《石药尔雅》

Preface to the Shiyao Erya (Lexicon of Mineral Medicines)

The Erya was originally a book used by the ancients to explain obscure words and phrases. Concise and subtle, it has been valued by every dynasty's court. I am a native of Jiangyuan in western Shu, and from childhood I have loved Daoist arts and devoted myself to the study of alchemy. From my youth until the age of knowing destiny (fifty), I studied widely in the alchemical classics and medicinal formulas, read the writings of several hundred schools, and gained a general familiarity with their effects.

The substances used in alchemy are often called by coded names, and the same code name may refer to different things in different books. If one cannot consult the many accounts widely, it is like painting a cake to satisfy hunger, or eating peaches in a dream; even if one obtains an elixir formula, it is little different from not having obtained one. I often sighed and fretted over this: without a teacher to give guidance, how could one ever make sense of it?

Later I read in the Cantong qi (Token for the Agreement of the Three) the words: "If one still cannot investigate thoroughly, one should explain things directly, so that the principle can be fully told." Another scripture (Jing) says: "I wish to keep my mouth shut, yet fear that I will incur guilt for it; if I commit my thoughts to bamboo and silk, I fear I will reveal the secrets of Heaven." From this we know that the sages and worthies who transmitted the supreme Dao and its profound methods were unwilling to pass them lightly to ordinary people. They therefore deliberately spoke in a roundabout and veiled manner, so that those of superior capacity would study diligently, while those of inferior capacity would dismiss the teachings, abandon them, and laugh.

I worried that later students of the Dao would suffer, as I did, from the difficulty of telling these things apart. So I gathered the oral instructions of six schools together with the variant names of various mineral medicines, and, modeling the form of the Erya, compiled them into six sections, joined in a single scroll, so that the perplexed might consult it more easily and those who study might memorize it more readily. In addition, I have also recorded the alternative names of the various elixir substances, along with the unusual designations in alchemical methods that can actually be prepared, placing these first; accounts that are difficult to carry out and cannot be prepared are placed afterward.

Written by Mei Biao in the bingxu year of the Yuanhe era of the Tang (806 CE).

Shiyao Erya, Volume One

Compiled by Mei Biao

Essential Instructions on Flying and Refining

This section explains the coded names of the various substances.

"Xuanhuang hua" (Dark-Yellow Flower) is also called Qingfei, Qianfei, Feiliu, Huodan, Liangfei, and Zifen.

"Qianhuang hua" (Lead-Yellow Efflorescence) is also called Huangdan, Junmen, and Jinliu. These are the names used in the essential formulas of the refining process.

Concealed Names of the Various Substances

"Xuanhuang hua" is also called Qingfei, Qianfei, Feiliu, Huodan, Liangfei, and Zifen.

"Qianhuang hua" is also called Huangdan, Junmen, Jinliu, Qianhua, Huagai, Longzhi, and Jiuguangdan.

"Xijing" (Tin Essence) is also called Huangjing, Xuanhuang, Feijing, Jingonghua, Huangya, Fudan, Zhidan, Huangqing, Huangyu, Zifen, Huanghua, Huanglong, Huangchi, Heche, Taiyin, Jinjing, Jingong Heche, Sudan Baihao, and Jiagong Huang.

"Qianjing" (Lead Essence) is also called Jingong, Heche, Shuixi, Taiyin, Sujin, Tianxuan Feixiong, Jigong Huang, Lizhi Taiyin, Hunan, Heihu, Xuanwu, Huangnan, Yuehu, Heijin, and Qingjin.

"Shuiyin" (mercury) is also called Gong, Qianjing, Shen (spirit), Heihu, Xuanwu, Huangnan, Yuehu, Heijin, and Qingjin.

"Shuiyin" is further called Gong, Qianjing, Shenjiao, Fang, Xuanshui, Ziming, Liuzhu, Xuanzhu, Taiyin Liuzhu, Baihu Nao, Changshengzi, Xuanshui Longgao, Yangmingzi, Heshang Fang, Tiansheng, Xuannü, Qinglong, Shenshui, Taiyang, Chigong, and Shagong.

This passage mainly lists the alternative names of various substances in alchemical texts. Names such as "Heche" (River Chariot), "Xuanwu" (Dark Warrior), "Qinglong" (Azure Dragon), and "Taiyin" (Great Yin) are cryptic terms or technical jargon here, and should not be understood only literally as a cart, a divine beast, or a celestial body.

Mercury frost (shuiyin shuang) is also called "Golden Liquid" (Jinye), "Wu Sand Mercury Gold," "White Tiger Brain," "Gold-Silver Tiger," and "Snow Body of the Red Emperor." In the regions of Yue and Chu, it is known as "Water-Cloud Silver."

Cinnabar (dansha) is also called "Essence of the Sun," "True Pearl," "Immortal Sand," "Mercury Sand," "Red Emperor," "Supreme Yang," "Vermilion Sand," "Vermilion Bird," "Vermilion Child of the Descending Mound," "Vermilion Child of the Crimson Palace," "Red," "Essence of the Red Emperor," "Marrow of the Red Emperor," and "Vermilion Sparrow." Some names are repeated in the original text.

Realgar (xionghuang) is also called "Sinew of the Vermilion Bird," "White Mound," "Yellow Servant," "Male Essence," "Stone Yellow," "Stone in the Head of the Taixun," "Heavenly Yang Stone," "Mulberry Yellow Male," "Moon Soul of Cinnabar Mountain," "Deep Yellow Season," "Male Essence of the Emperor," "Male Blood of the Emperor," and "Qilijia."

Orpiment (cihuang) is also called "Refined from the Blood of the Emperor's Daughter," "Refined at the Half-Moon of the Dark Terrace," "Born from the Blood of the Yellow Dragon," "Refined by Huang An," and "Soft Red Kitchen."

After the name "Red Female" (chici), the original text records the words "the refined one" (lianzhe). It then lists "Return of the Emperor's Daughter," "Born of the Emperor's Daughter's Registry," "Yellow Blood of the Emperor's Daughter," and "Stable Red Kitchen Soft Female," and states that all of these are connected with the "Cinnabar Half of the Dark Terrace." The original sentences here are incomplete, and it is difficult to determine precisely what they refer to.

Sulfur (shi liuhuang) is also called "Yellow Blossom," "Troublesome Sulfur," "Liuhuang," "Stone Rouge-Fat," "Yellow Child of the Nine Spirits," "Yellow Naosha," and "The Mountain Does Not Stay."

Under the entry "Naosha," the original first lists "Yellow Blood of the Emperor's Daughter" and "Stable Red Kitchen Soft Female," with the added line "the above are refined ones, the Cinnabar Half of the Dark Terrace." The entry for sulfur then appears again. The order of entries and the wording of the original are rather disordered here.

Naosha (sal ammoniac) is also called "Gold Thief," "Red Sand," "Niu Sand," "Thick Sand," "White Sea Essence," "Yellow Niu Sand," "Yellow Sand," and "Red Niu Sand."

This passage mainly lists alternative names for several mineral substances. Many of the names carry the flavor of Daoist alchemical terminology; the meaning and attribution of expressions such as "the refined one" and "Cinnabar Half of the Dark Terrace" are unclear in the original, and so they have been kept as they appear in the source.

Zengqing (blue-green mineral ore): also called Puqing, Chilong Qiao (Red Dragon's Crest), Qinglong Xue (Blue Dragon's Blood), and Huangyun Ying (Yellow Cloud Blossom).

Kongqing (a hollow blue-green mineral ore, or one containing cavities): also called Qingyao Zhongnü (Maiden of Qingyao), Qingyou Yu (Blue Oil Feather), and Qingshen Yu (Blue Spirit Feather).

Magnetite (cishi): also called Xuanshi Shizhen (Dark Stone that Gathers Needles), Xuanshui Shi (Dark Water Stone), and Chushi. A magnetite that cannot attract iron needles is also called Luqiu, Fushi Mu (Mother of Hidden Stones), Xuanwu Shi (Black Tortoise Stone), Diliu Jiang (Emperor's Flowing Essence), and Xiliu Jiang (Mat Flowing Essence).

Yangqishi (actinolite): also called Baishi (White Stone), Wujing Quanyang (Complete Yang of the Five Essences), Wuse Furong (Five-Colored Lotus), Wujing Jinjing (Golden Essence of the Five Essences), and Wujing Yinhua (Yin Splendor of the Five Essences).

Lishi (marble-like stone): also called Lizhi Shi (Stone that Establishes Control), and it shares a name with Shidan (chalcanthite); it is also called Feishi (Fat Stone) and Xiliu Jiang (Mat Flowing Essence).

Yangqishi (actinolite): also called Baishi (White Stone), Wujing Quanyang (Complete Yang of the Five Essences), Wuse Furong (Five-Colored Lotus), Wujing Jinjing (Golden Essence of the Five Essences), and Wujing Yinhua (Yin Splendor of the Five Essences).

Lishi (marble-like stone): also called Lizhi Shi (Stone that Establishes Control), and it shares a name with Shidan (chalcanthite); it is also called Feishi (Fat Stone) and Buhuimu (Non-Ash Wood, i.e., asbestos).

Hutonglü: also called Hutong Lei (Tears of the Hutong Tree) and Qu Yuan Su (Qu Yuan's Revival).

Jinya (Golden Fang): also called Hutuo You (Tiger's Shed Seclusion).

Stalactite (shi zhongru): also called Gongru (Lord's Milk), Lubu, Yinnie, Jiangshi (Ginger Stone), Rughua (Milk Blossom), Tongshi (Penetrating Stone), Rulang, Xia Rugen (Summer Milk Root), Yinnie Gen (Root of Yinnie), Konggong Nie, Nishi (Reverse Stone), and Shihua (Stone Blossom).

Hufen (lead powder): also called Xifen (Tin Powder), Qianfen (Lead Powder), Dan Dihuang (Cinnabar Rehmannia), Liudan (Flowing Cinnabar), and Jiexi (Tin Dissolver). The coarser grade is also called Quefen (Magpie Powder), Liudan Baihao (Flowing Cinnabar White Down), and Baigao (White Paste).

White jade (baiyu): also called Yuzha (Jade Tablet), Chunyang Zhu (Lord of Pure Yang), Xuanzhen Chiyu (Red Jade of the Dark Truth), Tianfu (Heavenly Consort), and Yanfu (Lengthening Consort).

Baiqing (white-blue pigment): also called Yumu Qing (Fish-Eye Blue).

Lüqing (green-blue pigment): also called Biqing (Jade-Blue), Bishi (Bi Stone), and Bianqing ji.

Shilü (malachite): also called Tongle (Copper Bridle).

Shi dan (石胆, natural copper sulfate mineral), also called Heishi (Black Stone), Mushi (Twilight Stone), Tongle (Copper Bridle), Shiye (Stone Liquid), Lizhishi (Standing-Control Stone), Tanyaochi (Sandalwood-Shaking Holder), and Zhishiye (Controlling Stone Liquid).

Tongle (Copper Bridle).

Shi dan: also called Heishi, Mushi, Tongle, Shiye, Lizhishi, Tanyaochi, and Zhishiye.

Yunmu (云母, mica, a flaky mineral), also called Xuanshi (Dark Stone), Yunhua Wuse (Five-Colored Cloud Bloom), Yunmo Chi (Red Cloud Dust), Yunying Qing (Blue-Green Cloud Flower), Yunye Bai (White Cloud Liquid), Yunsha Qing (Blue-Green Cloud Sand), Linshi Bai (White Phosphor Stone), Yundan Hei (Black Cloud Gall), Yunqi (Rising Cloud), Xiezhuo (Seeping Torrent), Xiong Hei (Black Male), Yuhua Feiying (Rain Bloom and Flying Blossom), Hongguang (Vast Radiance), Shiyin (Stone Silver), Mingshi (Bright Stone), Yunliangshi (Cloud Beam Stone), and Fuyun Zi (Floating Cloud Dregs).

Xiaoshi (消石, saltpeter or niter), also called Beidi Xuanzhu (Pearl of the Dark Northern Emperor), Kunshiliang, Hedong Ye (Wilds of Hedong), Huajinshi (Gold-Transforming Stone), Huajinshi Sheng (Born of the Gold-Transforming Stone), and Shuishi (Water Stone).

Poxiao (朴消, a mineral of the mirabilite family), also called Dongye (Eastern Wilds), Zhoumingzhaodan, and Haimo (Sea Dust).

Baifanshi (白矾石, white alum, a white vitriol-type mineral), also called Yuze (Feathered Marsh), Huangshi (Yellow Stone), and Huanglao (Yellow Elder).

Jishifan (鸡矢矾, chicken-dropping alum, a vitriol-type mineral), also called Xuanwu Gu (Bone of the Dark Warrior) and Chilong Qiao (Raised Tail of the Red Dragon). The red variety is called "Xunbujianshi" (the Stone That Cannot Be Found).

Huashi (滑石, talc or soapstone), also called Shiye (Stone Liquid), Gongshi (Shared Stone), Cuishi (Brittle Stone), Fanshi (Foreign Stone), Leihe Duzi, Jinshi (Present Stone), and Liushi (Lingering Stone).

Zishiying (紫石英, purple quartz or fluorite): also called Ziling Wenzhi (Purple Mound's Patterned Substance).

Baishizhi (白石脂, white clay-like mineral): also called Baisu Feilong (White Plain Flying Dragon).

Baishi (白石, White Stone): also called Leihe Duzi, Jinshi, and Liushi.

Zishiying: also called Ziling Wenzhi.

Baishizhi: also called Baisu Feilong.

Baishiying (白石英, white quartz): also called Su Yunü (Plain Jade Maiden), Baisu Feilong (White Plain Flying Dragon), Yinhua (Silver Bloom), Shuijing (Water Crystal), and Guanzhong Yunü Wuse (Five-Colored Jade Maiden of the Palace).

Qingshizhi (青石脂, blue-green clay mineral): also called Wuse Chishi Wei (Five-Colored Red Stone Flavor), Heishizhi (Black Stone Fat), and Heishi (Black Stone).

The Shiyao Erya (Lexicon of Mineral Drugs) lists the alternative names of various minerals and mineral-based medicines.

Taiyi Yuyuliang (Supreme Unity Grain of Yu) is also called Stone Marrow, Surplus Grain, Celestial Master's Food (Tianshi), Mountain Fullness Fat, and Stone Sweet Cake.

Chicken-Dung Yushi is also called Black Crow, Tooth Yushi, and Five-Colored Mountain Fat. Fist-Grasped Snow Yushi is also called Transformation Lord Stone, Life-Sustaining Yushi, and Mouse-Born Mother.

Taiyin Xuanjing (Great Yin Mysterious Essence) is also called Supervising Essence (Jing) and Mysterious Brilliance Dragon Paste. The phrase "shares a name with Yungong" means that it also bears the same names as "Yungong." Taiyang Xuanjing (Great Yang Mysterious Essence) has the additional name "Without Master."

Ningshuishi (Congealed Water Stone) is also called Water Stone, Cold Water Stone, Ice-Water Stone, and Ice Stone.

Yu-Yushi is also called White Tiger, White Dragon, Regulating Stone, Autumn Mineral, Sun Yushi, Firm Sheep, Great Stone, Cang Salt Gypsum, and Fine Stone.

Changshi (Long Stone, or feldspar) is also called Square Stone, Earth Stone, and Straight Stone.

Qing Langgan (a blue-green mineral or jade) is also called Stone Flavor, Blue Pearl, and White Jade Pearl. Fangjieshi (calcite) is also called Yellow Stone.

Shidai (a mineral used as a pigment) is also called Jade City Flying Bloom, Azure Emperor's Flowing Stone, Jade Mound Lord of Culture, Azure Emperor's Flowing Pool, and Emperor's Flowing Blue.

Muli (oyster shell) is also called Four Seas Divided Dwelling and Stone Cloud Compassion.

Gold is also called Gengxin, Heavenly Truth, Yellow Gold, Southeast Sun Day, and Fire Atop the Male Stone.

Several entries appear more than once in the original text, and the repeated material has been merged here. The precise identity of "Yu-Yushi" and of some of the alternative names cannot be determined from this passage alone.

Silver (yin) has the following alternative names: Shanning ("Mountain Congealment"), Baiyin ("White Silver"), Nüshi Xiashui ("Water Beneath the Woman Stone"), and Xibei Duoyue ("Moon Fallen in the Northwest").

Shuai is also called Huangshi ("Yellow Stone"). Refined copper (shutong) is also called Danyang and Chitong ("Red Copper"). White lead (qianbai) is also called Dandihuang, Jingong ("Lord of Metal"), and Qingjin ("Azure Metal"). White tin alloy (bailà) is also called Kunlun Pi.

Crystal essence (shuijing jing) is also called Yinyun ("Yin Movement"), Zhenzhu ("Pearl"), Yeguang Ming ("Night-Radiance"), Bangjing ("Essence of the Clam"), Qingjin ("Azure Metal"), and Minghe Jing.

Amethyst (zishiying) is also called Xilong Gao ("Western Dragon Ointment"), Fuyu, Shangbai Dan ("Supreme White Cinnabar"), Rongyan ("Rong Salt"), Xianren Zuoshui ("Left-hand Water of the Immortals"), Xirong Shangwei ("Supreme Flavor of the Western Rong"), Xirong Chunwei ("Pure Flavor of the Western Rong"), Shiyan ("Stone Salt"), Hanyan ("Cold Salt"), Bingshi ("Ice Stone"), Guangming Yan ("Bright Salt"), Zinü ("Purple Maiden"), Shangwei ("Supreme Flavor"), Shiwei ("Stone Flavor"), and Daoxing Shengu ("Backward-Walking Spirit Bone").

Red ochre (daizhe) is also called Xueshi ("Master of Blood"), Baishan, and Baiyu ("White Jade").

Rock salt brine (luxian) is also called Qingniu Luo ("Fallen Azure Ox") and Shipi ("Stone Spleen").

Common salt (dayan) is also called Shiyan ("Stone Salt"), Yinyan ("Seal Salt"), Haiyin Moyan ("Sea-Seal Powdered Salt"), Diwei ("Flavor of the Emperor"), Shiyan ("Edible Salt"), and Weiyan ("Flavor Salt").

Stone salt (shiyan) is also called Shiwei ("Stone Flavor").

Black salt (heiyan) is also called Heidi Wei ("Flavor of the Black Emperor"), Xuanwu Wei ("Flavor of Xuanwu"), Xuanwu Nao ("Brain of Xuanwu"), Beidi Sui ("Marrow of the Northern Emperor"), and Beidi Gen ("Root of the Northern Emperor").

Red salt (chiyan) is also called Chidi Wei ("Flavor of the Red Emperor"). White salt (baiyan) is also called Baidi Wei ("Flavor of the White Emperor"). Azure salt (qingyan) is also called Qingdi Wei ("Flavor of the Azure Emperor").

When the four kinds of salt above are combined to prepare medicines or other substances, they are collectively called "Sheng Wuzhi" ("Sage Without Knowing").

Wutou (aconite root) is also called Huang Wushou ("Yellow Raven Head"). Fuzi (aconite daughter root) is also called Wuyan ("Raven Smoke"), Xiang Fuzi ("Fragrant Fuzi"), and Wutouzi ("Child of Wutou").

This passage is a table of alternative names for minerals and medicinal substances from the Shiyao Erya (Erya of Mineral Drugs), recording the correspondences between different names. Designations such as "Brain of Xuanwu" and "Marrow of the Northern Emperor" are traditional technical terms. The original merely lists the names and gives no specific formulas or methods of use.

Yujin (turmeric), also called "Foot of the Five Emperors," "Yellow Yu," or "Wutou."

The "Five Sprouts" refer to the shoots that grow from grains, including millet (gu), foxtail millet (su), beans, glutinous millet (shu), and barley. Another text says the "Five Sprouts" are the sprouts of foxtail millet, glutinous millet, buckwheat, beans, and wheat.

Mulberry juice is also called "Emperor's Daughter Fluid" or "Swan Head Blood."

Scallion juice is also called "Empty Pavilion Fluid."

Raspberry (fupenzi) is also called "Broken Basin," "Dragon Ointment," "Cloud Water," "White Horse Juice," "Autumn Glue," or "Gift of Righteous Things."

Western Dragon Ointment is also called "Yellow Dragon Ointment," "Yellow Marsh," "Sprout of the Five Grains," or "Child's Grain."

Dew on mulberry trees is also called "Shangqing" (Highest Purity).

White dew juice is also called "White Cloud Nourishment."

Earthworm castings are also called "Dragon-Penetrating Powder," "Earthworm Field Soil," "Earth Dragon Powder," "Cold Offering of Jade," or "Earth Dragon Dung."

White thatch (baimao) is also called "White Feather Grass."

Dew juice on mulberry wood is also called "White Cloud Nourishment."

Earthworm castings are also called "Dragon-Penetrating Powder," "Earthworm Field Soil," "Earth Dragon Powder," "Cold Offering of Jade," or "Earth Dragon Dung."

White thatch is also called "White Feather Grass."

Mulberry wood is also called "Silkworm's Life Food."

Perilla ointment is also called "Three-Change Softness," "Three-Change Marsh Growth," or "Grain Cauldron Born."

The juice of the white-necked earthworm is also called "Dark Dragon Earth-Strength Juice," "Earth Dragon Ointment," or "Earth Dragon Blood."

The white stiff silkworm is also called "Ant-Strong Child" or "White Gou."

The bile of a white dog is also called "Gourd Juice," "Yin Dragon Gourd Juice," "Yin-Colored White Dog Dung," or "Dragon Ointment."

Dog urine is also called "Yin Dragon Fluid."

Blood from the ear of a white dog is also called "White Dragon Lacquer" or "Yin Dragon Ointment Gourd Juice."

Black dog dung juice is also called "Black Dragon" or "Yin Dragon Ointment."

Black dog blood is also called "Yin Dragon Fluid."

Cow's milk is also called "Wriggling Brew" or "Firstborn Male's Milk."

Ox bile is also called "Ointment Gourd Juice."

This chapter, the Shiyao Erya (Erya of Mineral Drugs), lists alternative names for medicinal substances. "Also called" (一名) simply means "also known as." Some of the names contain characters such as "dragon," "emperor," or "zhi-fungus." These are old designations and do not necessarily mean the substance really comes from a dragon or an immortal.

Black dog dung juice is also called "Black Dragon" and "Yin Dragon Salve." Black dog blood is also called "Yin Dragon Juice." Cow's milk is also called "Wriggling Brew" and "Firstborn Son's Milk." Ox gall is also called "Yin Beast at the Gate." Yellow ox dung juice is also called "Yin Beast Essence Juice." Water buffalo fat is also called "Black-Robed Fat" and "Black Emperor's Dark Fat," and also "Dark Emperor's Flesh." Sheep fat is also called "Flavorful Fat." The fat from the top of a pig's head is also called "Hide-Bearing Fat," "Black Dragon Fat," and "Black Emperor's Grandson Flesh," and also "Dark-Born Fat." Pig fat is also called "Yin Dragon Salve."

The eye of the "great insect" (the tiger) is also called "Mountain Lord's Eye" and "Queen Mother's Daughter's Claw." The item "sow's foot, monkey grandchild's head" is also called "Lord of the Seal" and "Two-Catty Stone Marrow." Stork-and-magpie blood is also called "Yin Crow Juice." Rainwater is also called "Numinous Light Liquid." The brain of the wild magpie is also called "Flying Steed." Carp's eye is also called "Water Person's Eye." Horse dung is also called "Horse Passage" and "Numinous Firewood"; "Horse Passage" is the old term for horse dung. Hedgehog fat is also called "Fierce Tiger Fat."

The firefly is also called "Palace Wandering Maiden," "Night-Wandering Fair Lady," and "Flying Steed." Carp's eye (again "Water Person's Eye"), horse dung (again "Horse Passage" and "Numinous Firewood"), and hedgehog fat (again "Fierce Tiger Fat") are recorded a second time here, since these entries appear repeatedly in the original text.

Bee larvae are also called "Flying Troops" and "Flying Rice Dumplings." The bee is also called "Luocha." Honey is also called "Nectar of a Hundred Blossoms" and "Radiant Zhi-Fungus of Many Mouths." Burning reed-and-hemp fire is also called "Void-Dissolving Firewood." Fish-maw glue, made from fish swim bladders, is also called "Qilin Scale Remnant" and "Heavenly Sinew Seam Bladder."

The entry "暇浧ぃ" appears to be corrupted, and its present content cannot be determined. The later "阂幻龙子单衣" may likewise contain textual errors, so both are kept as they stand in the original for now.

The shed skin of a snake is also called "Dragon Child's Garment," "Shed Skin," and "Snake Talisman Bow Skin." The grass that grows on walls is also called "Earth Steed." The ear fungus of the catalpa is also called "Golden Wine Zhi-Fungus" and "Golden Shang Zhi-Fungus."

Zhanglu root (the name of a plant; its exact identity is uncertain) is also called Fenhua or "Mother and Father of the Six Jia."

Peach resin (the gum secreted by the peach tree) is also called Xuece Resin.

Bamboo root is also called "Bone of Constant Life."

Pine root is also called "Brain of the Thousand-Year Old Man."

The □ root is also called "Jade Foot of the Great Yin."

Stone moss (the moss covering found on rocks) is also called "Stone of Long Life."

Pine resin is also called "Mother of the Cinnabar Light," "Resin of the Wood Lord," "Mother of Cinnabar Radiance," or "Paramita Resin."

Peony is also called "Child of Long Life."

Blue Ox Moss is also called "Salt."

Western Beast Robe is also called "Camel Hair."

Quicklime is also called "Five Flavors," "White Ash," "Flavor Ash," "Foul Ash," "Rare Ash," "Dyeing Ash," or "Scattering Ash." In the original, the text becomes garbled after "Foul Ash": "Rare Ox Moss: also called Salt. Western Beast Robe: also called Camel Hair. Quicklime: also called..." The recognizable alternative names for quicklime above have been reconstructed from the later repetition of this passage.

Sweet earth (an earthy medicinal substance of sweet flavor) is also called "White Single," "White Clay," "Cinnabar Way," or "Essence of Earth."

Yellow earth is also called "Mother of the Yellow Ox."

Red earth is also called "Ochre Chalk."

Yellow Parrot Head is also called "Yellow Crow Head."

Amaranth root is also called "Sinew of the Earth."

The cauldron (a vessel used for refining) is also called "Heavenly Vessel," "Ascending Tile," "Bright Canopy of Yin Radiance," or "Red Gate."

The iron pot (a pot made of iron) is also called "Golden Casket," "Ascending Sun," or "Pot Beneath the Earth."

The clay pot (a pot made of clay) is also called "Heavenly Vessel," "Spirit Chamber," "Red Gate," "Spirit Pot," "Not-Red-and-Hard," or "Earthen Cauldron."

The Yin Radiance Feathered Canopy is also called "Pot-Lid Casket," "Ascending Sun," or "Pot Beneath the Earth."

The clay pot is also called "Heavenly Vessel," "Spirit Chamber," "Red Gate," "Spirit Pot," "Not-Red-and-Hard," or "Earthen Cauldron."

The Yin Radiance Feathered Canopy is also called "Pot Lid" or "Ascending Tile."

The Yang Chamber Calyx is also called "Pot Bottom."

The Yue stove is also called "Wind Furnace."

These entries list medicinal substances and implements together with their alternative names. Such alternative names are common in alchemical and materia medica literature; the precise referents of some of them cannot be determined from this passage alone.

Vinegar ("cu," also called "zuo") is also known as Zuo Wei (Left Flavor), Xuan Chi (Mysterious Pool), Hua Chi (Flowery Pool), Xuan Ming (Mysterious Brightness), Xuan Shui (Mysterious Water), Ruo Shui (Weak Water), Shen Shui (Spirit Water), Ku Jiu (Bitter Wine), Qinglong Wei (Azure Dragon Flavor), and Xihai Fumu (Parent of the Western Sea). It is also written "cu" and "xi."

Verdigris (the green rust that forms on the surface of bronze vessels) is also called Huanglong Zhuo (Yellow Dragon Decoction).

Acanthopanax bark (wujiapi) is also called Ya Shi (Tooth Stone). Sanguisorba (diyu) is also called Tun Yu Xi (Piglet Elm Tie). Bee is also called Feng Jing (Bee Essence). Orpiment-like "qi huang" is also called Huanglong Hua (Yellow Dragon Blossom) and Chidi Hua Jing (Blossom Essence of the Red Emperor).

Well-flower water (water drawn from a well in the early morning) is also called Wu Shui (Five Waters), Lu Shuang (Dew and Frost), and Xue Yu (Snow and Rain). Lead oxide (a red mineral drug containing lead) is also called Huanglong Gan (Yellow Dragon Liver). Candle ash (the residue left after a candle burns) is also called Ye Guang Gu (Night-Gleaming Bone). Mulberry mistletoe is also called Mu Jing (Wood Essence). Rehmannia is also called Tu Jing (Earth Essence).

Polygonatum is also called Chong Lou (Multi-Storied Tower), Tu Zhu (Rabbit Bamboo), Bao Ge (Leopard Lattice), and Jiu Qiong (Rescuer from Poverty). Poria is also called Tian Jing (Heavenly Essence). Asparagus root is also called Da Dang Men Mu Jing (Great Gate-Facing Wood Essence); elsewhere it is also called Da Dang Men Gen (Great Gate-Facing Root). In the original text, some of the alternative names for rehmannia, polygonatum, poria, and asparagus root appear more than once.

Bee honey is also called Bai Pa (White Blossom). Alisma is also called Wan Sui (Ten Thousand Years). The menstrual blood of an unmarried young woman is also called Tongnü Yue (Maiden's Moon). A child's urine is also called Shui Jing Xianren Shui (Water of the Water-Essence Immortal). Water foam is also called Haichao Mei (Sea-Tide Froth).

The ash of acanthopanax and sanguisorba burned together is also called Zi Hui (Purple Ash). Cistanche is also called Di Jing (Earth Essence). The blood of the dead is also called Wenlong Xue (Patterned Dragon Blood). Apricot kernel is also called Mu Luo Zi (Fallen-from-the-Tree Seed). Bai Chang (white calamus) is also called Di Xin (Earth Heart). "Chi zi shi" is also called Mo Ji. "Wutou mo" is also called Huang Fu Qin (Yellow Aconite Zither). Human excrement juice is also called Xuan Jing (Mysterious Essence). Lac (zi mao) is also called Shang Yue Dan (Still Called Cinnabar). "Qianxun zi" is also called Da Tiao Zhi (Great Blending Juice). Vitex seed is also called Meng Zi (Dream Seed). Bat is also called Fu Yi (Hidden Wings).

This passage consists mainly of headwords and their alternative names, listing variant designations for plants, minerals, liquids, and animals as they appear in this book; some of these are traditional appellations found in Daoist pharmacological literature.

Qingfu: it is born in Cuinan and resembles a female tick.

Besides these there are also "Zidong Hui" and "Ziting Zhi," both of which belong among the materials used in refining the Great Elixir (Dadan).

As for the most essential medicinal substances, the Primal Lord (Yuanjun, a revered Daoist deity or transmitter of teachings) does not permit them to be transmitted carelessly. Because the oaths sworn at the time of transmission are so solemn, they are not recorded here.

End of the first fascicle of the Shiyao Erya (Erya of Mineral Drugs).

The second fascicle of the Shiyao Erya

"...is recorded; this concerns the matter of the Great Elixir. As for the supreme medicines, the Primal Lord does not permit them to be transmitted carelessly; since the oaths are weighty, they are not recorded here. Here ends the first fascicle of the Shiyao Erya; now begins the second fascicle of the Shiyao Erya."

This passage also appears at the end of the first fascicle, and may be a repetition that arose during copying.

What follows will record the names of certain elixirs that can be refined according to established methods.

The Shiyao Erya (Erya of Mineral Drugs) mainly lists the names of various elixirs, including the Taiyi Golden Elixir (Jindan), Taiyi Jade Powder Elixir, Taiyi Golden Paste Elixir, Taiyi Lesser Reverted Elixir, the Soul-Restoring and Po-Anchoring Elixir, the Soul-Summoning Elixir, the Huayang Jade Nectar Elixir, the Radiant Bright Sun Elixir, the Yellow Elixir, the Lesser Divine Elixir, the Master Anqi Elixir, the Perfected One's Steamed Elixir, the Sulfur Liquid Elixir, the Wuji Elixir, the Dongfang Shuo Silver Elixir, the Cold Purple Powder Elixir, the Realgar Purple Oil Elixir, the Lesser Reverted Elixir of the Perfected Ones of the Five Peaks, the Four Spirits Elixir, the Eight Minerals Elixir, the Dragon Pearl Elixir, the Dragon-Tiger Elixir, the Five Numina Elixir, the Morning Glow Elixir, the Elbow-Reserve Elixir, the Seven Transformations Elixir, the Wine Elixir, the Jujube Elixir, the Honey Elixir, the Milk Elixir, the Pepper Elixir, the Stalactite Elixir, and the Red Halloysite Elixir, among others.

Many of these names carry the flavor of Daoist alchemy, such as "soul-restoring," "po-anchoring," and "raising the dead," reflecting the ancients' imagination that elixirs could prolong life, cure illness, and even bring people back to life. The names alone are not enough to determine the specific formula or function of each elixir.

The text also gives alternative names for two of the elixirs. The "Soul-Summoning Elixir" is also called the "Soul-Returning Elixir," the "Renewed Life Elixir," the "Life-Restoring Elixir," or the "Golden Life Elixir," while the "Wuji Elixir" is also called the "Bone-Strengthening Elixir," the "Fearless Elixir," or the "Spirit-Consolidating Elixir" (shen, spirit). These names show that elixirs in ancient times often went by several different titles.

Ziyou Elixir (Ziyou Dan, a Daoist elixir) is also called the Void-Treading Elixir (Buxu Dan, for walking as though traversing the empty air), the Lightness-Raising Elixir (Juqing Dan, which makes the body light), the Arriving-Radiance Elixir (Daojing Dan), the Splendid Radiance Elixir (Huajing Dan), and the Void-Soaring Elixir (Lingxu Dan, for travelling through the sky).

The Four Spirits Elixir (Sishen Dan) is also called the Taiyi Spirit Elixir, the Spirit-Transformation Elixir, and the Spirit Fluid Elixir.

The Genxue Elixir (Genxue Dan, a Daoist elixir) is also called the Mercury Frost Elixir, the Flowing Pearl White Snow Elixir, the Splendid Radiance Elixir, and the Void-Soaring Elixir.

The Four Spirits Elixir is also called the Taiyi Spirit Elixir, the Spirit-Transformation Elixir, and the Spirit Fluid Elixir.

The Genxue Elixir is also called the Mercury Frost Elixir, the Flowing Pearl White Snow Elixir, the Flying Immortal Blossom Elixir, the Flowing Pearl Plain Frost Elixir, the Dark Pearl Crimson Snow Elixir, the Great Yang Red Powder Elixir, the Morning Glow Scattered Colors Elixir, the Evening Moon Flowing Light Elixir, the Leaning Mutual Pearl Elixir, and the "Yixin e Snow Elixir" (as in the original; the name appears to be corrupted).

The Small Returning Elixir of the Perfected of the Five Peaks (Wuyue Zhenren Xiaohuan Dan, a Daoist elixir) is also called the Golden Essence Elixir (Jinjing Dan), the Immortal Calyx Elixir, and the World-Saving Elixir.

The Taiyi Small Returning Elixir is also called the Great Purity Elixir (Taiqing Dan), the Morning Radiance Elixir, the Condensed Rosy Cloud Elixir, the Falling Brilliance Elixir, and the Crimson Snow Elixir.

The Taiyi Sulfur Elixir is also called the Great Yang Jade Powder Elixir.

The Eight Minerals Elixir (Bashi Dan) is also called the Radiant Sun Elixir, the Death-Transcending Elixir, and the World-Aiding Elixir.

The Dragon Pearl Elixir (Longzhu Dan) is also called the Trailing Rainbow Elixir, the Hanging Dew Elixir, the Golden Light Elixir, and the Radiance-Emitting Elixir.

The Soul-Returning and Spirit-Anchoring Elixir (Huanhun Zhupo Dan, an elixir named for restoring the hun soul and stabilizing the hun and po souls) is also called the Complexion-Preserving Elixir, the Vermilion Bird Elixir, the Spirit-Stabilizing Elixir, and the Longevity Elixir.

The Eight Spirits Elixir (Bashen Dan) is also called the Shining Sun Elixir, the Flowing Rosy Cloud Elixir, the Eight Essences Elixir, and the Spirit Light Elixir.

The Huayang Jade Nectar Elixir (Huayang Yujiang Dan) is also called the Longevity Elixir.

The Eight Spirits Elixir is also called the Shining Sun Elixir, the Flowing Rosy Cloud Elixir, the Eight Essences Elixir, and the Spirit Light Elixir.

The Huayang Jade Nectar Elixir is also called the Yang Origin Elixir, the Jade Marrow Elixir, and the Numinous Longevity Elixir.

The "Taiyi Red-Chariot Envoy Eight-Spirit Essence Elixir for Raising the Dead" is also called the "Spirit-Returning Elixir," the "Life-Restoring Elixir," the "Spirit-Communing Elixir," and the "Rebirth Elixir."

The "Taiyi Lesser Jade Powder Elixir" is also called the "Plain Succession Elixir," the "Dark Crane Elixir," and the "Flying Snow Elixir."

The "Taiyi Lesser Golden Blossom Elixir" is also called the "Yangming Elixir," the "Dark Pearl Elixir," and the "Sun Essence Elixir."

The "Taiyi Golden Liquid Efflorescence Elixir" is also called the "Golden Flower Elixir," the "Heavenly Truth Elixir," the "Golden Immortal Elixir," and the "Cloud-Treading Elixir."

The "Taiyi Single-Ingredient Realgar Elixir" is also called the "Red Flowing Pearl Elixir," the "Plain Radiance Elixir," the "Red Radiance Elixir," and the "Red-and-Purple Interwoven Elixir."

In the name "Taiyi Eight-Effulgence Four-ㄗ线[ Jade Pearl Spirit-Generating Elixir," the characters "ㄗ线[" are suspected to be a scribal or transcription error and cannot be interpreted with certainty. The names listed after it include the "Cloud-Treading Elixir."

The "Taiyi Single-Ingredient Realgar Elixir" is also called the "Red Flowing Pearl Elixir," the "Plain Radiance Elixir," the "Red Radiance Elixir," and the "Red-and-Purple Interwoven Elixir."

In the name "Taiyi Eight-Effulgence Four-ㄗ线[ Jade Pearl Spirit-Generating Elixir," the characters "ㄗ线[" are again suspected to be a scribal or transcription error and cannot be interpreted with certainty. It is also called the "Yellow Elder Elixir," the "Void and Nothingness Elixir," the "Nectar-Holding Elixir," and the "Scattered Blossom Elixir."

The "Taihe Dragon Embryo Elixir" is also called the "Staff-Bearing Elixir," the "Incense-Offering Elixir," and the "Longevity-Presenting Elixir."

The "Taiyi Three Envoys Elixir" is also called the "Incense-Offering Elixir," the "Staff-Bearing Elixir," the "Cloud-Racing Elixir," the "Crane-Riding Elixir," and the "Natal Destiny Elixir."

The "Five Numina Elixir" is also called the "Rosy Cloud-Ascending Elixir," the "Sky-Soaring Elixir," the "Numinous Efflorescence Elixir," and the "Taiyi Envoy Elixir."

The "Five Minerals Elixir" is also called the "Five Stars Elixir," the "Five Essences Elixir," the "Five Colors Elixir," the "Five Emperors Elixir," the "Five Peaks Elixir," the "Five Rosy Clouds Elixir," and the "Eight Immortals Elixir." The so-called "five minerals" are as follows: azurite for the east, cinnabar for the south, baiyu (白喾) for the west, magnetite for the north, and realgar for the center.

At the end, the text lists further alternative names for the Taiyi elixir: the "Five Stars Elixir," the "Five Essences Elixir," the "Five Colors Elixir," the "Five Emperors Elixir," the "Five Peaks Elixir," the "Five Rosy Clouds Elixir," and the "Eight Immortals Elixir." The "five minerals" mentioned here are still azurite in the east, cinnabar in the south, baiyu (白喾) in the west, magnetite in the north, and realgar in the center.

This passage mainly lists the names and alternative names of various elixirs, and it matches five kinds of mineral materials to the five directions of east, south, west, north, and center. Here "elixir" (dan, 丹) is a technical term of Daoist alchemy. In this passage, the original text does not explain any specific method of preparation or manner of ingestion.

"Taiyi Single-Ingredient Naosha Elixir" (Taiyi Yiwei Naosha Dan) is also known as the "Flying Wing Elixir" (Feiyi Dan), the "Spirit Powder Elixir" (Lingfen Dan), the "Plain Cinnabar Elixir" (Susha Dan), the "Spirit-Settling Elixir" (Dingshen Dan), or the "Condensed Radiance Elixir" (Ninghua Dan).

What follows is a compiled list of the scriptures, biographies, verses, and treatises related to alchemical refining. The scriptures (Jing) and records include the Taiqing Jing, Yuniao Jing, Jiuxiaojun Jing, Guangchengjun Jing, Huzi Gangzi Fentu Jing, Baopuzi Jindan Jing, Zhenren Tianxuan Lu Mianshang Jing, Hu Gangzi Heche Jing, Lingyangzi Jing, Huangxianzi Jing, Jiqiuzi Jing, Qinglinzi Jue, Quanshizi Lun, Jiuyuanzi Jue, Qingxiazi Jue, Huangdi Zuanyao Jing, Xuannü Lu Tuzhong Jing, Maojun Jincang Jing, Maojun Danyang Jing, Tongzhu Jing, Huanglao Jingong Jing, Yuanjun Jing, Yungong Yuhua Jing, Sihai Shenshui Ji, Bagong Zhenzhong Ji, Jinbi Qiantong Huo Ji, Xuannü Wufu Ji, Jinshi Lingtai Ji, Shibi Ji, Hongbao Ji, Tiantai Shishi Ji, Zhao Hebo Ji, Ye Shanghuang Riyue Ji, Zifang Hushu Ji, Shanyue Liuqing Ji, Liujin Huoling Ji, Luoyu Jianqing Ji, Yin Changsheng Shoulu Ji, Huilao Fanying Ji, and Mengjiang Zhubing Ji.

There are also the Qifan Lingsha Ge, Baxian Ge, Zhonghuan Ge, Sanbai Ge, Cantongqi, Weijun Jue, Cantong Zhigui, Taiqing Jue, Weiling Jue, Jiuqi Jue, Chuandao Jue, Longque Yinjue, Dengzhen Yinjue, Tushan Jue, Shouzhen Quansheng Jue, Gouliu Jue, Jinling Jue, Wuyan Jue, Jinlou Xiansheng Jue, Luli Xiansheng Jue, and Guxia Xihuang Jue. Beyond these come the collections and secret records: the Donglin Ji, Linfang Ji, Danqiong Ji, Baji Ji, Qidao Milu, Sui-Tang Milu, and Baizi Gaoxuan Tulu.

The treatises and texts on elixir methods include the Taiqing Dan Lun, Huncheng Lun, Hu Wang Lengge Lun, Jinshi Lun, Poluomodi Shen Fuhuo Lun, Wuming Lun, Taiqing Taijing, Sima Lianshi Jingyi Lun, Jixian Xuanjing, Zhonghuan Jing, Xingjin Jing, Qinglong Di Jing, Longhu Dan Jing, Danjia Bingyuan, Liujia Yunü Jue, Xingchu Jinpan Yuzhuan Jue, Huangning Jue, Li Shaojun Jue, Xishu Fan De Xiansheng Fuhuo Jue, Taiyuan Hu Lie Shanren Jue, Jizhang Jing, Dongdu Chen Shaofu Jue, Wang Ni Fuhuo Dansha Zhuan, Sun Simiao Jing, Yang Luokai Fuhuo Dansha Zhuan, Magu Bashi Zhuan, Su You Jing, Qingyuan Jing, Taishan Sun Shao Chilong Jinhu Ge, and Zhonghuan Dan Lun.

Here "fuhuo" (subduing fire) refers to the methods in alchemical literature for controlling how materials are exposed to fire so that they undergo transformation. The characters "jue," "ge," "lun," and "zhuan" in the titles denote, respectively, oral formulas, verses, discourses, and records of transmission. Several titles appear more than once in the original text, and some passages are fragmentary or poorly connected. The list above has been compiled from the surviving text.

The text lists the names of medicinal substances and the methods for preparing them, as recorded in scriptures such as the Zhuan Ningwang zhuan, the Suyou jing, the Qingyuan jing, the Taishan Sun Shuo chilong jinhu ge (Song of the Red Dragon and Golden Tiger by Sun Shuo of Mount Tai), and the Zhong huandan lun.

These entries include "purple river cart" (ziheche, a product or compound produced in metal refining), powders and pastes of gold, silver, copper, and iron, methods for refining various elixirs and mineral medicines, and ways of making Fulu (talismans and registers), salts, medicinal wines, and liquid preparations. Some entries also deal with the handling of mineral materials such as lead, mercury, realgar, orpiment, cinnabar, stalactite, and azurite, as well as the preparation or transformation processes denoted by alchemical terms such as "subduing" (fu), "refining" (lian), "dissolving" (xiao), and "softening" (rou).

Among these, names such as "Five Minerals," "Three Essences and Six Fluids," "Thirty-Six Waters," and "Nine Transmutations" designate specific formulas or stages of refining. The "Golden Tiger Talisman," "Vermilion Bird Talisman," "Azure Dragon Talisman," and "Black Tortoise Talisman" are names of talismans bearing the symbolism of divine beings. The text also lists entries connected with ingesting substances, such as consuming jade, jade pills, and jade fluid, along with names of magical arts of a technical, occult character, such as "Traveling Kitchen" and "Summoning Distant Things."

Several entries appear more than once in the original, and some characters may vary because of copying errors or differences between editions. The explanation here follows the general sense of what the original lists.

The classical formulae (jing fang) listed above all circulate in written form in the world. Some of these techniques can be used to pursue profit, while others nourish body and mind and preserve life. Whichever of them one encounters, one may practice it accordingly; but to try to learn every method would be impractical, for there are simply too many kinds.

Still, these methods differ in rank, and each has its own proper use, so practitioners should choose according to their own circumstances and inclinations. It is like the way waterways are unsuited to swift horses, and overland roads unsuited to light boats. Rice, grain, pickled vegetables, and meat can all, in the end, fill the stomach; hemp cloth, ramie cloth, and silk can all, in the end, ward off the cold. Though each achieves the result of being fed and warm, their quality differs between the coarse and the fine.

Those who seek sweetness and profit prize the Lesser Elixir (xiao dan, the smaller-scale methods of alchemy) and regard it as gold; those who hope to extend their years and lengthen their lives revere the Great Elixir (tai dan, the larger-scale methods of alchemy) and regard it as a treasure. Gold and treasure each have their own value and should be judged according to their respective circumstances, which is why the text above has recorded them together.

A discussion of the great immortal elixirs that have names but no specific methods.

The Yellow Emperor's Nine-Tripod Elixir, the Great Immortal's Ascending Rosy Clouds Elixir, the Purple-Green Immortal Youth Elixir, the Supreme Harmony Dragon Embryo Elixir, Celestial Master Zhang's Spirit Flight Elixir, the Supreme One's Eight Effulgences Elixir, Ma Mingsheng's Daylight Ascension Elixir, the Golden Liquid Radiant Elixir, Lord Mao's White Numinous Elixir, the White Cloud Red Snow Elixir, the Crimson Mound Hanging Jade Elixir, the Seven Essences Exorcising Evil Elixir, the Samadhi Calamity-Dispelling Elixir, the Nine Lights Divine Scenery Elixir, the Flowing Mist Fresh Emerald Elixir, the Light-Releasing Radiance-Spitting Elixir, the Great Purity Five-Color Elixir, the Northern Emperor's Mysterious Pearl Elixir, the Divine Light Scattering Fragrance Elixir, the Frost-Condensing Snow-Gathering Elixir, the Racing Star Moon-Repelling Elixir, the Falling Moon Heart-Startling Elixir, the Spirit-Stirring True-Descending Elixir, the Spirit-Penetrating Servant-Commanding Elixir, the Nine Transformations Elixir, the Great Returned Elixir, the Nine Accomplishments Elixir, and the Purple Essence Elixir are all names of elixirs (dan).

According to the Chuze Jing (Scripture of Chu Marshes), the Moon Elixir, the Falling Moon Heart-Startling Elixir, the Spirit-Stirring True-Descending Elixir, the Spirit-Penetrating Servant-Commanding Elixir, the Nine Transformations Elixir, the Great Returned Elixir, the Nine Accomplishments Elixir, and the Purple Essence Elixir are also listed among these elixirs.

The text states that all of the elixirs above are immortal elixirs transmitted by accomplished adepts of ancient times. It is said that after taking them, one can ascend to heaven in broad daylight, grow feathered wings, transform at will, and even "appear when seated and vanish when standing," that is, become visible while sitting and disappear upon rising. The ingredients and refining methods of these elixirs are beyond the understanding of ordinary people, and so their most essential secrets cannot be discovered. Unless one has an immortal's roots from a previous life, has accumulated merit over successive generations, and receives instruction from the spirits in dreams, one cannot obtain the methods for refining these elixirs.

Shiyao Erya (Erya of Mineral Drugs), Volume 2