（《拾遗》）
鱼目有睫，杀人。目得开合，杀人。逆腮，杀人。脑中白连珠，杀人。无鳃，杀人。二
目不同，杀人。连鳞者，杀人。白 ，杀人。腹中丹字，杀人。鱼师大者有毒，食之杀人。
李时珍曰∶介虫三百六十，而龟为之长。龟盖介虫之灵长者也。周官·鳖人取互物以时
（昌角切），春献鳖蜃，秋献龟鱼。祭祀供
亦圣世供馔之所不废者，而况又可充药品乎？
唐宋本草皆混入虫鱼，今析为介部。凡四十六种，分为二类∶曰龟鳖，曰蚌蛤。
《神农本草经》八种（梁陶弘景注） 《名医别录》五种（梁陶弘景注） 《唐本草》
二种（唐苏恭） 《本草拾遗》一十种
本草》一种（蜀韩保升） 《开宝本草》二种（宋马志） 《嘉 本草》八种
经本草》一种（宋苏颂） 《本草蒙筌》一种（明陈嘉谟）《本草纲目》六种（明李明珍）
附注∶魏《吴
普本草》 李当之《药录》 宋雷 《炮炙论》 齐徐之才《药对》 唐甄权《药性》 孙
思邈《千金》 唐孟诜、张鼎《食疗》 杨损之《删繁》 萧炳《四声》 南唐陈士良《食
性》
《汤液》 吴瑞《日用》 朱震亨《补遗》 明汪颖《食物》 明宁源《食鉴》 明汪机《会
编》
（龟鳖类一十七种）
（《本经》上品）
【释名】玄衣督邮。
时珍曰∶按∶许慎《说文》云∶龟头与蛇头同。故字上从它，其下象甲、足、尾之形。
它即古蛇字也。又《尔雅》龟有十种，郭璞随文傅会，殊欠分明。盖山、泽、水
乃因常龟所生之地而名也。其大至一尺以上者，在水曰宝龟，亦曰蔡龟。在山曰灵龟，皆国
之守宝而未能变化者也。年至百千，则具五色，而或大或小，变化无常。在水，曰神龟。在
山，曰筮龟，皆龟之圣者也。火龟则生炎地，如火鼠也。摄龟则呷蛇龟也。文龟则
瑁也。后世不分山、泽、水、火之异，通以小者为神龟，年
甲止言水中者，而诸注始用神龟。然神龟难得，今人惟取水
诸龟可该矣。
【集解】时珍曰∶甲虫三百六十，而神龟为之长。龟形象离，其神在坎。上隆而文以法
天，下平而理以法地。背阴向阳，蛇头龙颈。外骨内肉，肠属于首，能运任脉。广肩大腰，
卵生思抱，其息以耳。雌雄尾交，亦与蛇匹。或云大腰无雄者，谬也。今人视其底甲，以辨
雌雄。龟以春夏出蛰脱甲，秋冬藏穴导引，故灵而多寿。《南越志》云∶神龟，大如拳而色
如金，上甲两边如锯齿，爪至利，能缘树食蝉。《抱朴子》云∶千岁灵龟，五色具焉，如玉
如石。变化莫测，或大或小。或游于莲叶之上，或伏于丛蓍之下。张世南《质龟论》云∶龟
老则神，年至八百，反大如钱。夏则游于香荷，冬则藏于藕节。其息有黑气如煤烟，在荷心，
状甚分明。人见此气，勿辄惊动，但潜含油管 之，即不能遁形矣。
或云∶龟闻铁声则伏，被蚊 则死。香油抹眼，则入水不沉。老桑煮之则易烂。皆
制伏之妙也。
龟甲
【释名】神屋（《本经》）、败龟版（
时珍曰∶并隐名也。
【集解】《别录》曰∶龟甲生南海池泽及湖水中。采无时。勿令中湿，湿即有毒。
陶弘景曰∶此用水中神龟，长一尺二寸者为善。厣可供卜，壳可入药，亦入仙方。当以
生龟炙取。
韩保升曰∶湖州、江州、交州者，骨白而浓，其色分明，供卜、入药最良。
大明曰∶卜龟小而腹下曾钻十遍者，名败龟版，入药良。
苏颂曰∶今江湖间皆有之。入药须用神龟。神龟版当心前一处，四方透明，如琥珀色者
最佳。其头方脚短，壳圆版白者，阳龟也。头尖脚长，壳长版黄者，阴龟也。阴人用阳，阳
人用阴。今医家亦不知如此分别。
时珍曰∶古者取龟用秋，攻龟用春。今之采龟者，聚至百十，生锯取甲，而食其肉。彼
有龟王、龟相、龟将等名，皆视其腹背左右之纹以别之。龟之直中纹，名曰千里。其首之横
纹第一级左右有斜理皆接乎千里者，即龟王也。他龟即无此矣。言占事帝王用王，文用相，
武用将，各依等级。其说与《逸礼》所载天子一尺二寸、诸侯八寸、大夫六寸、士庶四寸之
说相合，亦甚有理。若天神龟、宝龟，世所难得，则入药亦当依此用之可也。《日华》用卜
龟小甲，盖取便耳。又按∶《经》云∶龟甲勿令中湿。一名
则古者上下甲皆用之。至《日华》始用龟版，而后人遂主之矣。
【正误】
吴球曰∶先贤用败龟版补阴，借其气也。今人用钻过及煮过者，性气不存矣。惟灵山诸
谷，因风坠自败者最佳，田池自败者次之，人打坏者又次之。
时珍曰∶按∶陶氏用生龟炙取，《日华》
用灼多者，皆以其有生性神灵也。曰败者，谓钻灼陈久如败也。吴氏不达此理，而反用
自死枯败之版，复谓灼者失性，谬矣。纵有风坠自死者，亦山龟耳。浅学立异误世，鄙人据
以为谈，故正之。
【修治】以龟甲锯去四边，石上磨净，灰火炮过，涂酥炙黄用。亦用酒炙、醋炙、猪脂
炙、烧灰用者。
【气味】甘，平，有毒。甄权曰∶无毒。
时珍曰∶按∶《经》云∶中湿者有毒，则不中湿者无毒矣。
之才曰∶恶沙参、蜚蠊，畏狗胆、瘦银。
【主治】甲∶治漏下赤白，破症瘕 疟。五痔阴蚀，湿痹、四肢重弱，
服，轻身不饥（《本经》）。惊恚气，心腹痛，不可久立，骨中寒热，伤寒劳复，或饥体寒热
欲死，以作汤，良。久服，益气资智，使人能食。烧灰，治小儿头疮难燥，女子阴疮（《别
录》）。溺∶主
华》）。
倦，四肢无力（震亨）。治
灰，敷 疮（时珍）。
【发明】
阴之物，禀北方之气而生，故能补阴、治血、治劳也。
时珍曰∶龟、鹿皆灵而有寿。龟首常藏向腹，能通任脉。故取其甲以补心、补肾、补
血，皆以养阴也。鹿鼻常反向尾，能通督脉，故取其角以补命、补精、补气，皆以养阳也。
乃物理之玄微，神工之能事。观龟甲所主诸病，皆属阴虚血弱，自可心解矣。又见鳖甲。
【附方】旧二，新十二。
补阴丸∶丹溪方∶用龟下甲（酒炙）、熟地黄（九蒸九晒）各六两，黄柏（盐水浸炒）、
知母（酒炒）各四两，石器为末，以猪脊髓和，丸梧子大。每服百丸，空心温酒下。一方∶
去地黄，加五味子（炒）一两。
疟疾不止∶龟版烧存性，研末。酒服方寸匕。（《海上名方》）
抑结不散∶用龟下甲（酒炙）五两，侧柏叶（炒）一两半，香附（童便浸，炒）三两，
为末，酒糊
胎产下痢∶用龟甲一枚，醋炙为末。米饮服一钱，日二。（《经验方》）
难产催生∶《秘录》∶用龟甲烧末，酒服方
矮小女子交骨不开者。用干龟壳一个（酥炙），妇人头发一握（烧灰），川芎、当归各一两。
每服秤七钱，水煎服。如人行五里许，再一服。生胎、死胎俱下。
肿毒初起∶败龟版一枚，烧研，酒服四钱。（《小山》）
妇人乳毒∶同上方。
小儿头疮∶龟甲烧灰敷之。（《圣惠方》）
月蚀耳疮∶同上。
口吻生疮∶同上。
疮朽臭∶生龟一枚取壳，醋炙黄，更 存性，出火气，入轻粉、麝香。葱汤洗净，
搽敷之。（《急救方》）
人咬伤疮∶龟版骨、鳖肚骨各一片，烧研，油调搽之。（叶氏《摘玄》）
猪咬成疮∶龟版烧研，香油调搽之。（叶氏《摘玄》）
肉
【气味】甘、酸，温，无毒。
弘景曰∶作羹 大补，而多神灵，不可轻杀。书家所载甚多，此不具说。
思邈曰∶六甲日、十二月俱不可食，损人神气。不可合猪肉、菰米、瓜、苋食，害人。
【主治】酿酒，治大风缓急，四肢拘挛。或久瘫缓不收，皆瘥（苏颂）。煮食，除湿痹
风痹，身肿 折（
【发明】时珍曰∶按∶《周处风土记》云∶江南五月五日煮肥龟，入盐、豉、蒜、蓼食
之，名曰 龟。取阴内阳外之义也。
【附方】旧一，新六。
热气湿痹，腹内激热∶用龟肉同五味煮食之。微泄为效。（《普济方》）
筋骨疼痛∶用乌龟一个，分作四脚。每用一脚，入天花粉、枸杞子各一钱二分，雄黄五
分，麝香五分，槐花三钱，水一碗煎服。（《纂要奇方》）
十年咳嗽或二十年医不效者∶生龟三枚，治如食法，
酿秫米四升如常法熟，饮之令尽，永不发。又方∶用生龟一枚着坎中，令人溺之，浸至三日，
烧研。以醇酒一升，和屑如干饭，顿服。须臾大吐，嗽囊出则愈。小儿减半。（《
痢及泻血∶乌龟肉，以沙糖水拌。椒和，炙煮食之。多度即
劳瘵失血∶田龟煮取肉，和葱、椒、酱、油煮食。补阴降火，治虚劳失血咯血，咳嗽寒，
累用经验。（吴
年久痔漏∶田龟二、三个，煮取肉，入茴香、葱、酱，常常食，累验。此疾大忌糟、醋
等热物。（《便民食疗》）
血
【气味】咸，寒，无毒。
【主治】涂脱肛（甄权）。治打扑伤损，和酒饮之，仍捣生龟肉涂之（时珍）。
胆汁
【气味】苦，寒，无毒。
【主治】痘后目肿，经月不开，取点之，良（时珍）。
溺
【采取】颂曰∶按∶孙光宪《北梦琐言》云∶龟性妒而与蛇交。
照之。龟见其影，则淫发失尿。急以物收取之。又法∶以纸炷火上 热，以点其尻，亦致
失尿，但差
时珍曰∶今人惟以猪鬃或松叶针其鼻，即尿出。似更简捷也。
【主治】滴耳，治聋（藏器）。点舌下，治大人中风舌喑，小儿惊风不语。摩胸、
治龟胸、龟背（时珍）。
【发明】时珍曰∶龟尿走窍透骨，故能治喑、聋及龟背，染髭发也。按∶《岣嵝神书》
言∶龟尿磨瓷器，
【附方】旧一，新二。
小儿龟背∶以龟尿摩其胸背，久久即瘥。（孙真人）
中风不语∶乌龟尿点少许于舌下，神妙。（《寿域》）
须发早白∶以龟尿调水蛭细末，日日捻之，自黑。末忌粗。（谈野翁方）
（出自《本草拾遗》）
鱼的眼睛有睫毛，吃了会杀人。眼睛能开合的，吃了会杀人。腮部逆生的，吃了会杀人。脑中有白色连珠状的，吃了会杀人。没有鳃的，吃了会杀人。两只眼睛不一样的，吃了会杀人。鳞片相连的，吃了会杀人。白色的[鱼]，吃了会杀人。腹中有“丹”字纹的，吃了会杀人。鱼中体型大的有毒，吃了会杀人。
李时珍说：介虫（有甲壳的动物）共有三百六十种，而龟是它们的领袖。龟大概是介虫中最灵长的动物。《周礼·鳖人》按时令采集互物（指龟鳖类），春天进献鳖和蜃，秋天进献龟和鱼。祭祀时供奉龟肉，也是圣明时代供饮食所不废弃的，更何况还可以作为药品呢？
唐宋时期的本草书籍都将龟鳖混入虫鱼部，现在将其析出列为介部。共四十六种，分为两类：一类叫龟鳖，一类叫蚌蛤。
《神农本草经》记载八种（梁代陶弘景注） 《名医别录》记载五种（梁代陶弘景注） 《唐本草》记载二种（唐代苏恭） 《本草拾遗》记载十种 《蜀本草》一种（五代蜀韩保升） 《开宝本草》记载二种（宋代马志） 《嘉祐本草》记载八种 《政和本草》一种（宋代苏颂） 《本草蒙筌》一种（明代陈嘉谟） 《本草纲目》记载六种（明代李时珍）
附注：魏国吴普《吴普本草》 李当之《药录》 宋代雷斅《炮炙论》 齐代徐之才《药对》 唐代甄权《药性》 孙思邈《千金方》 唐代孟诜、张鼎《食疗》 杨损之《删繁》 萧炳《四声本草》 南唐陈士良《食性本草》 《汤液本草》 吴瑞《日用本草》 朱震亨《补遗》 明代汪颖《食物本草》 明代宁源《食鉴本草》 明代汪机《会编本草》
（龟鳖类共十七种）
（出自《神农本草经》，上品）
【释名】玄衣督邮。
李时珍说：查考许慎《说文解字》说：龟头与蛇头相同。所以“龟”字上部从“它”，下部象形甲、足、尾的形状。“它”就是古时的“蛇”字。又据《尔雅》，龟有十种，郭璞随文附会解释，很不分明。大概山龟、泽龟、水龟等名称，是因常龟所生之地而得名。其中大至一尺以上的，在水中的叫宝龟，也叫蔡龟。在山的叫灵龟，都是国家的守宝之物而不能变化的。年龄达到千百岁，就具备五色，或大或小，变化无常。在水中的叫神龟。在山的叫筮龟，都是龟中的圣者。火龟则生在炎热之地，像火鼠一样。摄龟则是吃蛇的龟。文龟则是玳瑁。后世不分山、泽、水、火的差异，通称小者为神龟，年份久的只说是水中的，而各种注释才开始使用神龟之名。然而神龟难得，今人只取水中诸龟即可概括了。
【集解】李时珍说：甲虫三百六十种，而神龟是它们的领袖。龟的形象符合离卦，其神气在于坎卦。背隆起而有纹理以效法天，底平而有理路以效法地。背阴向阳，头似蛇颈似龙。外有骨甲内有肉，肠系连着头，能运行任脉。肩宽腰粗，卵生且交配时相抱，用耳朵呼吸。雌雄尾巴相交，也与蛇相似。有人说大腰无雄性，这是错误的。今人看它的底甲，来辨别雌雄。龟在春夏出洞脱甲，秋冬藏穴导引，所以灵性高且多寿。《南越志》说：神龟，大如拳头而色如金，上甲两边如锯齿，爪子极锋利，能爬树吃蝉。《抱朴子》说：千岁的灵龟，五色俱全，如玉如石。变化莫测，或大或小。有的游在莲叶之上，有的伏在丛蓍之下。张世南《质龟论》说：龟老了就显神异，年龄到八百岁，反而大如铜钱。夏天游在香荷中，冬天藏在藕节里。它呼吸时有黑气如煤烟，在荷心，形状非常分明。人见到这气，不要惊动，只要悄悄含住油管的口去吸，它就无处遁形了。
有人说：龟听到铁声就趴下，被蚊子叮咬就会死。用香油抹眼，入水就不沉。用老桑枝煮它就容易烂。这些都是制服它的妙法。
龟甲
【释名】神屋（《神农本草经》）、败龟版。
李时珍说：都是隐名。
【集解】《名医别录》说：龟甲产于南海池泽及湖水中。采集没有固定时间。不要让龟甲受潮，受潮就有毒。
陶弘景说：这里用水中的神龟，长一尺二寸的为最好。腹甲可用于占卜，背甲可入药，也用于仙方。应当用活龟烤取。
韩保升说：湖州、江州、交州的龟，骨白而厚，颜色分明，供占卜、入药最好。
大明说：占卜用的龟小而腹部曾被钻过十次的，名叫败龟版，入药好。
苏颂说：现在江湖间都有。入药须用神龟。神龟的背甲当心前有一处，四方透明，如琥珀色的最佳。头方脚短，壳圆版白的，是阳龟。头尖脚长，壳长版黄的，是阴龟。阴人用阳龟，阳人用阴龟。现在的医生也不知道这样分别。
李时珍说：古时候取龟用秋季，攻龟（杀龟取甲）用春季。现在的采龟者，聚集上百十只，活锯取甲，并吃掉它们的肉。那些龟有龟王、龟相、龟将等名称，都是根据它们腹背左右的纹路来区分的。龟背正中间的直纹，名叫千里。头部横纹第一级左右有斜理都连接到千里纹的，就是龟王。其他龟就没有这个特征了。说占事帝王用王，文官用相，武官用将，各依等级。这种说法与《逸礼》所载天子一尺二寸、诸侯八寸、大夫六寸、士庶四寸的说法相合，也很有道理。如果天神龟、宝龟，世间难得，那么入药也应当依此选用。《日华子本草》用占卜龟的小甲，大概是图方便罢了。又查考：《神农本草经》说：龟甲不要让受潮。一名[败龟版]，则古时候上下甲都用。到了《日华子本草》开始只用龟版，而后人就以此为主了。
【正误】
吴球说：先贤用败龟版补阴，是借它的气。现在的人用钻过及煮过的，性气已经不存在了。只有灵山各个山谷，因风吹落自死的最好，田池里自死的次之，人打坏的又次之。
李时珍说：查考：陶氏用活龟烤取，《日华子本草》用灼烧多的，都是因为认为它有生性神灵。所谓“败”，是指钻灼陈旧得像败坏了一样。吴氏不明白这个道理，反而用自死枯败的龟版，又说灼烧的失去了本性，这是错误的。即使有风吹落自死的，也只是山龟罢了。浅学之人标新立异误导世人，鄙人依据事实来谈论，所以予以纠正。
【修治】用锯子锯去龟甲四边，在石头上磨净，用灰火炒过，涂酥油炙黄后使用。也有用酒炙、醋炙、猪脂炙、烧成灰使用的。
【气味】甘，平，有毒。甄权说：无毒。
李时珍说：查考：《神农本草经》说：受潮的有毒，那么没受潮的就无毒了。
徐之才说：畏恶沙参、蜚蠊，畏惧狗胆、瘦银。
【主治】龟甲：治疗漏下赤白（带下病），破症瘕积聚，疟疾。五痔阴蚀，湿痹、四肢沉重虚弱，久服，轻身不饥（《神农本草经》）。治疗惊恚气，心腹痛，不能久立，骨中寒热，伤寒劳复，或者饥饿时身体寒热欲死，做成汤剂，效果好。久服，益气增智，使人能进食。烧成灰，治疗小儿头疮难干燥，女子阴疮（《名医别录》）。龟尿：主要治疗[某种病症，原文缺失]倦，四肢无力（朱震亨）。治疗[某种病症，原文缺失]。烧成灰，敷[某种疮疡]（李时珍）。
【发明】
龟是阴性的生物，禀受北方之气而生，所以能补阴、治血、治劳损。
李时珍说：龟、鹿都是灵异且长寿的动物。龟头常藏向腹部，能通任脉。所以取它的甲来补心、补肾、补血，都是为了养阴。鹿鼻常反向尾部，能通督脉，所以取它的角来补命门、补精、补气，都是为了养阳。这是物理的玄微之处，神工的精妙能事。看龟甲所主治的各种疾病，都属于阴虚血弱，自然可以心领神会了。又见鳖甲。
【附方】旧方两个，新方十二个。
补阴丸：朱丹溪方：用龟下甲（酒炙）、熟地黄（九蒸九晒）各六两，黄柏（盐水浸炒）、知母（酒炒）各四两，石器研为末，用猪脊髓调和，丸如梧桐子大。每次服用一百丸，空心温酒送下。一方：去掉地黄，加五味子（炒）一两。
疟疾不止：龟版烧存性，研成末。酒服方寸匕。（《海上名方》）
郁结不散：用龟下甲（酒炙）五两，侧柏叶（炒）一两半，香附（童便浸，炒）三两，研为末，酒糊为丸。
胎产下痢：用龟甲一枚，醋炙为末。米饮服一钱，每日两次。（《经验方》）
难产催生：《秘录》：用龟甲烧成末，酒服方寸匕。
矮小女子交骨不开者：用干龟壳一个（酥炙），妇人头发一握（烧灰），川芎、当归各一两。每次称七钱，水煎服。如人行走五里左右，再服一次。生胎、死胎都能下来。
肿毒初起：败龟版一枚，烧研，酒服四钱。（《小山》）
妇人乳毒：同上方。
小儿头疮：龟甲烧灰敷之。（《圣惠方》）
月蚀耳疮：同上。
口吻生疮：同上。
疮口朽臭：生龟一枚取壳，醋炙黄，再煅存性，去火气，加入轻粉、麝香。葱汤洗净，搽敷之。（《急救方》）
人咬伤疮：龟版骨、鳖肚骨各一片，烧研，油调搽之。（叶氏《摘玄》）
猪咬成疮：龟版烧研，香油调搽之。（叶氏《摘玄》）
龟肉
【气味】甘、酸，温，无毒。
陶弘景说：做羹汤大补，而且多神灵，不可轻杀。书家记载很多，这里不详细说。
孙思邈说：六甲日、十二月都不可吃，损人神气。不可合猪肉、菰米、瓜、苋菜吃，害人。
【主治】酿酒，治疗大风缓急，四肢拘挛。或者久瘫缓不收，都能痊愈（苏颂）。煮食，除湿痹风痹，身肿折伤（[作者名缺失]）。
【发明】李时珍说：查考：《周处风土记》说：江南五月五日煮肥龟，入盐、豉、蒜、蓼食用，名叫[某种龟食]。取阴内阳外之义。
【附方】旧方一个，新方六个。
热气湿痹，腹内激热：用龟肉同五味子煮食之。微泄为效。（《普济方》）
筋骨疼痛：用乌龟一个，分作四脚。每用一脚，入天花粉、枸杞子各一钱二分，雄黄五分，麝香五分，槐花三钱，水一碗煎服。（《纂要奇方》）
十年咳嗽或二十年医不效者：生龟三枚，处理如食法，酿秫米四升如常法煮熟，饮之令尽，永不发。又方：用生龟一枚放在坎中，让人溺之，浸至三日，烧研。以醇酒一升，和屑如干饭，顿服。须臾大吐，嗽囊出则愈。小儿减半。（[书名缺失]）
痢及泻血：乌龟肉，以沙糖水拌。椒和，炙煮食之。多度即[止/愈]。
劳瘵失血：田龟煮取肉，和葱、椒、酱、油煮食。补阴降火，治虚劳失血咯血，咳嗽寒热，累用经验。（吴[某]）
年久痔漏：田龟二、三个，煮取肉，入茴香、葱、酱，常常食，累验。此疾大忌糟、醋等热物。（《便民食疗》）
龟血
【气味】咸，寒，无毒。
【主治】涂脱肛（甄权）。治疗打扑伤损，和酒饮之，仍捣生龟肉涂之（李时珍）。
龟胆汁
【气味】苦，寒，无毒。
【主治】痘后目肿，经月不开，取点之，效果好（李时珍）。
龟尿
【采取】苏颂说：查考：孙光宪《北梦琐言》说：龟性妒而与蛇交。
照之。龟见其影，则淫发失尿。急以物收取之。又法：以纸炷火上焙热，以点其尻，亦致失尿，但差[少/迟]。
李时珍说：今人只用猪鬃或松叶针刺其鼻，即尿出。似乎更简捷。
【主治】滴耳，治聋（藏器）。点舌下，治大人中风舌喑，小儿惊风不语。摩胸、[摩背]，治龟胸、龟背（李时珍）。
【发明】李时珍说：龟尿走窍透骨，所以能治喑、聋及龟背，染髭发。按：《岣嵝神书》说：龟尿磨瓷器，[能发光/变色?]。
【附方】旧方一个，新方二个。
小儿龟背：以龟尿摩其胸背，久久即瘥。（孙真人）
中风不语：乌龟尿点少许于舌下，神妙。（《寿域》）
须发早白：以龟尿调水蛭细末，日日捻之，自黑。末忌粗。（谈野翁方）
(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])
Fish with eyelids on their eyes kill upon consumption. Fish whose eyes can open and close kill upon consumption. Fish with inverted gills kill upon consumption. Fish with white bead-like structures in the brain kill upon consumption. Fish without gills kill upon consumption. Fish with asymmetrical eyes kill upon consumption. Fish with connected scales kill upon consumption. White [fish] kill upon consumption. Fish with the character "Dan" (Cinnabar) pattern on the belly kill upon consumption. Large fish are toxic; consumption kills.
Li Shizhen said: Among the Jie Chong (animals with shells/carapaces), there are three hundred and sixty species, and the turtle is their leader. The turtle is perhaps the most spiritual among shell-bearing animals. In the *Rites of Zhou*, the official *Bieren* collects these creatures according to the season: offering soft-shelled turtles and clams in spring, and tortoises and fish in autumn. Offering turtle meat for sacrifices was not abandoned even in sage eras as part of dietary provisions, let alone its use as a medicinal substance.
In Tang and Song dynasty materia medica, turtles were mixed into the insect and fish sections. Now, they are separated into the Jie (Shell) section. There are forty-six species in total, divided into two categories: Turtles and Soft-shelled Turtles; Clams and Mussels.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* records eight species (annotated by Tao Hongjing of Liang). *Mingyi Bielu* [Record of Famous Physicians] records five species (annotated by Tao Hongjing of Liang). *Tang Bencao* [Tang Materia Medica] records two species (by Su Gong of Tang). *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica] records ten species. *Shu Bencao* [Shu Materia Medica] records one species (by Han Baosheng of Former Shu). *Kaibao Bencao* [Kaibao Materia Medica] records two species (by Ma Zhi of Song). *Jiayou Bencao* [Jiayou Materia Medica] records eight species. *Zhenghe Bencao* [Zhenghe Materia Medica] records one species (by Su Song of Song). *Bencao Mengquan* [Comprehensive Sayings on Materia Medica] records one species (by Chen Jiamo of Ming). *Bencao Gangmu* [Compendium of Materia Medica] records six species (by Li Shizhen of Ming).
Appendix notes: Wu Pu's *Wu Pu Bencao* [Wu Pu's Materia Medica]; Li Dangzhi's *Yaolu* [Record of Medicinals]; Lei Xiao's *Paozhilun* [Discourse on Processing]; Xu Zhicai's *Yadui* [Drug Pairs] of Qi; Zhen Quan's *Yaoxing* [Medicinal Properties] of Tang; Sun Simiao's *Qianjin Fang* [Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold]; Meng Shen and Zhang Ding's *Shiliao* [Dietary Therapy] of Tang; Yang Sunzhi's *Shanfan* [Abridging the Superfluous]; Xiao Bing's *Sisheng Bencao* [Four Tones Materia Medica]; Chen Shiliang's *Shixing Bencao* [Dietary Nature Materia Medica] of Southern Tang; *Tangye Bencao* [Decoction Materia Medica]; Wu Rui's *Riyong Bencao* [Daily Use Materia Medica]; Zhu Zhenheng's *Buyi* [Supplement]; Wang Ying's *Shiwu Bencao* [Food Materia Medica] of Ming; Ning Yuan's *Shijian Bencao* [Food Inspection Materia Medica] of Ming; Wang Ji's *Huibian Bencao* [Compilation Materia Medica] of Ming.
(Turtle and Soft-shelled Turtle Category: Seventeen Species)
(From *Shennong Bencao Jing*, Upper Grade)
[Names] Xuan Yi Du You (Black-robed Inspector).
Li Shizhen said: According to Xu Shen's *Shuowen Jiezi*: The turtle's head is similar to that of a snake. Therefore, the character 'Gui' (Turtle) has 'Ta' (It/Snake) at the top, and the bottom depicts the shape of the shell, feet, and tail. 'Ta' is the ancient character for 'She' (Snake). Furthermore, *Erya* states there are ten types of turtles. Guo Pu's annotations follow the text but lack clarity. Names such as Mountain Turtle, Marsh Turtle, and Water Turtle are derived from the habitats where common turtles are found. Those large, over one chi in size, living in water are called Bao Gui (Treasure Turtle) or Cai Gui. Those in mountains are called Ling Gui (Spiritual Turtle); both are national treasures that do not transform. When reaching hundreds or thousands of years of age, they exhibit five colors and vary in size unpredictably. Those in water are called Shen Gui (Divine Turtle). Those in mountains are called Shi Gui (Divination Turtle); both are sages among turtles. Huo Gui (Fire Turtle) lives in hot lands, like the Fire Mouse. She Gui (Swallowing Turtle) eats snakes. Wen Gui (Patterned Turtle) refers to Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill). Later generations did not distinguish between mountain, marsh, water, and fire types, generally calling small ones Divine Turtles, and only those from water with old shells were noted, leading annotators to use the term Shen Gui. However, Shen Gui are rare; today, taking various water turtles suffices.
[Collection and Explanation] Li Shizhen said: Among the three hundred and sixty shell-bearing creatures, the Shen Gui is the leader. The turtle's form corresponds to the Li trigram, with its spirit residing in Kan. The convex back with patterns mimics Heaven; the flat base with lines mimics Earth. It faces Yin and backs Yang, with a snake-like head and dragon-like neck. It has external bone/shell and internal flesh, intestines attached to the head, capable of governing the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). Broad shoulders and large waist, oviparous and embracing during mating, it breathes through its ears. Male and female tails interlock, similar to snakes. Some claim large-waisted turtles have no males; this is false. People now distinguish sex by the plastron. Turtles emerge from hibernation and shed shells in spring and summer, hiding in burrows and practicing Daoist exercises in autumn and winter, hence their spirituality and longevity. *Nanyue Zhi* says: The Divine Turtle is fist-sized, golden-colored, with saw-toothed edges on the carapace, sharp claws, and can climb trees to eat cicadas. *Baopuzi* says: A thousand-year-old spiritual turtle possesses all five colors, jade-like and stone-like. Its transformations are unfathomable, varying in size. Some swim on lotus leaves, others hide under clusters of yarrow. Zhang Shinan's *Zhi Guilun* [Discussion on Testing Turtles] says: Old turtles become divine; at eight hundred years, they shrink to the size of a coin. In summer, they roam in fragrant lotuses; in winter, they hide in lotus rhizomes. Their respiration emits black smoke-like gas within the lotus heart, clearly visible. If seen, do not startle it; quietly inhale through an oil tube, and it cannot escape.
Some say: Turtles crouch upon hearing iron sounds and die from mosquito bites. Smearing eyes with sesame oil prevents sinking in water. Boiling in old mulberry branches makes them rot easily. These are methods to subdue them.
Gui Jia (Turtle Shell)
[Names] Shen Wu (*Shennong Bencao Jing*), Bai Gui Ban (Defective Turtle Plate).
Li Shizhen said: These are obscure names.
[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* says: Turtle shell is produced in the ponds, marshes, and lakes of the South Sea. Collection time is unrestricted. Do not allow it to get damp; dampness renders it toxic.
Tao Hongjing said: Using Shen Gui from water, those one chi two cun long are best. The plastron can be used for divination, the carapace for medicine, and also in elixir formulas. It should be taken by roasting live turtles.
Han Baosheng said: Turtles from Huzhou, Jiangzhou, and Jiaozhou have white, thick bones with clear colors, best for divination and medicine.
Da Ming says: Small divination turtles with ten drill marks on the belly are named Bai Gui Ban, good for medicine.
Su Song says: They are now found everywhere in rivers and lakes. For medicine, Shen Gui must be used. On the Shen Gui plate, the area directly below the heart, transparent in four directions and amber-colored, is best. Turtles with square heads, short legs, round shells, and white plates are Yang Turtles. Those with pointed heads, long legs, elongated shells, and yellow plates are Yin Turtles. Yin persons should use Yang turtles, and Yang persons should use Yin turtles. Modern physicians do not distinguish thus.
Li Shizhen said: Ancients collected turtles in autumn and slaughtered them in spring. Today, collectors gather hundreds, saw off the shells alive, and eat the meat. These turtles have titles like King, Minister, and General, distinguished by patterns on the belly and back. The central vertical line on the carapace is called Qian Li (Thousand Li). If the first horizontal ridge on the head has diagonal lines connecting to Qian Li on both sides, it is the Turtle King. Other turtles lack this. Divination for emperors uses Kings, civil officials Ministers, military officers Generals, following hierarchy. This aligns with *Yi Li* stating Emperors' shells are 1.2 chi, feudal lords 8 cun, great ministers 6 cun, and scholars/commoners 4 cun, which is reasonable. If Tian Shen Gui and Bao Gui are rare, medicine should follow this standard. *Rihua Bencao* uses small divination turtle shells, likely for convenience. Also, *Shennong Bencao Jing* warns against dampness. The name [Bai Gui Ban] implies both upper and lower shells were used. *Rihua Bencao* started using only the plate, which later became the norm.
[Correction of Errors]
Wu Qiu said: Ancients used Bai Gui Ban to tonify Yin, borrowing its Qi. Today, people use drilled or boiled ones, losing their nature and Qi. Only those naturally fallen and dead from wind in mountains are best; those self-dying in fields/pools are next; those beaten by humans are worst.
Li Shizhen said: Tao used roasted live turtles, and *Rihua* used heavily burned ones, believing in their spiritual vitality. "Bai" (Defective/Rotten) refers to being old and worn from drilling/burning. Wu misunderstood, preferring naturally dead, dried shells, claiming burning loses nature; this is wrong. Even naturally dead ones are likely mountain turtles. Pedants creating distinctions mislead the world. I correct this based on facts.
[Processing] Saw off the four edges, grind clean on stone, stir-fry with ash, smear with butter, and roast until yellow. Alternatively, process with wine, vinegar, lard, or calcine to ash.
[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, neutral, toxic. Zhen Quan said: Non-toxic.
Li Shizhen said: *Shennong Bencao Jing* says damp ones are toxic, implying dry ones are non-toxic.
Xu Zhicai said: Adverse with Sand Shen (Adenophora), Blatta orientalis (Cockroach); fears dog gallbladder and lean silver.
[Indications] Gui Jia (Turtle Shell): Treats leukorrhea (red and white discharge), breaks masses and accumulations, malaria. Five hemorrhoids, genital ulcers, damp bi syndrome, heaviness and weakness of limbs. Long-term use lightens the body and reduces hunger (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats fright and anger qi, abdominal pain, inability to stand long, cold-heat in bones, relapse of cold damage after labor, or death-like state from hunger with cold-heat. Made into decoction, effective. Long-term use boosts Qi and intelligence, promotes appetite. Calcined ash treats stubborn infantile scalp sores and female genital sores (*Mingyi Bielu*). Gui Niao (Turtle Urine): Mainly treats [missing text] fatigue, weakness of limbs (Zhu Zhenheng). Treats [missing text]. Calcined ash applied to [missing ulcer] (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation]
The turtle is a Yin entity, born from Northern Qi, thus tonifying Yin, treating blood disorders, and treating consumptive diseases.
Li Shizhen said: Turtles and deer are spiritual and long-lived. The turtle hides its head inward, connecting to the Ren Mai. Thus, its shell tonifies Heart, Kidney, and Blood, all nourishing Yin. The deer turns its nose backward, connecting to the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). Thus, its horn tonifies Mingmen (Gate of Vitality), Essence, and Qi, all nourishing Yang. This is the profound mystery of natural principles and the skill of divine craftsmanship. Observing the indications for turtle shell, all belong to Yin deficiency and blood weakness, which can be understood intuitively. See also Bie Jia (Soft-shelled Turtle Shell).
[Prescriptions] Two old, twelve new.
Buyin Wan (Tonify Yin Pill): Danxi Formula: Gui Xiajia (Turtle lower shell, wine-processed) and Shu Dihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root, nine-steamed nine-sunned) each 6 liang; Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark, salt-water soaked and fried) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome, wine-fried) each 4 liang. Grind to powder in stone mortar, mix with pig spinal cord, pill like wu-tzu seeds. Take 100 pills on an empty stomach with warm wine. Alternate formula: Remove Dihuag, add Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry, fried) 1 liang.
Persistent Malaria: Calcine Gui Ban (Turtle plate) to retain properties, grind to powder. Take with wine, one fang-cun bi (*Haishang Mingfang*).
Stagnant Knots: Gui Xiajia (wine-processed) 5 liang, Cebaiye (Biota Tops, fried) 1.5 liang, Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome, soaked in child's urine and fried) 3 liang. Grind to powder, bind with wine paste.
Postpartum Dysentery: One Gui Jia, vinegar-processed to powder. Take 1 qian with rice water, twice daily (*Jingyan Fang*).
Difficult Labor/Delivery: *Milu*: Calcine Gui Jia to powder, take with wine, one fang-cun bi.
Short women with unyielding pubic symphysis: One dry turtle shell (butter-processed), one handful of human hair (calcined to ash), Chuanxiong and Danggui each 1 liang. Weigh 7 qian, decoct in water. After walking about five li, take another dose. Delivers both living and dead fetus.
Early-stage Swelling and Toxicity: One Bai Gui Ban, calcined and ground. Take 4 qian with wine (*Xiaoshan*).
Female Breast Abscess: Same as above.
Infantile Scalp Sores: Apply Gui Jia calcined ash (*Shenghui Fang*).
Moon-eroded Ear Sore: Same as above.
Sores around Mouth: Same as above.
Rotting/Foul Ulcer: Take shell from one live Gui, vinegar-roast yellow, calcine to retain properties, remove fire heat. Add Qingfen (Calomel) and Shexiang (Musk). Clean with scallion soup, apply (*Jiujifang*).
Human Bite Wound: One piece each of Gui Ban bone and Bie Dubone (Soft-shelled turtle belly bone), calcined and ground. Mix with oil, apply (Ye Shi *Zhaixuan*).
Pig Bite Wound: Gui Ban calcined and ground. Mix with sesame oil, apply (Ye Shi *Zhaixuan*).
Gui Rou (Turtle Meat)
[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, sour, warm, non-toxic.
Tao Hongjing said: Making soup is greatly tonifying, but it is spiritual; do not kill lightly. Many records exist, not detailed here.
Sun Simiao said: Do not eat on Liu Jia days or in the twelfth lunar month; damages spirit and Qi. Do not eat with pork, colocasia, melon, or amaranth; harmful.
[Indications] Brewed into wine, treats severe wind-induced spasms and limb contracture. Or chronic flaccid paralysis, all heal (Su Song). Boiled and eaten, removes damp-bi and wind-bi, body swelling, and fractures ([Author missing]).
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen said: *Zhou Chu Fengtu Ji* says: In Jiangnan, on the fifth day of the fifth month, fat turtles are boiled with salt, fermented soybeans, garlic, and polygonum, named [Missing Name]. This embodies the principle of Yin inside and Yang outside.
[Prescriptions] One old, six new.
Heat-type Damp-Bi, Internal Agitated Heat: Boil Gui Rou with Wuweizi. Mild diarrhea indicates efficacy (*Puji Fang*).
Bone and Sinew Pain: One black turtle, divided into four legs. Use one leg per dose with Tianhuafen, Gouqizi each 1.2 qian, Xionghuang 0.5 qian, Shexiang 0.5 qian, Huaihua 3 qian. Decoct in one bowl of water (*Zuoya Qifang*).
Ten-Year Cough or Twenty-Year Incurable Cough: Three live Gui, prepare as food. Brew with 4 sheng of sorghum rice as usual, cook thoroughly, drink completely, never recurs. Another formula: Place one live Gui in a Kan (water) pit, induce urination into it, soak for three days, calcine and grind. Mix with one sheng of pure wine into a paste like dry rice, take at once. Profuse vomiting occurs, cough bag expelled, then cured. Halve dose for children ([Book Missing]).
Dysentery and Bloody Stool: Gui Rou, mix with sugar water. Mix with pepper, roast and boil to eat. Overdose stops [diarrhea].
Consumptive Disease with Blood Loss: Boil field turtle meat, mix with scallion, pepper, sauce, oil, and cook/eat. Tonifies Yin, descends fire, treats consumptive blood loss, hemoptysis, cold-heat cough. Repeatedly effective (Wu [Name Missing]).
Chronic Hemorrhoids and Fistulas: Two or three field turtles, boil meat, mix with fennel, scallion, sauce, eat regularly. Repeatedly effective. Avoid grain dregs, vinegar, and other hot foods (*Bianmin Shiliao*).
Gui Xue (Turtle Blood)
[Properties and Flavor] Salty, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Apply to prolapsed rectum (Zhen Quan). Treat contusions and injuries, drink with wine, and apply mashed fresh turtle meat (Li Shizhen).
Gui Danzhi (Turtle Gallbladder Juice)
[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Post-smallpox eye swelling lasting a month, instill drops, effective (Li Shizhen).
Gui Niao (Turtle Urine)
[Collection] Su Song said: According to Sun Guangxian's *Beimeng Suoyan*: Turtles are jealous and mate with snakes.
Illuminate it. Seeing its shadow, the turtle becomes aroused and urinates. Collect immediately. Another method: Heat a paper wick, touch the cloaca, inducing urination, though slightly slower.
Li Shizhen said: Today, people prick the nose with pig bristle or pine needle to induce urination, which seems simpler.
[Indications] Instill in ear, treat deafness (Zangqi). Instill under tongue, treat adult stroke aphasia and infantile convulsive mutism. Rub chest/back, treat Gui Xiong (Turtle Chest) and Gui Bei (Turtle Back) (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen said: Turtle urine penetrates orifices and bones, thus treating aphasia, deafness, turtle back, and dyeing beard/hair. According to *Gulou Shenshu*: Turtle urine grinds porcelain...
[Prescriptions] One old, two new.
Infantile Turtle Back: Rub chest and back with turtle urine; heals over time (Sun Taoren).
Stroke Aphasia: Instill a few drops of black turtle urine under the tongue; miraculous (*Shouyu*).
Premature Graying of Beard/Hair: Mix turtle urine with fine leech powder, rub daily, turns black. Powder must be fine (Tan Yeweng Formula).