Library

*Jichangcao (Polygonum aviculare Herb)*: Tao Hongjing's annotation states: Jichangcao is indicated for the toxicity caused by the bite of the earwig (*Ququ*). Note: The earwig can urinate on a person's shadow, causing skin sores that resemble burns from hot water, encircling the waist, which are difficult to cure. This insect resembles a small centipede, with a bluish-black color and long legs; the earwigs in mountainous areas have more potent venom. Various medical formulas: Although there are primary treatment methods, the insect itself cannot be directly expelled; only applying leaves of *Vigna radiata* (Adzuki bean) externally will lead to recovery.

*Baigu Pi (Decayed Drum Skin)*: Tao Hongjing's annotation states: Ingesting decayed drum skin can summon the name of the Gu master. Note: Ancients were naive and simple; to create Gu poison for wealth, they placed hundreds of insects in an urn. After years, upon opening it, one insect would inevitably consume all others; this is called Gu. It can become invisible, appearing like spirits or ghosts, bringing disaster to people, but ultimately it is a spirit-insect that bites people to death. Signs may appear emerging from various orifices of the person; these can be captured and dried. For those suffering from Gu disease, burning it into black ash and ingesting a small amount leads to immediate recovery. This is also an example of mutual subjugation within the same category. New annotations state: Regarding the treatment of Gu insects, knowing the name of the Gu allows for its treatment. For example, Snake Gu is treated with Centipede Gu insects, Centipede Gu is treated with Toad Gu insects, and Toad Gu disease is treated again with Snake Gu insects. These are mutually subjugating agents and can be used for treatment.

*Youyan (House Centipede) and Malu (Millipede)*: Annotation states: Tao Hongjing says: There is now a slender yellow insect resembling a centipede, commonly called "Earthworm" (Tuchong). Note: The Tuchong has no legs, resembling a belt, four to five cun in length, with a flat body like a leek leaf, yellow-black pleats on its back, a head like a shovel, white mucus when moving, living in damp places, and toxic; chickens die after eating it. Tao Hongjing said: Those resembling centipedes are indeed Youyan, not Tuchong. Su Song said: Malu resembles Youyan. Note: Youyan is pure yellow without spots, as large as a hairpin shaft, with countless legs; this is exactly what Tao Hongjing called Tuchong. This insect favors the scent of fat and oil, can enter the ears and various orifices, and can be treated by irrigating with donkey milk.

*Bao Yu (Salted Fish)*: Tao Hongjing's annotation states: Bao fish refers to smelly fish. Note: Bao fish, prepared by people in Lingnan. Liu Yuanzhao said: Its smell is like that of a corpse, which contradicts Mr. Tao's statement. People by the sea eat it, hence the saying "there are men who chase the smell by the sea." This fish is named by its gill cover; there is a bone next to the eye named Yi. The *Book of Rites* states: Remove Yi from fish. Zheng Xuan annotated: It refers to the *Qi* fish of the East Sea. It is edible but has no other medicinal efficacy.