（《本经》中品）
【释名】兕。
时珍曰∶犀字，篆文象形。其 名兕，亦曰沙犀。《尔雅翼》云∶兕与 字音相近，犹
之为牯也。大抵犀、兕是一物，古人多言兕，后人多言犀，北
不同耳。详下文。《梵书》谓犀曰 伽。
【集解】《别录》曰∶犀出永昌山谷及益州。永昌，即今滇南也。
弘景曰∶今出武陵、交州、宁州诸远山。犀有二角，以额上者为胜。又有通天犀角，上
有一白缕，直上至端，夜露不濡，入药至神验。或云此是水犀角，出水中。《汉书》所谓骇
鸡犀者，置米饲鸡，皆惊骇不敢啄；置屋上，乌鸟不敢集。又有 犀，角甚长，纹理似犀
，不堪入药。
恭曰∶ 是雌犀，文理腻细，斑白分明，俗谓之斑犀。服用为上，入药不如雄犀。
藏器曰∶犀无水陆二种，但以精粗言之。通天者脑上之角，经千岁，长且锐，白星彻端
，能出气通天，则能通神、破水、骇鸡，故曰通天。《抱朴子》言∶此犀刻为鱼，衔之入水，
水
颂曰∶犀角，今以南海者为上，黔、蜀者次之。犀似水牛，猪首、大腹、卑脚。脚似象，
有三蹄。黑色。舌上有刺，好食棘刺。皮上每一孔生三毛，如豕。有一角、二角、三角者。
《尔雅》云∶兕似牛，犀似豕。郭璞注云∶兕一角，色青，重千斤。犀似水牛，三角，一在
顶上，一在额上，一在鼻上。鼻上者食角也（又名奴角），小而不椭。亦有一角者。刘恂《岭
表录异》云∶犀有二角，一角额上为兕犀，一在鼻上为胡帽犀。牯犀亦有二角，皆谓之毛犀，
而今人多传一角之说。此数种角俱有粟纹，观纹之粗细为贵贱。贵者有通天花纹，犀有此角
者，必自恶其影，常饮浊水，不欲照见也。绝品者有百物之形。或云犀之通天者乃其病，理
不可知也。角纹有倒插者，一半已下通；有正插者，一半已上通；有腰鼓插者，中断不通。
其类极多，故波斯呼象牙为白暗，犀角为黑暗，言难识也。犀中最大者堕罗犀，一株重七八
斤，云是牯犀额角。其花多作撒豆斑、色深者，堪作带胯；斑散色浅者，可作器皿耳。或云
兕乃犀之雌者，亦似水牛而青色，皮坚浓可以为铠，未知的否？唐医吴士皋言∶海人取犀，
先于山路多植朽木，如猪羊栈。其犀前脚直，常依木而息，烂木忽折，倒仆久不能起，因格
杀之。又云∶犀每岁一退角，必自埋于山中。海人潜作木角易之，再三不离其处。若直取之，
则后藏于别处，不可寻矣。
李 曰∶通天犀乃胎时见天上物过，形于角上，故曰通天。但于月下以水盆映之则知。
按∶《五溪记》云∶山犀食竹木，其小便即竟日不尽。夷獠以弓矢采之，名
《异物志》云∶山东海水中有牛，乐闻丝竹。彼人动乐，则牛出听，因而采之。有鼻角、顶
角，以鼻角为上。本草只知山犀，未见水犀。
宗 曰∶川犀、南犀纹细，乌犀有纹显露，黄犀纹绝少，皆不及西番者，纹高、两脚显
也。物象黄、外黑者为正透，物象黑、外黄者为倒透。盖以乌色为正，以形象肖物为贵。既
曰通犀，必须纹头显著，黄黑分明，有两脚润滑者为第一。
时珍曰∶犀出西番、南番、滇南、交州诸处。有山犀、水犀、兕犀三种，又有毛犀似之。
山犀居山林，人多得之；水犀出入水中，最为难得。并有二角，鼻角长而额角短。水犀皮有
珠甲，而山犀无之。兕犀即犀之 者，亦曰沙犀，只有一角在顶，纹理细腻，斑白分明，不
可入药。盖牯角纹大，而 角纹细也。洪武初，九真曾贡之，谓之独角犀，是矣。陈藏器谓
犀无水陆，郭璞谓犀有三角，苏颂谓毛犀为牯犀，皆出讹传，今并正之。毛犀即 牛也，见
本条。犀角纹如鱼子形，谓之粟纹。纹中有眼，谓之粟眼。黑中有黄花者为正透，黄中有黑
花者为倒透，花中复有花者为重透，并名通犀，乃上品也；花如椒豆斑者次之；乌犀纯黑无
花者为下品。其通天夜视有光者，名夜明犀，故能通神开水，飞禽走兽见之皆惊。又《山海
经》有白犀，白色；《开元遗事》有辟寒犀，其色如金，交趾所贡，冬月暖气袭人；《白孔六
帖》有辟暑犀，唐文宗得之，夏月能清暑气；《岭表录异》有辟尘犀，为簪梳带胯，尘不近
身；《杜阳编》有蠲忿犀，云为带，令人蠲去忿怒，此皆希世之珍，故附见之。
犀角（番名低密）
【修治】弘景曰∶入药惟雄犀生者为佳。若犀片及见成器物皆被蒸煮，不堪用。
颂曰∶凡犀入药有黑白二种，以黑者为胜，角尖又胜。生犀不独未经水火者，盖犀有捕
得杀取者为上，蜕角者次之。
宗 曰∶鹿取茸，犀取尖，其精锐之力尽在是也。以西番生犀磨服为佳，入汤、散则屑
之。
曰∶凡使，勿用奴犀、 犀、病水犀、挛子犀、无润犀。惟取乌黑肌皱、坼裂光润
者，锉屑，入臼杵，细研万匝乃用。
李 曰∶凡犀角锯成，当以薄纸裹于怀中蒸燥，乘热捣之，应手如粉。故《归田录》云∶
翡翠屑金，人气粉犀。
【气味】苦、酸、咸，寒，无毒。《别录》曰∶微寒。
李 曰∶大寒，无毒。甄权曰∶牯犀角，甘、辛，有小毒。
张元素曰∶苦、酸，寒，阳中之阴也。入阳明经。
之才曰∶松脂为之使。恶雷丸、 菌。
时珍曰∶升麻为之使。恶乌头、乌喙。
曰∶忌盐，及妊妇勿服，能消胎气。
【主治】百毒蛊疰，邪鬼瘴气，杀钩吻、鸩羽、蛇毒，除邪，不迷惑魇寐。久服轻身（《本
经》）。伤寒温疫，头痛寒热，诸毒瓦斯。令人骏健
热，散风毒，治发背痈疽疮肿，化脓作水，疗时疾，热如火，烦闷，毒入心中，狂言妄语（《药
性》）。治
主风毒攻心， 热闷，拥毒赤痢，小儿麸豆，风热惊痫（《
恶心痛，饮食中毒，药毒热毒，筋骨中风，心风烦闷，中风失音，皆瘥。以水磨服，治小儿
惊热。山犀、水犀，功用相同（孟诜）。磨汁，治吐血、衄血、下血，及伤寒畜血，发狂谵
语，发黄发斑，痘疮稠密，内热黑陷，或不结痂，泻肝凉心，清胃解毒（时珍）。
【发明】时珍曰∶犀角，犀之精灵所聚，足阳明药也。胃为水谷之海，饮食药物必先受
之，故犀角能解一切诸毒。五脏六腑，皆禀气于胃，风邪热毒，必先干之。故犀角能疗诸血，
及惊狂斑痘之证。《抱朴子》云∶犀食百草之毒，及众木之棘，所以能解毒。凡蛊毒之乡，
有饮食，以此角搅之，有毒则生白沫涌起，无毒则否。以之煮毒药，则无复毒势也。《北户
录》云∶凡中毒箭，以犀角刺疮中，立愈。由犀食百毒棘刺也。昔温峤过武昌牛渚矶，下多
怪物。峤然犀角照之，而水族见形。《淮南万毕术》云∶犀角
辟邪不惑，于此益可见矣。
【附方】旧六，新七。
钱。（《总录》）
中忤中恶鬼气∶其证或暮夜登厕，或出郊外，蓦然倒地，厥冷握拳，口鼻出清血，须臾
不救，似乎尸厥，但腹不鸣，心腹暖尔。勿移动，令人围绕，烧火打鼓，或烧苏合香、安息
香、麝香之类，候醒乃移动。用犀角五钱，麝香、朱砂各二钱五分，为末。每水调二钱服，
即效。（华佗方）
卧忽不寤∶若以火照之则杀人。但唾其面，痛啮其踵及大趾甲际，即活
即令不魇。（《肘后》）
小儿惊痫不知人，嚼舌仰目者∶犀角浓磨水服之，立效。为末亦可。（《广利方》）
痘疮稠密∶不拘大人小儿。生犀，于涩器中，新汲水磨浓汁，冷冻饮料服之。（《钱氏小儿
方》）
消毒解热∶生犀角尖，磨浓汁，频饮之。（同上）
服药过剂∶犀角烧末，水服方寸匕。（《外台》）
中毒烦困∶方同上。
食雉中毒∶吐下不止。用生犀角末方寸匕，新汲水调服，即瘥。（《圣惠方》）
蠼 尿疮∶状如茱萸，中央白脓，恶寒壮热。磨犀角汁涂之。（《千金方》）
瘭疽毒疮∶喜着十指，状如代指，根深至肌，能坏筋骨，毒瓦斯入脏杀人。宜烧铁烙之，
或灸百壮，日饮犀角汁取瘥。（《千金方》）
山岚瘴气∶犀角磨水服之，良。（《集简方》）
下痢鲜血∶犀角、地榆、生地黄各一两，为末，炼蜜丸弹子大。每服一丸，水一升，煎
五合，去滓温服。（《圣惠方》）
（《神农本草经》列为中品）
【释名】兕（sì，古代指雌犀或独角犀）。
李时珍说：犀字的篆书是象形字。它的名字叫兕，也叫沙犀。《尔雅翼》说：兕和犀的读音相近，就像牡牛叫牯一样。大体上犀和兕是同一种动物，古人多称兕，后人多称犀，只是南北称呼不同罢了。详见下文。《梵书》称犀为伽。
【集解】《名医别录》说：犀角出产于永昌山谷及益州。永昌，就是今天的云南南部。
陶弘景说：现在出产于武陵、交州、宁州等偏远山区。犀有两只角，以额头上的那只角为优。又有通天犀角，上面有一条白纹，笔直通到尖端，夜间露水沾不湿它，入药极其灵验。有人说这是水犀角，出产在水中。《汉书》所说的骇鸡犀，把米放在它旁边喂鸡，鸡都惊恐不敢啄食；把它放在屋顶上，乌鸦鸟儿也不敢栖息。还有毛犀，角非常长，纹理像犀牛角，但不能入药。
苏恭说：兕是雌犀，纹理细腻，黑白斑纹分明，俗称斑犀。服用以它为上品，入药不如雄犀好。
陈藏器说：犀牛没有水陆两种之分，只以精粗来区分。通天犀是头顶上的角，经过千年生长，又长又锐利，白色星点直达顶端，能出气通天，因此能通神、破水、惊鸡，所以叫通天。《抱朴子》说：用这种犀角刻成鱼形，衔着它入水，水不会浸湿它。
苏颂说：犀角，现在以南海出产的为上品，黔地、蜀地产出的次之。犀牛像水牛，猪头、大肚子、脚低矮。脚像大象，有三个蹄子。黑色。舌头上有刺，喜欢吃荆棘刺。皮上每个毛孔生三根毛，像野猪。有一角、两角、三角的。《尔雅》说：兕像牛，犀像猪。郭璞注解说：兕有一只角，青色，重千斤。犀像水牛，有三只角，一在顶上，一在额上，一在鼻上。鼻上的角是吃食的角（又名奴角），小且不椭圆。也有一角的。刘恂《岭表录异》说：犀有两只角，一只在额上叫兕犀，一只在鼻上叫胡帽犀。公犀也有两只角，都叫毛犀，而现在人多流传只有一只角的说法。这几种角都有粟米状的纹理，观察纹理的粗细来判断贵贱。珍贵的有通天花纹，有这种角的犀牛，一定厌恶自己的影子，常喝浑浊的水，不想照见自己。绝品的角上有百种动物的形状。有人说犀牛的通天角是它的病态，道理不可知。角纹有倒插的，一半以下贯通；有正插的，一半以上贯通；有腰鼓插的，中间中断不通。种类极多，所以波斯人把象牙叫白暗，犀角叫黑暗，意思是难以识别。犀牛中最大的是堕罗犀，一根重七八斤，说是公犀的额角。其花纹多呈撒豆斑状，颜色深的，可以做腰带扣；斑纹散开颜色浅的，可以做器皿。有人说兕是犀的雌性，也像水牛而呈青色，皮坚硬浓厚可以做铠甲，不知道是否属实？唐代医生吴士皋说：海人捕捉犀牛，先在山路旁多种植朽木，像猪羊圈一样。犀牛前腿直，常依靠木头休息，烂木头忽然折断，犀牛倒下很久不能起来，因此被格杀。又说：犀牛每年退一次角，一定自己埋在山中。海人偷偷做木角替换它，再三不离那个地方。如果直接取走，它就会藏在别处，再也找不到了。
李当之说：通天犀是因为胎儿时期看到天上物体经过，显现在角上，所以叫通天。只要在月光下用水盆映照它就能知道。
按：《五溪记》说：山犀吃竹木，它的小便整天流不尽。少数民族用弓箭采集它，名叫……
《异物志》说：山东海水中有一种牛，喜欢听丝竹音乐。人们演奏音乐，牛就出来听，趁机捕获它。有鼻角、顶角，以鼻角为上。本草只知道山犀，没见过水犀。
寇宗奭说：川犀、南犀纹理细，乌犀纹理显露，黄犀纹理极少，都比不上西番产的，西番犀纹理高、两脚明显。物象黄、外黑的是正透，物象黑、外黄的是倒透。大概以乌色为正，以形象肖似物体为贵。既然叫通犀，必须纹路头显著，黄黑分明，有两脚润滑的是第一等。
李时珍说：犀出产于西番、南番、滇南、交州等地。有山犀、水犀、兕犀三种，还有毛犀类似。山犀居住在山林，人多能得到；水犀出入水中，最为难得。都有两只角，鼻角长而额角短。水犀皮上有珠甲，而山犀没有。兕犀就是犀的雌性，也叫沙犀，只在头顶有一只角，纹理细腻，黑白斑纹分明，不能入药。因为公犀角纹大，而母犀角纹细。洪武初年，九真曾进贡过，称为独角犀，是对的。陈藏器说犀无水陆之分，郭璞说犀有三只角，苏颂说毛犀是公犀，都是讹传，现在一并纠正。毛犀就是野牛，见本条。犀角纹如鱼子形，叫粟纹。纹中有眼，叫粟眼。黑中有黄花的是正透，黄中有黑花的是倒透，花中复有花的是重透，都叫通犀，是上品；花如椒豆斑的是次品；乌犀纯黑无花的是下品。其通天犀夜间视物有光，叫夜明犀，所以能通神开水，飞禽走兽见到都惊恐。又《山海经》有白犀，白色；《开元遗事》有辟寒犀，颜色如金，交趾进贡，冬天暖气袭人；《白孔六帖》有辟暑犀，唐文宗得到它，夏天能清暑气；《岭表录异》有辟尘犀，做成簪梳带扣，灰尘不近身；《杜阳编》有蠲忿犀，说是做腰带，让人消除愤怒，这些都是世间罕见的珍宝，所以附在这里记载。
犀角（番语叫低密）
【修治】陶弘景说：入药只有生的雄犀角为佳。如果是犀片及现成的器物都被蒸煮过，不堪使用。
苏颂说：凡是犀角入药有黑白两种，以黑色的为胜，角尖又胜过其他部分。生犀不仅未经水火加工，而且犀牛被捕获杀死后取的为上品，蜕落的角次之。
寇宗奭说：鹿取鹿茸，犀取角尖，其精锐之力全在这里。以西番生的犀角磨粉服用为佳，入汤剂、散剂则锉成屑。
孟诜说：凡是用犀角，不要用奴犀、兕犀、病水犀、挛子犀、无润犀。只取乌黑肌皱、开裂光润的，锉成屑，放入臼中捣碎，细细研磨上万次才使用。
李当之说：凡犀角锯成后，应当用薄纸包裹放在怀中蒸燥，趁热捣碎，应手如粉。所以《归田录》说：翡翠能磨碎金子，人气能使犀角成粉。
【气味】苦、酸、咸，寒，无毒。《名医别录》说：微寒。
李当之说：大寒，无毒。甄权说：公犀角，甘、辛，有小毒。
张元素说：苦、酸，寒，属于阳中之阴。入阳明经。
徐之才说：松脂是它的引经药。畏雷丸、马勃。
李时珍说：升麻是它的引经药。畏乌头、乌喙。
孟诜说：忌盐，孕妇勿服，能消胎气。
【主治】百毒蛊疰，邪鬼瘴气，杀钩吻、鸩羽、蛇毒，除邪，不迷惑魇寐。久服轻身（《神农本草经》）。伤寒温疫，头痛寒热，诸毒瓦斯。令人骏健。清热，散风毒，治发背痈疽疮肿，化脓作水，疗时疾，热如火，烦闷，毒入心中，狂言妄语（《药性论》）。治风毒攻心，湿热闷，拥毒赤痢，小儿麸豆（痘疹），风热惊痫（《食疗本草》）。恶心痛，饮食中毒，药毒热毒，筋骨中风，心风烦闷，中风失音，都能治愈。用水磨服，治小儿惊热。山犀、水犀，功用相同（孟诜）。磨汁，治吐血、衄血、下血，及伤寒蓄血，发狂谵语，发黄发斑，痘疮稠密，内热黑陷，或不结痂，泻肝凉心，清胃解毒（李时珍）。
【发明】李时珍说：犀角是犀牛精灵聚集之处，是足阳明胃经的药。胃是水谷之海，饮食药物必先受之，所以犀角能解一切诸毒。五脏六腑，都禀受胃气，风邪热毒，必先侵犯它。所以犀角能疗各种血证，以及惊狂斑痘之证。《抱朴子》说：犀吃百草之毒，以及众木之棘，所以能解毒。凡是蛊毒之乡，有饮食，用此角搅动，有毒则生白沫涌起，无毒则不然。用它煮毒药，则不再有毒性。《北户录》说：凡是中毒箭，用犀角刺入疮中，立即痊愈。因为犀吃百毒棘刺。从前温峤经过武昌牛渚矶，下面多怪物。温峤点燃犀角照看，水族现出原形。《淮南万毕术》说：犀角辟邪不惑，从这里更可见一斑。
【附方】旧方六首，新方七首。
钱乙方。（《太平惠民和剂局方·总录》）
中忤中恶鬼气：症状或者是夜晚登厕所，或者是出郊外，突然倒地，四肢厥冷握拳，口鼻流出清血，片刻不救，似乎尸厥，但腹部不鸣响，心腹温暖而已。不要移动，让人围绕，烧火打鼓，或者烧苏合香、安息香、麝香之类，等醒了再移动。用犀角五钱，麝香、朱砂各二钱五分，研为末。每次用水调服二钱，即见效。（华佗方）
突然卧睡不醒：如果用火照它则会杀人。只要朝他脸上唾沫，用力咬他的脚后跟和大脚趾甲边缘，即可复活，立即不再做噩梦。（《肘后备急方》）
小儿惊痫不知人事，嚼舌仰目者：犀角浓磨水服用，立效。研为末也可以。（《广利方》）
痘疮稠密：不拘大人小孩。生犀，在涩器中，用新汲水磨浓汁，冷冻饮料服用。（《钱氏小儿方》）
消毒解热：生犀角尖，磨浓汁，频频饮用。（同上）
服药过量：犀角烧成末，水服一方寸匕。（《外台秘要》）
中毒烦困：方子同上。
吃野鸡中毒：吐泻不止。用生犀角末一方寸匕，新汲水调服，即愈。（《圣惠方》）
蠼蛄尿疮：形状像茱萸，中央有白脓，恶寒壮热。磨犀角汁涂敷。（《千金方》）
瘭疽毒疮：喜欢长在十指，形状像代指，根深至肌肉，能坏筋骨，毒瓦斯入脏杀人。宜烧铁烙之，或者灸百壮，每天饮犀角汁直到痊愈。（《千金方》）
山岚瘴气：犀角磨水服用，良效。（《集简方》）
下痢鲜血：犀角、地榆、生地黄各一两，研为末，炼蜜丸如弹子大。每次服一丸，水一升，煎至五合，去渣温服。（《圣惠方》）
(Ranked as Middle Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
**[Names]** Si (female rhinoceros or single-horned rhino).
Li Shizhen stated: The character "Xi" (Rhinoceros) is pictographic in seal script. Its name is "Si", also known as "Sha Xi" (Sandy Rhinoceros). *Erya Yi* states that the pronunciation of "Si" and "Xi" are similar, just as a male ox is called "Gu". Generally speaking, "Xi" and "Si" refer to the same animal; ancients mostly referred to it as "Si", while later generations mostly referred to it as "Xi", differing only by region. See below for details. The *Fan Shu* (Sanskrit Books) calls the rhinoceros "Jia".
**[Collection and Explanation]** *Bielu* states: Rhinoceros horn originates from the valleys of Yongchang and Yizhou. Yongchang corresponds to present-day southern Yunnan.
Tao Hongjing stated: Currently, they are produced in remote mountains of Wuling, Jiaozhou, and Ningzhou. The rhinoceros has two horns, with the one on the forehead being superior. There is also the "Tongtian Xi" (Heaven-Penetrating Rhinoceros) horn, which has a white streak running straight up to the tip, repelling night dew, and is extremely effective when used as medicine. Some say this is the water rhinoceros horn, produced in water. The "Haiji Xi" (Chicken-Frightening Rhinoceros) mentioned in the *Book of Han*: if rice is placed near it to feed chickens, the chickens are startled and dare not peck; if placed on a roof, birds dare not land. There is also the "Mao Xi" (Hairy Rhinoceros), whose horns are very long and textured like rhinoceros horn but cannot be used for medicine.
Su Gong stated: "Si" refers to the female rhinoceros. Its texture is fine and delicate, with distinct black and white spots, commonly known as "Ban Xi" (Spotted Rhinoceros). It is the best for consumption, but inferior to the male rhinoceros horn for medicinal use.
Chen Cangqi stated: There is no distinction between aquatic and terrestrial rhinoceroses; they are distinguished only by quality. The Tongtian horn is located on the top of the head. After thousands of years, it grows long and sharp, with white star-like patterns reaching the tip. It can emit qi to connect with heaven, thus capable of connecting with spirits, breaking through water, and frightening chickens, hence named "Tongtian". *Baopuzi* states: Carving this rhinoceros horn into a fish shape and holding it allows one to enter water without getting wet.
Su Song stated: Rhinoceros horn from the South Sea is considered the best, followed by those from Qian and Shu regions. The rhinoceros resembles a water buffalo, with a pig-like head, large belly, and low-set legs. Its feet resemble an elephant's, having three toes. It is black. Its tongue has spines, and it likes to eat thorny plants. Each pore on its skin produces three hairs, resembling a wild boar. There are species with one, two, or three horns. *Erya* states: "Si" resembles an ox, while "Xi" resembles a pig. Guo Pu's commentary notes: "Si" has one horn, is greenish-blue, and weighs a thousand jin. "Xi" resembles a water buffalo, has three horns: one on the crown, one on the forehead, and one on the nose. The nasal horn is used for eating (also called Nu Jiao), small and not oval. There are also single-horned varieties. Liu Xun's *Lingbiao Lu Yi* states: The rhinoceros has two horns; the frontal one is called "Si Xi", and the nasal one is called "Hu Mao Xi" (Turban Hat Rhinoceros). Male rhinoceroses also have two horns, both called "Mao Xi", though currently many people believe they have only one horn. All these types of horns possess millet-like patterns; their value is determined by the coarseness or fineness of the pattern. Precious ones have "Tongtian Hua" (Heaven-Penetrating Patterns); rhinoceroses with such horns hate their own shadows and often drink muddy water to avoid seeing themselves. The finest grade features patterns resembling hundred animals. Some claim the Tongtian horn is a pathological condition, but the reason is unknown. Horn patterns may be inverted insertion (connected below the midpoint), upright insertion (connected above the midpoint), or waist-drum insertion (interrupted in the middle). There are many varieties, so Persians call ivory "White An" and rhinoceros horn "Dark An," meaning they are hard to distinguish. The largest type is the "Duo Luo Xi," weighing seven or eight jin per horn, said to be the frontal horn of a male rhinoceros. Its patterns often resemble scattered bean spots; those with deep colors are suitable for belt buckles; those with scattered light colors are suitable for vessels. Some say "Si" is the female rhinoceros, resembling a water buffalo but greenish, with thick, hard skin usable for armor, though this is uncertain. Tang dynasty physician Wu Shigao stated: Sea hunters capture rhinoceroses by planting rotten wood along mountain paths, resembling pens for pigs or sheep. The rhinoceros rests against the wood with its straight front legs; when the rotten wood breaks, the rhinoceros falls and cannot rise quickly, allowing hunters to kill it. It is also said that rhinoceroses shed their horns annually and bury them in the mountains. Hunters secretly replace them with wooden horns. If taken directly, the rhinoceros will hide the real horn elsewhere, making it unrecoverable.
Li Dang stated: The Tongtian horn occurs because the fetus saw objects passing in the sky, imprinting them on the horn. This can be verified by reflecting it in a basin of water under the moonlight.
Note: *Wuxi Ji* states: Mountain rhinoceroses eat bamboo and wood; their urine flows continuously all day. Barbarians hunt them with bows and arrows, naming them...
*Yiwu Zhi* states: In the coastal waters of Shandong, there is an ox that enjoys listening to string and wind instruments. When people play music, the ox comes out to listen, allowing it to be captured. It has nasal and crown horns, with the nasal horn being superior. Materia Medica texts only know of mountain rhinoceroses, not water rhinoceroses.
Kou Zongshi stated: Sichuan and Southern rhinoceros horns have fine textures; Black Rhinoceros horns have visible textures; Yellow Rhinoceros horns rarely have textures. None compare to those from Western Fan (Tibet/Xiyu), which have raised textures and distinct hoof marks. "Zheng Tou" (Direct Penetration) refers to yellow imagery inside with black exterior; "Dao Tou" (Reverse Penetration) refers to black imagery inside with yellow exterior. Generally, black color is standard, and likeness to objects is prized. For "Tong Xi" (Penetrating Rhinoceros), the pattern tips must be prominent, with clear yellow and black separation and smooth hoof marks, which is the first grade.
Li Shizhen stated: Rhinoceroses originate from Western Fan, Southern Fan, Southern Yunnan, and Jiaozhou. There are three types: Mountain Rhinoceros, Water Rhinoceros, and Si Rhinoceros, plus the Hairy Rhinoceros which is similar. Mountain rhinoceroses live in forests and are commonly obtained; water rhinoceroses enter water and are rarest. Both have two horns, with the nasal horn longer than the frontal horn. Water rhinoceros skin has pearl-like scales, whereas mountain rhinoceros skin does not. The Si rhinoceros is the female of the species, also called Sha Xi, with only one horn on the crown, fine texture, and distinct black and white spots; it cannot be used for medicine because male horns have coarse patterns while female horns have fine patterns. In the early Hongwu era, Jiu Zhen paid tribute with what was called the Single-Horned Rhinoceros, which is correct. Chen Cangqi claimed there was no distinction between aquatic and terrestrial rhinoceroses; Guo Pu claimed they had three horns; Su Song claimed the Hairy Rhinoceros was the male; all these are erroneous traditions, now corrected. The Hairy Rhinoceros is the wild ox, see relevant entry. Rhinoceros horn patterns resembling fish roe are called "Su Wen" (Millet Pattern). Eyes within the patterns are called "Su Yan" (Millet Eye). Black with yellow flowers is Zheng Tou; yellow with black flowers is Dao Tou; flowers within flowers are Chong Tou. All are called Tong Xi and are premium grade; patterns resembling pepper bean spots are secondary; pure black Black Rhinoceros without patterns are inferior grade. Those that glow at night are called "Ye Ming Xi" (Night-Bright Rhinoceros), capable of penetrating spirits and water, frightening birds and beasts. Additionally, *Shan Hai Jing* mentions White Rhinoceros (white color); *Kaiyuan Yishi* mentions Bi Han Xi (Cold-Averting Rhinoceros), golden-colored, tributed from Jiaozhou, emitting warmth in winter; *Bai Kong Liutie* mentions Bi Shu Xi (Heat-Averting Rhinoceros), obtained by Emperor Wenzong of Tang, clearing summer heat; *Lingbiao Lu Yi* mentions Bi Chen Xi (Dust-Averting Rhinoceros), made into hairpins, combs, and belt buckles, keeping dust away; *Du Yang Bian* mentions Juan Fen Xi (Anger-Removing Rhinoceros), said to be made into belts to remove anger. These are all rare treasures, so they are appended here.
**Rhinoceros Horn** (Foreign name: Dimi)
**[Processing]** Tao Hongjing stated: Only raw, male rhinoceros horn is suitable for medicine. Slices or ready-made artifacts have been steamed or boiled and are unusable.
Su Song stated: Medicinal rhinoceros horns come in black and white varieties, with black being superior, and the horn tip being the best part. Raw horn refers not only to that untreated by fire or water but also implies that horn obtained from hunted/killed rhinoceroses is superior to shed horns.
Kou Zongshi stated: Deer antlers and rhinoceros horn tips contain the most potent energy. Grinding raw horn from Western Fan for oral administration is best; for decoctions and powders, it should be shaved into flakes.
Meng Shen stated: Do not use Nu Xi, Si Xi, diseased water rhinoceros horn, contracted horn, or dry horn. Select only those that are jet-black, wrinkled, cracked yet glossy. Shave into flakes, pound in a mortar, and grind finely ten thousand times before use.
Li Dang stated: After sawing rhinoceros horn, wrap it in thin paper and steam it in one's bosom to dry. While hot, pound it, and it turns to powder easily. Thus, *Guitian Lu* states: Emerald dusts gold; human body heat powders rhinoceros horn.
**[Flavor and Properties]** Bitter, sour, salty; Cold; Non-toxic. *Bielu* states: Slightly cold.
Li Dang stated: Greatly cold; non-toxic. Zhen Quan stated: Male rhinoceros horn is sweet, pungent; slightly toxic.
Zhang Yuansu stated: Bitter, sour; cold; Yin within Yang. Enters the Yangming Meridian.
Xu Zhicai stated: Resin of Pinus (Songzhi) acts as an assistant. Averse to Leiwan (Polyporus umbellatus) and Bobo (Lycoperdon).
Li Shizhen stated: Shengma (Cimicifuga) acts as an assistant. Averse to Wutou (Aconitum carmichaelii) and Wuhui (Aconitum kusnezoffii).
Meng Shen stated: Avoid salt. Pregnant women should not take it, as it can dissipate fetal qi.
**[Indications]** Treats hundred poisons, gu poisoning, evil ghosts, miasma; kills Gouwen (poisonous plant), Zhen feather (poisonous bird), snake venom; expels evil, prevents bewitchment and nightmares. Long-term use lightens the body (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats Shanghan (Cold Damage) and warm epidemics, headache, chills and fever, various toxic vapors. Makes one vigorous. Clears heat, disperses wind toxicity, treats back carbuncles, ulcers, sores, suppuration; treats epidemic diseases with intense heat, restlessness, toxin entering the heart causing delirium and rambling speech (*Yaoxing Lun*). Treats wind toxicity attacking the heart, damp-heat oppression, toxic dysentery with blood, infantile smallpox/measles, wind-heat convulsions (*Shiliao Bencao*). Treats nausea and pain, food poisoning, drug toxicity, heat toxicity, wind-stroke affecting sinews and bones, heart wind with restlessness, wind-stroke with loss of speech; all can be cured. Taken as a water-mixed paste, it treats infantile convulsive fever. Mountain and water rhinoceros horns have identical functions (Meng Shen). Mixed juice treats hematemesis, epistaxis, lower bleeding, Shanghan blood stasis, mania and delirium, jaundice and macules, dense smallpox, internal heat causing black depression of lesions, or failure to form scabs; purges liver, cools heart, clears stomach, detoxifies (Li Shizhen).
**[Elucidation]** Li Shizhen stated: Rhinoceros horn is the gathering place of the rhinoceros's spirit and is a herb for the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. The stomach is the sea of water and grain; food and drugs must first enter it. Therefore, rhinoceros horn can resolve all kinds of toxins. The five zang and six fu organs all receive qi from the stomach; wind pathogens and heat toxins must first attack it. Thus, rhinoceros horn treats various blood disorders and conditions like convulsions, mania, macules, and smallpox. *Baopuzi* states: The rhinoceros eats poisonous herbs and tree thorns, hence it can detoxify. In areas of gu poison, if food or drink is stirred with this horn, poison causes white foam to surge; if non-poisonous, nothing happens. Boiling poison with it neutralizes its toxicity. *Buhu Lu* states: For arrow poison wounds, stabbing the wound with rhinoceros horn cures it immediately. This is because the rhinoceros eats hundred poisons and thorns. Formerly, Wen Qiao passed Niuzhu Ji in Wuchang, where many monsters dwelled below. Wen Qiao lit the rhinoceros horn to illuminate, revealing the shapes of aquatic creatures. *Huainan Wabi Shu* states: Rhinoceros horn wards off evil and prevents confusion, further proving this.
**[Attached Prescriptions]** Six old prescriptions, seven new prescriptions.
Qian Yi Prescription (*Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang - Zonglu*):
Midway strike by evil ghost qi: Symptoms include suddenly collapsing after using the toilet at night or going to the suburbs, cold limbs, clenched fists, clear blood from mouth and nose. If not saved quickly, it resembles corpse rigidity, but the abdomen does not rumble, and the heart/abdomen remains warm. Do not move the patient. Have people surround, burn fire, beat drums, or burn Suhexiang (Styrax), Anxi Xiang (Benzoin), Shexiang (Musk), etc., until the patient wakes before moving. Use 5 qian of Rhinoceros Horn, 2.5 qian each of Musk and Cinnabar, powdered. Mix with water and take 2 qian per dose for immediate effect. (Hua Tuo Formula)
Sudden unresponsiveness during sleep: Do not shine fire on the face, as it kills. Saliva on the face, biting the heel and big toe nail bed vigorously revives them and prevents nightmares. (*Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*)
Infantile convulsions with loss of consciousness, tongue chewing, eyes rolling up: Take concentrated Rhinoceros Horn water mixture for immediate effect. Powder form is also acceptable. (*Guangli Fang*)
Dense smallpox: Regardless of age. Use raw Rhinoceros Horn, grind in a rough vessel with fresh water to make thick juice, drink chilled. (*Qian Shi Xiao Er Fang*)
Detoxify and clear heat: Grind the tip of raw Rhinoceros Horn into thick juice, drink frequently. (Same source)
Overdose of medication: Burn Rhinoceros Horn to ash/powder, take with water using a square-inch measure. (*Waitai Mi Yao*)
Poisoning with irritability and fatigue: Same formula as above.
Pheasant poisoning: Unremitting vomiting and diarrhea. Take 1 square-inch measure of raw Rhinoceros Horn powder, mixed with fresh water, cures immediately. (*Shenghui Fang*)
Quwugu urine sore: Shape like dogwood, white pus in center, aversion to cold with high fever. Apply Rhinoceros Horn juice. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Phagedenic ulcer/toxic sore: Prefers fingers, resembles dactylitis, deep roots affecting muscles, destroys sinews and bones, toxin enters viscera killing the patient. Moxa cauterization with iron or moxibustion (100 cones) is suitable; drink Rhinoceros Horn juice daily until cured. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Mountain miasma: Drink Rhinoceros Horn water. Effective. (*Jijian Fang*)
Dysentery with fresh blood: Rhinoceros Horn, Sanguisorba Radix (Diyu), Rehmanniae Radix Recens (Sheng Dihuang), each 1 liang. Powdered, honey-pilled to size of bullet. Take one pill, decoct in 1 sheng of water until 5 he remain, strain, take warm. (*Shenghui Fang*)