Authors examine ancient and medieval Chinese literature dealing with processes of making white lead and compare them with those processes known in Europe. White lead is chemically either 2PbCO₃ . Pb(OH)₂ or Pb₃(OH)₂(CO₃)₂ </sub>. The oldest commercial process in Europe, known as the old Dutch process or Dutch stack process, is described. <i>Hu</i> powder is described in a Ming Dynasty technical book, <i>Tien Kung Kai Wu</i>, dating from 1637. The <i>Pen Tshao Kang Mu</i> (1596) describes production of <i>Fen hsi</i>, the toxicity of which is noted in regard to workers. <i>Fan Tzu Chi Jan</i> documents the production of a white powder from metallic lead. Processes described in Theophrastus, Pliny, and Galen are reviewed. The vinegar process is not likely to have originated in the East.