30 BOTANICON SINICUM. 
use them, they are harmless. If you wish to have the body light, 
to improve the breath, to live to an old age, without growing old, — 
make use of these drugs of the first class. 
Amongst the drugs of the first class are reckoned : 
Ginseng, Rad. Nelumbii speciosi, Euryale ferox (semina), Jujubes, Oranges, Jobs- — 
ters, Duoscorea, Benineasa cerifera, Amaranthus Blitum, Capsella bursa pastoris, — 
Sonchus arvensis, Cannabis sativa, Ulmus pumila (bark eaten as food), Pachyma — 
pinetorum, Mushrooms, Cassia birk, Liquorice, Rehmannia glutinosa, Kochia scoparia, : 
Tribulus terrestris, Kadsura, Alisma pluntago, Acorus, Typha, Plantago, etc. 
There are 120 sorts of drugs of the second class, which are 
considered to perform the functions of Fi ch‘en or Ministers. 
They support human nature, and thereby resemble man. Some of 
these drugs are harmless; others are poisonous. They ought to 
be used with discretion. 
If you wish to lessen the violence of diseases and re-establish — 
decayed strength, use the second class of drugs. 
Amongst the drugs of the second class we find : Ginger, Paeonia Moutan, Paeonia — 
albiflora, Lilium tigrinum, Xanthium strumarium, Gentiana, Polypodium Barometz, 
Niphobolus Lingua, Zanthoxylon, Trichosanthes, Thladiuntha dubia, Lemna, ete. 
There are 125 sorts of drugs of the third class which are — 
considered to perform the functions of {4 tso, Assistants and 
fe shi, Agents. ‘They cure diseases, and thereby resemble earth. 
hey are very poisonous and ought not to be used continuously. 
Tf you wish to drive out cold or heat trom the body, or to correct 
the breath, or to open obstructions, or to heal diseases, use the 
drugs of this class. 
Among the drugs of the third class are reckoned: Rheum palmatum, Phytolacca 
acinosa, several species of Euphorbia, Aconite, Veratrum Rhododendron, Croton, Peach 
kernels. 
The drugs of these three classes make in all 865, corresponding 
in number to the number of degrees of the zodiac; each degree 
answering to one day of the year. . 
It does not come within the province of our investigations to ; 
translate the whole chapter which explains the system of that — 
primeval Emperor regarding the qualities and efficacy of medi- — 
cines, and illustrates the views entertained up to this time on the 
subject in China. A translation of the greater portion of this q 
curious document will be found in Du Halde’s la Chine III 444«9 
452, and also in Bridgman’s Chin. Chrestomathy 508 sq. (trans- 
lated by Dr. W. Williams). ‘ 
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