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Gan Long (Dragon Bone, Fossilized Mammal Bone) tastes sweet, is neutral in nature and non-toxic, and enters the Kidney Meridian. It primarily treats seminal emission and involuntary discharge in men, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea in women, stops intestinal wind-induced bleeding, and treats persistent diarrhea and dysentery. Those possessing all five colors are considered superior. Its teeth are used to treat fright, epilepsy, and mania. Gan Long is incompatible with Dry Lacquer (Gan Qi), Shu Pepper (Shu Jiao), Li Shi, and Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao).

Commentary: The *Classic* states that the Kidneys govern bones; thus, Gan Long uniquely enters this meridian. Observing its ability to adhere to the tongue, it is evident that its astringent properties are predominant, hence its efficacy in treating seminal emission and similar conditions. The medical classics state: "Astringents can resolve prolapse and leakage." This refers to such cases.

Hu Gu (Tiger Bone) tastes pungent, is slightly hot in nature and non-toxic, and enters the Kidney Meridian. It primarily treats pathogenic factors, ghostly affections (Gui Zhu), and toxic wind causing spasms and tightness of the sinews and bones. It should be used after roasting with butter. Hu Gu is incompatible with Dry Lacquer (Gan Qi), Shu Pepper (Shu Jiao), and Magnetitum (Ci Shi).

Commentary: Hu Gu enters the Kidney Meridian because the Kidneys govern bones. Why does it treat toxic wind within the bones? The *I Ching* says: "Wind follows the tiger." Wind belongs to Wood; the Tiger belongs to Metal. Since Wood is controlled by Metal, how can it not follow?

Lei Gong states: When using Hu Jing (Tiger Eye), one must inquire with hunters whether the eyes are from male or female, old or young tigers, and whether they were killed by hunting. Eyes from tigers that died from poisoned arrows must not be used, as they can harm humans. When using Hu Jing, soak them overnight in grass sheep blood, drain them, and dry them over a mild fire. Pound them into powder, and mix them with other prepared herbs when ready for use.

Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn) tastes bitter, sour, and salty, is cold in nature and non-toxic, and enters the Heart and Liver meridians. It primarily treats various toxins, gu affections, ghostly pathogenic factors, cold damage, epidemic febrile diseases, irritability, mania, blood heat in smallpox and measles, carbuncles, sores, and swelling. It clears the Heart, calms the Liver, brightens the eyes, and settles fright. Pregnant women should avoid taking it. Superior quality is characterized by fine texture, black color, brightness, smoothness, and lubricity. The tip of the horn is preferred as it possesses complete efficacy. Pine Resin (Song Zhi) serves as an guiding herb. Xi Jiao is adverse to Lei Wan and salt should be avoided.

Commentary: Xi Jiao is bitter and cold; originally entering the Heart to drain fire, it also enters the Liver because if Heart Fire does not flare up recklessly, Lung Metal can properly control Liver Wood. Zhu Danxi said: "It belongs to Yang and moves vigorously, even more so than other horns." It is commonly used after smallpox to dissipate residual toxins. However, if given to patients who are not suffering from residual toxins but have Blood deficiency, leading to dryness and fever, the disaster will be boundless.

Lei Gong states: Do not use Nu Xi Jiao, Bing Shui Xi, Luan Zi Xi, or Wu Run Xi. Only select those that are black, wrinkled, cracked, smooth, and lustrous as top grade. During processing, file the shavings into a mortar, pound until fine, then grind ten thousand times in the mortar before use. Pregnant women must not take it, as it can dissolve fetal qi. Salt should be avoided.

Ling Yang Jiao (Antelope Horn) tastes bitter and salty, is cold in nature and non-toxic, and enters the Liver Meridian. It primarily treats heat in the skin and muscles from cold damage, warm pathogens lurking between bones, inauspicious pathogenic factors, frightful dreams, mania, restless mind, sudden high fever and convulsions in children, and postpartum敗血 (decayed blood) rushing to the Heart. It clears the Heart, detoxifies, brightens the eyes, and benefits Qi. Burnt to ash, it also treats dysphagia. Horns with deep, inverted trigram-like marks are authentic.

Commentary: Zhu Danxi said: "Antelopes belong to Wood and are suitable for entering the Jueyin [Liver] Meridian. When Wood is balanced, wind and fire syndromes cannot invade."

Lei Gong states: When using Shen Ling Yang Jiao (Divine Antelope Horn), note that it has twenty-four joints and contains a naturally formed wooden core inside. This horn possesses divine power, equivalent to that of a thousand oxen. During processing, do not use single horns alone, as they lose efficacy. Keep the original pair intact, bind them with rope, and file them with force using an iron file. Use immediately, avoiding exposure to wind. Unfiled portions must be wrapped in three layers of paper to prevent the loss of potency. After filing, sift heavily against the wind direction, then incorporate into medicinal preparations.