夏间，王某患感，越医谢树金治之，病虽退而能食矣，但不能起坐，类乎瘫痪，延已月余，人皆谓其成废。
所亲钟某浼孟英视之，曰∶此因多服表散，汗出过分，气血两伤，肢骸失其营养。脉微而细，舌亮无苔。与大
剂∶（高丽）参 （黄） （当）归 （白）术 熟地 杜仲 菟丝子 牛膝 枸杞 山药 木瓜 萸肉
萎蕤 续断 桑枝，服数十帖而起。
顾云萝令正，久患香港脚，屡治屡发，驯致周身筋掣，上及于巅，龈痛齿麻，腰酸目眩，口干食少，夜不能
眠。孟英察其脉，芤而弦数，真阴大亏。腿虽痛，从无赤肿之形，香港脚药岂徒无益而已？予∶“二地” “二冬”
二至（丸） 知（母） （黄）柏 桑（枝） 菊（花） 栀（子） 楝（实） （青）蒿 （白）薇 龟板
鳖甲 藕（肉）等药，服之各恙渐减。
盖因平昔带下太甚，阴液泄漏，而筋脉失其濡养。治病应澄源以洁流。秋间，以∶海螵蛸粉 鱼膘（胶）
黄柏阿胶，为丸。服之，痊愈。
魏女，患脚肿，呕吐，寒热，便秘。孟英予龙胆泻肝汤而立效。
继有孙氏妇患此，亦以是药获愈。
赵听樵室，高若舟之妹也，去冬偶患脘痛。黄某治之，渐增头痛眩晕，气逆呕吐，痰多不寐，便溏不食，
经事不行。始疑其虚，三月后，又疑为娠，诸药遍尝，病日以进。若舟延孟英脉之∶左弦而数，右滑以驶。曰∶
病药耳，旬日可瘳。赵疑“大病小视”，不服其方。越半月，病者颈软，头（重）难举。医谓天柱已倒，势无
望矣。若舟闻之，复恳援于孟英。疏方仍是前诊之法。赵问∶此病诸医束手，大剂补药，尚无寸效，而君两次
用药，皆极清淡。虽分量颇重，亦焉能有济乎？孟英曰∶子何愚耶？药惟对证，乃克
愈病，病未去而补之，是助桀也。病日加而补益峻，是速其死也。原彼初意，非欲以药杀人。总缘医理未明，世故
先熟，不须辨证，（以）补可媚人，病家虽死不怨，医者至老无闻。一唱一和，熟能挽此颓风。令阃体质虽丰，而
阴虚有素。是以木少水涵，肝阳偏盛。上侮于胃，则为脘痛。斯时若投以酸苦泄肝，甘凉养胃，数日愈矣。乃温补
妄施，油添火上，肺津胃液，灼烁无余，怒木直升，枢机窒塞，水饮入胃，凝结为痰。虽见证多端，皆气失下降。
岂可指眠食废以为痨，月汛爽（爽字作愆期解）而为娠耶？予大剂轻淡之品，整肃气道。俾一身治节之令、肝胃逆
升之火、胃腑逗留之浊、枢机郁遏之热、水饮凝滞之痰，咸得下趋，自可向愈。不必“矫枉过正”，而妄以（芒）
硝、（大）黄伤正气，所谓“药贵对证”，而重病有轻取之法。非敢藐视人命，故将疲药塞责也。赵极感悟。投
匕即效，逾旬果安。又一月，经至。嗣予滋养，康复如常。越二载又病，复惑于黄某温补之论，而孟英之功尽坠，惜哉！
金朗然之母，偶发脘痛呕吐。医与温补药，初若相安，渐至畏寒不寐，四肢不仁。更医云是“风痹”，仍投温补。
因而不饥不食，二便不行，肌肉尽削，带下如溺。始延孟英诊之。曰∶暑伏脾胃耳。其多投温补而不遽变者，以
熟地等阴柔腻滞为之挟制也。然津气灼烁而殆尽，脂液奔迫以妄行，治节无权，阳明涸竭，焉能卫皮毛而畅四肢，
利机关以和九窍哉？与白虎汤加西洋参、竹茹、橘皮、丝瓜络、石斛、花粉、竹沥、海 ，连进二十剂，始解黑矢，
而各恙渐安。嗣与和肝胃，调八脉以善后，遂愈。
李某，向患脘痛，孟英频与建中法获瘳。今秋病偶发。他医诊之，闻其温补相投，径依样而画葫芦。服后，耳
闭腿痛，不饥便滞。仍就孟英视之。曰∶暑邪内伏，误投补药使然。治宜清涤为先，彼不之信。反疑为风气，付外科
灼灸，遂至筋不能伸而成锢疾。孟英曰∶此证较金病（金朗然母之病）轻逾十倍，惜惑于浅见，致成终身之患，良可
叹也！独怪谋利之徒，假河间太乙针之名，而妄施毒手。举国若狂，竟有不惜重价，求其一针，随以命殉之者，吾
目击不少矣。夫《内经》治病，原有熨之一法，然但可以疗寒湿凝滞之证。河间原方，惟二活（羌活、独活）、黄连
加麝香、乳香耳，主治风痹。今乃托诸鬼神，矜夸秘授，云可治尽内伤外感四时十二经一切之病。天下有是理乎？况其
所用之药，群集辛热香窜之品，点之以火，定必伤阴。一熨而吐血者有之，其不可轻试于阴虚之体与挟热之证也，
概可见矣。吾友盛少云之尊人卧云先生，误于此而致周身溃烂，卧床数载以亡。仲圣焦骨伤筋之训，言犹在耳。操
医术者，胡忍执炮烙之严刑，欺世俗而罔利哉？
沈某，患脘痛呕吐，二便闭涩，诸治不效。孟英视之，脉弦软，苔黄腻。曰∶此饮证也，岂沉湎于酒手？沈云∶
素不饮酒，性嗜茶耳！然恐茶寒致病，向以武彝红茶叶熬浓而饮之，谅无害焉。孟英曰∶茶虽凉，而味清气降，性
不停留。惟蒸遏为红，味变甘浊，全失整肃之气，遂为酿痰之媒，较彼曲 ，殆一间耳。医者不察，仅知呕吐为寒，
姜、萸、沉、附，不特与病相反，抑且更煽风阳。饮藉风腾，但升不降，是以上不能纳，下不得通，宛似关格，然
非阴枯阳结之候也。以∶（黄）连 楝（实） 栀（子） （黄）芩 旋复 竹茹 枇（杷）叶 橘（皮） 半（
夏） （茯）苓 泽（泻） 蛤壳 荷杆 生姜衣为方，送服震灵丹。数剂而平，匝月而起。
王耕蓝室，素患脘痛，近发寒热。医与温补，渐至胸痞呕呃，谵语神昏，舌绛面赤，足冷自汗，疟仍不休。孟
英用∶元参 犀角 石膏 石菖蒲 连翘 杏仁 贝母 旋复 竹茹 枇杷叶 竺黄 柿蒂 竹沥 郁金诸药，化
服万氏牛黄清心丸。数服而愈。
金某，久患脘痛，按之漉漉有声。便秘溲赤，口渴苔黄，杳不知饥，绝粒五日，诸药下咽，倾吐无余。孟英察
脉，沉细而弦。用∶海 荸荠各四两，煮汤饮之，竟不吐，痛亦大减。继以此汤煎高丽参 黄连 楝实 延胡
栀子 枳 （子） 石斛 竹茹 柿蒂等药，送服当归龙荟丸，旬日而安。继予春泽汤调补收绩，盖其人素
善饮而嗜瓜果以成疾也。
董晓书令正，素患脘痛，甚至晕厥，今秋病腰痛腿木，胸闷气逆不能卧。胡某进温补药而喘汗欲脱，杳不思谷。
孟英切脉∶虚细中兼有弦滑，舌绛而渴，乃阴虚挟痰耳。与∶沙参 苁蓉 木瓜 石斛 蛤壳 蒺藜 （紫）石
英茯苓 紫菀 杏仁 楝实 首乌 牛膝诸药，旬日而安。继加熟地黄，服之痊愈。
庄芝阶舍人令嫒，孀居在室，陡患气冲欲厥，脘痛莫当。自服沉香、吴萸等药，病益剧，而呕吐发热，略有微
寒。孟英按脉，弦滑且数，苔色滑腻微黄，而渴喜冷冻饮料，便秘溲热，眠食皆废。是伏痰内盛，肝逆上升，而兼吸受
暑热也。予∶吴萸水炒黄连 枳实 竹茹 栝蒌 石膏 旋复 赭石 知母 半夏 雪羹，服二剂，吐止痛减，
五剂热退而解犹不畅，旬日始得豁然，乃去石膏、知母、旋（复）、赭（石）调之而愈。
吴蕴香大令仲媳，汛愆而崩之后，脘痛发厥，自汗肢
冷。孟英脉之，细而弦滑，口苦便涩。乃素体多痰，风阳内鼓，虽当崩后，病不在血。与∶旋（复） 赭（
石） 羚（羊角） （竹）茹 枳（实） 贝（母） 薤（白） （栝）蒌 蛤壳为方，痛乃渐下，厥亦止。再
加金铃、延胡、苁蓉、鼠矢，服之而愈。
迨季冬，因猝惊发狂，笑骂不避亲疏。孟英察脉，弦滑而数。与∶犀（角） 羚（羊角） 元参 丹皮 丹
参栀子 菖蒲 竹叶 鳖甲 竹沥，吞（服）当归龙荟丸，熄风阳以涤痰热，果数剂而安。
然平时喜服补药，或有眩晕，不知为风痰内动，益疑为元气大虚。孟英尝谏阻之，而彼不能从。至次年春季，
因伤感，而狂证陡发，毁器登高，更甚于昔。孟英视之，苔黑大渴。与前方，加珍珠、牛黄服之，苔色转黄，弦滑
之脉略减，而狂莫可治。改以∶石膏 朱砂 铁落 菖蒲 青黛 知母 胆星 鳖甲 金铃 旋复 元参 竹沥，
为大剂，送服礞石滚痰丸，四服而平。
继而香港脚大发，腹痛便闭，上冲于心，肢冷汗出，昏晕欲厥。与∶（黄）连 楝（实） 栀（子） （竹）
茹小麦 百合 旋（复） 贝（母） 延胡 乌药 雪羹 石英 鼠矢 黄柏 藕（肉）等药，服之而安。
吴 门，年逾花甲，素患脘痛，以为虚寒，辄用温补，久而益剧。孟英诊曰∶肝火宜清，彼不之信。延至仲夏，
形已消瘦，倏然浮肿，胁背刺痛，气逆不眠。心辣如焚。善嗔畏热。大便时泻，饮食下咽即吐。诸医束手，乃恳治
于孟英。脉软而数。与∶竹茹 黄连 枇杷叶 知母 栀（子） 楝（实） 旋（复） 赭（石）等药而吐止。饮食
虽进，各恙未已。投大剂沙参 生地 龟板 鳖甲 女贞 旱莲 桑叶 丹皮 银花 茅根 （竹）茹 贝（母
）知（母）
（黄）柏 枇杷叶 菊花等药，出入为方。二、三十剂后，周身发疥疮而肿渐消。右耳出粘稠脓水而泻止。此诸经之
伏热，得以宣泄也。仍以此药，令其久服，迨秋始愈。冬间能出门矣。
夏季，王某患外感病，经医生谢树金治疗，病情虽已减退且能进食，但无法起身坐立，症状类似瘫痪，拖延了一个多月，人们都以为他成了废人。
亲友钟某请王孟英诊治，说：“这是因为过多服用发散解表药，出汗过度，导致气血两伤，肢体失去营养。”脉象微细，舌面光亮无苔。给予大剂量方剂：高丽参、黄芪、当归、白术、熟地黄、杜仲、菟丝子、牛膝、枸杞子、山药、木瓜、山茱萸、玉竹、续断、桑枝，服用几十帖后便能起身。
顾云萝的夫人，长期患有香港脚（足癣/脚气病），多次治疗多次复发，逐渐发展到全身筋脉抽搐，上至头顶，牙龈疼痛牙齿麻木，腰酸目眩，口干食少，夜间不能入睡。王孟英诊察其脉象，芤而弦数，判断为真阴大亏。腿部虽然疼痛，但从没有红肿的表现，用治香港脚的药岂止是无益而已？给予方剂：“二地”（生地黄、熟地黄）、“二冬”（天冬、麦冬）、二至丸、知母、黄柏、桑枝、菊花、栀子、楝实、青蒿、白薇、龟板、鳖甲、藕肉等药物，服用后各种症状逐渐减轻。
大概是因为平时带下过多，阴液泄漏，导致筋脉失去濡养。治病应当澄清源头以洁净水流。秋季，给予海螵蛸粉、鱼鳔胶、黄柏、阿胶，制成丸药。服用后痊愈。
魏家女儿，患脚肿、呕吐、寒热往来、便秘。王孟英给予龙胆泻肝汤，立刻见效。
随后孙氏妇人患此病，也用此药治愈。
赵听樵的妻子，是高若舟的妹妹，去年冬天偶然患胃脘痛。黄某治疗，逐渐增加头痛眩晕、气逆呕吐、痰多不寐、大便溏薄不思饮食、月经停止。起初怀疑是虚证，三个月后又怀疑是怀孕，各种药都试过了，病情日益加重。若舟请王孟英诊脉：左脉弦而数，右脉滑而疾速。说：“这是药误造成的病，十天可以痊愈。”赵姓家属怀疑“大病小视”，不服从他的方子。过了半个月，病人颈部软弱，头沉重难以抬起。医生说天柱骨已倒，形势没有希望了。若舟听说后，再次恳求王孟英援助。开出的方子仍然是前次诊断的方法。赵问：“这个病各位医生束手无策，大剂量补药，还没有一寸疗效，而你两次用药，都非常清淡。虽然分量很重，又怎么能有济于事呢？”王孟英说：“你多么愚蠢啊！药只有对症，才能治愈疾病，病邪未去而进补，这是助纣为虐。病情日益加重而补益峻猛，这是加速死亡。推究他最初的意图，并非想用药杀人。总归是医理不明，世故先通，不需要辨证，认为用补药可以讨好病人，病人即使死了也不怨恨，医生到老也没有名声。一唱一和，谁能挽回这种颓风。令阃体质虽然丰满，但素来阴虚。因此木少水涵，肝阳偏盛。上犯于胃，则为胃脘痛。此时如果投以酸苦泄肝、甘凉养胃的药，几天就好了。乃至于妄施温补，如同油添火上，肺津胃液被灼烧殆尽，怒木直升，枢机窒塞，水饮入胃，凝结为痰。虽然见证多端，都是气失下降所致。岂可以把睡眠饮食废弛当作痨病，把月经愆期当作怀孕呢？给予大剂轻淡之品，整肃气道。使一身治节之令、肝胃逆升之火、胃腑逗留之浊、枢机郁遏之热、水饮凝滞之痰，都能下行，自然可以向愈。不必‘矫枉过正’，而妄用芒硝、大黄损伤正气，所谓‘药贵对证’，重病有轻取之法。不敢藐视人命，故意用疲软的药物搪塞责任。”赵某非常感悟。投药即效，超过十天果然安康。又一个月，月经来潮。随后给予滋养调理，康复如常。过了两年又生病，又被黄某的温补理论迷惑，而王孟英的功劳全部落空，可惜啊！
金朗然的母亲，偶然发作胃脘痛呕吐。医生给予温补药，起初似乎相安无事，逐渐发展到畏寒不寐，四肢麻木不仁。换医生说是“风痹”，仍投温补药。因而导致不饥不食，大小便不通，肌肉消瘦殆尽，带下如溺。才请王孟英诊察。说：“暑邪潜伏在脾胃罢了。之所以多投温补而不立即变化，是因为熟地等阴柔腻滞的药物加以挟制。然而津气被灼烧殆尽，脂液奔迫妄行，治节无权，阳明涸竭，怎么能护卫皮毛而通畅四肢，利机关而调和九窍呢？”给予白虎汤加西洋参、竹茹、橘皮、丝瓜络、石斛、花粉、竹沥、海蛤壳，连服二十剂，才排出黑屎，而各症逐渐安定。随后给予调和肝胃、调理八脉的药善后，于是痊愈。
李某，向来患胃脘痛，王孟英频繁使用建中法获得痊愈。今年秋天病偶发。其他医生诊察，听说他用温补药有效，直接依样画葫芦。服用后，耳闭腿痛，不饥便滞。仍然找王孟英诊治。说：“暑邪内伏，误投补药所致。治疗应当以清涤为先，他不相信。反而怀疑是风气，交给外科灼灸，遂致筋不能伸展而成锢疾。王孟英说：“这个证比金朗然母亲的病轻十倍，可惜被浅见所惑，导致终身之患，实在可叹！只奇怪谋利之徒，假借河间太乙针之名，而妄施毒手。举国若狂，竟有不惜重价，求其一针，随即以命殉之者，我亲眼目睹不少。《内经》治病，原有熨之一法，但只能用来治疗寒湿凝滞之证。河间原方，只有羌活、独活、黄连加麝香、乳香罢了，主治风痹。现在却托诸鬼神，矜夸秘授，说可以治尽内伤外感四时十二经一切之病。天下有这样的道理吗？况且其所用的药，聚集辛热香窜之品，点之以火，必定伤阴。一熨而吐血者有之，其不可轻试于阴虚之体与挟热之证也，概可见矣。我的朋友盛少云的尊人卧云先生，误于此而致周身溃烂，卧床数年而死。仲景‘焦骨伤筋’的训诫，言犹在耳。操医术者，怎忍心执行炮烙般的严刑，欺骗世俗而谋取利益呢？”
沈某，患胃脘痛呕吐，大小便闭涩，各种治疗无效。王孟英诊察，脉弦软，苔黄腻。说：“这是饮证，难道沉湎于酒手？”沈某说：“素不饮酒，性嗜茶耳！然而恐怕茶寒致病，一向用武夷红茶叶熬浓而饮，谅无害焉。”王孟英说：“茶虽凉，而味清气降，性不停留。惟蒸遏为红，味变甘浊，全失整肃之气，遂为酿痰之媒，较彼曲蘖，殆一间耳。医者不察，仅知呕吐为寒，姜、萸、沉、附，不特与病相反，抑且更煽风阳。饮藉风腾，但升不降，是以上不能纳，下不得通，宛似关格，然非阴枯阳结之候也。”给予方剂：黄连、楝实、栀子、黄芩、旋复花、竹茹、枇杷叶、橘皮、半夏、茯苓、泽泻、蛤壳、荷杆、生姜衣为方，送服震灵丹。数剂而平，匝月而起。
王耕蓝的妻子，素患胃脘痛，近期发作寒热。医生给予温补，逐渐发展到胸痞呕呃、谵语神昏、舌绛面赤、足冷自汗、疟疾仍不休。王孟英用：玄参、犀角、石膏、石菖蒲、连翘、杏仁、贝母、旋复花、竹茹、枇杷叶、竺黄、柿蒂、竹沥、郁金诸药，化服万氏牛黄清心丸。数服而愈。
金某，久患胃脘痛，按之漉漉有声。便秘溲赤，口渴苔黄，杳不知饥，绝粒五日，诸药下咽，倾吐无余。王孟英诊察脉象，沉细而弦。用：海蛤壳、荸荠各四两，煮汤饮之，竟不吐，痛亦大减。继以此汤煎高丽参、黄连、楝实、延胡索、栀子、枳实、石斛、竹茹、柿蒂等药，送服当归龙荟丸，旬日而安。继予春泽汤调补收绩，盖其人素善饮而嗜瓜果以成疾也。
董晓书的妻子，素患胃脘痛，甚至晕厥，今年秋天病腰痛腿木，胸闷气逆不能卧。胡某进温补药而喘汗欲脱，杳不思谷。王孟英切脉：虚细中兼有弦滑，舌绛而渴，乃阴虚挟痰耳。给予方剂：沙参、肉苁蓉、木瓜、石斛、蛤壳、蒺藜、紫石英、茯苓、紫菀、杏仁、楝实、首乌、牛膝诸药，旬日而安。继加熟地黄，服之痊愈。
庄芝阶舍人的女儿，孀居在室，陡患气冲欲厥，胃脘痛莫当。自服沉香、吴茱萸等药，病益剧，而呕吐发热，略有微寒。王孟英按脉，弦滑且数，苔色滑腻微黄，而渴喜冷冻饮料，便秘溲热，眠食皆废。是伏痰内盛，肝逆上升，而兼吸受暑热也。给予方剂：吴茱萸水炒黄连、枳实、竹茹、栝楼、石膏、旋复花、代赭石、知母、半夏、雪羹，服二剂，吐止痛减，五剂热退而解犹不畅，旬日始得豁然，乃去石膏、知母、旋复花、代赭石调之而愈。
吴蕴香大令的仲媳，月经愆期而崩漏之后，胃脘痛发厥，自汗肢冷。王孟英诊脉，细而弦滑，口苦便涩。乃素体多痰，风阳内鼓，虽当崩后，病不在血。给予方剂：旋复花、代赭石、羚羊角、竹茹、枳实、贝母、薤白、栝楼、蛤壳为方，痛乃渐下，厥亦止。再加金铃子、延胡索、肉苁蓉、鼠矢，服之而愈。
到了季冬，因猝惊发狂，笑骂不避亲疏。王孟英诊脉，弦滑而数。给予方剂：犀角、羚羊角、玄参、丹皮、丹参、栀子、菖蒲、竹叶、鳖甲、竹沥，吞服当归龙荟丸，熄风阳以涤痰热，果数剂而安。
然而平时喜服补药，或有眩晕，不知为风痰内动，益疑为元气大虚。王孟英曾劝阻，而她不能听从。至次年春季，因伤感，而狂证陡发，毁器登高，更甚于昔。王孟英诊视，苔黑大渴。与前方的基础上，加珍珠、牛黄服之，苔色转黄，弦滑之脉略减，而狂莫可治。改以方剂：石膏、朱砂、铁落、菖蒲、青黛、知母、胆星、鳖甲、金铃子、旋复花、玄参、竹沥，为大剂，送服礞石滚痰丸，四服而平。
继而香港脚大发，腹痛便闭，上冲于心，肢冷汗出，昏晕欲厥。给予方剂：黄连、楝实、栀子、竹茹、小麦、百合、旋复花、贝母、延胡索、乌药、雪羹、石英、鼠矢、黄柏、藕肉等药，服之而安。
吴门，年逾花甲，素患胃脘痛，以为虚寒，辄用温补，久而益剧。王孟英诊曰：肝火宜清，彼不之信。延至仲夏，形已消瘦，倏然浮肿，胁背刺痛，气逆不眠。心辣如焚。善嗔畏热。大便时泻，饮食下咽即吐。诸医束手，乃恳治于王孟英。脉软而数。给予方剂：竹茹、黄连、枇杷叶、知母、栀子、楝实、旋复花、代赭石等药而吐止。饮食虽进，各恙未已。投大剂方剂：沙参、生地、龟板、鳖甲、女贞子、旱莲草、桑叶、丹皮、银花、茅根、竹茹、贝母、知母、黄柏、枇杷叶、菊花等药，出入为方。二、三十剂后，周身发疥疮而肿渐消。右耳出粘稠脓水而泻止。此诸经之伏热，得以宣泄也。仍以此药，令其久服，迨秋始愈。冬间能出门矣。
In summer, Mr. Wang suffered from an external contraction (exogenous pathogenic factor). After treatment by Dr. Xie Shujin, the illness receded and he could eat, but he could not sit up or rise, resembling paralysis. This persisted for over a month, and people thought he would become disabled.
A relative, Mr. Zhong, invited Wang Mengying to examine him. Wang said: "This is due to excessive use of diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) drugs, causing profuse sweating, leading to injury of both Qi and Blood, and loss of nourishment to the limbs." The pulse was faint and fine; the tongue surface was bright without coating. A large dose of the following formula was prescribed: (Korean) Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra (Gao Li Shen), Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Shudi), Eucommiae Cortex (Duzhong), Cuscutae Semen (Tusizi), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), Lycii Fructus (Gouqi), Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao), Papaveris Fructus (Mugua), Corni Fructus (Yurou), Polygonati Reticulati Rhizoma (Weirui), Dipsaci Radix (Xuduan), Mori Ramulus (Sangzhi). After taking dozens of doses, he was able to get up.
Mrs. Gu Yunluo had long suffered from Hong Kong Foot (Tinea Pedis/Jiaoxi), which recurred repeatedly despite treatments. It gradually progressed to spasms of tendons throughout the body, extending to the vertex, with painful gums and numb teeth, soreness of the waist and dizziness, dry mouth and poor appetite, and insomnia at night. Wang Mengying examined her pulse, finding it hollow (Kou) and wiry-numerous, diagnosing a severe deficiency of True Yin. Although her legs were painful, there was no redness or swelling; thus, medicines for Hong Kong Foot were not only ineffective but inappropriate. He prescribed: "Er Di" (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and Rehmanniae Radix), "Er Dong" (Asparagi Radix and Ophiopogonis Radix), Er Zhi Wan, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), Mori Ramulus (Sangzhi), Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi), Meliae Fructus (Lianshi), Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Qinghao), Puerariae Radix (Baiwei), Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (Guiban), Trionycis Carapax (Biejia), Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Cortex (Ourou), etc. Her symptoms gradually subsided.
The cause was likely excessive leukorrhea in the past, leaking Yin fluids, leading to loss of nourishment in the tendons and vessels. Treatment should clear the source to purify the flow. In autumn, he prescribed Sepiae Endoconcha (Haipiaoxiao) powder, Litoris Morsus Gelatinum (Yubiao Jiao), Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), and Equiseti Herba (Ejiao) made into pills. She recovered completely.
Ms. Wei suffered from swollen feet, vomiting, alternating chills and fever, and constipation. Wang Mengying prescribed Longdan Xiegan Tang (Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction), which produced immediate results.
Subsequently, Mrs. Sun suffered from the same condition and was also cured with this medicine.
Ms. Zhao Tingqiao's wife, sister of Gao Ruozhou, accidentally suffered from epigastric pain last winter. Treated by Dr. Huang, she developed headache and vertigo, rebellious Qi with vomiting, excessive phlegm, insomnia, loose stools, anorexia, and amenorrhea. Initially suspected as deficiency, then pregnancy after three months, various medicines were tried, but the condition worsened daily. Ruozhou invited Wang Mengying to examine the pulse: left side wiry and rapid, right side slippery and swift. Wang said: "This is iatrogenic illness; it can be cured in ten days." The Zhao family suspected "underestimating a serious illness" and refused the prescription. Half a month later, the patient's neck became soft, and her head heavy and difficult to lift. Doctors said the "pillar of heaven" (neck) had collapsed, and there was no hope. Hearing this, Ruozhou again begged Wang Mengying for help. The prescription remained the same as the previous diagnosis. Zhao asked: "All doctors are helpless with this illness; even large doses of tonics have had no effect. Yet your prescriptions are extremely light and bland. Even if the dosage is heavy, how can it work?" Wang Mengying said: "How foolish you are! Medicine must match the syndrome to cure the disease. Tonifying when the pathogen remains is aiding the villain. Rapidly tonifying when the disease worsens accelerates death. I assume his original intent was not to kill with medicine. It stems from unclear medical principles and familiarity with worldly ways, skipping syndrome differentiation, believing tonics please patients who won't blame them even if they die, while doctors gain no fame. One sings, another echoes; who can reverse this decadence? Although your wife's constitution is robust, she has inherent Yin deficiency. Thus, Wood lacks Water nourishment, and Liver Yang is hyperactive. Overacting on the Stomach causes epigastric pain. At that time, sour-bitter herbs to drain Liver and sweet-cool herbs to nourish Stomach would have cured her in days. Instead, reckless warm-tonification added oil to fire, scorching Lung fluids and Stomach juices to nothing. Angry Wood rose straight up, blocking the pivot. Water-fluids entering the Stomach condensed into phlegm. Although manifestations were diverse, all resulted from failure of Qi to descend. How can one mistake insomnia and anorexia for consumption (Lao disease), or missed menses for pregnancy? I prescribed large doses of light and bland substances to regulate the Qi mechanism. Allowing the governing orders of the body, rebellious Fire of Liver and Stomach, turbidity lingering in the Stomach, heat constrained by the pivot, and phlegm congealed from water-fluids to all descend, recovery is natural. There is no need for 'overcorrection' using harsh purgatives like Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) to damage healthy Qi. As the saying goes, 'Medicine贵在 matching the syndrome'; serious illnesses can be treated lightly. I do not dare slight human life by using weak medicines to shirk responsibility." Mr. Zhao was deeply moved. The medicine took effect immediately, and he recovered fully in ten days. A month later, menstruation returned. Subsequent nourishing treatment restored normal health. Two years later, illness recurred, and he was misled by Dr. Huang's warm-tonification theory, rendering Wang Mengying's efforts futile. What a pity!
Mrs. Jin Langran accidentally developed epigastric pain and vomiting. Doctors gave warm-tonifying medicines. Initially, she seemed stable, but gradually developed aversion to cold, insomnia, and numbness in the four limbs. Another doctor diagnosed "Wind-Bi" (Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome) and continued warm-tonification. Consequently, she lost appetite, could not eat, had urinary and fecal retention, emaciation, and profuse leukorrhea. Only then did they invite Wang Mengying. He said: "Summer-heat is latent in the Spleen and Stomach. The reason warm-tonification didn't cause immediate deterioration is because Yin-nourishing, cloying drugs like Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) restrained it. However, Jing-Qi is scorched to exhaustion, and essence flows recklessly. The governing function is powerless, and Yangming is dried up. How can it protect the skin-hair, unblock the limbs, facilitate joints, and harmonize the nine orifices?" He prescribed Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) plus西洋参 (American Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Ju Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Sigualuo (Luffae Fructus Retinervus), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Zhuli (Bambusae Succus), and Ha Ke (Mercurii Carbonas). After twenty doses, black stool passed, and symptoms eased. Subsequently, harmonizing Liver-Stomach and regulating the Eight Extraordinary Vessels brought complete recovery.
Mr. Li had chronic epigastric pain, often cured by Wang Mengying using Jianzhong method (Middle-Jiao Building). This autumn, the illness recurred. Other doctors, hearing of the success of warm-tonification, copied the approach blindly. After taking it, he experienced ear blockage, leg pain, anorexia, and sluggish bowels. He returned to Wang Mengying. Wang said: "Latent Summer-heat, caused by mistaken tonification. Treatment should prioritize clearing and washing out. He did not believe this, suspecting Wind instead, and sought surgical cauterization/moxibustion, resulting in tendon contracture and permanent disability. Wang Mengying remarked: "This case is ten times lighter than Mrs. Jin's, but regretfully led to lifelong suffering due to shallow views. I am surprised by profit-seekers falsely claiming the name of Hejian Taiyi Needle, performing cruel acts. The whole country is frantic; some pay heavily for a single needle, sacrificing their lives. I have witnessed many such cases. The Neijing mentions moxibustion/warming therapy, but only for Cold-Damp stagnation. Hejian's original formula contains only Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), plus Moschus (Shexiang) and Rushi (Boswelliae Resina), treating Wind-Bi. Now they claim it treats all internal injuries, exogenous diseases, seasonal pathogens, and twelve meridians. Is this logical? Moreover, the ingredients are pungent-warm and aromatic-penetrating. Applied with fire, they surely injure Yin. Some vomit blood after one application. It is evident they cannot be lightly used on Yin-deficient constitutions or Heat-clad syndromes. My friend Sheng Shaoyun's father, Mr. Wo Yun, suffered widespread ulceration and died after years in bed due to this error. Zhang Zhongjing's warning about 'scorched bones and injured tendons' still rings in my ears. How can medical practitioners endure inflicting torture-like punishments to deceive the public for profit?"
Mr. Shen suffered from epigastric pain, vomiting, and urinary/fecal retention. Various treatments failed. Wang Mengying found the pulse wiry-soft and coating yellow-greasy. He said: "This is a Fluid-retention syndrome. Are you addicted to alcohol?" Shen replied: "I never drink wine; I love tea. But fearing tea's cold nature causes illness, I boil strong Wuyi Black Tea leaves and drink them, thinking it harmless." Wang Mengying said: "Tea is cool, its flavor clears and descends, and its nature does not linger. But when steamed and fermented into black tea, the flavor becomes sweet and turbid, losing its cleansing quality, becoming a medium for generating phlegm, almost equal to yeast/qu. Doctors fail to observe, assuming vomiting is Cold. Ginger, Evodia, Aquilaria, and Aconite not only contradict the disease but also fan Wind-Yang. Fluids ride the Wind upward, rising but not descending. Thus, upper intake fails, lower discharge blocks, resembling Guan-Ge (Obstruction-Reversal), but it is not Yin-exhaustion and Yang-binding. I prescribed: Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Lianshi (Meliae Fructus), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Ju pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria), Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Geke (Mercuuri Carbonas), Hegan (Nelumbinis Petiolus), Jiangshenyi (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens Cortex). Administered with Zhenling Dan. Symptoms resolved in a few doses; he recovered within a month.
Mrs. Wang Genglan, chronically suffering from epigastric pain, recently developed chills and fever. Doctors gave warm-tonification, leading to chest oppression, hiccups, delirium, coma, crimson tongue, red face, cold feet, spontaneous sweating, and persistent malaria-like symptoms. Wang Mengying used: Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Xijiao (Rhinocerotis Cornu - *Note: Substitute with Buffalo Horn/Shuiniujiao in modern practice*), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Beimu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus), Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Zhuhuang (Bambusae Concretio Silicea), Shidi (Diospyroi Fructus Calyx), Zhuli (Bambusae Succus), Yujin (Curcumae Radix). These were taken with Wan Shi Niuhuang Qingxin Wan (Wan Shi's Calculus Bovis Heart-Clearing Pill). She recovered after a few doses.
Mr. Jin suffered from chronic epigastric pain, with gurgling sounds upon palpation. Constipation, dark urine, thirst, yellow coating, anorexia, fasting for five days, vomiting everything ingested. Wang Mengying found the pulse deep-fine and wiry. He prescribed: Hai Ke (Mercurii Carbonas) and Qibi (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma), 4 liang each, boiled as soup. Vomiting stopped, pain decreased significantly. Subsequently, this soup was used to decoct: Gao Li Shen (Korean Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Lianshi (Meliae Fructus), Yanhu (Corydalis Rhizoma), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Shidi (Diospyroi Fructus Calyx). Taken with Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica Longhui Pill). He recovered in ten days. Springze Tang (Chunze Tang) was given for tonic consolidation, as he had a history of drinking and eating melons/fruits causing illness.
Mrs. Dong Xiaoshu, chronically suffering from epigastric pain, sometimes fainted. This autumn, she developed low back pain, wooden legs, chest fullness, rebellious Qi preventing lying down. Dr. Hu gave warm-tonification, leading to wheezing, sweating, impending collapse, and anorexia. Wang Mengying felt the pulse: deficient-fine with wiry-slippery qualities; tongue crimson and thirsty. Diagnosis: Yin deficiency with Phlegm. Prescribed: Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Congrong (Cynomorii Fructus), Mugua (Papaveris Fructus), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Geke (Mercuuri Carbonas), Jili (Tribuli Fructus), Shiyingshuang (Quartz), Fuling (Poria), Ziwan (Adenophorae Radix), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Lianshi (Meliae Fructus), Shouwu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix). Recovered in ten days. Added Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) subsequently, leading to full recovery.
Miss Zhuang Zhijie, living as a widow, suddenly developed Qi rushing upward with syncope, unbearable epigastric pain. Self-medicating with Chenxiang (Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum) and Wuyu (Evodiae Fructus) worsened the condition, causing vomiting, fever, and slight chills. Wang Mengying found the pulse wiry-slippery-numerous; coating slippery-yellow; thirst preferring cold drinks; constipation and hot urine; inability to sleep or eat. Diagnosis: Excess latent Phlegm, rebellious Liver Qi ascending, combined with contracted Summer-heat. Prescribed: Wuyu-water fried Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Zheshi (Hematitum), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Xue Geng (Snow Broth - usually Lu Gen + Hai Ke). After two doses, vomiting stopped, pain reduced. After five doses, fever subsided, but resolution was incomplete. Ten days later, sudden relief. Removed Shigao, Zhimu, Xuanfu, Zheshi to regulate. Cured.
Mrs. Wu Yunxiang, second daughter-in-law of Magistrate Wu, suffered epigastric pain and syncope with spontaneous sweating and cold limbs after metrorrhagia following delayed menses. Wang Mengying found the pulse fine-wiry-slippery; bitter taste and dry stool. Diagnosis: Constitution prone to Phlegm, internal stirring of Wind-Yang. Despite post-hemorrhagic state, the disease was not in the Blood. Prescribed: Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Zheshi (Hematitum), Lingyangjiao (Saigae Tataricae Cornu), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Beimu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus), Xiebai (Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus), Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus), Geke (Mercuuri Carbonas). Pain subsided, syncope stopped. Added Jinlingzi (Meliae Fructus), Yanhu (Corydalis Rhizoma), Congrong (Cynomorii Fructus), Shushi (Castaneae Fructus). Cured.
Late winter, sudden fright induced mania, laughing and cursing regardless of kinship. Pulse wiry-slippery-numerous. Prescribed: Xijiao (Rhinocerotis Cornu), Lingyangjiao (Saigae Tataricae Cornu), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Zhuye (Phyllostachys Nigra Folium), Biejia (Trionycis Carapax), Zhuli (Bambusae Succus). Swallowed Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica Longhui Pill). Extinguished Wind-Yang and cleared Phlegm-Heat. Recovered after a few doses.
However, she habitually took tonics. When dizzy, she did not recognize internal stirring of Wind-Phlegm, suspecting severe Yuan-Qi deficiency. Wang Mengying advised against it, but she refused. Next spring, emotional distress triggered severe mania, destroying objects and climbing heights. Tongue black, extreme thirst. Added Zhenzhu (Pearl) and Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis) to the previous formula. Tongue turned yellow, pulse slightly less wiry-slippery, but mania remained untreatable. Changed to: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Zhusha (Cinnabaris), Tielpuo (Ferrum Fusile), Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Qingdai (Indici Folium), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Danning (Arisaematis Cum Bile), Biejia (Trionycis Carapax), Jinlingzi (Meliae Fructus), Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Zhuli (Bambusae Succus). Large dose administered with Mengshi Guntan Wan (Mengshi Rolling Phlegm Pill). Calmed after four doses.
Subsequently, Hong Kong Foot flared up, abdominal pain, constipation, Qi rushing to the heart, cold limbs, sweating, fainting. Prescribed: Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Lianshi (Meliae Fructus), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Xiaomai (Tritici Fructus), Baihe (Lilii Bulbus), Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Beimu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus), Yanhu (Corydalis Rhizoma), Wuyao (Linderae Radix), Xue Geng (Snow Broth), Shiyingshuang (Quartz), Shushi (Castaneae Fructus), Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), Ourou (Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Cortex). Recovered.
Mr. Wu Men, over sixty, chronically suffered from epigastric pain, assumed deficiency-cold, and used warm-tonification, worsening over time. Wang Mengying diagnosed: Liver Fire requires clearing. He did not believe it. By mid-summer, he was emaciated, suddenly edematous, stabbing pain in hypochondrium and back, rebellious Qi, insomnia. Burning sensation in heart. Irritable, heat-averse. Intermittent diarrhea, vomiting immediately after swallowing food. Doctors were helpless. Pulse soft-numerous. Prescribed: Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Lianshi (Meliae Fructus), Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Zheshi (Hematitum). Vomiting stopped. Food intake resumed, but other symptoms persisted. Large dose of: Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Guiban (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum), Biejia (Trionycis Carapax), Nvzhen (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus), Hanlian (Ecliptae Herba), Sangye (Mori Folium), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Beimu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos). Adjusted over 20-30 doses. Later, sores appeared all over, swelling subsided. Sticky pus discharged from right ear, diarrhea stopped. Latent heat in all meridians was vented. Continued medication until autumn, when he healed. Could go out in winter.