典藏书目

*Realgar Orpiment (Shihuang)*, grows in the valleys of Wudu, on the same mountains as *Xionghuang* (Arsenolite). In the shady slopes where gold deposits exist, the essence of gold fumes to generate *Shihuang*. It is currently produced in Jiezhou. Because its color resembles gold and it looks like *Yunmu* (Muscovite), specimens with a scaly texture that can be split into layers are considered superior. Those mixed with rock or black like iron color are unusable. Some say: a piece weighing four taels can be split into a thousand layers; this is particularly wonderful and good. Collection has no fixed time.

*Stalagmite Sulfur (Shi Liuhuang)*, grows in the valleys of Muye Mountain in Donghai, as well as Mount Tai and Hexi Mountains; it is the liquid form of *Fanshi* (Alum Stone). Currently, it is only produced in various foreign regions of the South Sea. Some prefectures outside Lingnan may have it, but not of high quality. The true product is identified by its color resembling a newly hatched chick's egg yolk, called *Kunlun Huang*. The red variety is named *Shiting Zhi*, the green variety is called *Dongjie Shi*, and the half-white half-black variety is named *Shenjing Shi*; none of these are suitable for medicinal use. There is also a type of earth sulfur, flowing out from streams in Guangnan and Rongzhou. Its taste is pungent, nature is hot, and it has a fishy odor. It mainly treats scabies and kills insect toxins. It can also be boiled and refined into juice, molded into vessels, retaining the yellow color of an egg yolk. Careful examination of ancient medical texts reveals no records of taking sulfur as a tonic. The functions described in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* are limited to treating ulcers and erosions, attacking accumulated cold qi, and weakness of the legs. However, in recent times, through fire refining, it has become common to take it in daily pills and powders. Observing its refining and consumption methods, there is no fundamental basis, unlike *Rushi* (Mineral drugs) which have discussed regulations and limits. Therefore, although its effects are rapid, its harms come even faster; how can one not be vigilant?

*Yangqi Stone (Yangqishi)*, grows in the valleys of Qi Mountain and Langya, or some say Yangqi Mountain in Yunshan. Currently, it is only produced in Qizhou; it is no longer found elsewhere. Some say Que Mountain in Xingzhou also has it, but not of good quality. Currently, west of Qizhou city, there is only one earthen mountain where the stone originates, locally called Yangqi Mountain. This mountain often emits warm air; even in deep winter when snow covers the entire region, this mountain alone has no snow accumulation, likely due to the steaming effect of the stone's energy. There is only one mine shaft in the mountain, which officials frequently seal and prohibit access to. By early winter, the prefecture conscripts laborers and sends supervisors to extract it. Over years, the shaft becomes deeper, requiring the chiseling of other rocks to obtain it, which is very difficult. Specimens that are white in color with a crystal-clear texture resembling wild wolf teeth are superior. Those mixed with other rocks in blocks are unusable. After annual selection for tribute, the surplus is sold within the prefecture; otherwise, merchants cannot obtain it. Although many sell it, fine and good quality pieces are still hard to find. Old theories state it is the root of *Yunmu* (Muscovite), still containing traces of muscovite, but this color is no longer seen today. It was not used in ancient dietary therapy formulas, but is now widely used in tonifying and purgative medicines. Collection has no fixed time.