The Baopuzi 抱朴子 written by Ge Hong

Baopuzi, written by Ge Hong of the Western Jin Dynasty, is a pivotal work in the history of Chinese alchemy that connects the past and the future. Among Ge Hong's numerous works, Baopuzi is one of his representative works that has survived to this day. The book consists of two parts: the Neipian (Inner Chapters) with 20 volumes and the Waipian (Outer Chapters) with 50 volumes.

The Neipian mainly discusses the theories and alchemical methods of the immortality cult that had existed since the Warring States period, and expounds Ge Hong's insights and practices regarding the art of longevity. It is an early and relatively complete work on alchemy extant in China. The Waipian, on the other hand, is a political treatise expressing Ge Hong's social and political propositions and thoughts. The scientific history community attaches greater importance to the Neipian.

Baopuzi emphasizes that one cannot merely practice esoteric techniques and retreat to mountain forests. To become an immortal, one must both withdraw from the world and engage with it.

The Neipian includes chapters such as Changxuan (Elucidating the Mystery), Lunxian (On Immortals), Duisu (Dialogues with the Mundane), Jindan (Golden Elixir), Zhil (The Ultimate Principle), Weizhi (Subtle Significance), Sainan (Answering Difficulties), Shizhi (Removing Obstacles), Daoyi (The Meaning of Dao), Mingben (Clarifying the Origin), Xianyao (Immortal Medicines), Bianwen (Discriminating Inquiries), Jiyan (Uttering the Extremes), Qinqiu (Diligent Pursuit), Zaying (Miscellaneous Responses), Huangbai (Gold and Silver), Dengshe (Ascents and Crossings), Dizhen (Earthly Truth), Xialan (Far-Reaching Visions), and Quhuo (Dispelling Delusions). The Waipian contains 50 volumes including Xidun (Pleasure in Seclusion), Yimin (Hermits), Xuexue (Encouraging Learning), Chongjiao (Exalting Education), Jundao (The Way of Rulers), Chenjie (The Conduct of Ministers), Lianggui (Good Principles), and Shinan (Difficulties of the Times).