小鬼头刁恶异常，我自能逐渐消磨，有如凌迟碎剐，以报其恶，将来连鬼亦不能成，尚欲何往耶?此鬼凡三变，七月以前居然文人，七月以后竟是恶人，遇予以后又似小人。予亲至弟家，将所作诗文、所供牌位-齐烧毁，嘱弟恐吓之言固不可听，哀怜之语亦不可听，总以不动心为主。伊千方百计欲动弟心，弟心动则可借气，心不动则伊不能借气，不能借人之气，鬼气自易消磨，听而不闻乃不动心之要着也。一月之中，予与弟同卧起，不时开导，加以药力，鬼气渐下不至心胸，语音渐飘不在耳底，而眠则无日不安也。九月二十日外赴清江，半月回镇，看弟光景未见大好，据云鬼见兄出门大为欢喜，以为此番准可要弟之命，在腹中颇不安静，因兄前有不去将针之言，闻有包姓针科请来用针，鬼将气拱在中腹，包姓即拱处一针，拔针之后觉气外泄，而鬼并未去，反行得意，夜间渐不安眠，精神渐觉恍惚矣。予默思治鬼原有针法，书所谓十三鬼穴一齐针是也。但此鬼已与人合而为一不能用针，前言不过恐吓之耳。不意弟不解而妄请针科，包姓又不解而妄用针法，所针又非鬼穴反为鬼所戏弄，致伤正气，正气虚则鬼气旺，所以又将作祟也。幸我早回，尚无大害，惟此故不能与弟直言，弟知即鬼知也。因慰之曰：包姓本不善针，而此鬼伎俩有限，亦无须用针大法，今我已回无虑也。弟言鬼见兄回，亦甚惧怯，现在此报怨命运不好，无生理矣。予曰：此无耻之魍魉，不必睬他。复将弟邀住家中，仍同卧起如前，调治二十日后，鬼气渐由中腹下至少腹，语音更远而低，且不成文，意欲拱腹无力而止，初时每大解后鬼必拱闹，正气稍虚也。两月余以来转觉大解后腹中稍快，鬼气渐消也。弟亦知鬼无能为，欲回家去住，予知无反覆，听其自便，惟丸药尚逐日令服，嘱全无而后已。弟回家后亦二十余日，而后影响全无，真如凌迟碎剐，鬼不成鬼也。所服煎方不外乎气血两补兼以定魄安魂，服丸方则生熟黄精、龙骨、龙齿、虎骨、鹿胆、犀角、羚角、琥珀、朱砂，诸多宝贵灵通之品，镇心辟邪，外加桃奴、箭羽、雷丸、雄黄杀鬼之药，又以羊肉汤和丸，因鬼系教门，投其所好，又借腥膻之气以散鬼气。知弟病者鲜不以为万无痊理，乃竟为予治愈，一时以为大奇。然此病固非予不能治，非弟素不好色不能治，而非亲兄弟而甚相好者不能治，不然徒知用药，而无千万言讲说之功，与数十日同住之久，亦安能获效哉。究其受惑之原由扶乩而起，今之以扶乩惑人者甚多，能毋闻之而警惧乎。鬼之挪揄兰如，刁诈百出，变幻无穷，不能备述，此不过纪其大略而已。
刘松亭患疟转痢治效刘松亭清江浦知名之士也，年将七旬，夏患暑疟，寒轻热重，医者朱某亦清江之翘楚，清扛风气爱用大黄，不论风寒时邪，见热不退即行加用。朱某未免稍染习气，见刘公热重，即加大黄两剂，后遂变为痢，红多白少，里急后重，一夜二十余遍，年老之人又属疟后，委顿不堪。知予在浦，延请斟酌，予至见朱某业已定方，仍以大黄为主，予曰：痢疾滞下，大黄原在所当用，但此症非本来痢疾，乃疟变为痢，少阳热邪陷入太阴，在书为逆，若再攻下，恐脾气大虚，又属高年有下陷之虑，书称和血则便自愈，调气则后重除，似宜以此为主，兼用喻西昌逆挽之法，使邪气仍从少阳而去，庶为平稳。朱某亦以为然。嘱予立方，予用当归八钱、白芍八钱、甘草八分以和血也，加红糖炒查肉三钱、木香五分、广皮八分以调气也，加川连五分、黄芩八分以清热也；外加柴胡二钱，以提邪出少阳，一服而大解通畅，滞下全无，再服而红白皆净，其家疑复作疟，而疟竟不来，盖皆化去矣。此方治虚人痢疾最宜，予屡获效，然非重用归芍不可。闻清江药铺见用归、芍至八钱以为奇，夫用大黄至一二两不以为奇，而用归、芍至八钱则以为奇，此邦之人狃于积习，良可慨也。
浒关顾某治效道光九年予应浒关黄拙安之召，有顾某因与人忿争，忽然直立不能卧，诸医罔效，恳予诊治。予一见曰：此肝叶倒竖也，伊家惊问肝倒转来还能治耶?予笑曰：病患不能识，既识之易易耳。用小温胆汤加龙胆草，再加金器同煎，另以猪胆一个悬高梁上开一小窍，令胆汁滴下，将火炉药铣对准，使滴滴俱归中，俟汁滴尽药亦煎熟，一服而愈。举家以为大奇，嗣有关医虚心者，特向予请教，以为先生治法可谓奇效，但案云肝叶倒竖，而所用药品皆入胆经何也?应之曰：此安甲和乙法也。肝为乙木，胆为甲木，胆在肝叶之下，肝之庇荫若母子然，凡肝气上逆未有不胆气随之者，故平肝不及，不如安胆。譬如母携子出，与人作闹，劝母不依，姑以饼饵骗令小儿欲归，其母因爱子之故，亦只得息怒而去。且夫肝为将军之官，谋虑出焉；胆为中正之官，决断出焉；经以十一脏皆取决于胆，而肝尤取决于胆者也，故安甲木即所以和乙木也。关医闻之拜服而去。
丹徒县吴晴椒内治效杭州进士吴晴椒宰丹徒，其夫人忽得异疾，每于梳头后胸乳间发紫斑，心中难过之至，约一二时许斑消心定，十余日不愈。乃请予诊，予问何不早梳头?曰：早梳亦然?何不迟梳头?曰：迟梳亦然。会迟至申酉梳头亦无不然，第惟不梳头耳。诊其脉皆沉象，两关按之则左弦数而右滑数，予曰：此脾气也，而兼乎肝。左沉弦而数者，肝气郁而肝阴亏也；右沉滑而数者，脾气郁而湿热不宣也。夫脾主健运，肝主条达，今皆以郁故土受木制，湿热亦郁于脾而不化。脾主四肢，梳头则两手皆举，而脾气上升，湿热随之而升，故心胃之部外则发斑，内则难过，梳头之后手下垂，而脾气亦下，湿热仍归于脾，不复上扰，故病象暂退，而根未拔也。所幸湿热不重，只须和其肝脾，开其郁结，透其湿热，病自退矣。予进以补阴益气煎，以熟地平肝，以山药健脾，以柴胡疏肝，以升麻苏脾，以陈皮、甘草、当归调和其中，一服而愈，再进二服以善后，永不发矣。
谢蕉石先生间日不寐治效附戴六兄治效谢蕉石先生江西人，原任开归道现扬州安定书院掌教，其人胆怯多疑。适虞运司有七情郁结之病而爱吃热药，扬医郑姓尽以桂附投之，镇江府学司训陈君更加石琉黄丸，以致脏腑烧烂，大便下血如烂鱼肠，犹不肯稍服养阴而死。蕉石先生素所交好，因此伤怀，转生疑惧，忽然间日不寐，不寐之日，夜固难过，而昼亦各病丛生，如头晕头痛，腰疼腿疼，心跳肉晌，腹胀痛等症，或来或去，变幻无穷，惟得寐之日较为安静。扬医无能治之者，先生更加惶惧，延一张医字学林留住斋中，日夜医治，毫无效验，而病象更多，精神日减，隔江延予。即予初亦不解，不过育心宁心等药，亦无甚效。三日后予细想病情，审视脉象，不觉恍然大悟，盖其脉象三日以来大小疏数不能一致，有似邪脉，而察其神情并无外来邪祟，必三尸为之也。盖尝考之三尸，或称三彭，上尸彭琚住泥丸宫，中尸彭质住膻中，下尸彭矫住脐下丹田，三尸喜人为恶，不喜人为善，修炼家必斩三尸而后得道。然能斩之者何人，修炼反成疯魔，皆三尸为之也。至于人之运用，总在一心，夜寐则神静心藏，何反多梦，亦三尸为之也。人有隐瞒之事不肯告人，而梦中反自说出者，三尸喜揭人之恶也。夫心为君主之官，胆为中正之官，如果心正胆壮，三尸亦可安静。若心虚胆怯，疑惧环生，则三尸从中侮弄，病情愈出而愈奇，俗所谓疑心生暗鬼者实常有之，不必外来之鬼，大约即三尸耳。三尸谓之虫，又谓之神，极其灵异，虽守庚申者不能斩也。今蕉石先生心胆本虚，又生疑惧，故三尸得间之作祟。此非治三尸虫不可，但用药不与病人知，病人知之，则三尸虫知之，二竖之技量可畏也。于是与四少君细剖其理，嘱以开方，勿与尊人看阅，症始可治。少君有难色，谓家君不独阅方，且时本对草，焉肯不看方药?即另立药方，家君常常服药，稍有异味，要追究奈何?予思方不与阅不可，药全与知不可，好在先生有性命之忧，而十分信予，当可进言。因于进诊时谓之曰：大人此症调治良难，然能不究方药，则予煎方外外另有丸方，可保一服即效。若大人必知何药，则药必不灵，予技已穷，只好告辞。先生因予言激烈，只得答应。予因另开丸方，皆杀三尸虫之药，加以宝贵镇邪宁心之品，是晚正值不寐之期，以二煎汤药下丸药三钱，居然一夜安眠，从此以后无夜不寐，精神如旧，二十日来并无反覆。予即告辞归里，蕉石先生云：病已痊好，不敢屈留，但早晚必得一人看脉才可放心，并愿送银一两在此过夜，当请何人?予对曰：府上本有张先生住此，何不仍请伊来。张医脉理颇好，时运未通，一两一宿，必然情愿，好在无须伊另用药也。于是将张学林请来，予告之曰：大人此症甚奇，予幸猜着，特荐先生来此，万勿更方，先生住此，大人全愈，即算先生看好，亦可得名，不与先生争功也。伊似甚感佩，再三问予究系何症，丸方何药，予如不告，恐其多心，因大略告之曰；此因疑生虫，不过用杀虫之品，加朱砂、琥珀以宁心育神耳。但治法药不与病人知，幸勿说破。次日予即辞归，乃七八日又专差过江说病已反，逼予到扬，予至谢府，先晤四少君，问病何故忽反?少君曰：此张先生之害也。家君本时访丸方为何药，总对以冠仙先生不知在何处合来，实在不知。乃张先生来，家君再三盘问，伊即言略知一二，大抵朱砂、琥珀之类，家君即将予唤进大声呼斥，谓予明知不言，朱砂如何吃得，人家以毒药杀汝父，汝亦不吉耶。从此以后不吃丸药，仍间日不寐，诸病丛生。张先生无法可施，只得又来奉请。予闻之，亦着急之至，进见蕉石，即恳予曰：先生救我。予曰：予前本救大人，不敢毒杀大人也。病已愈二十日予始辞归，予之治法，本嘱大人不问药始有效，奈大人多疑，必访何药，张医不知医理，告知大人，因此不服丸药，除此之外，尚有何法耶?大人曰：吾今再吃丸药如何?予曰：再吃亦断无效也。是夜正当不寝，大人嘱煎药人加丸药三钱在内，临卧服之，依然不寐，次日难过异常，吃饭时忽请予进内，谓予曰：先生看我如何?时二月初春寒不减，大人重裘皆大毛也，乃忽皆脱去，止穿丝绵小袄，而大汗如雨，将小袄湿透胸膛坦开热气腾腾，据云近日每饭必然大汗，今日仅吃饭一口而汗即如此，直截不能吃饭，奈何先生务要救我。予想三尸虫因知昨晚药内有制他之药，故更幻出此象也。予因此转得灵机，因慰之曰，不必过急，容予思之。盖汗虽心之液，而饮食时多出于胃，蕉石性多偏好，其饮食非极热者不吃，其胃本有积热，三尸故得借此作祟，今借治胃热，暗加一治三尸之药，假设其词，使病人知其药而不知其用，三尸虽灵同二竖，亦不知所避也。少间谓之曰：大人不寐之症尚可缓治，而此大汗倒甚可畏，急须挽救，不然恐汗脱也。伊本心虚胆怯，闻此急求治汗。予曰：大人果然顾命，从此饮食不可过热，而胃中积热已多，必须重用芦根带凉带通，汗可渐少；但芦根必须常服，而其性颇凉，恐服之又生泄泻，必须更得一药可制芦根，不至泄泻。如二术健脾可制泄泻，而未免过燥，与芦根不合。再四思维，止有黄精一味，脾肾双补，可与芦根合用，不改其清凉之性，而又可不至泄泻也。蕉石即要本草来看，予即将本草赞黄精功用处指点与看，而内有杀三尸虫一语，伊本不留心，而予不等看完即令拿去。伊怕出汗，即令速买二味，芦根二两，黄精三钱，当晚与服，是晚吃饭亦即无汗，是日本当寐之期，夜固安静，明日当不寐之期仍服二味，汗既不出，夜得安眠，从此煎方，以二味为引，夜夜安眠，诸病皆无。予屡告归，伊家款留不放，直至一月后始得旋里。四少君问予前丸方何以无黄精?予告之曰：此用药之道也。此等怪症实不经见，予精思而得之，所用丸药十数味，多方以治之，以为当可有效，尚留一二，以为后图，设使竟用完了，后被张医说破，岂不束手无策耶!此道光十六年事也。越十五年，咸丰元年，又有戴六兄之症。戴六兄字槐卿，素亦心虚胆怯，偶住场下空房独宿，颇生疑惧，忽觉背心微寒，渐觉周身怯寒，因而睡去，似入黑暗地狱中，绳捆索绑，难过异常，欲喊不能出声，欲动如石压住，恶境多端，不能细述，夫来必待有人来带推带喊，得以醒来，如出苦海。次日另移卧地，而恶梦依然，从此神情恍惚，饮食不甘，睡则恶梦难受，或炎热时盖薄被犹嫌凉，或夜回凉不盖被犹嫌热，或夜间大笑，或白日大笑，不笑时间之，彼并不知。由场下回扬，觅一汪医诊视，与以归脾汤宜乎合式，乃二三剂后，觉心忽然落下，自觉有声，从此五日不寐，全非归脾汤之故。只得过江觅医，先就蒋医某诊，蒋以为阳虚用桂附等药，正值长夏炎热非常，伊不敢服，转就予诊。予诊其脉，大小疏数不一，知是三尸虫，因疑惧而作祟，与蕉石先生同。因告之曰：此症非寒非热，奇幻百出，医家鲜能知之者，兄既遇我，可保必愈，但必不看药方，如看药方，予断不治。伊素知予，深信不疑，所有药方，命伊子来取，予见面即于补胆养心药中加以黄精，嘱临卧服，即得安眠，不做恶梦。
小鬼头极其刁钻凶恶，我自然能逐渐消磨它的邪气，就像凌迟碎剐一样，以报复它的恶行，将来连鬼都做不成了，它还想去哪里呢？这个鬼经历了三次变化，七月之前居然像个文人，七月之后竟然变成恶人，遇到我之后又像是个小人。我亲自到弟弟家，将他所作的诗文、供奉的牌位全部烧毁，嘱咐弟弟：恐吓的话固然不要听，哀怜的话语也不要听，总要以不动心为主。它千方百计想要动摇弟弟的心，弟弟心动了就可以被它借走正气，心若不动，它就无法借气；不能借人之气，鬼气自然容易消磨，听而不闻是不动心的关键所在。一个月中，我和弟弟同起同卧，不时开导他，加上药物的力量，鬼气逐渐下降，不再停留在心胸部位，声音也逐渐飘忽，不在耳边回响，而睡眠则没有一天不安稳的。九月二十日我外出前往清江，半个月后回到镇上，看弟弟的光景未见大好，据他说，鬼见兄长出门非常欢喜，以为这次一定能取弟弟的命，所以在腹中颇不安静。因为兄长之前说过不去用针的话，听说有姓包的针灸科医生请来用针，鬼将气拱在中腹部，包姓医生就在气拱之处扎了一针，拔针之后感觉气向外泄，但鬼并未离去，反而得意起来，夜间逐渐无法安眠，精神也渐渐恍惚。我暗自思考治鬼原本有针刺的方法，书上所说的十三鬼穴一齐针刺是也。但是这个鬼已经与人合而为一，不能用针，前言不过是恐吓之语罢了。没想到弟弟不理解而胡乱请了针灸科医生，包姓医生也不理解而胡乱使用针法，所刺的不是鬼穴反而被鬼戏弄，导致损伤了正气，正气虚弱则鬼气旺盛，所以又将作祟。幸好我早早回来，尚无大害，只是因为这个缘故不能对弟弟直言，弟弟知道了就是鬼知道了。于是安慰他说：包姓医生本就不擅长针刺，而这个鬼伎俩有限，也无须用针刺的大法，如今我已回来，无需担忧了。弟弟说鬼见兄长回来，也非常惧怕，现在正在抱怨命运不好，没有生机了。我说：这是无耻的魍魉，不必理会他。又将弟弟邀请住在家中，仍然像以前一样同起同卧，调治二十日后，鬼气逐渐由中腹下至少腹，声音更远且更低，而且不成文句，想要拱动腹部却无力而止，起初每次大便后鬼必会拱闹，这是因为正气稍虚的缘故。两个多月以来，转觉大便后腹中稍快，鬼气逐渐消减。弟弟也知道鬼无能为，想回家去住，我知道他不会反复，听凭他自便，只是丸药还让他每日服用，嘱咐服完为止。弟弟回家后二十多天，然后完全没有迹象了，真如凌迟碎剐，鬼不成鬼了。所服的汤方不外乎气血两补兼以定魄安魂，服用的丸方则有生黄精、熟黄精、龙骨、龙齿、虎骨、鹿胆、犀角、羚羊角、琥珀、朱砂，诸多宝贵灵通之品，镇心辟邪，外加桃奴、箭羽、雷丸、雄黄等杀鬼之药，又以羊肉汤和丸，因为鬼属于教门中人，投其所好，又借腥膻之气来散鬼气。知道弟弟病情的人无不认为绝无痊愈之理，竟然被我治愈，一时之间认为是大奇迹。然而此病固然不是我不能治，而是若非弟弟素来不好色就不能治，若非亲兄弟且感情甚好就不能治，不然只知道用药，而没有千万言讲说的功夫，与数十日同住之久，又怎能获得疗效呢？究其受惑的原由是从扶乩开始的，如今以扶乩迷惑人的很多，能不听到而警惕恐惧吗？鬼的挪揄兰如（作者自称），刁诈百出，变幻无穷，不能详细叙述，这里不过记录其大略而已。
刘松亭患疟疾转为痢疾治疗有效 刘松亭是清江浦的知名人士，年纪将近七十岁，夏天患暑疟，寒轻热重，医生朱某也是清江的佼佼者，清江的风气喜爱用大黄，不论风寒时邪，见到热不退就立即加用。朱某未免稍染习气，见到刘公热重，就加大黄两剂，后来遂变为痢疾，红多白少，里急后重，一夜二十多遍，年老之人又属疟后，委顿不堪。知道我在浦口，延请斟酌，我到后见朱某已定方子，仍以大黄为主，我说：痢疾滞下，大黄原在所当用，但此症不是原本的痢疾，乃疟疾变为痢疾，少阳热邪陷入太阴，在书中称为逆证，若再攻下，恐怕脾气大虚，又属高龄有下陷的忧虑，书称调和血则大便自愈，调理气则后重消除，似乎适宜以此为主，兼用喻昌（喻西昌）逆挽之法，使邪气仍从少阳而去，才算平稳。朱某也以为然。嘱咐我立方，我用当归八钱、白芍八钱、甘草八分来和血，加红糖炒山楂肉三钱、木香五分、广皮八分来调气，加川黄连五分、黄芩八分来清热；外加柴胡二钱，以提邪出少阳，一服而大便通畅，滞下全无，再服而红白皆净，他的家人怀疑复发疟疾，而疟疾竟不来，大概都化去了。此方治疗虚人痢疾最适宜，我屡获效验，然而非重用归芍不可。听说清江药铺见到用归、芍至八钱以为奇特，夫用大黄至一二两不以为奇，而用归、芍至八钱则以为奇，此地之人拘泥于积习，实在令人感慨。
浒关顾某治疗有效 道光九年，我应浒关黄拙安的召唤，有顾某因与人忿争，忽然直立不能卧，众医无效，恳请我诊治。我一见就说：这是肝叶倒竖，他家惊讶地问：肝倒转来还能治吗？我笑着说：病患不能识别，既然识别了就容易了。用小温胆汤加龙胆草，再加金器同煎，另取猪胆一个悬挂在高粱秆上开一小窍，令胆汁滴下，将火炉药锅对准，使滴滴都归入锅中，等到汁滴尽药也煎熟，一服而愈。全家以为大奇，后来有关中医生虚心者，特向我请教，认为先生的治法可谓奇效，但案卷写肝叶倒竖，而所用药品皆入胆经何故？回答说：这是安甲和乙的方法。肝为乙木，胆为甲木，胆在肝叶之下，肝的庇荫如同母子一般，凡肝气上逆未有不伴随胆气随之者，所以平肝不及，不如安胆。譬如母亲带着孩子出门，与人争吵，劝母亲不听，姑且用饼饵骗令小儿想回家，其母因为爱子的缘故，也只能息怒而去。况且肝为将军之官，谋虑出于此；胆为中正之官，决断出于此；经典说十一脏皆取决于胆，而肝尤其取决于胆，所以安甲木即所以和乙木。关中医生听后拜服而去。
丹徒县吴晴椒内人治疗有效 杭州进士吴晴椒担任丹徒知县，他的夫人忽然得异疾，每当梳头后胸乳间发紫斑，心中难过至极，约一二时许斑消心定，十余日不愈。于是请我诊脉，我问为何不早梳头？说：早梳也一样。为何不迟梳头？说：迟梳也一样。即使迟至申酉时梳头也无不同，只有不梳头才行。诊其脉皆沉象，两关按之则左弦数而右滑数，我说：这是脾气郁结，而兼及肝。左沉弦而数者，肝气郁而肝阴亏也；右沉滑而数者，脾气郁而湿热不宣也。脾主健运，肝主条达，如今皆因郁结故土受木制，湿热亦郁于脾而不化。脾主四肢，梳头则两手皆举，而脾气上升，湿热随之而升，故心胃之部外则发斑，内则难过，梳头之后手下垂，而脾气亦下，湿热仍归于脾，不复上扰，故病象暂退，而根未拔也。所幸湿热不重，只须和其肝脾，开其郁结，透其湿热，病自退矣。予进以补阴益气煎，以熟地平肝，以山药健脾，以柴胡疏肝，以升麻苏脾，以陈皮、甘草、当归调和其中，一服而愈，再进二服以善后，永不发矣。
谢蕉石先生间日不寐治疗有效 附戴六兄治疗有效 谢蕉石先生是江西人，原任开归道，现任扬州安定书院掌教，其人胆怯多疑。适逢虞运司患有七情郁结之病而爱吃热药，扬州医生郑姓尽以桂枝、附子投之，镇江府学司训陈君更加硫磺丸，以致脏腑烧烂，大便下血如烂鱼肠，犹不肯稍服养阴而死。蕉石先生素所交好，因此伤怀，转生疑惧，忽然间日不寐，不寐之日，夜固难过，而昼亦各病丛生，如头晕头痛，腰疼腿疼，心跳肉晌，腹胀痛等症，或来或去，变幻无穷，惟得寐之日较为安静。扬州医生无能治之者，先生更加惶惧，延一张医字学林留住斋中，日夜医治，毫无效验，而病象更多，精神日减，隔江延请我。即予初亦不解，不过育心宁心等药，亦无甚效。三日后予细想病情，审视脉象，不觉恍然大悟，盖其脉象三日以来大小疏数不能一致，有似邪脉，而察其神情并无外来邪祟，必三尸为之也。盖尝考之三尸，或称三彭，上尸彭琚住泥丸宫，中尸彭质住膻中，下尸彭矫住脐下丹田，三尸喜人为恶，不喜人为善，修炼家必斩三尸而后得道。然能斩之者何人，修炼反成疯魔，皆三尸为之也。至于人之运用，总在一心，夜寐则神静心藏，何反多梦，亦三尸为之也。人有隐瞒之事不肯告人，而梦中反自说出者，三尸喜揭人之恶也。夫心为君主之官，胆为中正之官，如果心正胆壮，三尸亦可安静。若心虚胆怯，疑惧环生，则三尸从中侮弄，病情愈出而愈奇，俗所谓疑心生暗鬼者实常有之，不必外来之鬼，大约即三尸耳。三尸谓之虫，又谓之神，极其灵异，虽守庚申者不能斩也。今蕉石先生心胆本虚，又生疑惧，故三尸得间之作祟。此非治三尸虫不可，但用药不与病人知，病人知之，则三尸虫知之，二竖之技量可畏也。于是与四少君细剖其理，嘱以开方，勿与尊人看阅，症始可治。少君有难色，谓家君不独阅方，且时本对草，焉肯不看方药？即另立药方，家君常常服药，稍有异味，要追究奈何？予思方不与阅不可，药全与知不可，好在先生有性命之忧，而十分信予，当可进言。因于进诊时谓之曰：大人此症调治良难，然能不究方药，则予煎方外外另有丸方，可保一服即效。若大人必知何药，则药必不灵，予技已穷，只好告辞。先生因予言激烈，只得答应。予因另开丸方，皆杀三尸虫之药，加以宝贵镇邪宁心之品，是晚正值不寐之期，以二煎汤药下丸药三钱，居然一夜安眠，从此以后无夜不寐，精神如旧，二十日来并无反复。予即告辞归里，蕉石先生云：病已痊好，不敢屈留，但早晚必得一人看脉才可放心，并愿送银一两在此过夜，当请何人？予对曰：府上本有张先生住此，何不仍请伊来。张医脉理颇好，时运未通，一两一宿，必然情愿，好在无须伊另用药也。于是将张学林请来，予告之曰：大人此症甚奇，予幸猜着，特荐先生来此，万勿更方，先生住此，大人全愈，即算先生看好，亦可得名，不与先生争功也。伊似甚感佩，再三问予究系何症，丸方何药，予如不告，恐其多心，因大略告之曰；此因疑生虫，不过用杀虫之品，加朱砂、琥珀以宁心育神耳。但治法药不与病人知，幸勿说破。次日予即辞归，乃七八日又专差过江说病已反，逼予到扬，予至谢府，先晤四少君，问病何故忽反？少君曰：此张先生之害也。家君本时访丸方为何药，总对以冠仙先生不知在何处合来，实在不知。乃张先生来，家君再三盘问，伊即言略知一二，大抵朱砂、琥珀之类，家君即将予唤进大声呼斥，谓予明知不言，朱砂如何吃得，人家以毒药杀汝父，汝亦不吉耶。从此以后不吃丸药，仍间日不寐，诸病丛生。张先生无法可施，只得又来奉请。予闻之，亦着急之至，进见蕉石，即恳予曰：先生救我。予曰：予前本救大人，不敢毒杀大人也。病已愈二十日予始辞归，予之治法，本嘱大人不问药始有效，奈大人多疑，必访何药，张医不知医理，告知大人，因此不服丸药，除此之外，尚有何法耶？大人曰：吾今再吃丸药如何？予曰：再吃亦断无效也。是夜正当不寝，大人嘱煎药人加丸药三钱在内，临卧服之，依然不寐，次日难过异常，吃饭时忽请予进内，谓予曰：先生看我如何？时二月初春寒不减，大人重裘皆大毛也，乃忽皆脱去，止穿丝绵小袄，而大汗如雨，将小袄湿透胸膛坦开热气腾腾，据云近日每饭必然大汗，今日仅吃饭一口而汗即如此，直截不能吃饭，奈何先生务要救我。予想三尸虫因知昨晚药内有制他之药，故更幻出此象也。予因此转得灵机，因慰之曰，不必过急，容予思之。盖汗虽心之液，而饮食时多出于胃，蕉石性多偏好，其饮食非极热者不吃，其胃本有积热，三尸故得借此作祟，今借治胃热，暗加一治三尸之药，假设其词，使病人知其药而不知其用，三尸虽灵同二竖，亦不知所避也。少间谓之曰：大人不寐之症尚可缓治，而此大汗倒甚可畏，急须挽救，不然恐汗脱也。伊本心虚胆怯，闻此急求治汗。予曰：大人果然顾命，从此饮食不可过热，而胃中积热已多，必须重用芦根带凉带通，汗可渐少；但芦根必须常服，而其性颇凉，恐服之又生泄泻，必须更得一药可制芦根，不至泄泻。如二术健脾可制泄泻，而未免过燥，与芦根不合。再四思维，止有黄精一味，脾肾双补，可与芦根合用，不改其清凉之性，而又可不至泄泻也。蕉石即要本草来看，予即将本草赞黄精功用处指点与看，而内有杀三尸虫一语，伊本不留心，而予不等看完即令拿去。伊怕出汗，即令速买二味，芦根二两，黄精三钱，当晚与服，是晚吃饭亦即无汗，是日本当寐之期，夜固安静，明日当不寐之期仍服二味，汗既不出，夜得安眠，从此煎方，以二味为引，夜夜安眠，诸病皆无。予屡告归，伊家款留不放，直至一月后始得旋里。四少君问予前丸方何以无黄精？予告之曰：此用药之道也。此等怪症实不经见，予精思而得之，所用丸药十数味，多方以治之，以为当可有效，尚留一二，以为后图，设使竟用完了，后被张医说破，岂不束手无策耶！此道光十六年事也。越十五年，咸丰元年，又有戴六兄之症。戴六兄字槐卿，素亦心虚胆怯，偶住场下空房独宿，颇生疑惧，忽觉背心微寒，渐觉周身怯寒，因而睡去，似入黑暗地狱中，绳捆索绑，难过异常，欲喊不能出声，欲动如石压住，恶境多端，不能细述，夫来必待有人来带推带喊，得以醒来，如出苦海。次日另移卧地，而恶梦依然，从此神情恍惚，饮食不甘，睡则恶梦难受，或炎热时盖薄被犹嫌凉，或夜回凉不盖被犹嫌热，或夜间大笑，或白日大笑，不笑时间之，彼并不知。由场下回扬，觅一汪医诊视，与以归脾汤宜乎合式，乃二三剂后，觉心忽然落下，自觉有声，从此五日不寐，全非归脾汤之故。只得过江觅医，先就蒋医某诊，蒋以为阳虚用桂附等药，正值长夏炎热非常，伊不敢服，转就予诊。予诊其脉，大小疏数不一，知是三尸虫，因疑惧而作祟，与蕉石先生同。因告之曰：此症非寒非热，奇幻百出，医家鲜能知之者，兄既遇我，可保必愈，但必不看药方，如看药方，予断不治。伊素知予，深信不疑，所有药方，命伊子来取，予见面即于补胆养心药中加以黄精，嘱临卧服，即得安眠，不做恶梦。
The little ghost is extremely cunning and vicious. I can naturally gradually dissipate its evil energy, just like being executed by a thousand cuts (lingchi), to retaliate for its wickedness. Eventually, it will not even be able to become a ghost; where else can it go? This ghost underwent three transformations: before July, it acted like a scholar; after July, it became a villain; and after encountering me, it resembled a petty person. I personally went to my younger brother's house and burned all his poems, essays, and the spirit tablets he worshipped. I instructed him: do not listen to words of intimidation, nor to words of pity. The key is to maintain an unmoved mind (Bu Dong Xin). It tries every trick to shake his mind. If his mind moves, it can borrow his vital energy (Zheng Qi); if his mind remains unmoved, it cannot borrow energy. Without borrowed human energy, the ghostly qi will easily dissipate. "Hearing but not listening" is the crucial method for maintaining an unmoved mind. For a month, I lived with my brother, constantly guiding him, combined with medicinal power. The ghostly qi gradually descended from the chest and heart region, its voice became fainter and no longer echoed in the ears, and his sleep was peaceful every day. On September 20th, I traveled to Qingjiang and returned to the town half a month later. My brother's condition had not improved significantly. He said that when the ghost saw me leave, it was overjoyed, thinking it could finally take his life, so it churned restlessly in his abdomen. Since I had previously stated I would not use acupuncture, and a physician surnamed Bao from the acupuncture department was invited, the ghost concentrated its qi in the middle abdomen. Dr. Bao inserted a needle at this point. After withdrawing the needle, there was a sensation of qi leaking outwards, but the ghost did not leave; instead, it seemed triumphant. His sleep became restless at night, and his spirit grew confused. I pondered that treating ghosts originally involved acupuncture, specifically needling the Thirteen Ghost Points (Shisan Guixue) simultaneously. However, this ghost has merged with the human body and cannot be needled; my previous statement was merely a bluff. Unexpectedly, my brother misunderstood and foolishly summoned the acupuncturist, and Dr. Bao, also misunderstanding, foolishly applied needling techniques. Instead of targeting the Ghost Points, he was mocked by the ghost, damaging the healthy qi. When healthy qi is deficient, ghostly qi flourishes, causing further disturbances. Fortunately, I returned early, preventing major harm. I could not speak plainly to my brother because if he knew, the ghost would know. So I comforted him: "Dr. Bao is not skilled in acupuncture, and this ghost's tricks are limited; there is no need for major needling. Now that I am back, do not worry." My brother said the ghost was terrified by my return and was now complaining about its bad luck, having no vitality left. I said, "Ignore this shameless demon." I invited my brother to stay at my home, living together as before. After twenty days of treatment, the ghostly qi moved from the middle abdomen to the lower abdomen, the voice became more distant and lower, and lost coherence. It tried to push against the abdomen but lacked strength. Initially, the ghost would disturb him after bowel movements due to slight deficiency of healthy qi. Over two months, he felt relief in the abdomen after bowel movements, indicating the gradual dissipation of ghostly qi. Knowing the ghost was powerless, he wanted to return home. I knew he would not relapse and allowed him to go freely, but insisted he continue taking the pill formula daily until finished. Twenty-plus days after returning home, all signs disappeared completely. It was truly like being executed by a thousand cuts; the ghost ceased to exist. The decoction prescribed mainly tonified both qi and blood while stabilizing the soul (Ding Po An Hun). The pills contained Polygonatum Rhizoma (Sheng Huang Jing), Polygonatum Rhizoma Preparatum (Shu Huang Jing), Os Draconis (Long Gu), Os Draconis Preparatum (Long Chi), Os Tigris (Hu Gu), Fel Cervi (Lu Dan), Cornu Rhinocerotis (Xi Jiao), Cornu Saigae Tataricae (Ling Jiao), Succinum (Hu Po), Cinnabaris (Zhu Sha), and other precious substances to calm the heart and expel evil. Additionally, Ramus Pruni Mume (Tao Nu), Plumule Oryzae Sativae (Jian Yu), Polyporus Umbellatus (Lei Wan), and Realgar (Xiong Huang)—herbs known for killing ghosts—were added. These were processed into pills using mutton soup. Since the ghost belonged to a specific sect, we catered to its preferences and used the strong odor of mutton to disperse the ghostly qi. Those who understood his illness thought recovery impossible, yet I cured him, creating a sensation. However, this illness was not untreatable by me alone; it required my brother's abstinence from lust, our close brotherly bond, my extensive counseling, and our prolonged cohabitation. Merely prescribing medicine without these factors would have failed. The root cause was delusion induced by planchette writing (Fuji). Today, many use planchette writing to deceive people; one should be vigilant and fearful. The ghost's mockery of Lanru (the author) was cunning and infinite, too numerous to detail; this is only a summary.
Liu Songting's malaria transformed into dysentery treated effectively. Liu Songting was a prominent figure in Qingjiangpu, nearly seventy years old. In summer, he suffered from heat-malaria (Shu Nüe) with mild chills and severe fever. Physician Zhu, a leading doctor in Qingjiang influenced by local habits favoring Rheum Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang), added Dahuang whenever fever persisted, regardless of the pathogen. Zhu followed this habit, adding two doses of Dahuang for Liu's high fever, which subsequently transformed into dysentery characterized by more red than white discharge, tenesmus (Li Ji Hou Zhong), occurring over twenty times a night. Being elderly and post-malaria, he was severely prostrated. Hearing I was in Pukou, they invited me to advise. Upon arrival, I found Zhu's prescription still centered on Dahuang. I said, "While Dahuang is indicated for dysentery with stagnation, this is not primary dysentery but malaria transforming into dysentery. The Shaoyang heat pathogen has sunk into the Taiyin, which is considered a adverse progression (Ni). Further purgation risks severe Spleen Qi deficiency and sinking in an elderly patient. Classics state: harmonize blood to cure stool issues, regulate qi to relieve tenesmus. We should prioritize this, combined with Yu Chang's (Yu Xichang) 'reverse withdrawal' method to guide the pathogen back out through Shaoyang, ensuring stability." Zhu agreed. I prescribed Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) 8 qian, Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) 8 qian, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 8 fen to harmonize blood; added Brown Sugar-fried Hawthorn Fruit (Hongtang Chao Shanzha Rou) 3 qian, Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang) 5 fen, and Tangerine Peel (Guangpi) 8 fen to regulate qi; added Coptidis Rhizoma (Chuanlian) 5 fen and Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) 8 fen to clear heat; and added Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) 2 qian to lift the pathogen out of Shaoyang. One dose resulted in smooth bowel movements and cessation of dysenteric symptoms. A second dose cleared all red and white discharge. His family suspected malaria recurrence, but none occurred, as the pathogens were resolved. This formula is ideal for dysentery in deficient patients, requiring heavy use of Danggui and Baishao. I often achieve success with it. Interestingly, Qingjiang pharmacies consider using 8 qian of Danggui and Baishao remarkable, yet do not find 1-2 liang of Dahuang unusual. This local adherence to convention is lamentable.
Hu Guan Gu Case treated effectively. In the 9th year of Daoguang, I was summoned by Huang Zhu'an in Hu Guan. Gu, after an argument, suddenly stood upright and could not lie down. Other physicians failed. I examined him and said, "This is the liver lobe standing upside down." His family asked in shock, "Can an inverted liver be treated?" I smiled, "The patient cannot recognize it; once recognized, it is easy to treat." I prescribed Xiao Wendan Tang (Minor Warm Gallbladder Decoction) with Gentiana Scabra Radix (Longdan Cao), boiled together with gold artifacts. Separately, a pig gallbladder was suspended over a sorghum stalk with a small hole, allowing bile to drip directly into the boiling herbal pot until exhausted. One dose cured him. The family marveled. Later, a humble physician from Guan asked why I treated "liver inversion" with herbs entering the Gallbladder meridian. I replied, "This is the method of calming Jia (Yang Wood) to harmonize Yi (Yin Wood)." The Liver is Yi Wood, the Gallbladder is Jia Wood. The Gallbladder lies beneath the Liver lobes, protecting it like a mother protects a child. When Liver Qi rebels upward, Gallbladder Qi follows. Thus, calming the Liver is less effective than calming the Gallbladder. Like a mother scolding someone while holding her child; persuading the mother fails, but enticing the child to go home makes the mother calm down to retrieve the child. The Liver is the General, housing strategy; the Gallbladder is the Official of Justice, housing decision-making. The classics state all eleven zang-fu depend on the Gallbladder, especially the Liver. Therefore, calming Jia Wood harmonizes Yi Wood. The Guan physician bowed in admiration and left.
Wu Qingjiao's wife in Dantu County treated effectively. Wu Qingjiao, a Jinshi from Hangzhou serving as magistrate of Dantu, had a wife who developed a strange ailment: purple spots appeared on her chest and breasts after combing her hair, accompanied by extreme distress. After one to two hours, the spots faded, and she felt calm. This persisted for over ten days. I asked why she didn't comb her hair earlier? She said it happened regardless of time. Pulse was deep. At the Guan positions, the left was wiry and rapid, the right slippery and rapid. I diagnosed Spleen Qi stagnation involving the Liver. Left deep/wiry/rapid indicates Liver Qi stagnation and Liver Yin deficiency. Right deep/slipping/rapid indicates Spleen Qi stagnation and damp-heat obstruction. The Spleen governs transportation; the Liver governs free flow. Due to stagnation, Earth is controlled by Wood, and damp-heat accumulates in the Spleen. The Spleen governs the four limbs. Combing hair raises the arms, causing Spleen Qi to rise, carrying damp-heat upward. This manifests externally as spots and internally as distress. Lowering the arms allows Spleen Qi to descend, returning damp-heat to the Spleen, temporarily relieving symptoms but not removing the root. As damp-heat was not severe, I harmonized the Liver and Spleen, opened stagnation, and vented damp-heat. I prescribed Buyin Yiqi Jian (Tonify Yin and Boost Qi Decoction): Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shudi) to calm the Liver, Dioscorea Rhizome (Shanyao) to strengthen the Spleen, Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) to soothe the Liver, Cimicifugae Rhizome (Shengma) to raise Spleen Qi, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gancao), and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) to harmonize the middle. One dose cured her; two follow-up doses ensured permanent remission.
Mr. Xie Jiaoshi's alternating-day insomnia treated effectively. Attached: Brother Dai Liu's case treated effectively. Mr. Xie Jiaoshi, from Jiangxi, former Director of Kaigui Dao and current head of Yangzhou Anding Academy, was timid and suspicious. Yu Yunsī suffered from emotional stagnation and preferred hot medicines. Yang physicians Zheng and Chen prescribed Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), Aconite Root (Fuzi), and Realgar Pill (Shiliuhuang), burning up the viscera, causing bloody stools resembling rotten fish intestines, yet refusing yin-nourishing herbs until death. Grieving for his friend, Xie developed suspicion and fear, resulting in alternating-day insomnia. On non-sleeping nights, he suffered daytime symptoms: dizziness, headache, back/leg pain, palpitations, muscle twitching, abdominal distension/pain, varying endlessly. Sleeping days were quiet. Yang physicians failed. Xie hired Physician Zhang Xuelin, who stayed day and night with no effect; symptoms worsened, spirit declined. They crossed the river to invite me. Initially, I prescribed Heart-calming herbs with little effect. After three days, analyzing the pulse—which varied inconsistently, resembling a pathological pulse but lacking external evil signs—I realized it was caused by the Three Corpses (Sanshi). The Three Corpses (or Three Peng) reside in the Niwan Palace (upper), Danzhong (middle), and Dantian (lower). They encourage evil and discourage good. Cultivators must eliminate them to attain the Dao. Failure leads to madness, caused by the Corpses. Human consciousness resides in the Heart. During sleep, the Spirit rests in the Heart, yet dreams occur due to the Corpses. Hidden sins revealed in dreams are exposed by the Corpses. The Heart is the Sovereign; the Gallbladder is the Official of Justice. If the Heart is upright and Gallbladder bold, the Corpses remain quiet. If Heart is deficient and Gallbladder timid, suspicion arises, and the Corpses mock, creating bizarre symptoms. This is the "ghost born of suspicion," essentially the Three Corpses. They are called worms or spirits, highly spiritual, uncuttable even by those guarding Gengshen days. Xie's Heart/Gallbladder were deficient, inviting the Corpses. Treatment required addressing the Corpses secretly; if the patient knows, the Corpses know. Their skill is formidable. I explained this to his son, Si Shaojun, instructing him to hide the prescription. Si hesitated, fearing his father would inspect the herbs. I reasoned that since Xie trusted me implicitly regarding his life, I could persuade him. During consultation, I told Xie: "Treatment is difficult. If you do not investigate the prescription, I have a pill formula outside the decoction that works instantly. If you insist on knowing the ingredients, the medicine will fail, and I must resign." Xie agreed. I prepared a pill formula containing Corpse-killing herbs and precious calming agents. That night, during an insomnia period, he took 3 qian of pills with decoction and slept peacefully. No insomnia followed for twenty days. I departed. Xie recovered but requested a physician for pulse checks overnight, offering one tael. I recommended Zhang Xuelin, who accepted. I warned Zhang not to change the prescription and credited him with the cure. Zhang asked about the diagnosis and pills. I hinted it was "worms born of suspicion" treated with insecticides, Cinnabar, and Amber to calm the Spirit, emphasizing secrecy. I left. Seven days later, messengers reported relapse. At Xie's residence, Si Shaojun blamed Zhang. Xie had interrogated Zhang about the pills. Zhang admitted knowing they contained Cinnabar and Amber. Xie accused me of hiding toxic drugs. Xie stopped the pills, and insomnia returned. Zhang was helpless. Xie begged for help. I explained the failure was due to breaking the secrecy rule. Xie resumed pills. That night, he took pills again but remained awake. Next day, he removed heavy winter clothes in spring cold, wearing only silk padding, sweating profusely, chest open, steaming. He reported sweating with every meal, unable to eat. I deduced the Corpses sensed the counter-agent in the previous night's medicine and manifested this symptom. I devised a new strategy: treat Stomach Heat while secretly adding a Corpse-killing agent. I told Xie: "Insomnia can wait; this sweating is dangerous (collapse of sweat). Stop eating very hot food. Your Stomach has accumulated heat. Use Reishi Rhizome (Lugen) generously to cool and unblock sweat. But Lugen is cold and may cause diarrhea. We need a herb to counteract Lugen's coldness without dryingness. Atractylodes (Erzhu) is too drying. Only Polygonatum Rhizoma (Huangjing) fits—it tonifies Spleen and Kidney, pairs with Lugen, maintains cooling properties, and prevents diarrhea." Xie checked the Materia Medica. I pointed to Huangjing's entry mentioning "killing Three Corpses" but rushed him to buy Lugen (2 liang) and Huangjing (3 qian). That night, no sweating occurred. He slept peacefully. Subsequent decoctions used these two as guides. He slept nightly, symptoms vanished. I tried to leave; they detained me for a month. Si asked why Huangjing wasn't in the original pill formula. I replied: "This is medical strategy. Such strange cases are rare. I formulated the pills carefully, leaving some ingredients in reserve. If Zhang had exposed the full formula, I would have been helpless." This was in the 16th year of Daoguang. Fifteen years later, in the 1st year of Xianfeng, Brother Dai Liu fell ill. Dai Liu, courtesy name Huaiqing, was also timid and suspicious. Living alone in an empty room at the examination grounds, he felt fear. He experienced back chill, then whole-body aversion to cold. Falling asleep, he dreamed of a dark hell, bound by ropes, unable to scream or move, feeling crushed by stone. Many nightmares ensued. He could only wake when others pushed and shouted him awake. Moving beds didn't stop the dreams. He became confused, lost appetite, and suffered nightmares. Sometimes he felt cold despite thin covers; sometimes hot despite no covers. He laughed uncontrollably day and night, unaware when not prompted. Returning to Yangzhou, Physician Wang prescribed Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction), which seemed appropriate. After 2-3 doses, he felt his heart drop audibly. Insomnia lasted five days. This was not Guipi Tang's fault. Seeking another doctor, he saw Physician Jiang, who diagnosed Yang deficiency and prescribed Guizhi/Fuzi. Due to intense summer heat, Jiang refused to administer. Dai came to me. Pulse was inconsistent, indicating Three Corpses caused by suspicion, similar to Xie's case. I told him: "This is neither cold nor heat, but bizarre. Few doctors understand this. Since you met me, you will recover, but you must NOT see the prescription." Dai trusted me completely. His son fetched the prescription. I added Huangjing to Gallbladder-tonifying and Heart-nourishing herbs, instructing him to take it before bed. He slept peacefully without nightmares.