The rediscovery of the Shang began with the discovery of strange inscriptions that resembling Chinese on turtle plastrons. Wang Yirong, an expert in ancient Chinese texts, sent his pharmacist for turtle plastron for his sick family member. Unknowingly, one of the members discovered inscriptions on them before they were sent for grounding. These bones speak of tragedy and childbirth of nobles to the communal. Descriptions of sacrifices, both human and animal, signs of natural forces, brief statements and alliances with foreign tribes are inscribed on. David N Keightley explained that diviners would use the bones to predict an event. Materials are cleaned, thinned and by drilling notches at its back. Then applying a hot object, the surface would crack representing a voice from another world. The king would then interpret the crack carving it onto the object, with an original divination statement. The oracle bones also refer to persons who appeared in traditional historical texts, proving ancient myths.