《神农本草经》 掌禹锡曰∶旧说《本草经》三卷，神农所作，而不经见，《汉书·
艺文志》亦无录焉。汉平帝纪云∶元始五年，举天下通知方术本草者，所在轺传遣诣京师。
《楼护传》称∶护少诵医经本草方术数十万言，本草之名盖见于此。唐李世 等以梁《七录》
载《神农本草》三卷，推以为始。又疑所载郡县有后汉地名，似张机、华佗辈所为，皆不然
也。按《淮南子》云∶神农尝百草之滋味，一日而七十毒，由是医方兴焉。盖上世未着文本，
师学相传，谓之本草。两汉以来，名医益众，张、华辈始因古学附以新说，通为编述，本草
由是见于经录也。
寇宗 曰∶《汉书》虽言本草，不能断自何代而作。《世本》、《淮南子》虽言神农尝百草
以和药，亦无本草之名。惟帝王世纪云∶黄帝使岐伯尝味草木，定《本草经》，造医方以疗
众疾。乃知本草之名，自黄帝始。盖上古圣贤，具生知之智，故能辨天下品物之性味，合世
人疾病之所宜。后世贤智之士，从而和之，又增其品焉。韩保升曰∶药有玉石、草、木、虫、
兽，而云本草者，为诸药中草类最多也。
《名医别录》 李时珍曰∶《神农本草》药分三品，计三百六十五种，以应周天之数。
梁陶弘景复增汉、魏以下名医所用药三百六十五种，谓之《名医别录》。凡七卷，首叙药性
之源，论病名之诊；次分玉石一品，草一品，木一品，虫兽一品，果菜一品，米食一品，有
名未用三品。以朱书《神农》，墨书《别录》，进上梁武帝。弘景，字通明，宋末为诸王侍读，
归隐勾曲山，号华阳隐居，武帝每咨访之，年八十五卒，谥贞白先生。其书颇有裨补，亦多
谬误。
弘景自序曰∶隐居先生在乎茅山之上，以吐纳余暇，游意方技，览本草药性，以为尽圣
人之心，故撰而论之。旧称《神农本经》，予以为信然。昔神农氏之王天下也，画八卦以通
鬼神之情，造耕种以省杀生之弊，宣药疗疾以拯夭伤之命。此三道者，历众圣而滋彰。文王
、孔子，彖象、繇辞，幽赞人天。后稷、伊芳尹，播厥百谷，惠被群生。岐、黄、彭、扁，振
扬辅导，恩流含气。岁逾三千，民到于今赖之。但轩辕以前，文本未传。药性所主，当以识
识相因，不尔何由得闻。至于桐、雷，乃着在编简。此书应与《素问》同类，但后人多更修
饬之尔。秦皇所焚，医方、卜术不预，故犹得全录。而遭汉献迁徙，晋怀奔迸，文籍焚糜，
十不遗一。今之所存，有此三卷。其所出郡县乃后汉时制，疑仲景、元化等所记。又有《桐
君采药录》，说其花叶形色。《药对》四卷，论其佐使相须。魏、晋以来，吴普、李当之等更
复损益。或五百九十五，或四百四十一，或三百一十九。或三品混糅，冷、热舛错，草、石
不分，虫、兽无辨。且所主治，互有得失。医家不能备见，则智识有浅深。今辄苞综诸经，
研括烦省。以《神农本经》三品合三百六十五为主，又进名医别品亦三百六十五，合七百三
十种。精粗皆取，无复遗落，分别科条，区畛物类，兼注 时用土地所出，及仙经道术所须，
并此序录合为七卷。虽未足追踵前良，盖亦一家撰制，吾去世之后，可贻诸知音尔。
《桐君采药录》 时珍曰∶桐君，黄帝时臣也。书凡二卷，纪其花叶形色，今已不传。
后人又有《四时采药》、《太常采药时月》等书。
《雷公药对》 禹锡曰∶北齐徐之才撰。以众药名品、君臣、性毒、相反及所主疾病，
分类记之，凡二卷。时珍曰∶陶氏前已有此书，《吴氏本草》所引雷公是也。盖黄帝时雷公
所着，之才增饰之尔。之才，丹阳人，博识善医，历事北齐诸帝得宠，仕终尚书左仆射，
年八十卒。赠司徒，封西阳郡王，谥衣冠文物。《北史》有传。
《李氏药录》 保升曰∶魏李当之，华佗弟子。修《神农本草》三卷，而世少行。时珍
曰∶其书散见吴氏、陶氏本草中，颇有发明。
《吴氏本草》 保升曰∶魏吴普，广陵人，华佗弟子。凡一卷。
时珍曰∶其书分记神农、黄帝、岐伯、桐君、雷公、扁鹊、华佗、李氏，所说性味甚详
，今
《雷公炮炙论》 时珍曰∶刘宋时雷 所着，非黄帝时雷公也。自称内究守国安正公，
或者官名也。胡洽居士重加定述。药凡三百种，为上、中、下三卷。
其性味、炮炙、熬煮、修事之法多古奥，文亦古质，别是一家，多本于干宁晏先生。其
首序论述物理，亦甚幽玄，录载于后。干宁先生，名晏封，着《制伏草石论》六卷，盖丹石
家书也。
《唐本草》 时珍曰∶唐高宗命司空英国公李绩等修陶隐居所注《神农本草经》，增为
七卷。世谓之《英公唐本草》，颇有增益。显庆中右监门长史苏恭重加订注，表请修定。帝
复命太尉赵国公长孙无忌等二十二人，与恭详定，增药一百一十四种，分为玉石、草、木、
人、兽、禽、虫鱼、果、米谷、菜、有名未用十一部。凡二十卷，目录一卷，别为药图二十
五卷，图经七卷，共五十三卷。世谓之《唐新本草》。苏恭所释虽明，亦多驳误。礼部郎中
孔志约序曰∶天地之大德曰生，运阴阳以播物；含灵之所保曰命，资亭育以尽年。蛰穴栖巢，
感物之情盖寡；范金揉木，逐欲之道方滋。而五味或爽，时昧甘辛之节；六气斯 ，易愆寒
燠之宜。中外交侵，形神分战。饮食伺舋，成肠胃之眚；风湿候隙，构手足之灾。机缠肤腠，
莫知救止；渐固膏肓，期于夭折。暨炎晖纪物，识药石之功；云瑞名官，穷诊候之术。草木
咸得其性，鬼神无所遁情。刳麝 犀，驱泄邪恶；飞丹炼石，引纳清和。大庇苍生，普济黔
首；功侔造化，恩迈裁成。日用不知，于今是赖。岐、和、彭、缓，腾绝轨于前；李、华、
张、吴，振英声于后。昔秦政煨燔，兹经不预；永嘉丧乱，斯道尚存。梁陶弘景雅好摄生，
研精药术。以为《本草经》者，神农之所作，不刊之书也。惜其年代浸远，简编残蠹，与桐、
雷众记，颇或 驳。兴言撰缉，勒成一家。亦以雕琢经方，润色医业。然而时钟鼎峙，闻见
阙于殊方；事非佥议，诠释拘于独学。至如重建平之防己，弃槐里之半夏。秋采榆仁，冬收
云实。谬粱米之黄白，混荆子之牡蔓。异繁缕于鸡肠，合由跋于鸢尾。防葵、野狼毒，妄曰同
根；钩吻、黄精，引为连类。铅、锡莫辨，橙、柚不分。凡此比例，盖亦多矣。自时厥后，
以迄于今。虽方技分镳，名医继轨，更相祖述，罕能厘正。乃复采杜衡于及己，求忍冬于络
石。舍陟厘而取 藤，退飞廉而用马蓟。承疑行妄，曾无有觉。疾瘵多殆，良深慨叹。既而
朝议郎行右监门府长史骑都尉臣苏恭，摭陶氏之乖违，辨俗用之纰紊，遂表请修定，深副圣
怀。乃诏太尉扬州都督监修国史上柱国赵国公臣无忌、大中大夫行尚药奉御臣许孝崇等二十
二人，与苏恭详撰。窃以动植形生，因方舛性；春秋节变，感气殊功。离其本土，则质同而
效异；乖于采摘，乃物是而时非。名实既爽，寒温多谬。用之凡庶，其欺已甚；施之君父，
逆莫大焉。于是上禀神规，下询众议；普颁天下，营求药物。羽毛鳞介，无远不臻；根茎花
实，有名咸萃。遂乃详探秘要，博综方术。《本经》虽缺，有验必书；《别录》虽存，无稽必
正。考其同异，择其去取。铅翰昭章，定群言之得失；丹青绮焕，备庶物之形容。撰本草并
图经目录等，凡成五十四卷。庶以网罗今古，开涤耳目。尽医方之妙极，拯生灵之性命。传
万祀而无昧，悬百王而不朽。
《药总诀》 禹锡曰∶梁陶隐居撰，凡二卷，论药品五味寒热之性，主疗疾病及采蓄时
月之法。一本题曰《药象口诀》，不着撰人名。
《药性本草》 禹锡曰∶《药性论》凡四卷，不着撰人名氏，分药品之性味，君臣佐使
主病之效。一本云陶隐居撰。然其药性之功，有与本草相戾者，疑非隐居书也。
时珍曰∶《药性论》，即《药性本草》，乃唐甄权所着也。权扶沟人，仕隋为秘省正字。
唐太宗时，年百二十岁，帝幸其第，访以药性，因上此书，授朝散大夫，其书论主治亦详。
又着《脉经》、
《千金食治》 时珍曰∶唐孙思邈撰《千金备急方》三十卷，采摭素问、扁鹊、华佗、
徐之才等所论补养诸说，及本草关于食用者，分米谷、果、菜、鸟兽、虫鱼为食治附之，亦
颇明悉。思邈隐于太白山，隋、唐征拜皆不就，年百余岁卒。所着有《千金翼方》、《枕中素
书》、《摄生真录》、《福禄论》、《三教论》、《老子庄子注》。
《食疗本草》 禹锡曰∶唐同州刺史孟诜撰。张鼎又补其不足者八十九种，并旧为二百
二十七条，凡三卷。时珍曰∶诜，梁人也。武后时举进士，累迁凤阁舍人，出为台州司马，
转同州刺史。睿宗召用，固辞。卒年九十。因《周礼》食医之义，着此书，多有增益。又撰
《必效方》十卷，《补养方》三卷。《唐史》有传。
《本草拾遗》 禹锡曰∶唐开元中三原县尉陈藏器撰。以《神农本经》虽有陶、苏补集
之说，然遗沉尚多，故别为序例一卷，拾遗六卷，解纷三卷，总曰《本草拾遗》。
时珍曰∶藏器，四明人。其所着述，博极群书，精核物类，订绳谬误，搜罗幽隐，自《
本草》以来，一人而已。肤谫之士，不察其该详，惟诮其僻怪。宋人亦多删削。岂知天地品
物无穷，古今隐显亦异，用舍有时，名称或变，岂可以一隅之见，而遽讥多闻哉。如辟虺雷
、海马、胡豆之类，皆隐于昔而用于今；仰天皮、灯花、败扇之类，皆万家所用者。若非此
书收载，何从稽考。此本草之书，所以不厌详悉也。
《海药本草》 禹锡曰∶《南海药谱》二卷，不着撰人名氏，杂记南方药物所产郡县及
疗疾
之功，颇无伦次。时珍曰∶此即《海药本草》也，凡六卷，唐人李 所撰。 盖肃、代时人，
收
《四声本草》 禹锡曰∶唐兰陵处士萧炳撰。取本草药名上一字，以平、上、去、入四
声相从，以便讨阅，无所发明。凡五卷，进士王收序之。
《删繁本草》 禹锡曰∶唐润州医博士兼节度随军杨损之撰。删去本草不急及有名未用
之类，为五卷。开元以后人也，无所发明。
《本草音义》 时珍曰∶凡二卷，唐李含光撰。又甄立言、殷子严皆
《本草性事类》 禹锡曰∶京兆医工杜善方撰，不详何代人。凡一卷，以本草药名随类
解释，附以诸药制使、畏恶、相反、相宜、解毒者。
《食性本草》 禹锡曰∶南唐陪戎副尉、剑州医学助教陈士良撰。取神农、陶隐居、苏
恭、孟诜、陈藏器诸家药，关于饮食者类之，附以食医诸方，及五时调养脏腑之法。时珍曰∶
书凡十卷，总集旧说，无甚新义。古有淮南王《食经》一百二十卷，《崔浩食经》九卷，《竺
喧食经》十卷，《膳馐养疗》二十卷，昝殷《食医心镜》三卷，娄居中《食治通说》一卷，
陈直《奉亲养老书》二卷，并有食治诸方，皆祖食医之意也。
《蜀本草》 时珍曰∶蜀主孟昶命翰林学士韩保升等与诸医士，取《唐本草》参校增补
注释，别为《图经》凡二十卷，昶自为序，世谓之《蜀本草》。其图说药物形状，颇详于陶、
苏也。
《开宝本草》 时珍曰∶宋太祖开宝六年，命尚药奉御刘翰、道士马志等九人，取唐、
蜀本草详校，仍取陈藏器《拾遗》诸书相参，刊正别名，增药一百三十三种。马志为之注解
，翰林学士卢多逊等刊正。七年复诏志等重定，学士李 等看详。凡神农者白字，名医所传
者墨字别之。并目录共二十一卷。序曰∶三坟之书，神农预其一；百药既辨，本草存其录。
旧经三卷，世所流传；名医别录互为编纂。至梁贞白先生陶弘景，乃以《别录》参其《本经》，
朱、墨杂书，时谓明白，而又考彼功用，为之注释，列为七卷，南国行焉。逮乎有唐，别加
参校，增药余八百味，添注为二十一卷，《本经》漏功则补之，陶氏误说则证之。然而载历
年祀，又逾四百，朱字墨字，无本得同；旧注新注，其文互缺。非圣主抚大同之运，永无疆
之休，其何以改而正之哉。乃命尽考传误，刊为定本，类例非允，从而革焉。至于笔头灰，
兔毫也，而在草部，今移附兔头骨之下；半天河、地浆，皆水也，亦在草部，今移附玉石类
之间。败鼓皮移附于兽皮；胡桐泪改从于木类。紫矿亦木也，自玉石品而取焉；伏翼实禽也，
由虫鱼部而移焉。橘柚附于果实，食盐附于光盐。生姜、干姜，同归一说。至于鸡肠、繁缕、
陆英、蒴 ，以类相似，从而附之。仍采陈藏器拾遗、李含光音义，或讨源于别本，或传效
于医家，参而较之，辨其臧否。至于突厥白，旧说灰类也，今是木根；天麻根，解以赤箭，
今又全异。去非取是，特立新条。自余刊正，不可悉数。下采众议，定为印板。乃以白字为
神农所说，墨字为名医所传。唐附、今附，各加显注，详其解释，审其形性。证谬误而辨之
《神农本草经》 掌禹锡说：旧时的说法认为《本草经》共三卷，是神农所作，但并未在经典中见到明确记载，《汉书·艺文志》也没有收录。《汉书·平帝纪》记载：元始五年，征召天下精通方术和本草的人，由各地派遣驿车送往京城。《汉书·楼护传》称：楼护年轻时诵读医经、本草和方术数十万言，“本草”这一名称大概就见于此。唐代李世𪟝等人依据梁朝《七录》记载有《神农本草》三卷，推断其为起始。又怀疑书中记载的郡县名称有后汉的地名，像是张机（张仲景）、华佗等人所写，这些都不对。据《淮南子》记载：神农品尝百草的味道，一天之内中毒七十次，因此医方由此兴起。大概是上古时代没有文字记录，师徒口耳相传，称之为“本草”。两汉以来，名医越来越多，张机、华佗等人开始依据古学，附上新的学说，通盘编纂叙述，本草才正式出现在经籍目录中。
寇宗奭说：《汉书》虽然提到了本草，但不能断定是从哪个朝代开始创作的。《世本》、《淮南子》虽然提到神农尝百草来调和药物，也没有出现“本草”这个名称。只有《帝王世纪》记载：黄帝让岐伯品尝草木的味道，制定《本草经》，创制医方来治疗各种疾病。由此可知，“本草”之名，始于黄帝。大概是上古圣贤，具备生而知之的智慧，所以能辨别天下万物的性味，结合世人疾病的适宜疗法。后世贤能智慧之士，跟随并补充它，又增加了药品的种类。韩保升说：药物有玉石、草、木、虫、兽之分，之所以称为“本草”，是因为在众多药物中，草类最多。
《名医别录》 李时珍说：《神农本草》将药物分为上、中、下三品，共计三百六十五种，以对应周天度数。梁朝陶弘景又增补了汉代、魏代以下名医所使用的药物三百六十五种，称为《名医别录》。全书共七卷，开头叙述药性的本源，讨论病名的诊断；接着分为玉石一品，草一品，木一品，虫兽一品，果菜一品，米食一品，以及有名未用三品。用红字书写《神农本草经》的内容，用黑字书写《名医别录》的内容，进呈给梁武帝。陶弘景，字通明，宋朝末年担任诸王侍读，后来归隐于句曲山，号华阳隐居，梁武帝经常向他咨询请教，他八十五岁时去世，谥号贞白先生。他的书颇有补益，但也存在很多谬误。
陶弘景自序说：隐居先生在茅山上，利用吐纳养生之余暇，钻研医术，阅览本草药性，认为这穷尽了圣人的心意，所以撰写并论述它。旧称《神农本经》，我认为确实如此。从前神农氏统治天下时，画八卦以沟通鬼神之情，发明耕种以节省杀生的弊端，宣扬药物治疗疾病以拯救夭折受伤的生命。这三种道术，经过众多圣人的发扬而更加显著。周文王、孔子，通过彖辞、象辞、卦辞，幽深地赞助人天之道。后稷、伊尹，播种百谷，恩惠遍及众生。岐伯、黄帝、彭祖、扁鹊，振作弘扬辅导之道，恩泽流布到所有生物。岁月超过三千年，百姓至今依赖他们。只是轩辕黄帝以前，文字记录尚未流传。药性所主治的功效，应当以见识相因袭，否则怎么能听闻呢。至于桐君、雷公，才著录在简册上。这本书应该与《素问》同类，只是后人大多进行了修改润色。秦始皇焚书，医方、卜筮之术不在其中，所以得以完整保留。而遭遇汉献帝迁徙，晋怀帝奔逃，文献焚烧散失，十不存一。现在所保存的，只有这三卷。其中所出的郡县乃是后汉时的建制，怀疑是张仲景、华佗等人所记录。又有《桐君采药录》，讲述药物的花叶形状颜色。《药对》四卷，论述药物的佐使相须关系。魏、晋以来，吴普、李当之等人又再次增减。有的五百九十五种，有的四百四十一种，有的三百一十九种。或者三品混杂，寒热错乱，草石不分，虫兽无别。而且所主治的功效，互有得失。医家不能全部见到，所以智识有深浅。我现在总括综合各经，研究概括繁琐内容。以《神农本经》三品合三百六十五种为主，又进献名医别品也是三百六十五种，合计七百三十种。精粗都选取，不再遗漏，分别科条，区分物类，兼注当时使用及土地出产，以及仙经道术所需，并将此序录合为七卷。虽然不足以追随前代良医，但也是一家之言的撰制，我去世之后，可以留给知音之人。
《桐君采药录》 李时珍说：桐君，是黄帝时的臣子。书共二卷，记载其花叶形状颜色，现在已经失传。后人又有《四时采药》、《太常采药时月》等书。
《雷公药对》 掌禹锡说：北齐徐之才撰写。以众药物的名品、君臣地位、性毒、相反及所主疾病，分类记录，共二卷。李时珍说：陶弘景之前已有此书，就是《吴氏本草》所引用的雷公著作。大概是黄帝时雷公所著，徐之才加以增饰罢了。徐之才，丹阳人，博学善于医术，历任北齐各位皇帝得到宠信，官至尚书左仆射，八十岁去世。追赠司徒，封西阳郡王，谥号衣冠文物。《北史》中有传记。
《李氏药录》 韩保升说：魏国李当之，是华佗的弟子。修订《神农本草》三卷，但世上很少流行。李时珍说：他的书散见于吴氏、陶氏本草中，颇有发明之处。
《吴氏本草》 韩保升说：魏国吴普，广陵人，华佗的弟子。共一卷。
李时珍说：他的书分记神农、黄帝、岐伯、桐君、雷公、扁鹊、华佗、李氏所说的性味非常详细，现在……
《雷公炮炙论》 李时珍说：刘宋时期雷敩所著，不是黄帝时的雷公。自称内究守国安正公，或许是官名。胡洽居士重新加以定述。药物共三百种，分为上、中、下三卷。
其性味、炮炙、熬煮、修事的方法大多古奥，文字也古朴，属于另一家，多基于干宁晏先生。其首序论述物理，也很幽深玄妙，记录在后面。干宁先生，名叫晏封，著有《制伏草石论》六卷，大概是炼丹家的书。
《唐本草》 李时珍说：唐高宗命令司空英国公李绩等人修订陶隐居所注的《神农本草经》，增补为七卷。世人称之为《英公唐本草》，颇有增益。显庆年间，右监门长史苏恭重新加以订注，上表请求修定。皇帝又命令太尉赵国公长孙无忌等二十二人，与苏恭详细审定，增加药物一百一十四种，分为玉石、草、木、人、兽、禽、虫鱼、果、米谷、菜、有名未用十一部。共二十卷，目录一卷，另外制作药图二十五卷，图经七卷，共五十三卷。世人称之为《唐新本草》。苏恭的解释虽然明了，但也多有驳杂错误。礼部郎中孔志约序言说：天地的大德叫做生，运用阴阳来播撒万物；含灵之物所保全的是命，依靠养育来尽天年。洞穴栖息的动物，感受外物的情欲很少；范金揉木（制造器物），追求欲望的途径才开始滋长。而五味有时失误，时常不明白甘辛的节制；六气如果失调，容易违背寒暖的适宜。中外邪气交侵，形体与精神分争。饮食伺机犯错，造成肠胃的灾祸；风湿趁隙而入，构成手足的灾难。邪气缠绕皮肤腠理，不知道如何救止；逐渐固结膏肓，期望夭折。等到炎晖纪物（指神农时代），认识药石的功效；云瑞名官（指古代官职），穷尽诊候的技术。草木都得到它们的本性，鬼神无法隐藏真情。剖开麝香、犀牛，驱除邪恶；飞丹炼石，引入清和之气。广泛庇护苍生，普遍救济百姓；功劳等同造化，恩德超越裁成。日用而不知，如今依赖于此。岐伯、和跗、彭祖、缓终，在前腾越绝轨；李当、华佗、张机、吴普，在后振作英声。从前秦始皇焚书，这部经书不在其中；永嘉丧乱，这门道术尚且存在。梁朝陶弘景喜好养生，钻研药术。认为《本草经》是神农所作，是不可更改的书。可惜年代久远，简编残破蛀蚀，与桐君、雷公等人的记录，颇为驳杂。感叹着撰写辑录，勒成一一家之言。也是为了雕琢经方，润色医业。然而当时鼎足而立，见闻缺失于殊方；事情非众人商议，诠释拘泥于独学。至于像重建平的防己，抛弃槐里的半夏。秋天采集榆仁，冬天收取云实。混淆粱米的黄白，混同荆子的牡蔓。把繁缕当作鸡肠，把由跋合为鸢尾。防葵、野狼毒，妄说是同根；钩吻、黄精，引为同类。铅、锡分辨不清，橙、柚分不清。凡此类比，大概也很多了。从那时以后，直到今天。虽然方技分道扬镳，名医继往开来，互相祖述，很少能厘清纠正。于是又从及己中采摘杜衡，在络石中寻找忍冬。舍弃陟厘而取藤，退去飞廉而用马蓟。承袭疑惑实行狂妄，竟然没有人察觉。疾病多危险，令人深深慨叹。不久，朝议郎行右监门府长史骑都尉臣苏恭，拾取陶氏的乖违，辨明俗用的纰漏，于是上表请求修定，深深符合圣意。于是诏令太尉扬州都督监修国史上柱国赵国公臣无忌、大中大夫行尚药奉御臣许孝崇等二十二人，与苏恭详细撰写。我们以为动植形生，因方位不同而性质各异；春秋季节变化，感受的气功也不同。离开本土，则质地相同而功效不同；违背采摘时节，则是物是而时非。名实既然混乱，寒温多有误。用于平民，欺骗已经很甚；施于君父，罪过没有更大的了。于是上禀神规，下询众议；普遍颁行天下，营求药物。羽毛鳞介，无论多远都能到达；根茎花实，有名的都聚集。于是详细探究秘要，博综方术。《本经》虽然残缺，有验证的一定要记录；《别录》虽然存在，无根据的一定要纠正。考察其同异，选择其去留。笔墨昭彰，决定群言的得失；丹青华丽，备具万物的形容。撰写本草并图经目录等，共成五十四卷。希望能网罗古今，开涤耳目。穷尽医方的妙极，拯救生灵的生命。流传万代而不晦暗，悬挂百王而不朽。
《药总诀》 掌禹锡说：梁朝陶隐居撰写，共二卷，论述药品五味寒热的性味，主疗疾病及采蓄时节的方法。另一本题为《药象口诀》，不著作者姓名。
《药性本草》 掌禹锡说：《药性论》共四卷，不著作者姓名，分药品性味，君臣佐使主病的功效。另一本说是陶隐居撰写。然而其药性的功效，有与本经相违背的，怀疑不是隐居的书。
李时珍说：《药性论》，就是《药性本草》，是唐代甄权所著。甄权是扶沟人，在隋朝担任秘书省正字。唐太宗时期，年龄一百二十岁，皇帝驾临他的宅第，询问药性，于是进献此书，授予朝散大夫，他的书论述主治也很详细。又著有《脉经》、
《千金食治》 李时珍说：唐代孙思邈撰写《千金备急方》三十卷，采摘摭取素问、扁鹊、华佗、徐之才等人所论述的补养诸说，以及本草中关于食用的部分，分为米谷、果、菜、鸟兽、虫鱼作为食治附录，也很明白详尽。孙思邈隐居在太白山，隋、唐朝廷征召任命都不就任，一百多岁去世。所著的有《千金翼方》、《枕中素书》、《摄生真录》、《福禄论》、《三教论》、《老子庄子注》。
《食疗本草》 掌禹锡说：唐代同州刺史孟诜撰写。张鼎又补全其不足的八十九种，加上原有的共二百二十七条，共三卷。李时珍说：孟诜，是梁国人。武则天时期考中进士，多次升迁至凤阁舍人，外放为台州司马，转任同州刺史。睿宗召用，坚决推辞。九十岁去世。因为《周礼》食医的意义，撰写此书，多有增益。又撰写《必效方》十卷，《补养方》三卷。《唐史》中有传记。
《本草拾遗》 掌禹锡说：唐代开元年间，三原县尉陈藏器撰写。因为《神农本经》虽然有陶弘景、苏恭补集的说法，但遗漏沉没的还很多，所以另外编写序例一卷，拾遗六卷，解纷三卷，总称为《本草拾遗》。
李时珍说：陈藏器，是四明人。他所著的书籍，博览群书，精确考核物类，订正绳墨谬误，搜罗幽隐之事，自《本草》以来，只有他一人而已。浅薄无知的人，不考察其全面详尽，只讥笑其偏僻怪异。宋代人也大多删削。哪里知道天地品物无穷，古今隐显也不同，使用与否有时机，名称或许变化，怎么能以一隅之见，就急忙讥讽多闻的人呢。如辟虺雷、海马、胡豆之类，都是过去隐没而现在使用的；仰天皮、灯花、败扇之类，都是万家所用的。如果不是这本书收录，从哪里考证呢。这就是本草之书，所以不厌其烦地详细完备的原因。
《海药本草》 掌禹锡说：《南海药谱》二卷，不著作者姓名，杂乱记录南方药物所产郡县及治疗疾病的功效，颇无序伦。李时珍说：这就是《海药本草》，共六卷，唐人李珣所撰。李珣大概是肃宗、代宗时期的人，收集
《四声本草》 掌禹锡说：唐代兰陵处士萧炳撰写。取本草药名上的一个字，以平、上、去、入四声相从，以便查阅，没有什么发明。共五卷，进士王收为之作序。
《删繁本草》 掌禹锡说：唐代润州医博士兼节度随军杨损之撰写。删去本草中不急及有名未用之类，为五卷。是开元以后的人，没有什么发明。
《本草音义》 李时珍说：共二卷，唐代李含光撰写。还有甄立言、殷子严也都……
《本草性事类》 掌禹锡说：京兆医工杜善方撰写，不详是何代人。共一卷，以本草药名随类解释，附以诸药制使、畏恶、相反、相宜、解毒者。
《食性本草》 掌禹锡说：南唐陪戎副尉、剑州医学助教陈士良撰写。取神农、陶隐居、苏恭、孟诜、陈藏器诸家药物，关于饮食的归类，附以食医诸方，及五时调养脏腑的方法。李时珍说：书共十卷，总集旧说，没有太多新意。古代有淮南王《食经》一百二十卷，《崔浩食经》九卷，《竺喧食经》十卷，《膳馐养疗》二十卷，昝殷《食医心镜》三卷，娄居中《食治通说》一卷，陈直《奉亲养老书》二卷，都有食治诸方，都是祖述食医的意思。
《蜀本草》 李时珍说：蜀主孟昶命令翰林学士韩保升等与各医士，取《唐本草》参校增补注释，另外编写《图经》共二十卷，孟昶亲自作序，世人称之为《蜀本草》。其图说药物形状，比陶弘景、苏恭更详细。
《开宝本草》 李时珍说：宋太祖开宝六年，命令尚药奉御刘翰、道士马志等九人，取唐、蜀本草详细校对，仍取陈藏器《拾遗》诸书参照，刊正别名，增加药物一百三十三种。马志为之注解，翰林学士卢多逊等刊正。七年又诏令马志等人重新定稿，学士李穆等人看详。凡是神农所说者用白字，名医所传者用黑字区别。连同目录共二十一卷。序言说：三坟之书，神农预列其一；百药既已辨别，本草留存其记录。旧经三卷，世间流传；名医别录互为编纂。到了梁朝贞白先生陶弘景，才以《别录》参合《本经》，朱、墨杂书，当时称为明白，而又考校那些功用，为之注释，列为七卷，在南国通行。到了唐朝，另外加以参校，增加药物八百多种，添注为二十一卷，《本经》漏掉的功用则补上，陶氏错误的说法则证伪。然而经历年代祭祀，又超过四百年，朱字墨字，没有原本能够相同；旧注新注，其文互相缺失。如果不是圣主抚育大同的运势，拥有永久的福休，怎么能改正它呢。于是命令全面考校传误，刊刻为定本，类别例示如果不允当，随之革除。至于笔头灰，是兔毫，却在草部，现在移附在兔头骨之下；半天河、地浆，都是水，也在草部，现在移附在玉石类之间。败鼓皮移附于兽皮；胡桐泪改从于木类。紫矿也是木，从玉石品中提取；伏翼其实是禽，从虫鱼部移动过来。橘柚附于果实，食盐附于光盐。生姜、干姜，归于同一说法。至于鸡肠、繁缕、陆英、蒴藋，以类相似，从而附之。仍然采纳陈藏器拾遗、李含光音义，有的追溯源头于别本，有的传承效用于医家，参照比较，辨明好坏。至于突厥白，旧说是灰类，现在是木根；天麻根，解释为赤箭，现在又完全不同。去除错误采取正确，特别立新条目。其余刊正，不可胜数。采纳众议，定为印板。于是以白字为神农所说，黑字为名医所传。唐附、今附，各自加明显注释，详细解释，审察形性。证谬误而辨明
*Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Old theories state that *Bencao Jing* consists of three volumes and was authored by Shennong, but this is not found in canonical texts, nor is it recorded in the *Yiwen Zhi* (Bibliography) of the *Book of Han*. The *Ji* (Annals) of Emperor Ping of Han records: In the fifth year of Yuanshi, those throughout the realm who were proficient in prescriptions (*fangshu*) and *bencao* were summoned, dispatched via light carriages to the capital. The *Biography of Lou Hu* states: "Lou Hu recited hundreds of thousands of words on medical classics, *bencao*, and prescriptions when he was young." The name "*bencao*" likely appears here. Li Ji et al. of the Tang Dynasty inferred its origin from the Liang Dynasty's *Qilu* (Seven Records), which lists *Shennong Bencao* in three volumes. They also suspected that because the commanderies and counties mentioned included names from the Later Han, it might have been written by figures like Zhang Ji (Zhang Zhongjing) or Hua Tuo, but these suspicions are incorrect. According to *Huainanzi*: "Shennong tasted the flavors of a hundred herbs, becoming poisoned seventy times in one day," thus medical prescriptions arose. It seems that in ancient times, before written texts existed, knowledge was transmitted orally from master to disciple, referred to as "*bencao*." Since the Han Dynasties, the number of famous physicians increased. Figures like Zhang Ji and Hua Tuo began incorporating ancient learning with new theories, compiling them systematically, so *bencao* appeared in canonical catalogs.
Kou Zongshi said: Although the *Book of Han* mentions *bencao*, it cannot determine from which dynasty it originated. Although *Shiben* and *Huainanzi* mention Shennong tasting a hundred herbs to harmonize medicines, they do not use the term "*bencao*." Only the *Diwang Shiji* (Chronicle of Emperors and Kings) states: "The Yellow Emperor ordered Qibo to taste plants and minerals, establish the *Bencao Jing*, and create medical prescriptions to treat various diseases." Thus, we know the name "*bencao*" began with the Yellow Emperor. It seems that ancient sages possessed innate wisdom, enabling them to discern the natures and flavors of all things under heaven and match them to the appropriate treatments for people's illnesses. Wise men of later generations followed suit, supplementing it and adding more species. Han Baosheng said: Medicines include minerals, stones, herbs, trees, insects, and animals, yet it is called "*bencao*" because herbaceous plants constitute the largest category among all medicines.
*Mingyi Bielu* (Recorded Sayings of Famous Physicians) Li Shizhen said: *Shennong Bencao* divides medicines into three grades (Upper, Middle, Lower), totaling 365 types, corresponding to the degrees of the celestial sphere. Tao Hongjing of the Liang Dynasty added 365 types used by famous physicians from the Han and Wei dynasties onwards, calling it *Mingyi Bielu*. The work comprises seven volumes. It begins by discussing the origin of medicinal properties and diagnosing disease names; then categorizes medicines into Upper Grade Minerals/Stones, Upper Grade Herbs, Upper Grade Trees, Upper Grade Insects/Animals, Upper Grade Fruits/Vegetables, Upper Grade Grains/Foods, and the "Famous but Unused" category. The text of *Shennong Bencao* is written in red ink, while *Mingyi Bielu* is in black ink, and it was presented to Emperor Wu of Liang. Tao Hongjing, courtesy name Tongming, served as an attendant reader to princes at the end of the Liu Song Dynasty, later retiring to Gouqu Mountain, adopting the pseudonym Huayang Ju Yin (Hermit of Huayang). Emperor Wu frequently consulted him. He died at eighty-five and was posthumously titled Zhenbai Xiansheng (Venerable Master of Purity and Whiteness). His book offers considerable supplementation but also contains many errors.
Tao Hongjing's Preface states: "The Recluse resides atop Maoshan. Using spare time from breathing exercises, he engages in medical arts, reviewing the properties of *bencao* herbs, believing this exhausts the minds of the sages, and thus writes and discusses them. The old title *Shennong Benjing* seems correct. When Shennong ruled the world, he drew the Eight Trigrams to communicate with spirits, invented farming to reduce killing, and promoted medicinal cures to save lives cut short. These three paths were clarified through successive sages. King Wen and Confucius used hexagram statements and line statements to profoundly assist human-heaven relations. Houji and Yi Yin sowed grains, benefiting all living beings. Qibo, Huangdi, Pengzu, and Bian Que promoted guidance, their grace flowing to all sentient beings. Over three thousand years have passed, and people still rely on them. However, before Xuanyuan (Huangdi), written texts were not transmitted. The therapeutic effects of medicines must be understood through accumulated knowledge; otherwise, how could they be known? Only with Tong Jun and Leigong were they recorded on bamboo slips. This book should be similar to *Suwen* (Basic Questions), merely revised by later generations. Qin Shi Huang's burning of books did not affect medical prescriptions or divination, so they remained intact. But during the displacement of Emperor Xian of Han and the flight of Emperor Huai of Jin, documents were burned and lost, leaving less than one-tenth. What remains today are these three volumes. The commanderies and counties listed reflect Later Han administration, suggesting notes by Zhang Zhongjing or Yuanhua (Hua Tuo). There is also *Tong Jun Caiyao Lu* (Record of Tong Jun's Herb Gathering), describing flower and leaf shapes/colors. *Yaodui* (Medicinal Pairs), four volumes, discusses assistant and guiding relationships. Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, Wu Pu, Li Dang, and others have made additions and deletions. Some list 595 types, some 441, some 319. Grades are mixed, cold and hot properties confused, herbs and minerals indistinguishable, insects and animals unclassified. Moreover, therapeutic indications vary in accuracy. Physicians cannot see everything, leading to varying depths of understanding. I now synthesize various classics, condensing complexity. Taking the 365 types of *Shennong Benjing* as the main body, I add 365 types from famous physicians' records, totaling 730. Both coarse and fine materials are included, nothing omitted. Categories are distinguished, classes separated, noting current usage, geographical origins, and requirements from Daoist scriptures. Combined with this preface, it forms seven volumes. Though unable to fully follow past masters, it is a unique compilation, which I leave for connoisseurs after my death."
*Tong Jun Caiyao Lu* (Record of Tong Jun's Herb Gathering) Li Shizhen said: Tong Jun was a minister during the Yellow Emperor's time. The book had two volumes, recording flower and leaf characteristics, but is now lost. Later works include *Sishi Caiyao* (Herb Gathering in Four Seasons) and *Taichang Caiyao Shiyue* (Months for Herb Gathering by the Grand Commandant).
*Leigong Yaodui* (Leigong's Medicinal Pairs) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Xu Zhicai of Northern Qi. It classifies drug names, sovereign-minister roles, toxicity, incompatibilities, and indicated diseases, in two volumes. Li Shizhen said: This book existed before Tao Hongjing; it is the Leigong cited in *Wushi Bencao*. It was likely written by Leigong during the Yellow Emperor's era and embellished by Xu Zhicai. Xu Zhicai was from Danyang, knowledgeable and skilled in medicine, favored by successive Northern Qi emperors, rising to Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. He died at eighty, was posthumously granted Grand Sima, Prince of Xiyang, and the epithet Yiguan Wenwu. A biography exists in *Beishi* (History of the Northern Dynasties).
*Lishi Yaolu* (Li's Record of Medicines) Han Baosheng said: Li Dang of Wei was a disciple of Hua Tuo. He revised *Shennong Bencao* into three volumes, but it was rarely circulated. Li Shizhen said: Fragments appear in *Wushi Bencao* and Tao's *Bencao*, offering significant insights.
*Wushi Bencao* (Wu's Materia Medica) Han Baosheng said: Wu Pu of Wei, from Guangling, was a disciple of Hua Tuo. One volume.
Li Shizhen said: His book details the properties and flavors attributed to Shennong, Huangdi, Qibo, Tong Jun, Leigong, Bian Que, Hua Tuo, and Li. It is very detailed, but currently... [Text cuts off]
*Leigong Paozhi Lun* (Leigong's Treatise on Processing) Li Shizhen said: Written by Lei Xiao of Liu Song, not Leigong of the Yellow Emperor's time. He calls himself Neijiu Shouguo Anzheng Gong, possibly an official title. Hu Qia Jushi (Layman Hu Qia) revised and expanded it. It covers 300 medicines in three volumes (Upper, Middle, Lower).
Its methods for processing, roasting, boiling, and refining are archaic and profound; the language is primitive, belonging to a distinct school, largely based on Mr. Yan Feng of Ning. The opening preface discusses natural principles deeply. Mr. Yan Feng, named Yan Feng, wrote *Zhi Fu Cao Shi Lun* (Treatise on Subduing Herbs and Minerals) in six volumes, likely a Daoist alchemical text.
*Tang Bencao* (Tang Materia Medica) Li Shizhen said: Emperor Gaozong of Tang ordered Li Ji, Duke of Ying, and others to revise Tao Hongjing's annotated *Shennong Bencao*, expanding it to seven volumes. Known as *Yinggong Tang Bencao*, it had many additions. During the Xianqing era, Su Gong, Right Monitor Gate Longshi, requested revision. The emperor ordered Zhao Guoji, Duke of Zhao, and twenty-one others to review it with Su Gong, adding 114 medicines. They divided them into eleven categories: Minerals/Stones, Herbs, Trees, Humans, Animals, Birds, Insects/Fish, Fruits, Grains, Vegetables, and Famous but Unused. Totaling twenty volumes plus a catalog, along with 25 volumes of medicinal images and seven volumes of image descriptions, making 53 volumes total. Known as *Tang Xin Bencao*. Su Gong's explanations were clear but contained errors. Kong Zhiyue, Langzhong of the Ministry of Rites, wrote the preface: "The great virtue of Heaven and Earth is Life, distributing Yin and Yang to generate things; the preservation of sentient beings is Destiny, relying on nourishment to fulfill years. Beasts in caves and birds in nests feel little external influence; crafting metal and wood satisfies desires. Flavors may fail, missing the balance of sweet and pungent; Six Qi may deviate, violating cold and heat harmony. External and internal pathogens clash, body and spirit war. Diet causes intestinal disasters; wind-dampness exploits weaknesses causing limb afflictions. Pathogens entangle skin and pores, unknown how to stop; gradually solidifying in the heart and diaphragm, leading to premature death. Until Shennong identified herbs and stones; until officials named after clouds mastered diagnosis. Plants and trees acquired their natures, spirits could not hide. Opening musk and rhino horn drives out evil; refining cinnabar and stone draws in purity. Protecting the masses, saving the common people; merit equals creation, grace surpasses shaping. Daily use without knowing, yet we rely on it. Qibo, Hefu, Pengzu, Huanzhi set precedents; Li Dang, Hua Tuo, Zhang Ji, Wu Pu followed. Qin Shi Huang burned books, but this classic was spared; the Yongjia turmoil left this tradition intact. Tao Hongjing of Liang loved health preservation, studying pharmacology. He believed *Bencao Jing* was Shennong's work, an unchangeable canon. Regretting its age and damaged scrolls, and confusion with Tong Jun and Leigong's records, he compiled a unique work. Carving prescriptions, beautifying medicine. Yet, in the tripartite division, knowledge of distant lands was lacking; interpretations were constrained by solitary study. For example, replacing Jianping's Fangji with Huaili's Banxia. Harvesting Yuren in autumn, Yunshi in winter. Confusing yellow and white sorghum, mixing Jingzi varieties. Distinguishing Fanlu from Jichang, combining Youba with Yuanwei. Treating Fangkui and Yelangdu as same-root; linking Gougen and Huangjing. Confusing lead and tin, orange and pomelo. Such errors were numerous. Since then, until today. Although medical arts diverged and famous physicians succeeded each other, few corrected errors. They gathered Ducheng from Ji Ji, sought Rendong in Luoshi. Abandoned Zhili for Teng vines, rejected Feilian for Maji. Following doubt and acting rashly, no one noticed. Diseases became perilous, causing deep sighs. Then, Chen Yilang and Acting Longshi of Right Monitor Gate, Knight-Errant Su Gong, exposed Tao's deviations and popular errors, requesting revision, pleasing the Emperor. Edicts commanded Grand Sima Yangzhou Governor Zhao Guoji, Xu Chongchong, and twenty-one others to collaborate with Su Gong. We hold that moving/plant life varies by region; seasons change, affecting efficacy. Removed from native soil, quality remains but effect changes; wrong harvesting time makes the object correct but the timing wrong. Names and realities mismatch, cold/heat properties often erroneous. Used by commoners, deception is severe; applied to rulers, the sin is greatest. Thus, consulting heaven and earth, asking public opinion, distributing orders nationwide, seeking medicines. Feathers, scales, shells arrived from afar; roots, stems, flowers, fruits gathered. Investigating secrets, mastering arts. *Benjing* missing verified items were recorded; *Biilu* existing baseless items were corrected. Comparing similarities/differences, selecting what to keep. Ink and brush clarified debates; paintings depicted forms. Compiled *Bencao*, Image Descriptions, and Catalogs, totaling 54 volumes. To encompass past and present, open eyes and ears, perfect medical arts, save lives, transmit through millennia, stand eternal."
*Yao Zongjue* (General Principles of Medicines) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Tao Hongyin of Liang, two volumes. Discusses five flavors, cold/hot properties, therapeutic indications, and harvesting/storage months. Another title is *Yaoxiang Koujue*, author unknown.
*Yaoxing Bencao* (Materia Medica of Drug Properties) Zhang Yuxi said: *Yaoxing Lun* has four volumes, author unknown. Divides drug properties, sovereign-minister-assistant-courier roles, and therapeutic effects. Another version claims Tao Hongyin. However, some property descriptions contradict *Bencao*, suggesting it is not his work.
Li Shizhen said: *Yaoxing Lun* is *Yaoxing Bencao*, written by Zhen Quan of Tang. Zhen Quan was from Fugou, serving as Corrector of Texts in the Secretariat during Sui. At 120 years old during Emperor Taizong's reign, the Emperor visited him, asked about drug properties, and he submitted this book, receiving the title Chaosan Dafu. His discussion of indications is detailed. He also wrote *Maijing* (Pulse Classic)...
*Qianjin Shizhi* (Dietary Therapy from the Thousand Gold Formulas) Li Shizhen said: Sun Simiao of Tang wrote *Qianjin Beijifang* (Emergency Prescriptions from a Thousand Gold Pieces) in thirty volumes. He excerpted discussions on nourishment from *Suwen*, Bian Que, Hua Tuo, Xu Zhicai, etc., and edible parts of *bencao*, classifying them into Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, Birds/Beasts, Insects/Fish as dietary therapy appendices. It is quite clear. Sun Simiao secluded himself on Taibai Mountain, refusing summons from Sui and Tang, dying over 100 years old. His works include *Qianjin Yifang*, *Zhong Su Shu*, *Shesheng Zhenlu*, *Fulu Lun*, *Sanjiao Lun*, and commentaries on *Laozi* and *Zhuangzi*.
*Shiliao Bencao* (Dietary Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Meng Shen, Prefect of Tongzhou in Tang, wrote this. Zhang Ding supplemented 89 types, totaling 227 entries in three volumes. Li Shizhen said: Meng Shen was from Liang. He passed the Jinshi exam under Empress Wu, rising to Fengge Sheren, then exiled to Taizhou Sima, later Tongzhou Cishi. Emperor Ruizong recalled him, but he declined. Died at 90. Inspired by the *Rites of Zhou*'s concept of Dietary Physicians, he wrote this with many additions. Also wrote *Bixiao Fang* (10 vols) and *Buyang Fang* (3 vols). Biography in *Tang History*.
*Bencao Shiyi* (Supplemental Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Chen Cangqi, County Magistrate of Sanyuan, during Kaiyuan era of Tang. Although Tao and Su had supplements, many omissions remained. Thus, he wrote a Preface/Examples (1 vol), Supplemental Entries (6 vols), and Resolving Confusions (3 vols), collectively *Bencao Shiyi*.
Li Shizhen said: Chen Cangqi was from Siming. His works were exhaustive, precise in classification, correcting errors, and uncovering hidden knowledge. Since *Bencao*, he stands alone. Superficial scholars, failing to grasp his comprehensiveness, mock his eccentricity. Song scholars also abridged him. How can they know that heavenly and earthly products are infinite, and ancient/modern visibility differs? Usage depends on timing, names may change. How can one judge the learned based on limited views? Items like Bihui Lei, Seahorse, and Chickpeas were hidden then but used now; Yangtian Pi, Lamp Wick, and Broken Fans are used by millions. Without this book, how could they be verified? This explains why *Bencao* must be thorough.
*Haiyao Bencao* (Maritime Medicine Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: *Nanhai Yupu* (Spells of Southern Sea Medicines), two volumes, author unknown.杂乱 records southern medicinal origins and therapeutic effects, lacking order. Li Shizhen said: This is *Haiyao Bencao*, six volumes, written by Li Xun of Tang. Li Xun was likely active during Dezong/Daizong eras, collecting...
*Sisheng Bencao* (Four-Tone Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Xiao Bing, recluse of Lanling, Tang. Arranged by the first character of drug names according to the four tones (Level, Rising, Departing, Entering) for easy lookup, with no new insights. Five volumes, prefaced by Jinshi Wang Shou.
*Shanfan Bencao* (Abridged Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Yang Sunzhi, Medical Doctor of Runzhou and Military Attendant, Tang. Removed non-urgent and "Famous but Unused" items, five volumes. Post-Kaiyuan figure, no new insights.
*Bencao Yinyi* (Phonetic Meanings of Materia Medica) Li Shizhen said: Two volumes, written by Li Hanguang of Tang. Also by Zhen Liyan and Yin Ziyan...
*Bencao Xingshi Lei* (Categorized Properties and Functions of Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Du Shanfang, Medical Artisan of Jingzhao, dynasty unknown. One volume. Explains drug names by category, attaching preparation methods, antagonisms, incompatibilities, compatibilities, and antidotes.
*Shixing Bencao* (Dietary Nature Materia Medica) Zhang Yuxi said: Written by Chen Shiliang, Deputy Commander Peirong and Teaching Assistant of Jianzhou Medical School, Southern Tang. Classified drugs from Shennong, Tao Hongjing, Su Gong, Meng Shen, Chen Cangqi related to diet, attached dietary physician prescriptions, and five-season organ-nourishing methods. Li Shizhen said: Ten volumes. Compiles old sayings, little new meaning. Ancient works include Huainan Wang's *Shijing* (120 vols), Cui Hao's *Shijing* (9 vols), Zhu Xuan's *Shijing* (10 vols), *Shanxiu Yangliao* (20 vols), Zan Yin's *Shiyi Xinjing* (3 vols), Lou Juzhong's *Shizhi Tongshuo* (1 vol), Chen Zhi's *Fengqin Yanglao Shu* (2 vols), all containing dietary therapies based on the Dietary Physician concept.
*Shu Bencao* (Shu Materia Medica) Li Shizhen said: Meng Chang, Lord of Shu, ordered Han Baosheng and other physicians to cross-reference, supplement, and annotate *Tang Bencao*, creating *Tu Jing* (Image Description) in 20 volumes. Meng Chang wrote the preface. Known as *Shu Bencao*. Its illustrations of drug shapes are more detailed than Tao and Su.
*Kaibao Bencao* (Kaibao Materia Medica) Li Shizhen said: In the sixth year of Kaibao, Song Taizu ordered Liu Han, Daoist Ma Zhi, and eight others to carefully collate Tang and Shu *Bencaos*, referencing Chen Cangqi's *Shiyi*, correcting aliases, and adding 133 medicines. Ma Zhi provided annotations, edited by Lu Duoxun. In the seventh year, Ma Zhi re-edited, reviewed by Li Mu. Shennong's text marked in white, famous physicians' in black. Total 21 volumes including catalog. Preface: "Among the Three Fens, Shennong is included; having distinguished hundred medicines, *Bencao* records them. Old classic three volumes, widely circulated; Mingyi Bielu compiled mutually. Tao Hongjing of Liang combined Bielu with Benjing, using red/black ink, considered clear, annotating functions in seven volumes, circulated in the South. Tang added revisions, increasing drugs by 800+, totaling 21 volumes, supplementing Benjing's omissions, correcting Tao's errors. But over 400 years passed, red/black ink origins diverged, old/new notes incomplete. Only a sage ruler unifying the world could rectify this. Ordered full verification, printing definitive edition, correcting improper categories. E.g., Brush-tip Ash (rabbit hair) moved from Herbs to Rabbit Skull Bone; Half-sky River, Earth Slurry (waters) moved from Herbs to Minerals; Broken Drum Skin to Animal Skins; Hu Tong Lei to Trees; Zijuan (resin) from Minerals to Trees; Fuyi (bat) from Insects/Fish to Birds. Citrus/Pomelo to Fruits; Salt to Light Salts. Fresh/Dried Ginger unified. Jichang, Fanlu, Luying, Shuque grouped by similarity. Referenced Chen Cangqi's Shiyi, Li Hanguang's Yinyi, tracing sources or medical efficacy, comparing pros/cons. Turkic Bai (white root) formerly ash, now tree root; Tianma root formerly Chi Jian, now distinct. Removing error, adopting correctness, establishing new categories. Remaining corrections countless. Adopted public consensus, printed plates. White characters for Shennong, black for famous physicians. Tang additions/Current additions clearly noted, explaining forms/natures, verifying errors."