典藏书目

Some argued: "When a person is ill, emesis (vomiting therapy) should not be used. There is phlegm-fluid (xian) in the interstices of the bones and joints throughout the body. If the phlegm-fluid from the bone joints is vomited out, it will lead to hemiplegia (piān kū)." Upon hearing this, Dai Ren said: "My medicines are only intended to expel long-standing accumulations in the stomach and intestines, or old saliva and phlegm retained in the diaphragm and blind areas. These all overflow from the stomach and diaphragm region. This principle is consistent with general medical logic across the world. It is merely that diseases occur in different locations (upper or lower), so the administration of medicine follows either contrary (nì) or conforming (shùn) methods."

Others claimed: "Dai Ren's three methods—diaphoresis (sweating), purgation, and emesis—cannot encompass the medical knowledge of all practitioners. This is incorrect. In ancient times, medical methods were not yet complete, hence these three methods were established. In later generations, medical methods became comprehensive, with established doctrines. How can one discard the methods of later generations to follow those of antiquity? This is like saying that since knot-tying was used for record-keeping in prehistoric times, we should abandon written characters today and return to knot-tying." Dai Ren asked in response: "Although the principles of the *I Ching* (Book of Changes) are numerous, they do not go beyond the Eight Trigrams and Five Phases. Although penal codes are numerous, they essentially consist only of beating with light bamboo, beating with heavy bamboo, penal servitude, and exile. Those who understand the essence, like Qibo, can summarize everything in a single statement. Does this mean Qibo was deceiving people? Generally, grasping the main纲 (guiding principle) simplifies matters, while listing every detail complicates them."

Still others asserted: "The medicines Dai Ren uses are harsh and drastic, belonging to the inferior grade (xià pǐn) in the *Bencao* (Materia Medica). How can they be taken?" Dai Ren replied: "It is truly unfortunate that people do not read! The *Bencao* states that superior-grade herbs serve as Sovereign (Jūn), medium-grade as Minister (Chén), and inferior-grade as Assistant (Zuǒ Shǐ) to distinguish their inherent natures (gentle vs. harsh). However, the *Neijing* (Inner Canon) clarifies that 'Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Courier' refers to the functional roles within a prescription, not the three grades of the *Bencao*. The herb that primarily treats the disease acts as the Sovereign; those that assist the Sovereign act as Ministers; those that coordinate with the Ministers act as Assistants and Couriers. For instance, if Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) can treat this disease, then Dahuang is the Sovereign; if Gansui (Kansui Radix) can treat this disease, then Gansui is the Sovereign. If one exclusively relies on Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Huangqi (Astragali Radix) to dispel pathogenic factors, this is why mediocre physicians often cause death by mistake."

Li Sirong stated: "Idlers in the capital claim that Dai Ren killed two women with his treatment, after which he resigned from his position as Imperial Physician and left. Others say he once killed the Prefect of Yingzhou and fled privately. Ma Zhiji initially doubted these claims but visited Dai Ren at Yingyang. Observing his prescriptions, they were effective in every case; his discussions were profound and comprehensive, and his adaptability was limitless. The diseases he treated, whether lasting three to five years or up to ten or twenty years, were cured promptly upon application. As a leader among physicians, he had no specific regimen for nourishing life. When he departed, slander filled the markets, claiming: 'Dai Ren killed Cangshi and Geng Si before leaving.' At that time, Cangshi died of illness and had never exchanged names with me. Geng Si suffered from coughing and hemoptysis and consulted Dai Ren. Dai Ren said: 'Your condition involves depletion and exhaustion; harsh attack methods are unsuitable. You should rely on recuperation and nourishment.' Dai Ren had already left when Geng Si subsequently passed away. Mr. Ma pointed out that Li Sirong’s statements were all calumnies. All the cases I treated were critical conditions deemed hopeless by others, where patients were near death. If they died, resentment would naturally be directed at Dai Ren. Furthermore, Dai Ren’s theories align with meridian laws and logical reasoning, exposing the errors of other physicians, which bred jealousy. Additionally, Dai Ren often used harsh and drastic medicines. Between the stages of nearly cured and fully cured, Dai Ren happened to leave. Other physicians defamed him, saying: 'The illness was damaged by Dai Ren’s aggressive treatment; quickly apply tonification.' They then used contradictory medications. If the patient recovered, they claimed their tonic could be taken long-term, whereas attacking drugs were only temporary. I attacked the disease; did I intend for long-term use? Once the disease is gone, the medication stops. If one truly wishes to nourish Qi, are not the Five Grains, Five Meats, and Five Vegetables superior medicines? Why rely on dead wood and roots of withered grass?"