Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kangxi Strokes: 14 Page 1304, Entry 21 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun): Pronounced quan (level tone). Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and Rhyme Collection (Yunhui): Pronounced quan (level tone). Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen): A balance. Broad Rhymes (Guangyun): To weigh, to sequence, to measure. Approaching Elegance (Erya), Explanation of Words: To weigh. Commentary: This refers to weighing the lightness or heaviness of objects. History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), Biography of Wang Mang: To examine and measure using a balance. Annotation: A balance is a weighing scale. Jade Treasury (Yupian): A tool for leveling wood. Three Quan (Selection Systems): Tang Six Codes (Tang Liudian): The Ministry of Personnel utilized the Three Quan system. The Minister of Personnel oversaw one, known as the Minister's Quan. The Vice Ministers divided the remaining two, known as the Central Quan and the Eastern Quan. Talents were selected based on four criteria: physical presence, speech, calligraphy, and legal judgment. They were observed according to three categories: virtue, talent, and meritorious service. Generally, for those outside the regular civil service rankings, or those recommended by the Ministry of War or the Ministry of Rites, the department directors held independent authority, known as Small Selection. Annotation: The Minister held authority over the selection of officials rank seven and above; the Vice Ministers held authority over those rank eight and below. A surname. The Han dynasty Colonel for Pacifying the Qiang, Quan Zheng. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Also written in a variant form (quán). Zhuangzi, External Things: People of limited talent and persuasive speech. Annotation: To evaluate and measure the character of people. Also written in a variant form (quán).