Illustration of stalactite water fromShiwubencao(Materia dietetica), a dietetic herbal in four volumes dating from the Ming period (1368-1644). The identity of the author and artists is unknown. It contains entries on over 300 medicinal substances and is illustrated by almost 500 paintings in colour.This illustration is headedquanxue shui-- spring-cave water; however the corresponding entry in the text refers toruxue shui, i.e water from a limestone cave with stalactites (shizhongru). The illustration shows a spring gushing from a cave containing stalactites. The water is being collected by a man who holds a bowl in his left hand and a scoop in his right hand.The text states: Stalactite-cave water is heavier than other kinds of water. When it is boiled, salt particles appear on the surface. Stalactite-cave water is sweet in sapor and non-poisonous. Drinking stalactite-cave water can make one sturdy and healthy and help preserve a handsome youthful appearance. It has similar medicinal properties to human milk [Translator's note: the lexemeruinruxue shui --stalactite-cave water -- is a homonym ofru,milk]. It is extremely beneficial to the health to use stalactite-cave water for cooking and liquor making. Fish raised in stalactite-cave water have healthy-giving and tonic properties when eaten.
Painting