典藏书目

Last autumn was dry, and winter was warm, with almost no frost or snow; rivers and wells were all dried up. Starting from September, smallpox (Tianhua) became epidemic in our Hangzhou, where five out of ten patients could not be saved, and the number of children dying daily reached hundreds. Meng Ying said: This is "smallpox plague" (Douyi). The treatment method should differ from ordinary smallpox, but unfortunately, pediatricians failed to notice this. Moreover, the seasonal climate favors dispersal rather than storage, so it is feared that there will be many throat diseases in spring. Therefore, I specially published "Modified Three-Bean Decoction" so that those who had not yet been inoculated could take it in advance to prevent infection, and those about to develop smallpox could drink it freely to hope for a milder course. I also advised people to frequently take "Green Dragon White Tiger Decoction" to prevent throat ailments in spring. Unexpectedly, my words came true; there was no rain throughout the spring, and throat symptoms were very common. Physicians still did not understand the cause of the disease, knowing only how to use diaphoretic methods, which was like adding oil to fire. Meng Ying had a clear plan and uniformly used Zhang Zhongjing's Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) as the main emergency remedy. If the pathogen had already entered the Ying level (Nutritive Level), he used Wang Jin San's Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhino Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) with modifications according to circumstances. He also published the formulas for Green Dragon White Tiger Decoction and Xilei San, distributing them widely. Countless lives were saved by these means.

Appendix: Modified Three-Bean Decoction
Raw Mung Bean, Raw Soybean, Raw Black Soybean (or Raw White Hyacinth Bean), Raw Licorice Root, Honeysuckle Flower. Decoct in water and take orally.

Meng Ying annotated: The ancient formula Three-Bean Decoction is a wonderful medicine that can be taken throughout the entire course of smallpox and rashes. When taken frequently before eruption, it can make the rash sparse; when taken urgently as eruption begins, severe cases can hope for mildness; when taken abundantly after eruption, adverse conditions can turn into favorable ones; when taken frequently after complete eruption, toxins can be easily cleared. Folklore claims that inoculation is like "baking flowers in a sealed room." There are even methods where infants are given medicine within eighteen days of birth to induce smallpox, which is akin to pulling shoots to help them grow. Such artificial manipulations have caused hidden harm to countless people throughout history, like the sands of the Ganges. As for various formulas to thin out smallpox, they are meaningless; some use toxic drugs to damage vital energy, while others use filth to cause other diseases. One must not be confused by them. Only this formula is extremely simple, with the mildest nature, unpalatable taste, easy to obtain and take, without need to consider constitution, and safe for long-term use. It is indeed a perfect "King's Way" medicine. People in Hangzhou are misled by the belief that one should not eat beans during smallpox, which is despicable. I clarify this now to awaken people. Once children can drink it, using this medicine daily instead of tea is indeed the first chapter in protecting infant health. The original formula uses Red Bean, which is drying and injures Yin. I replaced it with Black Soybean, which has better Yin-nourishing effects. Even in dry climates or dry constitutions, it causes no harm. Adding Honeysuckle and Licorice further enhances detoxification. Some doubt that Honelysuckle's cool nature makes it unsuitable for long-term use, but the three beans are grains that strengthen the Spleen. With Honeysuckle's assistance, the combination becomes harmonious. Furthermore, children possess pure Yang constitution, making them highly suitable for such sweet-cool Yin-nourishing flavors. Not only does it thin the rash, but it also brightens the eyes, eliminates malnutrition-related disorders, and prevents skin boils, diarrhea, etc. Its merits cannot be fully enumerated.

Appendix: Green Dragon White Tiger Decoction
Olive, Raw Radish. Decoct in water and take orally.

Meng Ying annotated: This is a formula I created myself. Olives are green and clear the fire-wind harbored within the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, calming its flaming ascent. Radishes are white and transform the dry-heat coming externally from the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, directing its Qi downward. Combined, they eliminate stagnant phlegm in the collaterals and resolve toxicity from rich foods and fish/noodles. Used as a substitute for tea, they tame the dragon and subdue the tiger, bringing harmony to the Zang-Fu organs. Does it merely prevent throat diseases? These two ingredients are available everywhere and suitable for everyone. Though different items, their efficacy is superior, safe for long-term use, truly preventing latent disasters. Do not ignore them because they seem plain.

Appendix: Xilei San
Calcium Carbonate (from Ivory, calcined), Real Pearl (each 3 fen), Refined Indigo Naturalis (6 fen), Plum Blossom Borneol (3 li), Spider Web Nests (20 units, commonly known as "Xi'er Ke"; do not use those on wooden boards), Western Buffalo Calculus, Human Nail (each 5 li). For male patients, use female nails; for female patients, use male nails. Combine to benefit others, ensuring separate preparation. Grind into an ultra-fine powder and insufflate onto the affected area. Healing occurs once foul saliva discharges.

Meng Ying annotated: This is a divine prescription specifically for treating sore-throat scarlet fever and rashes. You Henian included it in *Jinkui Yi* stating that Zhang Furui transmitted this formula and subsequently had a son, hence I named it "Xilei San" (Bestowing Similarity/Quality). Hu Yunmei, aged over twenty, caught cold while sitting at night, suffering from headache, aversion to cold, vomiting, and cold limbs. Upon examination, Meng Ying noted: crimson tongue and rapid pulse, indicating signs of smallpox/rash. It was definitely not a cold. Fortunately, Hu trusted him, so he administered clearing and penetrating herbs. The next day, the lesions appeared round and open. Upon detailed inquiry, it was confirmed that smallpox had not erupted, but the fire heat was intense. Fearing confusion due to folk theories, he requested consultation with specialist Wang Weiwen. Their views were largely identical. Throughout the process, from onset to crusting, no warming, ascending, or attacking tonics were mixed. Despite dense distribution, coarse purple color, black pus/crusts, constipation, anorexia, and ceaseless thirst, the patient survived solely due to this medication. This explains why *Jianzhong Suoyan* has contributed to the world.

Zhou Hetings son, only five years old, continued taking cooling medicines more than a month after smallpox eruption, suddenly developed high fever. Pediatric treatment exacerbated the condition. Limbs and face were red, vomiting with yellow coating, thirsty but with clear urine, occasional syncope, lasting six days. His maternal grandfather, He Xinzi, invited Meng Ying to diagnose. The pulse was wiry, surging, slippery, and rapid; epigastric region was tender to pressure, with constipation and excessive sweating. He prescribed Xiaoxianxiong Tang (Minor Trapped Chest Decoction) plus Gypsum, Anemarrhena, Trichosanthes Root, Bamboo Leaf, Loquat Leaf, Fritillaria, and Xuegeng (Snow Soup). After two doses, all symptoms decreased, urination turned red, and bowel movements resumed. Subsequent nourishing and clearing treatments led to recovery.