药能治病，医乃传方，当明药品贵贱良毒之异，须尝气味酸咸苦辣辛甘。窃以金银珠玉
之贵，白垩锻石之贱，药性之良则丹砂钟乳，气毒则信石硼砂。至于五味，酸入肝，咸入肾，
苦入心，辛入肺，甘入脾，辣则有温凉寒热之异。功力有急缓，性本有温凉，且如朴硝之
性急，若煎作芒硝，性乃缓矣。
本草之作，肇始炎皇。肇即始也，炎皇神农氏也。本草之为书，由神农尝百草，一日而
遇七十毒，始兴医药相救之本草。
未言草木之品汇，且提玉石之纪纲。仿本草图经，以玉石部为先，而草木之品次之。
金屑玉屑，辰砂石床，能驱邪而逼鬼祟，可定魄而制癫狂，止渴除烦，安镇灵台，明耳
目补精益气，依经炼服寿延长。
金屑，味辛平有毒。处处有之，梁益宁州最多。出水砂中得屑，谓之生金，若不炼，服
之杀人。
玉屑，味甘平无毒，生蓝田。
丹砂，一名朱砂，味甘微寒无毒。惟辰州者最胜，故谓之辰砂。生深山石崖间，穴地数
十尺，始见其苗，乃白石耳，谓之朱砂床，即石床也。砂生石床上，亦有淘土石中得之，非
生于石者。又按本草石床，自有本条，味甘温无毒，谓钟乳，水下凝积，生如笋状，渐长久，
与上乳相接为柱，出钟乳堂中，谓之石床。
人心谓之灵台。金屑玉屑辰砂石床四品之性主治相同，皆可依图经法炼服食，则延年不
老。
生银屑，镇惊安五脏，钟乳粉补虚而助阳。
银屑，味辛平有毒。生银屑当取见成银箔，以水银消之为泥，合硝石及盐研为粉，烧出
水银，淘去盐石，为粉极细用之。
石钟乳，味甘温无毒。道州者最佳，须炼服之，不然，使人病淋。治咳嗽，行乳道，补
髓添精，强阳道。益肺家，宜慎用之。
代赭石，能坠胎，而可攻崩漏。伏龙肝治产难，而吐血尤良。
代赭石用火 醋淬七遍，研水飞，味甘寒无毒。出代州，其色赤，故名代赭石。养血气，
强精辟邪。畏天雄附子。
伏龙肝，即灶中土也。味辛温微毒，消痈肿，催生下胎，止血崩。
云母补劳伤兼明目。水银除疥虱与疮疡。
云母石，味甘平无毒。安五脏，坚肌止痢，局方有法煎云母膏，治瘫疽恶毒等疮。
水银即朱砂液，能消化金银使成泥。味辛寒有毒。一名汞。畏磁石。难产可用催生。
治风喉，理鼻息，功全矾石。止漏下，破症结，用禹余粮。
矾石，味酸寒无毒。出晋州者佳。化痰止痢，攻阴蚀诸疮漏， 过谓之枯矾，亦可生用。
禹余粮，火 醋淬七次，捣细水飞。味甘寒平无毒。出潞州，形如鹅鸭卵，外有壳重叠
者是，其中有黄细末如蒲黄者，谓之石中黄。
朴硝开积聚，化停痰，煎作芒硝功却缓。硝石止烦躁，除热毒，炼之须扫地边霜。
朴硝，味苦辛大寒无毒，生益州。初采扫得，一煎而成，故曰朴硝。再取朴硝淋汁炼之，
有细芒者谓之芒硝，专治伤寒。
硝石，味辛苦寒无毒，即扫地霜淋汁炼成者。
打破瞳神得空青而依然复旧。胎宫乏孕，紫石英有再弄之璋。
空青，味甘酸寒无毒，生于有铜处，铜精气熏则生。今信州时有之。其腹中空破之有浆
者，绝难得。大者如鸡子，小者如豆子。治眼翳障为最要。又有曾青铜，出处色理亦无异，
但其彩累累连珠相缀，其中不空，与空青功效不相上下。
紫石英，味甘辛温无毒。治女子风寒在子宫，绝孕十年无子，服之。又白石英，治风湿
痹，安魂魄，强阴道，黄赤黑色皆不入药。
热渴急求寒水石，壮阳须索石硫黄。
寒水石，一名凝水石。味甘寒无毒。出汾州及邯郸，即盐之精也。治火烧丹毒。能解巴
豆毒。畏地榆。
硫黄，味酸性温大热有毒，出广州。治疥虫 疮，坚筋，疗老风秘。
肾脏即衰， 磁石而强阳道。膀胱不利，炒食盐以熨脐旁。
磁石，味辛咸寒无毒，有铁处则生，恶牡丹，畏黄石脂，能吸铁。补益劳伤。兼治耳聋
食盐，味咸温无毒，解州者胜。治霍乱痰癖，可用吐之。
水银飞炼成轻粉，杀诸疥癣，善治儿疳，锻石风化方为胜，不堪服食，可疗金疮。
轻粉即水银粉，味辛冷无毒，畏磁石。忌一切血。
风化锻石五月五日采百草捣汁，调 过锻石末作团阴干。专治金疮刀斧伤处。不堪入药
石膏发汗解肌，去风寒热。滑石除烦止渴，快利小肠。
石膏，味甘辛大寒无毒，与方解石相类。须用细理白泽者为真，治头痛，解肌发汗。黄
色者，服之使人淋。
滑石，味甘寒无毒，用白色软嫩者佳，能益精除热，疗女人产难。
杀三虫，破症结，胡粉一名为粉锡。敛金疮，治眼暗，铜青铜绿竟无双。
胡粉，一名粉锡，一名定粉，俗名光粉。即今化铅所作妇人容面者。味辛寒无毒。
铜青铜绿，以醋沃铜上即生。乃铜之精华也。微有毒，不可入汤药。
吐痰抵痔密陀僧，兼抹 斑随手没。生肌止痛无名异，折伤可理并金伤。
密陀僧，即 银炉底也，味酸辛有毒。
无名异，味甘平无毒。金伤谓刀斧伤也。
硼砂攻喉痹，止嗽消痰直有理。胆矾除热毒，诸痫痰气尽消详。
硼砂，一名蓬砂，味苦辛暖无毒。出南番者色重褐，其味和，其效速。出西戎者其色白，
其味杂，其功缓，不堪入药，作金银焊药用之。
胆矾，《图经》作石胆。味酸辛寒有毒。信州有之。生于铜坑中，采得煎炼而成。消热
毒，
伏火灵砂，辟鬼邪，安魂魄，明目镇心通血脉。藏泥白垩，除泄利，破症瘕，涩精止漏
又为良。
灵砂，一名二气砂。用水银一两，硫黄六铢，研细。二味先同炒作青砂头，后入水火既
济炉中抽之，如束针纹者成就也。恶磁石。畏酸水。
白垩，即善土，味苦辛温无毒，处处有之。采无时。
石燕治淋催难产。黑铅安镇熨蛇创。（创，伤也，平声与疮同）。
石燕，产零陵州。形似蚶，其实石也。性凉无毒。女人产难，两手各握一枚，胎立出。
水银炼作片。置醋酿中密封，经久成霜，谓之铅白霜，性极冷。
黄丹乃是熬铅作，生肌止痛。矾石特生非常热，养就丹房。
黄丹《图经》作铅丹，又名虢丹。用时炒令赤色，研细，味辛微温无毒。止吐逆，疗癫
痫，
矾石俗呼镇风石。味辛甘大热有毒。严寒置水中，水令不冰。性坚硬而拒火，烧之一日
夜方解散。攻击积聚痼冷之病最良。须真者，必取鹳巢中团卵而助暖气者方真。乃修真炼丹
之药品。
血晕昏迷，法炼广生花蕊石。折伤排脓，火 醋淬自然铜。
花蕊石，出陕州阌乡，性至坚硬，保金疮止血。局方以硫黄合和花蕊石，如法炼成。专
治产后血晕去恶血。
自然铜，味辛平无毒。出铜处有之。形方而大小不等，似铜实石也。不从矿炼，自然而
生，故曰自然铜也。
砂能破症瘕积聚。若还生用烂心肠。信石可吐膈内风痰，倘中其毒促人亡。
砂，味咸苦辛温有毒。能消五金。入口腐人肠胃，生服之化人心为血。
信石，图经名砒霜。信州者佳，故名信石。味苦酸有大毒。主诸疟风痰在胸膈，可作吐
药用，不宜多服，能伤人命。
若误中 砂砒霜二毒，急宜冷水调绿豆汁饮之可解。
梁上尘消软疖，通喉噎，横生立产。井泉石性寒凉，攻火热，除翳神方。
梁上尘，一名乌龙尾。性微寒无毒。凡使须去烟火远，高堂佛殿上者，拂下筛而用之。
井泉石，性大寒无毒，处处有之，以饶阳郡者为胜，得菊花栀子最良。
除痼冷，止头痛，无遗太阴玄精石。安心志、制癫狂，谁知铁粉和铁浆。
玄精石，出解州解县，今解地积盐仓中方有之。其色青白龟背者良。味咸温无毒。
铁，味甘无毒。取铁浸之，经久色青沫出可染皂者为铁浆，治癫狂。铁拍作片段，置醋
糟中，积久生衣，刮取为铁粉，能安心志。
雄黄能杀虺蛇毒，妊娠佩带，转生男子。炼之久服自身轻。要生女子，佩带雌黄。
雄黄、雌黄同山所生，山阳处生雄黄，山阴有金处，金精熏则生雌黄。妇人觉有孕，以
雄黄二两，绛囊盛带之，可转女为男，以雌黄半两，素囊盛带之，可转男为女。雌黄炼服，
久则轻身，可入仙家。
备金石之品味，治病得以推详，总括上文诸药，悉可对证而施治也。
药物能够治疗疾病，医生则传承方剂，应当明确药品中贵贱、优良与有毒无毒的区别，必须亲自品尝药味的酸、咸、苦、辣、辛、甘。我认为金银珠玉属于贵重药材，白垩和锻石属于廉价药材；药性优良的如丹砂（Cinnabar）和钟乳（Stalactite），气性有毒的如信石（Arsenolite）和硼砂（Borax）。至于五味，酸味入肝，咸味入肾，苦味入心，辛味入肺，甘味入脾，而辣味则有温、凉、寒、热的不同。药物的功效有急缓之分，本性有温凉之别，例如朴硝（Mirabilite）的药性急迫，如果煎煮制成芒硝（Thenardite），药性就变得缓和了。
《本草》这部书的编写，始于炎帝神农氏。“肇”就是开始的意思，炎帝即神农氏。《本草》作为书籍，是因为神农氏亲自品尝百草，一天之内遇到七十种毒物，从而兴起了医药相互救助的本草学。
这里不先谈论草木类的品类，而是先提出玉石类的纲领。仿照《本草图经》的体例，以玉石部为先，草木类随后。
金屑（Gold Floss）、玉屑（Jade Floss）、辰砂（Chen Cinnabar）、石床（Stone Bed/Zhongru），能够驱除邪气并逼迫鬼祟，可以安定魂魄并控制癫狂，止渴消除烦闷，安镇心灵（灵台指心），明亮耳目，补益精髓和气力，依照经典炼制服用可以延长寿命。
金屑，味道辛平，有毒。各地都有，梁州、益州、宁州最多。从出水砂中获得碎屑，称为生金，如果不经过炼制，服用会致死。
玉屑，味道甘平，无毒，产于蓝田。
丹砂，又名朱砂，味道甘微寒，无毒。只有辰州的品质最好，所以称为辰砂。生长在深山石崖之间，挖掘地面几十尺深，才能见到它的苗头，那是白石，称为朱砂床，也就是石床。砂生长在石床上，也有在淘洗土石中发现的，并非直接生于石头本身。另外查阅《本草》，石床自有其条目，味道甘温无毒，指的是钟乳，水气下凝积累而成，形状像笋，逐渐长久生长，与上面的乳状物相接成为柱子，出产于钟乳堂中，称为石床。
人心被称为灵台。金屑、玉屑、辰砂、石床这四种药物的性质主治相同，都可以依照《图经》的方法炼制后服用，就能延年不老。
银屑，味道辛平，有毒。制作生银屑应当选取现成的银箔，用水银溶解成泥，加入硝石和盐研磨成粉，烧出水银，淘去盐和石，得到极细的粉末使用。
石钟乳，味道甘温，无毒。道州产的最佳，必须炼制后服用，否则会导致淋证（排尿困难或疼痛）。治疗咳嗽，通利乳道，补髓添精，强壮阳道，补益肺气，宜慎用。
代赭石（Hematite），能导致堕胎，但可用于攻治崩漏（非经期大量出血）。伏龙肝（Burnt Earth from Hearth）治疗难产，对于吐血疗效尤佳。
代赭石用火醋淬炼七遍，研磨后水飞，味道甘寒，无毒。出自代州，颜色赤红，所以叫代赭石。养血气，强精辟邪。畏天雄和附子。
伏龙肝，就是灶中的土。味道辛温，微毒，能消散痈肿，催生下胎，止血崩。
云母（Muscovite）补劳伤兼明目。水银（Mercury）除疥虱和疮疡。
云母石，味道甘平，无毒。安定五脏，坚固肌肉止痢，局方中有煎制云母膏的方法，治疗瘫疽恶毒等疮疡。
水银即朱砂的液体形态，能消化金银使其成泥。味道辛寒，有毒。又名汞。畏磁石。难产时可用它催生。
治疗风喉痹，调理鼻息肉，功效全在于矾石（Alum）。止漏下（阴道不规则出血），破除症结，使用禹余粮（Limonite）。
矾石，味道酸寒，无毒。晋州产的为佳。化痰止痢，攻治阴蚀及各类疮漏，煅烧后称为枯矾，也可以生用。
禹余粮，用火醋淬炼七次，捣细后水飞。味道甘寒平，无毒。出自潞州，形状像鹅鸭蛋，外层有壳重叠的是，其中含有黄色细末像蒲黄一样的，称为石中黄。
朴硝开积聚，化解停痰，煎制成芒硝功效却变缓。硝石（Potassium Nitrate）止烦躁，除热毒，炼制时需要收集扫取路边的霜。
朴硝，味道苦辛大寒，无毒，生于益州。初采扫得，一次煎煮而成，所以叫朴硝。再取朴硝淋汁炼制，有细芒状的称为芒硝，专门治疗伤寒。
硝石，味道辛苦寒，无毒，就是扫取路边霜淋汁炼制而成的。
打破瞳神（眼球损伤）可得空青（Azurite）而依然恢复旧观。子宫缺乏受孕能力，紫石英（Fluorite）有再次获得璋玉（生子）的功效。
空青，味道甘酸寒，无毒，生长在铜矿处，铜的精气熏蒸而生。现在信州有时产出。其腹部中空，打破后有浆液的，极其难得。大的像鸡蛋，小的像豆子。治疗眼翳障是最主要的。又有曾青铜，出处颜色和纹理也没有不同，但其色彩累累如连珠相连缀，中间不空，与空青的功效不相上下。
紫石英，味道甘辛温，无毒。治疗女子风寒在子宫，十年无子绝孕，服用它。还有白石英，治疗风湿痹痛，安定魂魄，强壮阴道，黄、赤、黑色者都不入药。
热渴急求寒水石（Calcium Carbonate/Sodium Bicarbonate mineral），壮阳须索石硫黄（Sulfur）。
寒水石，一名凝水石。味道甘寒，无毒。出自汾州及邯郸，是盐的精粹。治疗火烧丹毒。能解巴豆毒。畏地榆。
硫黄，味道酸性温大热，有毒，出自广州。治疗疥虫疮，坚固筋骨，治疗老风秘（慢性便秘）。
肾脏即衰，用磁石（Magnetite）来强壮阳道。膀胱不利（排尿不畅），炒食盐熨烫脐旁。
磁石，味道辛咸寒，无毒，有铁的地方就生长，恶牡丹，畏黄石脂，能吸铁。补益劳伤。兼治耳聋。
水银飞炼成轻粉（Calomel），杀各种疥癣，善于治疗小儿疳积，锻石风化后才算好，不堪服用，可治疗金疮（刀斧伤）。
风化锻石：五月五日采集百草捣汁，调和过筛的锻石末做成团块阴干。专门治疗金疮刀斧伤处。不堪入内服药用。
石膏（Gypsum）发汗解肌，去除风寒热。滑石（Talc）除烦止渴，快利小肠。
石膏，味道甘辛大寒，无毒，与方解石相似。必须用纹理细密洁白泽润的为真品，治疗头痛，解肌发汗。黄色者，服用会导致淋证。
滑石，味道甘寒，无毒，用白色软嫩者为佳，能益精除热，治疗妇女难产。
杀三虫（寄生虫），破症结，胡粉（Lead Carbonate）一名为粉锡。收敛金疮，治疗眼暗，铜青铜绿竟无双。
胡粉，一名粉锡，一名定粉，俗名光粉。就是现在化铅制作的供妇人美容用的粉。味道辛寒，无毒。
铜青铜绿，用醋浇在铜上就会生成。这是铜的精华。微有毒，不可入汤药。
吐痰抵痔密陀僧（Litharge），兼抹黧斑（黑斑）随手消失。生肌止痛无名异（Pyrolusite），折伤可理并金伤。
密陀僧，即炼银炉的底灰，味道酸辛，有毒。
无名异，味道甘平，无毒。金伤谓刀斧伤也。
硼砂攻喉痹，止咳消痰直有理。胆矾（Blue Vitriol）除热毒，诸痫痰气尽消详。
硼砂，一名蓬砂，味道苦辛暖，无毒。出南番的颜色重褐，味道温和，见效快。出西戎的颜色白，味道杂，功效慢，不堪入药，用作金银焊接材料。
胆矾，《图经》作石胆。味道酸辛寒，有毒。信州有之。生于铜坑中，采得煎炼而成。消热毒。
伏火灵砂（Cinnabar amalgam processed by fire），辟鬼邪，安魂魄，明目镇心通血脉。藏泥白垩（White Clay），除泄利，破症瘕，涩精止漏又为良。
灵砂，一名二气砂。用水银一两，硫黄六铢，研细。两味先同炒作成青砂头，后放入水火既济炉中抽提，出现束针纹的就成功了。恶磁石。畏酸水。
白垩，即善土，味道苦辛温，无毒，处处有之。采挖无固定时间。
石燕（Fossil Bat）治淋催难产。黑铅（Lead）安镇熨蛇创。（创，伤也，平声与疮同）。
石燕，产零陵州。形状像蚶，其实是石头。性凉无毒。女人难产，两手各握一枚，胎儿立即生出。
黄丹《图经》作铅丹，又名虢丹。用时炒令赤色，研细，味道辛微温，无毒。止吐逆，疗癫痫。
矾石俗呼镇风石。味道辛甘大热，有毒。严寒置于水中，水令不冰。性坚硬而拒火，烧之一昼夜方解散。攻击积聚痼冷之病最良。须真者，必取鹳巢中团卵而助暖气者方真。乃修真炼丹之药品。
血晕昏迷，法炼广生花蕊石。折伤排脓，火醋淬自然铜（Natural Pyrite）。
花蕊石，出陕州阌乡，性至坚硬，保金疮止血。局方以硫黄合和花蕊石，如法炼成。专治产后血晕去恶血。
自然铜，味道辛平，无毒。出铜处有之。形方而大小不等，似铜实石也。不从矿炼，自然而生，故曰自然铜也。
砂能破症瘕积聚。若还生用烂心肠。信石可吐膈内风痰，倘中其毒促人亡。
砂，味道咸苦辛温，有毒。能消五金。入口腐人肠胃，生服之化人心为血。
信石，图经名砒霜。信州者佳，故名信石。味苦酸有大毒。主诸疟风痰在胸膈，可作吐药用，不宜多服，能伤人命。
若误中 砂砒霜二毒，急宜冷水调绿豆汁饮之可解。
梁上尘消软疖，通喉噎，横生立产。井泉石性寒凉，攻火热，除翳神方。
梁上尘，一名乌龙尾。性微寒无毒。凡使须去烟火远，高堂佛殿上者，拂下筛而用之。
井泉石，性大寒无毒，处处有之，以饶阳郡者为胜，得菊花栀子最良。
除痼冷，止头痛，无遗太阴玄精石。安心志、制癫狂，谁知铁粉和铁浆。
玄精石，出解州解县，今解地积盐仓中方有之。其色青白龟背者良。味咸温无毒。
铁，味甘无毒。取铁浸之，经久色青沫出可染皂者为铁浆，治癫狂。铁拍作片段，置醋糟中，积久生衣，刮取为铁粉，能安心志。
雄黄能杀虺蛇毒，妊娠佩带，转生男子。炼之久服自身轻。要生女子，佩带雌黄。
雄黄、雌黄同山所生，山阳处生雄黄，山阴有金处，金精熏则生雌黄。妇人觉有孕，以雄黄二两，绛囊盛带之，可转女为男，以雌黄半两，素囊盛带之，可转男为女。雌黄炼服，久则轻身，可入仙家。
备金石之品味，治病得以推详，总括上文诸药，悉可对证而施治也。
Medicines can treat diseases, and physicians transmit prescriptions; one must understand the differences in price, quality, and toxicity of medicinal materials, and must taste the flavors of sour, salty, bitter, spicy, pungent, and sweet. I consider gold floss, jade floss, pearls, and jade to be precious, while kaolin (Kaoling) and calcined stone (Duanshi) are cheap; among medicinal properties, cinnabar (Dan Sha) and stalactite (Zhong Ru) are excellent, while arsenolite (Xin Shi) and borax (Peng Sha) are toxic in nature. Regarding the five flavors: sour enters the Liver, salty enters the Kidney, bitter enters the Heart, pungent enters the Lungs, and sweet enters the Spleen; spicy flavor varies in being warming, cooling, cold, or hot. Efficacy has urgency or slowness, and nature has warmth or coolness. For instance, mirabilite (Pu Xiao) has an urgent nature, but if decocted into thenardite (Mang Xiao), its nature becomes slow/gentle.
The compilation of Materia Medica began with Yan Di (Flame Emperor). "Zhao" means beginning; Yan Di refers to Shennong (Divine Farmer). The book of Materia Medica originated from Shennong tasting hundreds of herbs, encountering seventy poisons in one day, thereby initiating the herbal medicine that saves lives through mutual aid.
Here we do not first discuss the categories of herbs and trees, but rather outline the principles of minerals and stones. Following the format of *Bencao Tujing* (Illustrated Materia Medica), the Mineral and Stone section comes first, followed by herbs and trees.
Gold floss, jade floss, Chen Cinnabar, and stone bed can expel evil qi and drive away malevolent spirits, stabilize the soul and control mania, relieve thirst and irritability, calm the spirit (the heart is called Ling Tai), brighten eyes and ears, essence and Qi, and prolong life when refined and taken according to classics.
Gold floss tastes pungent and neutral, and is toxic. It is found everywhere, most abundantly in Liang, Yi, and Ning provinces. Obtained as fragments from water-washed sand, it is called raw gold; if not refined, ingestion causes death.
Jade floss tastes sweet and neutral, and is non-toxic; it grows in Lantian.
Cinnabar, also known as Zhu Sha, tastes sweet and slightly cold, and is non-toxic. Those from Chenzhou are superior, hence called Chen Sha. It grows in deep mountain cliffs; digging dozens of feet reveals its "seed," which is white stone, called the Cinnabar Bed or Stone Bed. The cinnabar grows on this stone bed, though it can also be found washed from soil/rock mixtures, implying it does not strictly grow *from* the stone itself. According to *Bencao*, "Stone Bed" has its own entry: it tastes sweet and warm, is non-toxic, refers to stalactite, formed by condensing water droplets, shaped like bamboo shoots, growing long to connect with upper stalactites into pillars, found in Stalactite Halls.
The human heart is called Ling Tai. The four substances—gold floss, jade floss, Chen Cinnabar, and stone bed—share similar natures and indications; they can all be refined and ingested according to *Tujing* methods to extend life and prevent aging.
Raw silver powder calms fright and stabilizes the Five Viscera; stalactite powder tonifies deficiency and aids Yang.
Silver powder tastes pungent and neutral, and is toxic. To prepare raw silver powder, take existing silver foil, dissolve it with mercury into a paste, mix with saltpeter and salt, grind into powder, heat to evaporate mercury, wash away salt and residue, and use the extremely fine powder.
Stone Stalactite tastes sweet and warm, and is non-toxic. Those from Daozhou are best; they must be refined before use, otherwise they cause strangury (Lin syndrome). It treats cough, unblocks milk ducts, tonifies marrow and essence, strengthens the Yang pathway, and benefits the Lung; use with caution.
Hematite (Dai Zhe Shi) can induce abortion but can attack metrorrhagia (bing lou). Burnt Hearth Earth (Fu Long Gan) treats difficult labor and is especially good for hematemesis.
Hematite is quenched seven times in vinegar over fire, ground, and wet-processed (water flying); it tastes sweet and cold, and is non-toxic. It originates from Daizhou, is red in color, hence named Dai Zhe Shi. It nourishes blood and Qi, strengthens essence, and expels evil. It is incompatible with Tian Xiong and Fu Zi.
Burnt Hearth Earth is earth from the stove. It tastes pungent and warm, is slightly toxic, dissipates abscesses, induces labor, and stops severe uterine bleeding.
Muscovite (Yun Mu) tonifies fatigue and injuries and brightens the eyes. Mercury (Shui Yin) eliminates scabies, lice, and sores.
Muscovite stone tastes sweet and neutral, and is non-toxic. It stabilizes the Five Viscera, firms muscles, and stops diarrhea. The Bureau Formula has a method for decocting Muscovite Paste to treat paralysis, carbuncles, and malignant sores.
Mercury is the liquid form of cinnabar; it can dissolve gold and silver into mud. It tastes pungent and cold, is toxic, and is also called Gong. It is incompatible with Magnetite. It can be used to induce labor in difficult childbirth.
For treating wind-throat obstruction and nasal polyps, Alum (Fan Shi) is fully effective. To stop leukorrhea and break accumulations, use Limonite (Yu Yu Liang).
Alum tastes sour and cold, and is non-toxic. Those from Jinzhou are good. It resolves phlegm, stops diarrhea, attacks yin erosion and various ulcerative sores. Calcined alum is called Ku Fan, but raw alum can also be used.
Limonite is quenched seven times in vinegar over fire, crushed finely, and wet-processed. It tastes sweet, cold, and neutral, and is non-toxic. It originates from Luzhou, resembles goose or duck eggs, has overlapping outer shells, and contains yellow fine powder resembling cattail pollen inside, called Shi Zhong Huang.
Mirabilite opens accumulations and transforms retained phlegm; decocting it into Thenardite slows its efficacy. Saltpeter (Xiao Shi) relieves restlessness, clears heat toxins, and must be refined from frost swept from the ground.
Mirabilite tastes bitter, pungent, and very cold, and is non-toxic; it grows in Yizhou. Initially collected by sweeping, it is made after one decoction, hence called Pu Xiao. Taking Pu Xiao juice and refining it further yields Thenardite (Mang Xiao), which has fine crystalline structures and specifically treats Cold Damage (Shang Han).
Saltpeter tastes bitter, pungent, and cold, and is non-toxic; it is made from refined frost-swept juice.
If the pupil is broken, Azurite (Kong Qing) can restore vision. If the uterus lacks fertility, Fluorite (Zi Shi Ying) can help conceive again (symbolized by obtaining a Zhang jade).
Azurite tastes sweet, sour, and cold, and is non-toxic. It grows where copper exists, formed by the vapor of copper essence. It is occasionally found in Xinzhou. Its hollow interior, when broken, yields liquid; this is extremely rare. Large ones are egg-sized, small ones bean-sized. It is crucial for treating eye nebulae/opacities. There is also "Zeng Qing Tong," which looks similar in color and texture, but its colors are linked like beads and it is not hollow; its efficacy is comparable to Azurite.
Fluorite tastes sweet, pungent, and warm, and is non-toxic. It treats women with wind-cold in the uterus causing ten years of infertility. White Quartz (Bai Shi Ying) treats wind-damp bi syndrome, stabilizes the soul, and strengthens the vaginal channel; yellow, red, and black varieties are not used in medicine.
For urgent heat and thirst, seek Calcium Carbonate mineral (Han Shui Shi); for strengthening Yang, seek Sulfur (Shi Liu Huang).
Han Shui Shi, also called Ning Shui Shi, tastes sweet and cold, and is non-toxic. It comes from Fenzhou and Handan; it is the essence of salt. It treats burns and erysipelas. It can detoxify Croton seed. It is incompatible with Sanguisorba (Di Yu).
Sulfur tastes sour, warm, and very hot, and is toxic; it comes from Guangzhou. It treats scabies and sores, strengthens sinews, and treats chronic constipation due to old wind.
When the Kidney declines, Magnetite (Ci Shi) strengthens the Yang pathway. When the Bladder is obstructed, stir-fried salt applied warm to the side of the umbilicus helps.
Magnetite tastes pungent and salty, cold, and is non-toxic; it grows where iron exists. It dislikes Peony and Yellow Earth Grease, and attracts iron. It tonifies fatigue and injuries and treats deafness.
Salt tastes salty and warm, and is non-toxic; those from Jiezhou are superior. It treats cholera and phlegm retention, inducing vomiting.
Refined Mercury Powder (Qing Fen) kills various scabies and tinea, and effectively treats pediatric malnutrition. Calcined Stone (Duanshi) is only effective after weathering; it is unsuitable for internal use but can treat traumatic wounds.
Light Powder (Qing Fen) is Mercury Powder, tastes pungent and cold, and is non-toxic. It is incompatible with Magnetite. Avoid in blood disorders.
Weathered Calcined Stone: Collected on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, mixed with juice of hundred herbs, formed into balls, and dried in shade. It specifically treats traumatic knife and axe wounds. It is unsuitable for internal medicine.
Gypsum (Shi Gao) induces sweating, releases the muscle layer, and dispels wind-cold-heat. Talc (Hua Shi) relieves irritability and thirst, and promotes urination via the Small Intestine.
Gypsum tastes sweet, pungent, and very cold, and is non-toxic; it is similar to Calcite. True gypsum has fine, white, lustrous fibers; it treats headache and releases the muscle layer. Yellow gypsum causes strangury.
Talc tastes sweet and cold, and is non-toxic; white, soft, and tender pieces are best. It benefits essence, clears heat, and treats female dystocia.
To kill three parasites and break accumulations, use Lead Carbonate (Hu Fen), also called Fen Xi. To heal traumatic wounds and treat dim vision, Copper Green (Tong Qing Tong Lv) is unparalleled.
Hu Fen, also called Fen Xi or Ding Fen, commonly known as Guang Fen, is lead carbonate made for women's cosmetics. It tastes pungent and cold, and is non-toxic.
Copper Green forms when vinegar is poured on copper; it is the essence of copper. It is slightly toxic and should not be used in decoctions.
Litharge (Mi Tuo Seng) induces vomiting for phlegm and treats hemorrhoids; it also removes melasma instantly. Pyrolusite (Wu Ming Yi) generates flesh, stops pain, and treats fractures and traumatic wounds.
Litharge is the dross from silver smelting; it tastes sour and pungent, and is toxic.
Pyrolusite tastes sweet and neutral, and is non-toxic. Traumatic wound refers to knife/axe injuries.
Borax attacks throat obstruction, stops cough, and resolves phlegm logically. Blue Vitriol (Dan Fan) clears heat toxins and resolves all types of epilepsy-phlegm qi.
Borax, also called Peng Sha, tastes bitter, pungent, and warm, and is non-toxic. Southern imports are dark brown, mild-tasting, and fast-acting. Western imports are white, mixed-tasting, and slow-acting; they are unsuitable for medicine but used for soldering gold and silver.
Blue Vitriol, called Shi Dan in *Tujing*, tastes sour, pungent, and cold, and is toxic. Found in Xinzhou, it grows in copper pits and is refined after harvesting. It clears heat toxins.
Processed Spirit Cinnabar (Ling Sha) expels evil spirits, stabilizes the soul, brightens eyes, calms the heart, and unblocks vessels. Kaolin (Bai E) stops diarrhea, breaks masses, and secures essence/stops leakage.
Spirit Cinnabar, also called Er Qi Sha, is made from one liang of mercury and six zhu of sulfur, ground fine. These two are first fried together until greenish, then placed in a furnace for sublimation; success is indicated by needle-bundle patterns. It dislikes Magnetite and fears acid water.
Kaolin is good earth, tastes bitter, pungent, and warm, and is non-toxic; it is found everywhere and harvested anytime.
Fossil Bat (Shi Yan) treats strangury and induces difficult labor. Black Lead (Hei Qian) stabilizes and soothes snake bites.
Fossil Bat grows in Lingling Zhou. It resembles a clam but is stone. It is cool and non-toxic. For difficult labor, holding one in each hand delivers the fetus immediately.
Mercury sheets sealed in vinegar fermentation become frost over time, called Lead White Frost, which is extremely cold.
Yellow Red Lead (Huang Dan) is made by boiling lead; it generates flesh and stops pain. Alum (Fan Shi) is naturally very hot and used in alchemy.
Yellow Red Lead, called Qian Dan or Guo Dan in *Tujing*, is fried red and ground fine when used. It tastes pungent, slightly warm, and is non-toxic. It stops vomiting and treats epilepsy.
Alum is俗称 Zhen Feng Shi. It tastes pungent, sweet, very hot, and is toxic. In extreme cold, it prevents water from freezing. It is hard, fire-resistant, and dissolves only after burning for a day and night. It is best for attacking accumulations and chronic cold diseases. Authentic ones are found in stork nests as round eggs that provide warmth; these are true alchemical ingredients.
For blood stagnation coma, refine Guang Sheng Hua Rui Shi. For fractures and pus drainage, quench Natural Pyrite (Zi Ran Tong) in vinegar over fire.
Hua Rui Shi comes from Wenxiang, Shanzhou. It is very hard, protects traumatic wounds, and stops bleeding. The Bureau Formula combines sulfur and Hua Rui Shi, refined properly, specifically for postpartum blood stagnation coma.
Natural Pyrite tastes pungent and neutral, and is non-toxic. Found near copper deposits. It is square-shaped, variable size, looks like copper but is stone. It occurs naturally without mining, hence the name.
Realgar (Sha) breaks masses and accumulations. If used raw, it rots the intestines. Arsenolite (Xin Shi) can vomit wind-phlegm from the diaphragm; poisoning it accelerates death.
Realgar tastes salty, bitter, pungent, warm, and is toxic. It can dissolve metals. Upon ingestion, it corrodes intestines; raw ingestion turns heart blood to blood.
Arsenolite, called Pi Shuang in *Tujing*. Those from Xinzhou are best, hence Xin Shi. It tastes bitter, sour, and is highly toxic. It treats malaria and wind-phlegm in the chest/diaphragm; can be used as an emetic but not in large doses as it is fatal.
If accidentally poisoned by Realgar or Arsenolite, drink mung bean juice mixed with cold water immediately to detoxify.
Ridge Dust (Liang Shang Chen) softens boils, unblocks throat obstruction, and facilitates breech delivery. Well Spring Stone (Jing Quan Shi) is cold and cool, attacks fire-heat, and removes eye opacities.
Ridge Dust, also called Wulong Wei, is slightly cold and non-toxic. Must be collected from high halls/temples far from smoke/fire, brushed down and sifted.
Well Spring Stone is very cold and non-toxic, found everywhere; those from Raoyang County are best, especially with chrysanthemum and garden balsam seed.
To remove chronic cold and stop headaches, do not omit Ta Yin Xuan Jing Shi. To calm the mind and control mania, who knows Iron Powder and Iron Slurry?
Xuan Jing Shi comes from Jiexian, Jiezhou, found in salt warehouses. Blue-white with turtle-shell pattern is good. It tastes salty, warm, and is non-toxic.
Iron tastes sweet and is non-toxic. Soaking iron produces blue foam that dyes soap, called Iron Slurry, treating mania. Iron beaten into pieces, aged in vinegar lees, develops a coating scraped off as Iron Powder, which calms the mind.
Realgar (Xiong Huang) kills viper venom. Pregnant women wearing it may give birth to boys. Long-term refined use lightens the body. To have girls, wear Orpiment (Ci Huang).
Realgar and Orpiment grow in mountains. Realgar grows on sunny slopes; Orpiment grows in shady slopes with gold essence. If a woman suspects pregnancy, wearing two liang of Realgar in a red bag may change a girl fetus to a boy; half a liang of Orpiment in a white bag may change a boy fetus to a girl. Refined Orpiment, taken long-term, lightens the body and aids immortality.
Having prepared the tastes of minerals and stones, diseases can be analyzed comprehensively. Summarizing the above medicines, they can all be applied according to syndrome differentiation.