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Lei Gong said: When using Bechi (Concha Arcae), do not use Huachongke (shell of flower insect), as the two are similar in taste, but the latter is ineffective when used.

When using Bechi (Concha Arcae), first weigh equal parts Kujiu (Vinegar) and Mi (Honey). Mix the two ingredients, then steam the Bechi (Concha Arcae) in the vinegar and honey mixture. Take it out, rinse it thoroughly in Qingjiu (Clear Wine), grind it, and use it.

Lei Gong said: When using Wushe (Agkistrodon), it is said to treat Feng syndrome (Wind-stroke/Paralysis). Why does it treat Feng syndrome? Because the snake has a nature of creeping and penetrating, it can guide medicinal properties to the site of Wind-disease; thus it is named "Shi" (Guide Drug/Leader). When using any kind of snake, one must identify its sex and place of origin. There is Wushe (Agkistrodon) from Qizhou; those weighing between three qian and one liang are excellent. Those with complete heads and tails, eyes not closed, appearing alive, with two cun of reverse hairs on the head forming a line about half a fen long, with head and tail facing each other, are suitable for medicinal use. If such snakes are obtained, keep many for offering or medicinal use. Those weighing two liang and three qian are not produced elsewhere. The *Ganning Ji* records: This snake does not eat living creatures, only absorbing the qi of reed flowers and the south wind, and resides on reed branches. It is hardest to catch and does not harm humans. There are also those weighing ten liang to one yi; their bodies are black and glossy, heads round, tails pointed, eyes red and bright, which are of medium efficacy. A white intestinal belt under the belly, about one cun long, indicates a male snake.

After harvesting, remove the head, skin, scales, and the white intestinal belt. Cut into pieces about two cun long, soak in Kujiu (Vinegar) overnight until dawn. Strain out, dry over willow charcoal fire, then roast with Su (Butter/Ghee) until the Su is exhausted. After roasting dry, dig a pit about one chi deep in a dry place under the eaves. Place the snake inside, leave overnight until dawn, roast again until dry, and use as needed.

When processing all kinds of snakes, remove the gallbladder and upper skin/scales. Whether dry or wet, they must be boiled in Jiu (Wine) before use.

Lei Gong said: When using Malu (Glomeris), after collection, stir-fry with bran husks until the husks turn scorched black. Remove the Malu (Glomeris), scrape off legs and head with bamboo, grind into powder, and use.

Lei Gong said: Yuanqing (Mylabris), Banmao (Mylabris phalerata), Tingzhang (Lytta caraganae), and Chitou (Lytta vesicatoria var.) are four different substances. Their habitats, diets, and effects differ. Yuanqing (Mylabris) has a pointed mouth and a yellow stripe on its back; Banmao (Mylabris phalerata) has a yellow and a black stripe on its back, with a small red dot at the pointed mouth, resides on soybean leaves, and feeds on soybean leaf juice; Tingzhang (Lytta caraganae) is black and yellow in color, resides on vine leaves, and feeds on vine sap; Chitou (Lytta vesicatoria var.) has a large red spot on its forehead and a black body. Each has specific applications.

When processing Yuanqing (Mylabris), mix with Nuomi (Glutinous Rice) and Xiaomazi (Small Hemp Seeds), stir-fry together until the rice turns yellow-black. Remove the seeds, wings, legs, and head. Wrap in Xueyu (Human Hair Charcoal), hang at the east corner of the wall overnight, and use the next morning.