toxic. It relieves thirst, treats Lin syndrome (dysuria), and kills wild beast toxins.
Tu Jing Ben Cao states: Shixie is produced in the South Sea, and is now found in coastal prefectures of Lingnan. Its texture is stony, yet its shape resembles a crab. Some say it is sea crabs that, over many years, have had sea foam adhere to them, turning into stone, floating out with the tide, and being collected by people. Another type enters caves, undergoing the same process over time. Ground with vinegar and applied externally, it can also resolve metal and stone toxicity. There is no fixed time for collection.
Yan Yi states: Shixie is simply the living crab of today, with no other differences, except for the mud and coarse stones adhering to it. When used, one must remove the mud and coarse stones, using only the crab body. It is ground with other medicines and applied to the eyes, requiring water levigation. It is also said that Fusshi, when water-levigated, treats ocular opacities. Currently, leather workers use it to grind off dirt from leather; no stone is better for this purpose. In the Shixie entry, it is mentioned: Fusshi is neutral and non-toxic, relieves thirst, treats Lin syndrome, and kills wild beast toxins; this should be merged into this entry.

Changshi (Long Stone)
Pungent and bitter in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats Shenre (body heat), Weizhong Jieqi (stagnant Qi in the stomach), Sizhi Hanjue (cold extremities), promotes urination, unblocks blood vessels, brightens the eyes, removes opacities, expels three types of parasites, kills Gu poison, relieves Xiaoke (wasting-thirst), directs Qi downward, and eliminates pathogenic factors in the hypochondrium and lungs. Long-term consumption prevents hunger. Also known as Fangshi, Tushi, and Zhishi. The texture resembles horse teeth, square and moist, with a jade-like color. Produced in Changzi Valley, Mount Tai, and Linzi. There is no fixed time for collection.
Tao Hongjing states: Changzi County belongs to Shangdang Commandery, and Linzi County belongs to Qingzhou. Neither folk prescriptions nor the "Xian Jing" (Scripture of Immortals) mention the use of this stone. Tang Ben Zhu states: This stone is similar to Gypsum but thicker and larger, with longitudinal grain and length, and patterns resembling horse teeth. It is currently produced in Liao Mountain, Junzhou. Locals consider Lizhi (Rational Stone) to be Changshi.
Tu Jing Ben Cao states: Changshi is produced in Changzi Valley, Mount Tai, and Linzi, and is now only found in Luzhou. The pattern resembles horse teeth, square and moist, with a jade-like color. This stone is quite similar to Gypsum, differing only in being thicker, larger, and having longitudinal grain and length. There is no fixed time for collection. Respectfully noting the Ben Jing, Lizhi and Changshi are listed as two separate items with different flavors and effects. It is also stated that Lizhi resembles Gypsum, with fine longitudinal grain. Tao Hongjing says Lizhi is also called Changlizhi. Su Gong says Lizhi has yellow-red skin and white flesh, with oblique grain, unlike Gypsum. Merchants scrape off the skin and use it to substitute Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) and Dangshi. Currently, Lingbao alchemists treat Changshi and Lizhi as one substance. Physicians traditionally use a substance resembling Gypsum, which is indistinguishable from the Changshi produced in Luzhou. However, Lizhi is no longer found in various commanderies, and medical formulas rarely show its single use; often, Changshi is referred to as Changlizhi. Furthermore, the Hanshui Shi sold in markets sometimes has yellow-red skin; it is unknown if this is truly Lizhi.