[Investigation on the evolution of the titles of zhen zhu (cinnabar) and zhen zhu (pearl) and its confusion, ancient and modern].

There used to be confusion since ancient time on both zhen zhus. They are two different materials, different from their original materials, nomenclature and dates of their medicinal application. Based on ancient formularies, the two "zhen zhu" were confusedly used to a great extent. The causes of such confusion lie on their exactly identical Chinese pronunciation and the evolution of the Chinese writing characters; both also share some similar functions; and the confusion as recorded by herbological works of successive ages. There are also such confusion in modern books of pharmacy. Points for differentiation of both and conclusion are given here.