Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Page 1306, Entry 15 Pronounced xiao. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to melting metal. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Annals of Qin Shi Huang: Collected the weapons of the world, gathered them at Xianyang, and melted them to cast bells and stands. It also refers to dissipating or consuming. History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qianhan Shu), Biography of Zou Yang: Accumulated slanders are enough to melt away bones. Wang Bo, Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng: The rainbow disperses, and the rain clears. Du Fu, Poetry: The bronze bell roars in the frosty sky, and the candle burns down amidst the shadows of flowers. Record of Music (Yueji) in the Book of Rites (Liji): If ritual is simplified but not advanced, it will decline. Commentary: Xiao is pronounced xiao. It means that if it cannot move forward on its own, the way of ritual will decay. Zhuangzi, Zeyang Chapter: Its voice is faint and weak. Commentary: Xiao is pronounced xiao. It means fine or minute. Zhang Xie, Seven Commands: Melted iron (xiao) is superior to the Yangtou brand. Commentary: Xiao refers to pig iron. Huainanzi, Cultivating Tasks (Xiuwu Xun): The iron (xiao) of Yangtou. Commentary: The iron (xiao) of Yangtou refers to the Baiyangzi knife. Also used as a surname. Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing): Emperor Hong gave birth to the White People, and among the White People there is the Xiao surname. According to the Explanation of Names (Shiming), a spade may also be called a xiao. Xiao is equivalent to the word for paring. It refers to that which can pierce, shave, or cut. Huainanzi, Customs of Qi (Qi Su Xun): Chisels, gouges, and saws (xiao). Commentary: Xiao is pronounced xiao. Also used interchangeably with the word for dissipate (xiao). Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Winter Official, Record of Trades (Kaogongji), Li Clan’s Manufacture of Measures: To repeatedly refine the essence of metal and tin so it does not waste away. Commentary: Refers to smelting the essence of metal so that it no longer decreases.