毛允之，戊午冬患感，初治以温散，继即以滋阴，病日以剧。延至亥春，或疑为百日之劳；或谓是伤寒坏
证，而凤山僧主升、柴、 、术以补之，丁卯桥用轻粉、巴霜以下之，杂药遍投，形神日瘁。乃尊学周衍孟英
视之∶脉来涩数上溢，呃忒口腻，虽觉嗜饮，而水难下膈，频吐涎沫，便闭溺赤，潮热往来，少腹如烙，按之亦
不坚满。曰∶此病原属冬温，治以表散，则津液伤而热乃炽；继以滋填，热邪愈锢，再施温补，气机更窒。用
升、柴、 、术欲升其清，而反以助其逆；巴霜、轻粉欲降其浊，而尽劫其阴。病及三月，发热不是表邪；便
秘旬余，结涩非关积滞。且脉涩为津液之已伤，数是热邪之留着，溢乃气机为热邪所壅而不得下行。岂非温邪
未去，得补而胶锢难除？徒使其内灼真阴，上熏清道，以致一身之气，尽失整肃之令，法当搜剔余邪，使热去
津存，即是培元之道，伸其治节，俾浊气下趋，乃为宣达之机。何必执参、茸为补虚，指硝、黄为通（降）哉？
以∶北沙参 紫菀 麦冬 知母 花粉 兰草 石斛 丹皮 黄芩 桑叶 黄连 栀子 银花 枇杷叶 木通
芦根 橘皮 竹茹 橄榄 地栗 海蜇等，出入为方。服之，各恙降序，糜粥渐加，半月后始得大解，
而腹热全消，谷食亦安，乃予滋阴善后而愈。
金宽甫，初冬患感，局医黄某，闻其向来不拘何病，总需温药而痊。胸怀成见，进以姜、桂之方，渐至
足冷面赤、谵语烦躁，疑为“戴阳”而束手矣。举家彷徨，延孟英诊焉。曰∶此伏邪晚发，误予升提，热浮于
上，清解可安，宽甫犹以向不服凉药为疑，方中芩、连之类，坚不肯用。乃兄愿谷中翰，极力开导，督人煎
而饮之，果得霍然。
周晓沧乃郎品方，患冬温。所亲顾听泉知其体属阴亏，病非风寒也，不犯一分温升之品，而证不能减，势
颇可危。乃虚怀转邀孟英诊之，曰∶所治良是也。但于方中加贝母、杏仁、紫菀、冬瓜子等味与之，遂效。可
见药贵对病，虽平淡之品，亦有奇功。孟英尝云∶“重病有轻取之法”，于此可见。
戴氏妇，年五十六岁，仲冬患感，初服杨某归、柴、丹参一剂；继服朱某干姜、苍术、浓朴药五剂。遂
崩血一阵，谓其“热入血室”，不可治矣。始延孟英诊之，脉形空软促数，苔黑舌绛，足冷而强，息微且善
笑。询其汛，断逾十载。曰∶冬温失于清解，营血暴脱于下，岂可与热入血室同日而语耶？必由误服热药所
致，因检所服各方而叹曰∶小柴胡汤与冬温何涉？即以伤寒而论，亦不能初感即投，况以丹参代人参，尤为悖
谬。夫人参补气，丹参行血，主治天渊。不论风寒暑湿，各气初感，皆禁用血药。为其早
用，反至引邪深入也。既引而入，再误于辛热燥烈之数投，
焉得不将仅存无几之血，逼迫而使之尽脱于下乎？女人以血为主。天癸既绝，无病者尚不宜有所漏泄，况温邪
方炽，而阴从下脱，可不畏哉？病家再四求治，孟英予∶西洋参 生地 苁蓉 犀角 石斛 生（白）芍 银
花知母 麦冬 甘草 蔗浆 童溺，二剂。足温舌润，得解酱粪，脉数渐减而软益甚。乃去犀角，加高丽
参，数帖。脉渐和，热退进粥，随以调补，幸得向安。
吴馥斋室人，春间娩子不育，汛事亦未一行，偶患呕吐发热，眩晕心 ，大解溏泻，口渴溲痛。或疑为
娠，或疑为损。孟英诊曰∶产及一载，而经不至，腹不胀，脉弦缓，非娠非损，乃血虚痰滞而感冬温也。以∶
羚羊（角） 淡（豆）豉 竹茹 白薇 栀子 枇杷叶 知母 葱白 花粉，投之，三剂，热退吐止。去葱、
豉、羚羊，加生地、甘草、橘皮，调之而愈。
张肖江妹，暮冬患感，朱某进温散药数服，病日剧。比孟英视之，目瞪不语，面赤气逆，昼夜需人抱坐，
四日不着枕矣。乃冬温挟痰，误提而气不肃降也。以∶旋（复） 赭（石） 杏（仁） 贝（母） 花粉 茅
根冬瓜子 紫菀 薤白 蒌仁 苏子 石菖蒲 竹沥为剂，芦菔汤煎。三帖，大便行而能卧矣。自言胸中迷
闷，改用小陷胸（汤）合三子养亲（汤）加沙参、知母、旋（复）、贝（母）、竹茹、枇杷叶，数剂热退知饥而愈。
项肖卿，家拥浓资，人极好善，年甫三十五岁，体甚壮伟，微感冬温，门下医者，进以姜、桂之剂，即觉
躁扰，更医迎媚，径用大剂温补。两帖后，发狂莫制。又招多医会诊，仅以青麟丸数钱服之。所亲梁楚生宜人
闻其危，速孟英视之，业已决裂不可救药。甚矣！服药之不可不慎也。富贵之家，可为炯戒。
本朝干纲丕振，雀顶尚红，冠饰朱缨，口燔烟草，皆为阳盛之象。是以火证偏多。夫药者，补偏之物，医为
救弊之人，岂可不识此大气运，而 然泥夫司天在泉以论治，何异痴人说梦焉？
安徽人程某，仲冬患感。医者闻其病前一日，曾啖生芦菔一枚，而大便又溏，苔色又白，今年又为湿土在
泉，遂指为中虚寒湿之病。参、术、附、桂，多剂率投，驯致舌黑神昏，尚疑为大虚之候。禾中沈柳衣见之，知
其药误。另招张镜江诊之，曰∶冬温也。连与∶犀角地黄汤而无起色。二十日外，始乞孟英视焉，舌缩底绛，苔
黑如漆，口开茎萎，脉细数而弦，右则按之如无，此乃阴液尽灼，温毒深蟠，甘露琼浆不能复其已竭之津矣。俄而果败。
继有潘圣征者，于仲冬患感，至十四日退热之后，杳不知饥。群医杂治，迨季冬下旬，转为滞下五色，跗肿裂血，
溲涩口干。始延孟英诊之，左脉弦细而数，右脉弦滑而空，苔色黄腻根焦，时或自汗。乃气液两竭，热毒逗留
之象。必从前过服温补之药，否则热退在十四日之期，何至延今五十余朝，而见证若是之棘手哉？其弟鸿轩云∶
此番之病，补药不过二、三剂；惟仲秋患疟时，医谓其苔白体丰，云是“寒湿”，尝饵桂、附数十剂，且日饮
烧酒耳。孟英曰∶此即酿病之具矣。治病且难，何况有如许之药毒内伏，更将何法以生之耶？坚不立方，其家
必欲求药以扶持度岁。孟英曰∶是则可也。以∶白头翁汤加银花、绿豆、归身、白芍、陈米、芦茎、兰叶、藕
肉为剂，另以∶补中益气汤大料蒸露代水煎药。服后，焦苔渐退，粪色亦正。举家喜出望
外，复丐孟英救之，奈脉无转机，遂力辞之。
又有沈听松母，季秋患虐。孟英尝往诊之，曰∶伏暑所化，且体属阳强而多痰火，切勿畏虚，辄从温补。
奈病者期于速愈，广征医疗。或以为证属“三阴”，或谓是“子母疟”，或指为老年“胎疟”，众楚皆咻，病
不能愈，延至冬季，亦转为痢，且肌肿臀疮，口糜舌泡，诸医束手，复请诊于孟英，脉与潘圣征案相同，不可
药救矣。
毛允之，在戊午年冬天患了外感病。起初医生用温散法治疗，随后又改用滋阴法，导致病情日益加重。拖延到亥年春天时，有人怀疑是百日劳损所致；也有人认为是伤寒误治后的坏证。凤山的一位僧人使用升麻、柴胡、白术等药物进行补益；丁卯桥的一位医生则用轻粉、巴豆霜等药物进行攻下。各种药物轮番投用，致使患者形体与精神日渐憔悴。于是他的父亲学周请王孟英来诊治。诊见脉象涩而数，且向上溢出；呃逆，口中黏腻；虽然觉得想喝水，但水难以咽下膈部，频繁吐出涎沫，大便闭塞，小便短赤，有潮热往来，少腹部像被火烤一样灼热，但按压时并不坚硬胀满。王孟英说：这个病原本属于冬温，初期采用表散法，损伤了津液，导致热势更盛；接着使用滋腻填塞的药物，使热邪更加固结；再施以温补，气机更加窒塞。使用升麻、柴胡、白术想要提升清气，反而助长了气机的上逆；使用巴豆霜、轻粉想要降泄浊气，却完全劫夺了阴液。病程已达三个月，发热并非表邪；便秘十余天，干结涩滞也与积滞无关。而且脉涩说明津液已经受伤，脉数说明热邪留滞不去，脉象上溢是因为气机被热邪壅阻而不能下行。这难道不是温邪未去，因误用补药而胶结固着、难以清除吗？白白地让它内灼真阴，上熏清窍，致使一身之气都失去了整肃的职能。治法应当搜剔残留的邪气，使热去而津存，这就是培补元气的方法；舒展其治节功能，让浊气向下运行，这才是宣通达利的关键。何必执着于用人参、鹿茸来补虚，指着硝石、大黄来通便呢？于是开具处方：北沙参、紫菀、麦冬、知母、天花粉、兰草、石斛、牡丹皮、黄芩、桑叶、黄连、栀子、金银花、枇杷叶、木通、芦根、橘皮、竹茹、橄榄、地栗（荸荠）、海蜇等，根据病情出入加减为方。服用后，各项症状依次减轻，糜粥逐渐增加进食量，半个月后才得以大便通畅，腹中热感全消，饮食也安稳了，随后给予滋阴善后调理而痊愈。
金宽甫，初冬患外感病。当地医生黄某，听说他以往无论患什么病，总需要温药才能痊愈。因此心中存有偏见，给他进服生姜、肉桂类的方剂，逐渐发展到脚冷面赤、胡言乱语、烦躁不安，被人怀疑为“戴阳”证而束手无策。全家彷徨无助，请来王孟英诊治。王孟英说：这是伏邪晚期发作，误用了升提药物，导致热气浮越于上，只要清热解表即可平安。金宽甫还因为向来不服凉药而心存疑虑，坚决不肯使用方中的黄芩、黄连之类药物。于是他的哥哥愿谷中翰极力开导，督促人煎药让他喝下，果然霍然而愈。
周晓沧的儿子品方，患了冬温。他的亲友顾听泉知道他的体质属于阴亏，此病并非风寒所致，所以没有使用一分温升的药物，但病情不能减轻，形势颇为危险。于是虚心转邀王孟英诊治。王孟英说：之前的治疗是正确的。但在方中加入贝母、杏仁、紫菀、冬瓜子等药物给他服用，随即见效。可见用药贵在对症，即使是平淡的药物，也有奇效。王孟英曾说道：“重病有轻取之法”，从这件事就可以看出来。
戴氏妇人，五十六岁，仲冬患外感病。起初服用杨医生开的当归、柴胡、丹参一剂；继而又服用朱医生开的干姜、苍术、厚朴药五剂。突然崩漏出血一阵，被人说是“热入血室”，认为不可治了。这才请来王孟英诊治。诊见脉形空软促数，舌苔黑，舌质绛红，脚冷且僵硬，气息微弱且喜欢笑。询问她的月经情况，断绝已超过十年。王孟英说：冬温失于清热解表，营血在下部暴脱，怎么能和热入血室同日而语呢？这必定是由误服热药所致。于是检视所服用的各方并感叹道：小柴胡汤与冬温有什么关系？即使拿伤寒来说，也不能在初感时就投用，何况用丹参代替人参，更是荒谬悖理。人参补气，丹参行血，主治功效天差地别。不论风寒暑湿，各种外邪初感时，都禁用血分药。因为过早使用血药，反而会引邪深入。既然已经引邪入内，再误用辛热燥烈的药物多次投服，怎能不把仅存无几的血液，逼迫使其全部脱失于下部呢？女人以血为主。天癸既已绝经，没有病的人尚且不宜有所漏泄，何况温邪正炽盛，而阴血从下部脱失，能不令人畏惧吗？病家再三请求治疗，王孟英给予处方：西洋参、生地、肉苁蓉、犀角、石斛、生白芍、金银花、知母、麦冬、甘草、蔗浆、童便，两剂后，脚变暖，舌面湿润，排出酱色粪便，脉数逐渐减少而显得更软。于是去掉犀角，加入高丽参，连服数帖。脉象逐渐调和，热退后进食粥类，随后加以调补，幸好得以向安。
吴馥斋的妻子，春季分娩后婴儿夭折，月经也未行一次，偶然患上呕吐发热、眩晕心悸，大便溏泻，口渴小便疼痛。有人怀疑是怀孕，有人怀疑是虚损。王孟英诊察后说：生产已过一年，而月经不至，腹部不胀，脉象弦缓，既不是怀孕也不是虚损，而是血虚痰滞兼感冬温。于是开具处方：羚羊角、淡豆豉、竹茹、白薇、栀子、枇杷叶、知母、葱白、天花粉，投服后，三剂热退吐止。去掉葱、豆豉、羚羊角，加入生地、甘草、橘皮，调理而痊愈。
张肖江的妹妹，暮冬患外感病。朱医生进服温散药几服，病情日益加重。等到王孟英诊治时，患者眼睛瞪大不能说话，面色红赤，气机上逆，昼夜需要人抱着坐着，四天没有躺下睡觉了。这是冬温挟痰，误用升提药物导致气机不肃降。于是开具处方：旋覆花、代赭石、杏仁、贝母、天花粉、茅根、冬瓜子、紫菀、薤白、瓜蒌仁、苏子、石菖蒲、竹沥为剂，用芦菔汤煎煮。三帖后，大便通行且能躺卧了。患者自述胸中迷闷，改为用小陷胸汤合三子养亲汤加沙参、知母、旋覆花、贝母、竹茹、枇杷叶，数剂后热退知饥而痊愈。
项肖卿，家中富有，为人极好善，年仅三十五岁，身体非常壮伟，轻微感受冬温。门下的医生，进服姜、桂制剂，他就觉得躁扰不安；更换医生迎合讨好，直接用大剂量的温补药。两帖之后，发狂无法控制。又招集多位医生会诊，仅服用青麟丸几钱。他的亲戚梁楚生宜人听说病情危急，急忙请王孟英诊治，此时病情已经决裂不可救药。唉！服药怎么可以不谨慎呢？富贵人家，可以作为深刻的警戒。
本朝国运昌盛，雀顶尚红，冠饰朱缨，口嚼烟草，这些都是阳气过盛的征象。因此火证偏多。药物是用来纠正偏颇的物品，医生是救治弊病的职业，怎么能不认识这种大气运的变化，而固执地拘泥于司天在泉的理论来论治呢？这跟痴人说梦有什么区别？
安徽人程某，仲冬患外感病。医生听说他在生病前一天，曾吃了一个生萝卜，而且大便又溏，舌苔色白，今年又是湿土在泉，于是断定是中焦虚寒湿之病。人参、白术、附子、肉桂，大量剂率投，逐渐导致舌黑神昏，还怀疑是大虚之候。禾中的沈柳衣见到这种情况，知道是药物误治。另外招请张镜江诊治，说：这是冬温。连续使用犀角地黄汤而没有起色。二十天以后，才乞求王孟英诊治。诊见舌缩底绛，舌苔黑如漆，口开阴茎萎软，脉细数而弦，右脉按之若无，这是阴液被完全灼伤，温毒深伏体内，甘露琼浆般的药物也不能恢复已经枯竭的津液了。不久果然病亡。
接着有潘圣征这个人，在仲冬患外感病，到了第十四天退热之后，完全没有饥饿感。群医杂治，等到季冬下旬，转为痢疾五色，足背浮肿破裂出血，小便涩痛口干。这才请来王孟英诊治。左脉弦细而数，右脉弦滑而空，舌苔黄腻根部焦黑，时而自汗。这是气液两竭，热毒逗留的现象。必定是从前过服温补药物，否则热退在十四天的期限，怎么会拖延至今五十多天，而见证如此棘手呢？他的弟弟鸿轩说：这次的病，补药不过二、三剂；只是仲秋患疟疾时，医生说他的舌白体丰，说是“寒湿”，曾经服用桂枝、附子数十剂，而且每天饮用烧酒罢了。王孟英说：这就是酿成疾病的工具了。治病都很难，何况有如许的药毒内伏，还有什么办法让他活下来呢？坚决不立处方，他家一定要寻求药物以扶持过年。王孟英说：这样也可以。于是开具处方：白头翁汤加金银花、绿豆、当归身、白芍、陈米、芦茎、兰叶、藕肉为剂，另外用补中益气汤大料蒸露代水煎药。服用后，焦苔逐渐消退，粪便颜色也正常了。全家喜出望外，再次恳求王孟英救治，无奈脉象没有转机，于是力辞而去。
又有沈听松的母亲，季秋患疟疾。王孟英曾前往诊治，说：这是伏暑所化，且体质属于阳强而多痰火，千万不要畏惧虚弱，就随意从温补治疗。奈何病人期望速愈，广泛征求医疗意见。有的认为证属“三阴”，有的说是“子母疟”，有的指为老年“胎疟”，众说纷纭，病情不能痊愈，拖延到冬季，也转为痢疾，而且肌肉肿胀臀部生疮，口腔糜烂舌头起泡，各位医生束手无策，再次请王孟英诊治，脉象与潘圣征案相同，不可药救了。
Mao Yunzhi contracted an exogenous disease in the winter of the Wuwu year. Initially, he was treated with warming and dispersing methods, followed by yin-nourishing methods, which caused his condition to deteriorate daily. By the spring of the Hai year, some suspected it was a hundred-day labor injury; others claimed it was a mishandled syndrome from Cold Damage (Shanghan). A monk from Fengshan used Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) to tonify; a doctor from Dingmao Bridge used Qingfen (Calomel), Bashuang (Crotonis Fructus) to purge. Various medicines were indiscriminately administered, causing his physical form and spirit to decline day by day. His father, Xuezhou, invited Wang Mengying for consultation. The pulse was choppy and rapid, overflowing upwards; there was hiccoughing and a sticky sensation in the mouth. Although he felt thirsty for water, water could not pass through the diaphragm, and he frequently vomited saliva. Bowels were closed, urine was red, there was tidal fever alternating with chills, and the lower abdomen felt like being branded hot, yet pressing it revealed no hardness or fullness. Wang Mengying said: "This disease originally belonged to Winter-Warmth (Dongwen). Treating it initially with surface-dispersing methods damaged the body fluids, causing the heat to blaze; subsequently using cloying and filling methods trapped the pathogenic heat further; applying warming tonification obstructed the qi mechanism even more. Using Shengma, Chaihu, Baizhu intended to raise the clear qi, but instead assisted the rebellious qi; using Bashuang, Qingfen intended to descend the turbid qi, but completely depleted the yin. The illness has lasted three months; the fever is not due to exterior pathogens; constipation for over ten days with dry, choppy stools is not related to accumulation. Moreover, a choppy pulse indicates damage to body fluids, a rapid pulse indicates lingering pathogenic heat, and an overflowing pulse indicates that the qi mechanism is blocked by heat and cannot descend downward. Is this not because the warm pathogen remains, and due to tonification, it becomes glued and stuck, difficult to eliminate? It merely burns the true yin internally and steams the clear orifices above, causing the qi of the whole body to lose its regulating command. The treatment method should be to search out and eliminate residual pathogens, so that heat is removed and fluids preserved, which is the way to nourish the root; to extend its regulatory function, allowing turbid qi to flow downward, which is the mechanism of unblocking and reaching. Why insist on using Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Lurong (Deer Antler) to tonify deficiency, or point to Xiaoshi (Natrii Sulfas) and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) as agents for purgation?" Therefore, a prescription was made: Beishashen (Glehniae Radix), Ziwan (Asteri Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Tuber), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Lanco (Eupatorii Herba), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Sangye (Mori Folium), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Lugeng (Phragmitis Rhizoma), Jupi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Ganlan (Litseae Fructus), Dilì (Dioscoreae Bulbifer), Haizhe (Metereorites) etc., modified according to the condition. After taking it, each symptom subsided in order, millet gruel intake gradually increased, and only after half a month did he have a large bowel movement, abdominal heat completely disappeared, and food intake became stable. Subsequently, yin-nourishing follow-up treatment was given, leading to recovery.
Jin Kuanfu contracted an exogenous disease in early winter. The local doctor, Mr. Huang, having heard that Jin usually recovered only with warming medicines regardless of the disease, held a preconceived notion. He prescribed formulas containing Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus). Gradually, Jin developed cold feet, a red face, delirium, and irritability. Suspected as "Floating Yang" (Daiyang), the doctors were at a loss. The family was in despair and invited Wang Mengying. Wang said: "This is a late manifestation of latent pathogens, mistakenly treated with lifting and raising methods, causing heat to float upward. Clearing and resolving will bring peace." Kuanfu still doubted this because he had never taken cooling medicines before and firmly refused to use Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) in the formula. His brother, Yuan Gu Zhonghan, exerted great effort to persuade him, urging the decoction and administration. Indeed, he recovered suddenly.
Zhou Xiaocang's son, Pinfang, suffered from Winter-Warmth. His relative, Gu Tingquan, knowing that Pinfang's constitution was yin-deficient and the disease was not Wind-Cold, avoided any warming or ascending herbs, yet the symptoms did not subside, and the situation was critical. Zhou humbly invited Wang Mengying. Wang said: "The previous treatment was correct. But adding Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Ziwan (Asteri Radix), Dongguazi (Benincasae Semen) to the formula would have been effective. This shows that medicine must match the disease; even mild herbs can achieve miraculous results." Wang Mengying once said: "Severe diseases have light treatment methods," which is evident here.
Madam Dai, aged fifty-six, contracted an exogenous disease in mid-winter. She first took one dose of Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix) from Doctor Yang; then five doses of Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Coccineus), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) from Doctor Zhu. Suddenly, she experienced a burst of uterine bleeding. It was said to be "Heat Entering the Blood Chamber" (Re Ru Xue Shi) and deemed incurable. Only then was Wang Mengying consulted. The pulse was empty, soft, hurried, and rapid; the coating was black, the tongue crimson; her feet were cold and stiff; her breath was faint, and she laughed frequently. Inquiring about her menstruation, it had ceased for over ten years. Wang said: "Winter-Warmth was neglected and not cleared/resolved, causing sudden depletion of Ying blood below. How can this be equated with Heat Entering the Blood Chamber? This must be caused by mistakenly taking hot medicines." Examining the previous prescriptions, he sighed: "Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) has nothing to do with Winter-Warmth. Even regarding Cold Damage, it cannot be used at the initial stage. Furthermore, substituting Danshen for Renshen is particularly absurd. Renshen tonifies Qi, while Danshen moves Blood; their main indications are worlds apart. Regardless of Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, or Dampness, when various pathogens first invade, blood-invigorating drugs are strictly contraindicated. Premature use draws pathogens deeper. Once drawn in, repeated misuse of acrid-hot and drying-aromatic drugs forces the remaining little blood to deplete entirely from below. Women take Blood as their foundation. After Tian Gui (Menstrual Fluid) ceases, even healthy individuals should avoid leakage. How much more so when Warm pathogens are blazing and Yin is depleting from below? One should fear this!" The family pleaded repeatedly. Wang prescribed: Xiyangshen (American Ginseng Radix), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Congrong (Cynomorii Herba), Xijiao (Rhino CeratUs - *Note: Modern substitute often used*), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Sheng Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Tuber), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Zhe Jiang (Sugarcane Juice), Tong Niao (Child's Urine). After two doses, her feet warmed, tongue moistened, she passed dark brown stool, pulse rapidity decreased and became softer. Xijiao was removed, Gaolishen (Korean Ginseng) added. After several doses, the pulse harmonized, heat receded, porridge was tolerated, and subsequent regulation led to safety.
Wu Fuzhai's wife, after delivering a child who did not survive in spring, had not menstruated once. She accidentally developed vomiting, fever, vertigo, palpitations, loose stools, thirst, and painful urination. Some suspected pregnancy; others suspected consumptive disease. Wang diagnosed: "One year postpartum without menses, abdomen not distended, pulse string-taut and slow. Neither pregnancy nor consumptive disease. It is Blood deficiency with Phlegm stagnation complicated by Winter-Warmth." Prescription: Lingyangjiao (Saigae Tataricae Cornu), Danshichi (Sojae Semen Praeparatum), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Baiwei (Cleistanthi Radix), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix). After three doses, heat receded, vomiting stopped. Congbai, Danshichi, Lingyangjiao were removed; Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Jupi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) added. Regulation led to recovery.
Sister of Zhang Xiaojiang, contracted an exogenous disease in late winter. After several doses of warming-dispersing medicines from Doctor Zhu, the condition worsened. When Wang examined her, her eyes were wide open and she could not speak, face was red, Qi was rebellious, she needed to be held sitting day and night, and had not slept lying down for four days. This was Winter-Warmth with Phlegm, mistakenly lifted, causing Qi to fail to descend. Prescription: Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Zhesi (Hematitum), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma), Dongguazi (Benincasae Semen), Ziwan (Asteri Radix), Xiebai (Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus), Louren (Trichosanthis Fructus), Suzi (Perillae Fructus), Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Zhuli (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), decocted in Lufu (Radish) soup. After three doses, bowels moved, and she could lie down. Complaining of chest confusion, the formula changed to Xiao Xianxiong Tang (Minor Chest-Manipulating Decoction) combined with Sanzi Yangqin Tang (Three-Seed Decoction to Nourish the Elderly) plus Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium). After several doses, heat receded, hunger returned, and she recovered.
Xiang Xiaoqing, wealthy and benevolent, aged thirty-five, very robust, contracted slight Winter-Warmth. His resident physician prescribed Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus), causing restlessness. Another doctor, flattering, used large doses of warming tonics. After two doses, he went mad uncontrollably. Multiple doctors were summoned for consultation, prescribing only a few qian of Qinglin Wan. His relative, Liang Chusheng, hearing of the danger, urgently invited Wang Mengying, but the condition was already irretrievable. Alas! How important it is to be cautious with medication! Families of wealth should take this as a stern warning.
In our dynasty, national governance is vigorous; peacocks' heads remain red, crown ornaments feature red tassels, chewing tobacco is common—all signs of excessive Yang. Thus, Fire syndromes are prevalent. Medicines correct imbalance; doctors save from dysfunction. How can one ignore these macro-trends and rigidly adhere to Si Tian Zai Quan (Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch theories) for treatment? This is akin to a fool talking dreams.
Mr. Cheng from Anhui province contracted an exogenous disease in mid-winter. The doctor heard he ate a raw radish the day before, had loose stools, and white tongue coating. Given that the current year is Wet Earth ruling the Lower Heaven, he diagnosed Middle-Jiao Deficiency Cold-Damp. Large doses of Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata), Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) were administered, leading to black tongue and coma. Still suspected as severe deficiency. Shen Liuyi from Hezhong saw this, recognized the medicinal error, and invited Zhang Jingjiang. Zhang said: "It is Winter-Warmth." Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhino Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) was given continuously without improvement. Twenty days later, Wang Mengying was consulted. Tongue retracted, base crimson, coating black as lacquer, mouth open, penis flaccid, pulse fine, rapid, and string-taut; right pulse felt non-existent upon pressure. This indicated total burning of Yin fluids, deep entrapment of Warm-Toxin. Even sweet dew and jade nectar could not restore the exhausted fluids. Soon, he died.
Subsequently, Pan Shengzheng contracted an exogenous disease in mid-winter. After fever subsided on the 14th day, he lost all appetite. Various doctors treated him miscellaneously. By late winter, he developed dysentery with five colors, edema with cracked bleeding skin, scanty painful urination, and dry mouth. Wang was consulted. Left pulse string-taut, fine, rapid; right pulse string-taut, slippery, empty; coating yellow, greasy, root scorched; spontaneous sweating occasionally. This indicated exhaustion of both Qi and fluids, with lingering Heat-Toxin. It must be due to previous overuse of warming tonics. Otherwise, why would fever subside on day 14 but linger for over 50 days with such stubborn symptoms? His brother Hongxuan said: "For this illness, tonic medicines were only 2-3 doses; however, during Autumn malaria, the doctor said his white coating and plump body indicated 'Cold-Damp', so he took Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) dozens of doses, and drank liquor daily." Wang said: "These are the tools brewing the disease. Treating illness is hard enough, let alone with such internal drug toxicity. What method can save him?" He firmly refused to prescribe. The family insisted on seeking medicine to get through the year. Wang said: "That is acceptable." Prescription: Baitouweng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction) plus Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Lvdou (Phaseoli Semen), Guishen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Chenmi (Aged Rice), Lujing (Reed Stem), Lanye (Orchid Leaf), Ourou (Lotus Root Flesh). Separately, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Middle-Boosting and Qi-Invigorating Decoction) large dose steamed dew used as water for decoction. After taking it, scorched coating retreated, stool color normalized. Family rejoiced, begged Wang to continue. However, pulse showed no turning point, so Wang declined.
Furthermore, Mother of Shen Tingsong contracted malaria in late autumn. Wang had previously diagnosed: "Transformed from latent Summer-heat. Constitution is Yang-strong with much Phlegm-Fire. Do not fear deficiency and blindly use warming tonics." But the patient desired quick recovery and sought many doctors. Some said "Three Yin" syndrome, others "Mother-Child Malaria," others "Fetal Malaria" in the elderly. Conflicting opinions prevented cure. By winter, it turned into dysentery, with muscle swelling, buttock sores, oral ulcers, and tongue blisters. Doctors were helpless. Wang was consulted again. Pulse was identical to Pan Shengzheng's case; incurable by medicine.