Shen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Insect (chóng). Character: Ran. Kangxi stroke count: 10. Page 1078, Entry 23. Pronounced ran (rising tone). As defined in the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to a large snake that is edible. According to the Augmented Records (Piya), the ran snake has a rounded tail without scales, and its body is covered in patterns resembling dark, antique brocade. It is similar to a Yangtze alligator and often keeps its head low while crawling on the ground. The position of its gallbladder changes according to the lunar date: in the first ten days of the month, it is located near the head; in the middle ten days, it is near the heart; and in the last ten days, it is near the tail. Records of Southern Viet (Nanyue Zhi) states that some ran snakes have fangs five to six inches long, which the local people highly value. According to Records of Strange Tales (Shuyi Ji), when the sister-in-law of Yan Han during the Jin dynasty fell ill, she required a ran snake gallbladder for treatment, but none could be found. Suddenly, a young boy appeared carrying a green bag, which he gave to Yan Han, saying: This is a genuine ran snake gallbladder. In On Nourishing Life (Yang Sheng Lun) by Ji Kang, it is noted that the ran snake is considered a precious item in the Yue region. The History of Tang (Tangshu), Geography Treatise, lists turtle shells and ran snakes among the local tributes from Guangzhou. It also refers to the names of minority groups in the southern regions. According to the commentary by Pei Songzhi on the History of Wei (Weizhi), the descendants of Panhu are sometimes referred to as the Ran clan. Additionally, pronounced gan (level tone), with the same meaning. Also pronounced gua, used to describe the appearance of a wild beast sticking out its tongue.