金元章，年逾七旬，久患疝厥。每病于冬，以为寒也。服热药而暂愈，终不能霍然。孟英诊曰∶脾胃虽寒，肝阳
内盛，徒服刚烈，焉能中肯？以∶（人）参 （白）术 枸杞 苁蓉 当归 茴香 菟丝 鹿角霜 桂枝 茯
苓楝实 黄连 吴萸 橘核等药为方，服之。今数年无恙矣。
庆云圃观察令郎，陡患偏坠，医与茴香、葫芦巴、乌药、荔核等剂，遂疼不可忍。因浼赵棠村鹾尹邀孟
英视之。按其脉肤，甚热，曰∶非疝也。睾丸肿痛，必偏于右，此湿热时邪也。设以疝治，则必成痈。乃按湿
热时邪治之，果覆杯而痛减，三服而便行热退。因食羊肉，肿痛复作。再与清解，嘱慎口腹而瘳。
有患阴虚火炎者，面赤常如饮酒之态，孟英主一味元参汤，其效若神，而屡试皆验。
薛氏（立斋）医案，每以补中益气汤与地黄丸并用为治，虽卢不远之贤，亦或效尤，其实非用药之法也。
如果系清阳下陷而当升举者，则地黄丸之阴凝滞腻非所宜也。设属真阴不足之当用滋填者，则升麻、柴胡之耗散，
不可投也。自相矛盾，毫无纪律。然上、下分治，原有矩 。
有屠敬思者，素属阴亏，久患痰嗽，动则气逆，夜不能眠，频服滋潜，纳食渐减，稍沾浓味，呕腐吞酸。孟英
视脉∶左弦而微数，右则软滑兼弦。水常泛溢，土失堤防，肝木过升，肺金少降。良由久投滋腻，湿浊内蟠，无益于
下焦，反碍乎中运。左强右弱，升降不调。以∶苁蓉 黄柏 当归 芍药 熟地 丹皮 茯苓 楝实 砂仁（研为
末）藕粉为丸，早服温肾水以清肝；以∶党参 白术 枳实 菖蒲 半夏 茯苓 橘皮 黄连 蒺藜（生晒研
末） 竹沥为丸，午服培中土而消痰，暮吞威喜丸，肃上源以化浊。三焦分治，各恙皆安。悉用丸剂者，避汤药
之助痰湿耳。
室女多抑郁，干嗽为火郁，夫人人而知之者。有王杞庭之姊，年逾标梅（谓当婚之年），陡患干嗽，无一息
之停，目不交睫，服药无功。求孟英诊焉！两脉上溢，左兼弦细，口渴无苔。乃真阴久虚，风阳上僭，冲嗽不已，
厥脱堪虞。授∶牡蛎 龟板 鳖甲 石英 苁蓉 茯苓 熟地 归身 牛膝 冬虫 夏草 胡桃肉之方，药甫煎，
果欲厥，亟灌之，即寐。次日黄昏，犹发寒痉，仍灌前药。第三夜，仅有寝汗而已。四剂后，诸恙不作，眠食渐安。
设此等潜阳镇逆之方，迟投一二日，变恐不可知矣。况作郁治而再用开泄之品耶？故辨证为医家第一要务。
魏西林令侄女，娩后恶露延至两月。继闻乃翁条珊主政及两弟卒于京，悲哀不释。而为（患）干呕吐血，
头痛偏左，不饥不食，不眠不便，渴饮而溲必间日一行。久治不效。孟英切脉，虚弦豁大。与∶麦冬 大枣，
加熟地、首乌、鳖甲、二至（丸）、菊花、旋复、芍药、贝母、麻仁、青盐等药，服后，脉渐敛，血亦止。七、
八剂，头痛始息。旬日后，便行安谷。逾年接柩悲恸，血复溢，误投温补而亡。
赵菊斋仲媳，素患阴虚内热，时或咯血，去年孟英已为治愈。暨而汛事偶愆，孟英诊曰∶病去而孕矣。今春娩
后患泻，适孟英赴豫章之诊，专科进以温热之方，而咳嗽乃作。更医改授养营之剂，则滑泻必加。签药
乩方，备尝莫效。比孟英归，投以∶甘（草） （小）麦 大枣，配以∶（乌）梅、（黄）连之法，
证渐轻减。继为其姻党尼之，多方蛮补，遂致腹胀减餐，日下数十行，皆莹白坚圆，如白蒲桃之形，上萦血丝。菊
斋悔闷，仍乞援于孟英，予∶仲景当归生姜羊肉汤，每剂吞鸦旦仁二十一粒，以龙眼肉为衣，果两服而便转为
溏，痛即降序。再与温养奇经之龟板 鹿（角）霜 （当）归 （茯）苓 （枸）杞 菟（丝子） 甘（草） 白（芍
）乌贼（骨） 苁蓉 蒲桃（干） 藕（肉）等，调理而痊。
朱氏妇，素畏药，虽极淡之品，服之即吐。近患晡寒夜热，寝汗咽干，咳嗽胁痛。月余后，渐至餐减经少，肌
削神疲。孟英诊之、左手弦而数，右部涩且弱。曰∶既多悒郁，又善思虑，所谓病发心脾是也。而平昔畏药，岂可强
药再戕其胃？诚大窘事。再四思维，以∶甘草 小麦 红枣 藕（肉）四味，令其煮汤，频饮勿掇。病者尝药大喜，
径日夜服之。逾旬复诊，脉症大减。其家请更方，孟英曰∶毋庸也，此本仲景治脏燥之妙剂，吾以红枣易大枣，取其
色赤补心，气香悦胃，加藕（肉）以舒郁怡情，合之甘、麦，并能益气养血，润燥缓急。虽若平淡无奇，而非恶劣
损胃之比。不妨久住，胡可以为果子药而忽之哉？恪守两月，病果霍然。
高石泉媳，骨小肉脆，质本素虚。冬间偶涉烦劳，不饥不寐，心无把握，夜汗耳鸣。冯某连进滋阴法，病日甚
孟英察其左寸甚动，两关弦滑，苔色腻黄。乃心肝之火内燔，胃腑之气不降。阴亏固其本病，滋填未可为非。然必
“升降”先调，而后补之有益。授以∶盐水炒黄连 石菖蒲 元参 丹参 栀子 石斛 小麦 知母 麦冬 竹
叶莲子心等药，服之即应。续与∶女贞 旱莲 牡蛎 龟板 地黄，善后而瘥。古方书云∶“喘无善症”。
喘而且汗，尤属可危。
戊戌春，张雨农司马必欲孟英再赴黄山，孟英因其受病之深，且公事掣肘，心境不能泰然，诚非药石之可以为
力也，固辞不往。司马泣然哀恳，但冀偕往旋署，则任君去留可耳，并嘱赵兰舟再四代陈曲悃。孟英感其情，同舟
渡江，次剡溪，司马谈及体气羸惫情形，孟英忽曰∶公其久不作嚏乎？司马曰∶诚然有年矣，此曷故也？孟英曰∶
是阳气之不宣布耳，古惟仲景论及之，然未立治法，今拟鄙方奉赠，博公一嚏如何？司马称善。遂以高丽参 干姜
五味子 石菖蒲 酒炒薤白 半夏 橘皮 紫菀 桔梗 甘草为剂，舟行抵嵊，登陆取药，煎而服之。驾舆以行，
未及廿里，司马命从人诣孟英车前报曰∶已得嚏矣。
夏间，顾听泉邀孟英视其所视屠绿堂之恙，孟英曰∶阴生可虑。果于夏至前五日而卒。
屠之五令郎，患痰嗽者数年，近因悲哀病作。徐某见
其嗽甚则吐也，投以参、术，病乃益甚。润七月十六日夜，绿堂忽示梦云∶汝病须延孟英诊视，服温养药可愈。觉而
异之，即邀过诊。孟英曰∶此阴虚痨嗽，嗽久而冲气不纳则呕吐，非胃寒也。经言∶“劳者温之”，亦温养之谓，非可
以温补施之者。病者见案，更为惊叹，始以父萝告焉。孟英亦为之肃然。方用∶西洋参 熟地 苁蓉 “二冬” 茯
苓龟板 牡蛎 紫石英 玉竹 枇杷叶 橘皮，服之果安。予谓∶凡事皆可以感天地，格鬼神，况医为性命之学
耶？即此一案，可以知孟英之手眼通大，非幸获虚名者所能仰望也。
顾石甫，为娄县宰，患恙，医治日剧。解任归，求诊于孟英，脉见左寸如钩。曰∶病不能夏矣。子双适至，闻
而疑之，谓许医诘曰∶此症气逆血溢，腹胀囊肿，宛以康康侯之疾，若以外象观之，似较轻焉，胡彼可愈而此勿治
耶？孟英曰∶彼为邪气之壅塞，脉虽怪而搏指不挠，证实脉亦实也。此则为真气之散漫，脉来瞥
瞥如羹上肥，而左寸如钩，是心之真脏脉见矣。夫壅塞可以疏通，散漫不能收拾。客邪（则）草木能攻，神病而
刀圭莫济。证虽相似，病判天渊，纵有神丹，终无补也。季春果殁。
马某，年三十余，素用力。患发热恶寒，肢振自汗，少腹气上冲胸，头痛口渴。孟英诊曰，卫虚风袭，而脉络
久伤，肝风内动。予∶建中去饴（糖），加龙（骨）、牡（蛎）石英、苁蓉、楝实、桑枝，数帖而痊。
金元章，年龄超过七十岁，长期患有疝气厥逆。每次发病都在冬季，认为是寒邪所致。服用热性药物后暂时好转，但始终无法彻底痊愈。孟英诊察后说：“虽然脾胃有寒，但肝阳内盛，单纯服用刚烈燥热的药物，怎么能切中病机呢？”于是开具方剂：人参、白术、枸杞、肉苁蓉、当归、小茴香、菟丝子、鹿角霜、桂枝、茯苓、川楝子、黄连、吴茱萸、橘核等药物。患者服用后，至今几年都没有再发病。
庆云圃观察使的公子，突然患上偏坠（一侧睾丸肿胀下垂），医生给予茴香、葫芦巴、乌药、荔枝核等药剂，结果疼痛难以忍受。于是通过赵棠村盐运使邀请孟英诊治。孟英按压其脉象和皮肤，感觉非常热，说：“这不是疝气。睾丸肿痛，必定偏向右侧，这是湿热时邪所致。如果按照疝气治疗，一定会发展成痈肿。”于是按照湿热时邪进行治疗，果然喝下汤药不久疼痛减轻，服用三剂后大便通畅、热退。后来因为吃了羊肉，肿痛再次发作。再次给予清热解表药物，嘱咐注意饮食禁忌后痊愈。
有一位患阴虚火炎的患者，面色发红，经常像喝醉酒的样子，孟英主张只用一味玄参汤，效果神奇，多次尝试都验证有效。
薛氏（薛立斋）的医案中，经常将补中益气汤与地黄丸配合使用来治疗，即使是卢不远这样贤能的人，也有的效法这种做法，这其实不是正确的用药方法。如果是清阳下陷应当升举的情况，那么地黄丸的阴凝滞腻性质就不适宜；如果属于真阴不足应当滋填的情况，那么升麻、柴胡的耗散作用就不可投用。自相矛盾，毫无章法。然而，上下分治，原本是有规矩的。
有一位叫屠敬思的人，素来阴液亏损，长期患有痰嗽，一动则气逆，夜间不能入睡，频繁服用滋阴潜阳药物，导致进食逐渐减少，稍微沾一点浓味食物，就会呕吐酸腐、吞酸。孟英诊察脉象：左手弦而微数，右手软滑兼弦。水湿常常泛溢，脾土失去堤防约束，肝木过升，肺金下降不足。这主要是由于长期投用滋腻药物，导致湿浊内聚，不仅无益于下焦，反而阻碍了中焦运化。左脉强右脉弱，升降不调。于是开具：肉苁蓉、黄柏、当归、芍药、熟地、丹皮、茯苓、川楝子、砂仁（研为末）、藕粉制成丸药，早晨服用以温补肾水从而清泻肝火；又开具：党参、白术、枳实、石菖蒲、半夏、茯苓、橘皮、黄连、蒺藜（生晒研末）、竹沥制成丸药，中午服用以培补中土从而消除痰湿；傍晚吞服威喜丸，肃清上源以化解浊气。三焦分治，各种病症都安宁下来。全部使用丸剂，是为了避免汤药助长痰湿。
女子多抑郁，干咳是由于火郁，这是人人都知道的道理。王杞庭的姐姐，年龄超过适婚之年，突然患上干咳，没有一刻停歇，眼睛无法闭合，服药无效。请求孟英诊治！两手脉搏上溢，左手兼见弦细，口渴且舌苔剥落。这是真阴久虚，风阳上僭，冲气咳嗽不止，出现厥脱的危险局面。授予方剂：牡蛎、龟板、鳖甲、紫石英、肉苁蓉、茯苓、熟地、当归身、牛膝、冬虫夏草、胡桃肉。药刚煎好，病人果然要发生厥逆，急忙灌服，随即入睡。第二天黄昏，仍然发冷痉挛，仍灌服前药。第三夜，仅有盗汗而已。四剂之后，各种病症不再发作，睡眠饮食逐渐安稳。如果这种潜阳镇逆的方剂晚投一两天，变化恐怕不可预测。何况当作郁证治疗而再用开泄的药物呢？所以辨证是医家的第一要务。
魏西林令侄女，分娩后恶露持续两个月。接着听说父亲条珊主政及两个弟弟在京去世，悲哀无法排解。从而出现干呕吐血，头痛偏向左侧，不想吃东西，不眠不大便，口渴饮水但小便必须隔天一次。长期治疗无效。孟英切脉，脉象虚弦豁大。给予：麦冬、大枣，加熟地、首乌、鳖甲、二至丸、菊花、旋覆花、芍药、贝母、麻仁、青盐等药物，服用后，脉象逐渐收敛，出血也停止。七、八剂后，头痛才平息。十天后，大便通畅，能够进食。过了一年接回灵柩悲痛过度，血再次溢出，误投温补药物而死。
赵菊斋的二儿媳，素来患有阴虚内热，偶尔咯血，去年孟英已经治愈。等到月经偶尔失调，孟英诊察说：“病好了，怀孕了吧。”今年春天分娩后患腹泻，恰逢孟英去豫章诊病，专科医生进用温热方剂，于是咳嗽发作。换医生改用养营药剂，则滑泻必然加重。求签问卦，各种偏方都无效。等到孟英回来，投用：甘草、小麦、大枣，配以乌梅、黄连的方法，症状逐渐减轻。继而被亲戚劝阻，多方蛮补，导致腹胀食减，每天腹泻几十次，排泄物晶莹洁白坚硬圆润，像白葡萄的形状，上面缠绕血丝。赵菊斋悔恨郁闷，仍向孟英求助，给予：张仲景的当归生姜羊肉汤，每剂吞服鸦胆子二十一粒，以龙眼肉为衣，果然两剂后大便转为溏薄，疼痛依次降低。再给予温养奇经的龟板、鹿角霜、当归、茯苓、枸杞、菟丝子、甘草、白芍、乌贼骨、肉苁蓉、葡萄干、藕肉等药物，调理后痊愈。
朱氏妇人，素来畏惧吃药，即使是极清淡的药物，服用后即吐。最近患病，傍晚怕冷夜间发热，睡中出汗咽干，咳嗽胁痛。一个多月后，逐渐到进食减少月经量少，肌肉消瘦精神疲惫。孟英诊察：左手脉弦而数，右手脉涩且弱。说：“既然多有忧郁，又善于思虑，这就是所谓的病发心脾。而且平时畏惧吃药，怎么可以强行用药再伤害她的胃呢？这真是很大的困境。反复思考后，用：甘草、小麦、红枣、藕肉四味药，让她们煮汤，频频饮用不要停止。病人尝药大喜，径直日夜服用。过了十天复诊，脉症大幅减轻。家属请求更换方剂，孟英说：“不需要了，这本来是张仲景治疗脏燥的妙剂，我用红枣代替大枣，取其色赤补心，气香悦胃，加藕肉以舒郁怡情，合之甘、麦，都能益气养血，润燥缓急。虽然看似平淡无奇，但不是恶劣伤胃的那种。不妨久服，怎么能因为是果子药而忽视它呢？遵守这个方子两个月，病果然霍然痊愈。
高石泉的儿媳，骨骼细小肉质脆弱，体质本来素虚。冬天偶然涉及烦劳，不想吃饭睡不着觉，心里没底，夜间出汗耳鸣。冯某连续进用滋阴法，病情日益加重。孟英察其左寸脉很动，两关脉弦滑，苔色腻黄。这是心肝之火内燔，胃腑之气不降。阴亏固然是本病，滋阴填补并非不对。但是必须先调“升降”，然后补益才有益。授予方剂：盐水炒黄连、石菖蒲、玄参、丹参、栀子、石斛、小麦、知母、麦冬、竹叶、莲子心等药物，服用后立即见效。随后给予：女贞子、旱莲草、牡蛎、龟板、地黄，善后而痊愈。古方书说：“喘无善症”。喘而且出汗，尤其属于危险情况。
戊戌年春天，张雨农司马一定要孟英再去黄山，孟英因为他受病深重，且公事牵制，心境不能泰然，确实不是药物可以力挽狂澜的，坚决推辞不去。司马哭着哀恳，只希望偕同前往回到官署，那么任君去留都可以，并嘱咐赵兰舟再三代为陈述委屈衷肠。孟英被他的情感感动，同舟渡江，到达剡溪，司马谈及身体羸弱疲惫的情形，孟英忽然说：“您很久不打喷嚏了吗？”司马说：“确实有好几年了，这是什么原因？”孟英说：“这是阳气不能宣发的缘故，古代只有张仲景论述过，但没有确立治疗方法，现在拟定我的鄙方赠送给您，博得您一个喷嚏怎么样？”司马称好。于是用高丽参、干姜、五味子、石菖蒲、酒炒薤白、半夏、橘皮、紫菀、桔梗、甘草为剂，乘船到达嵊县，上岸取药，煎服。乘坐车行进，不到二十里，司马命令随从到孟英车前报告说：“已经打出喷嚏了。”
夏天，顾听泉邀请孟英看他所看的屠绿堂的病，孟英说：“阴生可虑。”果然在夏至前五日去世。
屠绿的五儿子，患痰嗽数年，最近因为悲哀病作。徐某看见他咳嗽厉害就呕吐，投用参、术，病情更加严重。闰七月十六日夜，绿堂忽然托梦说：“你的病必须请孟英诊治，服用温养药可以痊愈。”醒来觉得奇异，立即邀请孟英诊治。孟英说：“这是阴虚痨嗽，咳嗽久了冲气不纳就会呕吐，不是胃寒。经文说：‘劳者温之’，也是指温养，不是可以用温补来施治的。病人看到案语，更为惊叹，这才把父亲的事告诉了他。孟英也为之肃然起敬。方用：西洋参、熟地、肉苁蓉、“二冬”、茯苓、龟板、牡蛎、紫石英、玉竹、枇杷叶、橘皮，服用果然安宁。我认为：凡事都可以感天地，格鬼神，何况医学是关乎性命的学问呢？仅凭这一案，就可以知道孟英的手眼通天广大，不是侥幸获得虚名的人所能仰望的。
顾石甫，是娄县县令，患病，医治一天比一天严重。解除职务回家，请求孟英诊治，脉象见左寸如钩。说：“病不能活过夏天了。”儿子双刚好来到，听到后怀疑，问许医生说：“这个症状气逆血溢，腹胀囊肿，完全像康康侯的病，从外表看，似乎较轻，为什么他可以愈而此人不治呢？”孟英说：“他是邪气壅塞，脉虽然奇怪但搏指有力不挠，证实脉也实。这则是真气散漫，脉来瞥瞥像羹上肥，而左寸如钩，是心的真脏脉出现了。壅塞可以疏通，散漫不能收拾。客邪草木能攻，神病而刀圭莫济。证状虽然相似，病情判若天渊，纵有神丹，最终也无补益。季春果然去世。
马某，年龄三十多岁，素来用力。患发热恶寒，肢体震颤自汗，少腹气上冲胸，头痛口渴。孟英诊察说，卫虚风袭，而脉络久伤，肝风内动。给予：建中汤去掉饴糖，加龙骨、牡蛎、紫石英、肉苁蓉、川楝子、桑枝，数帖而痊愈。
Jin Yuanzhang, over seventy years old, had long suffered from hernia jue (hernia with cold extremities or qi rebellion). Every episode occurred in winter, which was attributed to cold pathogen. He took hot-natured medicines for temporary relief but never fully recovered. Mengying diagnosed: "Although the Spleen and Stomach are cold, Liver Yang is internally abundant. Merely taking harsh, acrid-hot medicines cannot hit the target." The prescription included: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Lycii Fructus (Gouqi), Cistanches Herba (Rongshu), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Foeniculi Fructus (Huixiang), Cuscutae Semen (Tusizi), Cornu Cervi Deglans (Lujiaoshuang), Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi), Poria (Fuling), Meliae Fructus (Lianshi), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Evodiae Fructus (Wuzhuyu), and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Juhe) etc. He took it. For several years since then, he has been well.
The young master of Guanyunpu Guancha suddenly developed unilateral testicular swelling and descent (pianzhui). Physicians prescribed Fennel Seed (Huixiang), Trigonellae Semen (Huluba), Linderae Radix (Wuyao), and Litchi Chinensis Semen (Lihé). The pain became unbearable. Through Zhao Tangcun, the Salt Intendant, Mengying was invited to examine him. Palpating his pulse and skin, they felt very hot. Mengying said: "This is not a hernia. Testicular swelling and pain must be on the right side; this is damp-heat seasonal pathogen. If treated as a hernia, it will certainly become an abscess." Treating it according to damp-heat seasonal pathogen, the pain subsided after one cup of decoction, and after three doses, bowel movement resumed and fever receded. Later, due to eating mutton, the swelling and pain recurred. Clearing heat and resolving exterior again, and advising dietary caution led to recovery.
A patient suffering from Yin deficiency with flaming fire had a red face, often resembling drunkenness. Mengying prescribed a single-herb decoction of Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen). The effect was miraculous, verified repeatedly.
In Xue's (Xue Lizhai) medical cases, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Spleen-Raising Qi-Boosting Decoction) and Dihuang Wan (Rehmannia Pill) were often used together. Even capable physicians like Lu Buyuan imitated this, but it is actually incorrect medication method. If it is clear Yang sinking requiring raising, the cloying and stagnating nature of Dihuang Wan is unsuitable. If it is True Yin insufficiency requiring nourishing filling, the dispersing nature of Shengma and Chaihu should not be used. It is self-contradictory and lacks discipline. However, treating upper and lower separately does have its rules.
Tu Jingsi, constitutionally Yin deficient, suffered from phlegm-cough for a long time. Movement caused qi rebellion and insomnia. Frequent use of Yin-nourishing and anchoring herbs gradually reduced appetite. Slightly rich food caused vomiting of undigested matter and acid regurgitation. Mengying palpated the pulse: Left wiry and slightly rapid, Right soft, slippery, and wiry. Water overflows, Earth loses its dam control, Liver Wood rises excessively, Lung Metal descends insufficiently. This is mainly due to long-term use of cloying herbs, causing damp-turbidity to coil internally, harming neither Lower Jiao nor Middle transport. Left strong, Right weak, ascending-descending unregulated. Prescription: Cistanches Herba (Rongshu), Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao), Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shudi), Moutan Cortex (Danpi), Poria (Fuling), Meliae Fructus (Lianshi), Amomi Fructus Rotundus (Sharen - powdered), Lotus Root Flesh (Oufen) made into pills. Taken in morning to warm Kidney Water and clear Liver Fire. Another prescription: Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen), Atractylodis Rhizoma (Baizhu), Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu), Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia), Poria (Fuling), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Jupi), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Tribuli Fructus (Jili - sun-dried powdered), Bamboo Sap (Zhuli) made into pills. Taken at noon to fortify Middle Earth and eliminate phlegm. At dusk, Weixi Wan (Weixi Pill) swallowed to肃ify Upper Source and transform turbidity. Three Jiao treated separately, all ailments calmed. All pills were used to avoid soups aiding phlegm-dampness.
Women often suffer depression; dry cough due to fire constraint is known to all. Wang Qiting's sister, past marriageable age, suddenly developed incessant dry cough, sleepless, unresponsive to medicine. Mengying diagnosed: Both pulses surging upwards, Left wiry-thin, thirst, no tongue coating. True Yin long deficient, Wind-Yang usurping upwards, Chong vessel cough unceasing, danger of jue collapse. Prescribed: Ostreae Concha (Muli), Testudo Carapax et Plastrum (Guiban), Trionycis Carapax (Biejia), Fluorite (Shiyng), Cistanches Herba (Rongshu), Poria (Fuling), Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shudi), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Guishen), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), Cordyceps (Dongchong Xiacao), Juglans Semen (Hutaorou). Medicine just boiled, patient about to have jue, urgently fed, immediately slept. Next day dusk, still had cold spasms, still fed previous medicine. Third night, only night sweats. After four doses, all ailments ceased, sleep and diet gradually stabilized. If such Yang-anchoring and counter-flow-subduing prescriptions were delayed by one or two days, changes would be unpredictable. How much more so if treated as constraint using opening-draining products? Thus, syndrome differentiation is the physician's primary duty.
Wei Xilin's niece, postpartum lochia lasted two months. Then heard father Tiaoshan died in capital and two younger brothers died, grief unreleased. Developed dry vomiting and hematemesis, headache left side, anorexia, insomnia, constipation, thirst drinking but urination every other day. Long treatment ineffective. Mengying palpated pulse: Deficient, wiry, hollow, large. Prescribed: Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong), Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus (Dazao), added Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shudi), Polygoni Multiflori Caulis (Shouwu), Trionycis Carapax (Biejia), Erzhi Wan (Erzhi Pill), Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua), Inulae Flos (Xuanfu), Paeoniae Radix (Shaoyao), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Cannabis Fructus (Maren), Natrii Chloridum Rubrum (Qingyan). After taking, pulse gradually converged, bleeding stopped. Seven to eight doses, headache ceased. Ten days later, bowel movement regular, appetite returned. Over a year later, receiving coffin and grieving intensely, blood overflowed again, mistakenly given warming-tonifying herbs, died.
Zhao Juzhai's second daughter-in-law, constitutionally Yin deficient with internal heat, occasional hemoptysis, cured by Mengying last year. Menstruation occasionally delayed, Mengying diagnosed: Disease gone, pregnant. Spring delivery followed by diarrhea. Mengying away to Yuzhang, specialist gave warming formulas, cough ensued. Changing doctor to nourishing blood formulas, sliding diarrhea worsened. Divination and folk remedies failed. Upon Mengying's return, prescribed: Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Triticum Aestivum (Xiaomai), Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus (Dazao), paired with Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis (Wumei - *Note: Text says Wu Mei, usually Prunus Mume*, Huanglian). Symptoms gradually lightened. Relatives advised against, multiple blind tonifications caused abdominal distension, reduced intake, dozens of stools daily, white hard round like grapes, with blood threads. Juzhai regretted, begged Mengying. Given Zhang Zhongjing's Danggui Shengyang Roushou Tang (Angelica Ginger Lamb Decoction), swallowing 21 Avicenniae Fructus (Yadanren) per dose coated with Longan Aril (Longyanrou). Two doses, stool turned loose, pain decreased sequentially. Then warming-nourishing Odd Vessels: Testudo Carapax et Plastrum (Guiban), Cornu Cervi Deglans (Lujiaoshuang), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Poria (Fuling), Lycii Fructus (Gouqi), Cuscutae Semen (Tusizi), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao), Sepiae Endoconcha (Wuzeigu), Cistanches Herba (Rongshu), Vitis Vinifera Fructus Dry (Putao Gan), Lotus Root Flesh (Ourou) for conditioning and recovery.
Madam Zhu, feared medicine, vomited even mild drugs. Recently suffered afternoon chills, night fever, night sweats, dry throat, cough, hypochondriac pain. After a month, reduced intake, scant menstruation, emaciation, fatigue. Mengying diagnosed: Left wiry-rapid, Right choppy-weak. Said: "Much melancholy, excessive thinking, disease affecting Heart and Spleen. Feared medicine, how can we force drugs to damage stomach further? Great dilemma." Thought deeply, prescribed: Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Triticum Aestivum (Xiaomai), Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus (Hongzao), Lotus Root Flesh (Ouro) boiled as soup, frequent sipping. Patient delighted, drank day and night. Ten days later, pulse/symptoms greatly reduced. Family asked for new formula, Mengying said: "No need. This is Zhang Zhongjing's excellent formula for Zang Zao (Viscera Dryness). I replaced Dazao with Hongzao, red color nourishes Heart, aroma pleases Stomach, added Lotus Root Flesh to soothe depression and delight emotion. Combined with Gancao, Xiaomai, benefits Qi and Blood, moistens dryness, relieves urgency. Seems plain, not damaging like harsh drugs. Can take long, why ignore as fruit medicine?" Observed for two months, disease completely resolved.
Gao Shiquan's daughter-in-law, small bones, fragile flesh, constitutionally deficient. Winter, overworked, anorexia, insomnia, anxiety, night sweats, tinnitus. Feng certain continuously used Yin-nourishing methods, condition worsened. Mengying observed: Left Cun very active, both Guan wiry-slippery, coating greasy yellow. Heart-Liver fire burning internally, Stomach Qi failing to descend. Yin deficiency is root, nourishing filling not wrong. But must regulate "Ascending/Descending" first, then tonification helps. Prescribed: Salt-fried Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Shichangpu), Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (Danshen), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi), Dendrobii Caulis (Shihu), Triticum Aestivum (Xiaomai), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong), Bambusae Folium (Zhuye), Nelumbinis Plumula (Lianzixin). Immediate response. Follow-up: Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (Nüzhen), Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (Hanlian), Ostreae Concha (Muli), Testudo Carapax et Plastrum (Guiban), Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang) for convalescence. Ancient texts say: "No good prognosis for asthma/wheezing". Wheezing with sweating is especially critical.
Spring Wuxu, Sima Zhang Yunong insisted Mengying go to Huangshan again. Mengying knew deep illness, official duties constrained, mind not peaceful, truly beyond drug efficacy, firmly declined. Sima cried begging, hoped to accompany back to office, leaving departure choice to him, asked Zhao Lanzhou to plead repeatedly. Moved by sentiment, Mengying crossed river together, arrived at Shanxi. Sima discussed frailty. Mengying suddenly said: "Have you not sneezed for a long time?" Sima: "Indeed years. Why?" Mengying: "Yang Qi not disseminating. Only Zhang Zhongjing discussed, no method established. Now proposing my humble formula to gift you, to get a sneeze?" Sima agreed. Formula: Korean Ginseng Radix (Gaolishen), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Ganjiang), Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Shichangpu), Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (Xiebai wine-fried), Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Jupi), Asteris Radix et Herba (Ziwan), Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao). Took boat to Sheng, landed for medicine, decocted and took. Riding carriage, less than 20 li, servant reported: "Sneezed!"
Summer, Gu Tingquan invited Mengying to see Tu Lutang's illness. Mengying said: "Yin generation concerning." Indeed died five days before Summer Solstice.
Tu's fifth son, phlegm-cough for years, recently aggravated by grief. Xu saw severe cough causing vomiting, gave Renshen, Baizhu, condition worsened. Leap July 16th night, Lutang dreamt: "Must invite Mengying, warm-nourishing herbs cure." Woke surprised, invited Mengying. Mengying said: "Yin deficiency consumption cough, long cough causes Chong Qi not grasping leading to vomiting, not Stomach cold. Classic says: 'Laborers, warm them', meaning warm-nourishing, not warming-tonifying. Patient amazed, told father. Mengying respectful too. Formula: American Ginseng Radix (Xiyangshen), Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shudi), Cistanches Herba (Rongshu), "Two Winters" (Dongmazi, Dongguajin), Poria (Fuling), Testudo Carapax et Plastrum (Guiban), Ostreae Concha (Muli), Purple Fluorite (Zishiying), Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (Yuzhu), Loquat Leaf (Pipaye), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Jupi). Took, indeed calm. I say: Everything can move Heaven/Earth, spirits/gods, especially medicine life-science. This case shows Mengying's vast insight, not mere fame."
Gu Shifu, Louxian magistrate, illness worsened with treatment. Resigned, sought Mengying. Pulse Left Cun hook-like. Said: "Cannot survive summer." Son Shuang arrived, doubted, asked Dr. Xu: "Qi rebellion, blood overflow, abdominal distension, scrotal cyst, similar to Kang Kanghou's illness, looks lighter externally, why he heals and this doesn't?" Mengying said: "He is evil Qi obstruction, pulse strange but firm, excess syndrome excess pulse. This is True Qi scattering, pulse fleeting like fat on soup, Left Cun hook-like, Heart True Zang pulse appeared. Obstruction can be dredged, scattering cannot be gathered. Exogenous pathogens attacked by herbs, Spirit disease knife/pestle cannot help. Similar symptoms, heaven/abyss difference, even divine pill useless. Late Spring died."
Ma, thirty-something, laborer. Fever, aversion to cold, limb tremors, spontaneous sweating, Qi rushing from lower abdomen to chest, headache, thirst. Mengying diagnosed: Wei Qi deficient wind invasion, meridians long injured, Liver Wind moving internally. Prescribed: Jianzhong Tang minus Yi Tang, plus Longgu, Muli, Shiyng, Rongshu, Lianshi, Sangzhi. Several doses recovered.