The book “The New Theory of Medicine” praises a type of drug known as “Five Stone Powder.” According to records, it has miraculous effects not only in curing diseases but also in making people feel unusually happy.
How Fearsome was the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang?
In fact, in ancient times, countless famous individuals died from this type of Five Stone Powder. The harm caused by this drug is truly terrifying.
In 1965, archaeologists accidentally discovered an ancient tomb from the Eastern Jin dynasty at Ren Dai Mountain, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. After detailed investigation and comparison with historical documents, they confirmed that it was a tomb from the Eastern Jin dynasty.
Illustration of Five Stone Powder. (Photo: Sohu)
Besides gold and precious jewels, a shared tomb drew everyone’s attention. Through the inscriptions on the stele, experts identified it as the tomb of the noblewoman Wang Danhu. However, there were also many other coffins scattered throughout, making it difficult to confirm the identities of the remaining individuals.
While searching for the remaining remains, the archaeological team found a regular box in the corner of the tomb. However, as they could not hastily open this artifact outdoors, they decided to return to the research lab.
Upon opening it, experts discovered hundreds of small brown clay balls inside. After laboratory testing, it was found that its composition contained a significant amount of realgar, earthworms, and alum… It can be concluded that this was the remaining Five Stone Powder.
Five Stone Powder is also known as “Cold Food Powder.” This drug is clearly recorded in the book “Treatise on Fever Diseases” and other ailments by Zhang Zhongjing. Its primary purpose is to treat fever and typhoid.
However, later, the formula was adjusted. The main components were changed to gypsum, amethyst, quartz, sulfur, and ruby. This modified drug was dubbed the “precursor” of opium.
The history of the formation and development of Five Stone Powder is relatively long. It existed before the Eastern Jin dynasty and was invented by alchemists. Their main goal was to seek immortality or eternal youth.
The Mystery of the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang
It is said that Qin Shi Huang once tried Five Stone Powder. During the Han dynasty, ancient people discovered ancient prescriptions for improvement and began to refine minerals like gold and stone… When these substances reacted and evaporated, the resulting crystallization would become medicine.
Later, Five Stone Powder was gradually developed into a type of medicine against “depression.” Many records indicate that some individuals, after using it, suddenly felt unusually happy and experienced hallucinations. However, at that time, the awareness of ancient people was not clear, so they did not realize this was a “deadly” drug.
