典藏书目

*Ji Ji Liang Fang* (Sudden Emergency Excellent Prescription) records: To treat centipede bites, take the hard coal from inside the pipe head and rub it on the affected area; pain will be relieved immediately.

*Guang Da Xin Shu* (New Book of Great Extent) records a method for making *Bi Yan* (Snuff): Xiangbaizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), 2 fen; Beixixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), 8 fen, both dried by roasting; Zhuyazaojiao (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus Spina), 2 fen, dried by roasting and ground; Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), 2 fen; Bingpian (Borneolum Syntheticum), 3 li. Gan Yansi (Dried Tobacco Leaf) serves as the Jun (Monarch/Main) herb. Use 1 qian of dried tobacco leaf, and it is essential to mix in 6-7 fen of Fu Yan (specific type of tobacco). Each of the above herbs should be ground into fine powder, mixed according to discretion, without being strictly bound by specific weights. The best quality has a brown color. There are several types of snuff, including those made by the Imperial Household, foreign-made, Guangzhou-made, and local varieties. Those with a duck-head green color are the best; rose-colored ones are second-rate; soy-sauce colored ones are inferior; old, dry, and brittle ones are unusable. Snuff imported from overseas can expel wind and induce sweating.

*Xiang Zu Bi Ji* (Notes from the Fragrant Ancestor) records: Recently in Beijing, people have been producing snuff, which has the effect of brightening the eyes and, more importantly, warding off epidemics. It is stored in glass bottles and taken out with ivory spoons for sniffing through the nose. These are all manufactured by the Imperial Household, surpassing what is available to the common people. Zhang Yushu said: Recently, snuff brought from Guangdong is even superior to that made by the Imperial Household. It comes in five colors, with apple-green being the highest grade.

*Ao Men Ji Lue* (Brief Record of Macau) records: Foreign countries produce snuff. The top grade is called "Fei Yan" (Flying Smoke); slightly inferior is the duck-head green color, which has a slightly sour taste and is called "Dou Yan" (Bean Smoke). Red-colored snuff is considered low grade.

Chang Zhongcheng recorded in his notes: When exposed to wind-cold or foul odors, a small amount of snuff can be inhaled to induce sneezing. This disperses the pathogenic factors and foul qi, relieving chest congestion. However, if used without pause or caution, it may instead cause illness. There are many varieties of smoke products, but foreign-made snuff is generally considered the best because it is moistening and not too harsh, thus regarded as excellent. It is particularly effective for opening orifices, treating convulsions (Jing Feng), brightening the eyes, relieving headaches, and warding off epidemics.

Refer to the previous entry under Tobacco.

Shen Junshi said: Authentic Shui Yan (Water Pipe Tobacco) originates from Wuquan Mountain in Lanzhou. Its nature is particularly sharp and potent; it resolves phlegm, aids digestion, opens the diaphragm, and directs Qi downward. Only those who are weak should avoid taking it. It can also detoxify snake venom. A relative of mine once received food gifts. Because it was late and they had no time to eat, they placed the food in a basket overnight. It was contaminated by snake saliva. The next day, after eating it, the whole family suffered from vomiting and abdominal pain. Only one young servant was spared. Upon inquiry, it was found that he smoked water pipe tobacco after every meal.

Cai Yunbai said: Water pipe tobacco grown in Wuquan, Lanzhou, has leaves similar to Pipaye (Loquat Leaf), which is distinctly different from ordinary tobacco leaves.