3、治标宜用何药。
4、治本宜用何药。
6、每日混汤浴有无妨碍。
恳请道安。强××谨上复函：贵恙宜标本分治，本虚是一问题，标病又是一问题，治病从标着手，犹之贵业律师办案，只究理之曲直，不问家之贫富，势之强弱也。尊问六点答复如下：1、酸疼乃经络为病，血不养筋，亦是酸疼病之一种，然必有其他见证，证明确系血虚，方能断定，证据不足，殊难悬断。
2、头痛不由外感，必是内伤，风阳扰动，亦是内伤证之一，脑元两字，中医书所不载，余亦不敢妄对。
4、治本，缓议。
5、胸脘胀痛是胃脘病。
6、每日混汤浴无妨碍。
胃主纳，脾主化，中州失健，运化无权，胸脘所以胀痛，晨必呕痰，此其铁证，肩背酸痛，时作时休，此是经络病，或者胃家运化有权，气机升降得宜，则经络之病可以不治自愈。
制半夏三钱广陈皮一钱焦枳壳一钱白茯苓三钱川贝母二钱姜竹茹三钱川广郁金各二钱生香附二钱谷麦芽各三钱加鲜佛手一钱服后有效，示知为要。
四十二、尹×君函：编辑先生台鉴：阅782号《医林》栏内，原有步溪君之《验方大全》云怔忡病状，由误犯手淫或房事过度所致者，心虚肾虚可服构杞地黄丸及加减六味地黄丸，又天王补心丹等，能治愈。但不知此“加减”二字是何解释，是否亦系药丸名称，抑系取分量加减，请指示为感。因鄙人在少年时，曾犯过手淫，于近年中觉心胸筑筑振动，由友人指示，日服杞菊地黄丸三钱，用淡盐汤送下，不知杞菊同枸杞者是否同样功效？
[“杞菊”者，六味地黄丸料加构杞、菊花也，取其补肾明目。“枸杞”者，六味地黄丸料加枸杞一味也。]再鄙人于近三四年以来，忽发生似病非病之丑态，不知是否亦由肾虚心虚所致，今将此丑态详述于下：最近三四年来，与人说话之间，倏忽觉面红颈赤，继而极汗淫淫，同时心跳不停，虽欲强自镇定，奈不能自主之苦，设若被人觉察，目光射注，则更汗流不止，形同雨淋之丑，当时惭愧恨无地洞可入。初患时如在大庭广众同陌生女性交谈，即发生，继则同男性亦欲发生，近则更甚，虽日常晤面之亲友(不论男女)，亦现此丑状，因此只可做金人之口，思之再三，实不明其渊源，或系身体虚弱，心脏亏损，均未可知。敬请先生在《医林》栏示复为感。特此顺颂撰安。
尹×谨上复函：第一问“加减”两个字，不是丸药名称，乃是朗中先生就病症情状，将六味地黄丸方或加或减也。
姜半夏三钱淡竹茹三钱焦枳实钱半白茯苓三钱陈皮钱半生甘草八分鲜菖蒲三钱广郁金三钱生姜三片红枣三枚水煎服，日一剂，连服五日。四十三、王××君函：士谔大医生伟鉴：鄙人今年39岁，于成年时，精神殊为充足，遇事勇进，不知困难，赖充足之精力，成立事业步进社会，惟不免寻花问柳，过度耗神，但不觉萎疲，于29岁时，劣友引染黑籍，然志向与办事，勇气未觉退步。自幼爱惜精神，少近房事。惟于34岁起，精神萎疲不舒，作事怕烦懒怠，由此之后，不知不觉暂患阳萎。于去岁欲振作事业起见，求医调治，又戒除黑籍，兼打药针并服重贵补剂，而精神更疲乏，终日不思动作，不得已而中止。近头脑微痛，心神烦躁而不思做事执笔，鄙人自觉精神萎疲与身心不舒，乃起源阳萎，因近年来工作不多，饮食不大减，如何精神奇萎自己不解，但限于经济，亦不得合宜医治方药，乞赐教如何调治。王××谨启复函：贵恙乃是肾亏症，肾为作强之官，损及肾阳则精神不振，损及肾阴则精衰阳萎，症属内损，治非容易。请每日清晨服秫米粥油一碗，少加盐精以补肾阴；临卧吞服金匮肾气味丸三钱，以扶肾阳。服至一个月再谈。
四十四、周××君函：士谔先生有道，座右星五耳先生之名久矣，苦乏机会得瞻尊范，徒令钦迟仰慕靡已。兹因舍妹忽发一症，不知何病，初起时觉背脊缝突出冷气，渐至心内缩紧，十分难受，继觉周身游串，头晕眼黑，卧床业已月馀，现服中药十馀帖，形势稍缓，疾则依然。惟舍妹幼年曾患黄病，迄今稍愈，犹未脱体，不卜是由黄病之根而致变化否?星五景况寒苦，无力代医，而病者又居北方原籍，更乏良医诊治，倘久久稽延，恐于生命发生危险，迫不得已，具函恳求先生，代拟一药方，立盼玉音。专肃祗颂尊安。
周××顿首复函：令妹之恙，虽脉象、舌苔、饮食、溲便，皆不见告，以所列各症归纳之，是奇经八脉为病也。妇女最多奇经病，此症亦其一也，惟普通妇女病，病在奇经冲脉带脉为多，令妹之病，偏不在冲脉带脉，而在督脉任脉为可异耳。督脉行身之背，而根乎肾；任脉行身之前，而主乎心，心肾同气，同称少阴，所以冷气突出背脊，渐至心内紧缩也，继觉周身游串，头晕眼黑者，督脉行乎背，太阳脉亦行乎背，太阳主一身之表，而其脉上乎头入于目也。久患黄病，阳虚可知。拟方如下：川桂枝一钱生白芍一钱制附片一钱潞党参一钱生绵芪一钱炙甘草五分生姜三片大枣三枚水煎服五剂。戒烟验方自戒烟政令施行后，西医大做其投机生意，其实中医戒烟之方，验者极多。且费钱不多，何必大花冤钱，挑人来发财。余在《医林》宣布过红茶叶、食盐、烟膏之方，极灵极验。今又得一验方，还要便当还要便宜，其法采取紫花萁不拘多少，切细晒干，代做茶叶，泡汤代茶，随便渴饮，尽管抽鸦片，不必禁忌，自会丢枪戒绝。紫花萁即是紫色棉花之梗，种棉区域所在多有，价极便宜。此方得自中华国医学会张杏孙君。余意以紫花萁浓煎熬膏，开水冲服更妙。
诊病记[湿温化火重症]古人治病用药或凉或热，或补或攻，绝无丝毫成见。一以病为对象，病之环境异，药亦应之而异。尽有昨日进热药，今日易进凉药者；亦有晨投攻药而夕易投补药者。观仲景《伤寒论》，昨进桂枝汤，今进白虎汤者有之；晨进承气汤。夕与四逆汤者有之。不象今人死守一方，不敢稍有变易，恐人之议其后也，此其故，半由于医药之退化，半由于风俗之浇薄，不负责之旁人，好为不相干之议论，“大风吹倒梧桐树，自有旁人说短长。”信口雌黄，议药不议证，足令名医短气，贤者袖手，此种事在富贵之家为尤甚。余近治一极重之湿温证，病情变幻，虽幸焦头烂额，经余一手治愈。患者何莲根，一寻常百姓家子弟，设此人为富家之子，斯人斯疾。必死无疑。何氏年20岁，住南市高昌庙炮石后街司庆里王宅12号门牌，为一工人子，病者亦在船厂为工人。王家宅小学校曾君之子，春初病温，中西医俱束手，经余治愈，由此相知，时时为余绍介患病之人，盛情可感。二十五年三月二十六日，曾君介绍莲根来诊室求治。
余见其脉涩，唇焦，目黄，苔厚尖红，知病来不善，谓之曰“此湿温症也，势将化火。”
为之立案曰：“湿遏热伏，身热胸闷，头痛，肢痛，唇焦，目黄，舌苔厚腻，尖边红，有汗济颈而还，脉涩。与清热化湿。”
桑叶三钱川浙贝各三钱连翘三钱鲜竹叶三钱全瓜蒌四钱(打)黄连四分宋半夏二钱地枯萎四钱黄芩钱半加枇杷叶(去毛，包)四钱鲜芦根(去节)一尺此药服下，唇焦虽减，陡变谵语，不眠，倘在富贵之家，眼见服药病增，定然归咎医者药误，即不归咎，亦必谓病重药轻，有误病机，势必改弦易辙，亲友纷纷荐医，中西并进，杂药乱投，西法之打针冰帽，无不应有尽有矣。乃何姓以寻常百姓，实无闲钱，仍来相请。
余诊之脉涩如故，病邪深伏欲出不得也，危险之极，为之立案定方，此三月二十七日也，案曰：“湿遏热伏，投清热化湿，唇焦虽减，谵语不眠，胸闷如故，身热不扬，脉涩。
伏邪欲出不得出，危险之至，防厥。”
宋半夏三钱鲜竹叶三钱焦枳壳一钱鲜菖蒲三钱连翘三钱焦山栀三钱广郁金四钱川浙贝各三钱淡豆豉三钱干荷梗三钱梗通草八分白蔻仁八分(打，后下)此方煎服后，病势又大变，竟然神昏不语，右脉竟隐伏不见，愈治愈重，病象如上，即非富贵之家，照理亦必另访贤哲，用何姓以信曾君者信余，以为曾君所荐，决无错误。三月二十八日，仍来延余。余百计筹思，此证舍开泄外，别无治法，乃为之立案曰：“热邪逆传心包，先由谵语，后竟神昏，脉涩，右脉伏，急与开泄，以期挽回于万一。”
至宝丹(化服)一粒紫雪丹(调服)一钱半鲜菖蒲四钱广郁金五钱二味煎服。此药服下，开口能自言语，惟烦热，语不休，脉已易涩为弦，余即于原方去至宝丹，紫雪丹则减为一钱，另加钩藤勾三钱，鲜竹叶四钱。
三月二十九日，又来相延，至则病者已发狂欲起，三四人不能制，目直视不识人，余曰“病者发狂如是，邪热欲出也。”乃以壮汉三四人制之，病者既受病邪之煎熬而成狂，已觉万分困苦，今于抵抗病邪之外，又须抵抗三四壮汉之强制，倍增痛苦，大非所宜，其母曰：“三四人犹不能制，倘一离去，彼即离床出走矣。”余曰：“余自有妙药制之。”乃令购犀角尖、羚羊角尖各一钱，磨粉调服。而其家清寒，此两药价奇昂，二钱药粉须五六十元法币，财力不能胜任，恳余易低价之药，余于是大为踌躇，即使犀羚并进，有无把握尚成问题，今既如此，只好尽我之力以图维，是否有效，不敢必也。
乃立案曰：“热邪逆传心包，发狂，脉弦，不识人，急与清营，以期万一之挽救。”
鲜生地一两莲子芯八分左牡蛎一两(先煎)苍龙齿一两(先煎)川连八分钩藤勾四钱珍珠母一两(先煎)紫雪丹二钱(调服)此方服后，狂势较减，乃去紫雪丹，令再服一剂。
三月三十一日，延诊。狂已尽止，惟舌黑唇焦，脉见浮洪。余日“阴液伤矣。”立案曰：。热邪透而未清，阴液大伤，舌黑唇焦，脉浮洪，急与救阴。
鲜生地一两天麦冬各五钱珍珠母一两(先煎)鲜竹叶五钱北沙参八钱苍龙齿一两(先煎)鲜梨汁(冲)一枚黄芩三钱生白芍三钱钩藤勾三钱炙鳖甲八钱四月二日，复诊。见舌苔糙腻，唇焦，犹时欲起作狂，案曰：“投救阴，阴液犹未尽复，舌苔糙腻，唇犹焦，时欲发狂，脉微弦，仍主前法。”
知母五钱鲜生地二两青龙齿一两(先煎)黄芩三钱生白芍三两石决明一两(先煎)川连一两(先煎)炙鳖甲一两(先煎)珠珍母一两(先煎)生山栀三钱左牡蛎二两(先煎)天麦冬各五钱鲜竹叶五钱莲子芯一钱赤茯苓五钱连服两剂。[大胆之极!方中黄连极切，分量亦重。]，四月四日，复诊。案曰“病去阴液大亏，二溲皆少，舌苔黑，脉弱，法与救阴。”
北沙参四钱生白芍三钱黄芩钱半小生地六钱赤茯苓四钱竹二青三钱玄参四钱全瓜蒌(打)五钱丝瓜络四钱知母四钱天麦冬各三钱莲子芯八分鲜芦根一尺(去节)生谷芽四钱猪苓三钱此药服后，大便畅行，口犹渴。身犹热，乃于原方去瓜蒌、竹二青、丝瓜络，加玉竹三钱、连翘三钱、绿豆衣四钱、杭菊花三钱，连服三剂。[此病生机在大便畅行也]四月九日，复诊。案曰：“病后阴液未复，二溲皆少，脉弱，法与养阴。”
大生地八钱玉竹三钱天麦冬各三钱生白芍三钱白茯苓四钱生谷芽四钱天花粉三钱炙龟板五钱生首乌四钱加鲜蔗汁冲一小盅五服后，日民不甚安，口渴已减，大便未行，头时痛，乃去玉竹加宋半夏、秫米、滁菊、枸杞、生甘草等善后而瘥。
此症治愈，余不敢居功，乃病家信任之效也。设何莲根为富家之子，则不死于病必死于中西之杂治，富家之子病，病而亦延余治，其病即轻于何莲根，亦必无如此之成绩，何以故?以决不会有何莲根家信任之专也，余尝治富家子病多矣，受任于败军之际，奉命于危难之间，竭尽心力，幸得转机，乃富家以转机之太快，反生疑问者有之；转机之后，或有小变，电话频问，虽力告以无妨，仍掉头而他去者有之。余于何莲根证不敢居功者，竟盖在此。[综观此证，前后共服药十六剂，士谔非深入孟英之堂奥者，决无如此大刀阔斧之手段也。]认病与治病每有人齗齗(音yin，读龈。同龈。齗齗，争辨的样子。]争辨病名，所病的究竟是伤寒证，还是湿温证，还是湿热证，在争辨者的意思，总以谓医家治病，对于伤寒证，自有伤寒证的治法，伤寒证的方药；对于湿温证，必有湿温证的治法，湿温证的方药；对于湿热证，另有湿热证的治法，湿热证的方药。湿热证的方药，决不能移治湿温证；湿温证的治法，决不能移治伤寒证，倘然弄错，定致贻误病机，有关大局。
那里知道伤寒不过是外感病的总称，湿温乃是伤寒之一种，湿热乃是湿温之互名，称伤寒犹之称中国人，湿温犹之称浙江人，湿热犹之称杭州人，绝无是非可言，很不必龂龂争辨。
1、酸痛是否由血虚引起。
3、治标宜用什么药。
4、治本宜用什么药。
5、胸脘部胀痛，是否是胃病。
6、每天混合汤药洗澡是否有妨碍。
恳请道安。强××谨上
复函：您的病症适宜标本分治，本虚是一个问题，标病是另一个问题。治病从标着手，就像贵业律师办案，只探究事理的是非曲直，不过问家庭的贫富或势力的强弱。尊问六点答复如下：
1、酸痛乃是经络为病，血不养筋，也是酸痛病的一种，但必须有其他见证，证明确系血虚，方能断定，证据不足，很难妄下结论。
2、头痛不由外感引起，必是内伤，风阳扰动，也是内伤证之一，“脑元”二字，中医书中所不载，我也不敢妄加评论。
3、治标应对症发药，症见胸脘胀痛、呕痰，宜投用调理胃脘的药。
4、治本，缓议。
5、胸脘胀痛是胃脘病。
6、每天混合汤药洗澡无妨碍。
胃主受纳，脾主运化，中焦失健，运化无权，所以胸脘胀痛，早晨必呕痰，这是确凿的证据；肩背酸痛，时作时休，这是经络病。或许胃家运化有权，气机升降得宜，则经络之病可以不治自愈。
制半夏三钱，广陈皮一钱，焦枳壳一钱，白茯苓三钱，川贝母二钱，姜竹茹三钱，川广郁金各二钱，生香附二钱，谷麦芽各三钱，加鲜佛手一钱。服后有效，示知为要。
四十二、尹×君函：编辑先生台鉴：阅782号《医林》栏内，原有步溪君之《验方大全》云怔忡病状，由误犯手淫或房事过度所致者，心虚肾虚可服枸杞地黄丸及加减六味地黄丸，又天王补心丹等，能治愈。但不知此“加减”二字是何解释，是否亦系药丸名称，抑系取分量加减，请指示为感。因鄙人在少年时，曾犯过手淫，于近年中觉心胸筑筑振动，由友人指示，日服杞菊地黄丸三钱，用淡盐汤送下，不知杞菊同枸杞者是否同样功效？
[“杞菊”者，六味地黄丸料加枸杞、菊花也，取其补肾明目。“枸杞”者，六味地黄丸料加枸杞一味也。]再鄙人于近三四年以来，忽发生似病非病之丑态，不知是否亦由肾虚心虚所致，今将此丑态详述于下：最近三四年来，与人说话之间，倏忽觉面红颈赤，继而极汗淫淫，同时心跳不停，虽欲强自镇定，奈不能自主之苦，设若被人觉察，目光射注，则更汗流不止，形同雨淋之丑，当时惭愧恨无地洞可入。初患时如在大庭广众同陌生女性交谈，即发生，继则同男性亦欲发生，近则更甚，虽日常晤面之亲友(不论男女)，亦现此丑状，因此只可做金人之口，思之再三，实不明其渊源，或系身体虚弱，心脏亏损，均未可知。敬请先生在《医林》栏示复为感。特此顺颂撰安。
尹×谨上
复函：第一问“加减”两个字，不是丸药名称，乃是郎中先生就病症情状，将六味地黄丸方或加或减也。
姜半夏三钱，淡竹茹三钱，焦枳实钱半，白茯苓三钱，陈皮钱半，生甘草八分，鲜菖蒲三钱，广郁金三钱，生姜三片，红枣三枚。水煎服，日一剂，连服五日。
四十三、王××君函：士谔大医生伟鉴：鄙人今年39岁，于成年时，精神殊为充足，遇事勇进，不知困难，赖充足之精力，成立事业步进社会，惟不免寻花问柳，过度耗神，但不觉萎疲，于29岁时，劣友引染黑籍（指吸食鸦片），然志向与办事，勇气未觉退步。自幼爱惜精神，少近房事。惟于34岁起，精神萎疲不舒，作事怕烦懒怠，由此之后，不知不觉暂患阳痿。于去岁欲振作事业起见，求医调治，又戒除黑籍，兼打药针并服重贵补剂，而精神更疲乏，终日不思动作，不得已而中止。近头脑微痛，心神烦躁而不思做事执笔，鄙人自觉精神萎疲与身心不舒，乃起源阳痿，因近年来工作不多，饮食不大减，如何精神奇萎自己不解，但限于经济，亦不得合宜医治方药，乞赐教如何调治。王××谨启
复函：贵恙乃是肾亏症，肾为作强之官，损及肾阳则精神不振，损及肾阴则精衰阳痿，症属内损，治非容易。请每日清晨服秫米粥油一碗，少加盐精以补肾阴；临卧吞服金匮肾气丸三钱，以扶肾阳。服至一个月再谈。
四十四、周××君函：士谔先生有道，座右星五耳先生之名久矣，苦乏机会得瞻尊范，徒令钦迟仰慕靡已。兹因舍妹忽发一症，不知何病，初起时觉背脊缝突出冷气，渐至心内缩紧，十分难受，继觉周身游串，头晕眼黑，卧床业已月馀，现服中药十馀帖，形势稍缓，疾则依然。惟舍妹幼年曾患黄病（黄疸），迄今稍愈，犹未脱体，不卜是由黄病之根而致变化否?星五景况寒苦，无力代医，而病者又居北方原籍，更乏良医诊治，倘久久稽延，恐于生命发生危险，迫不得已，具函恳求先生，代拟一药方，立盼玉音。专肃祗颂尊安。
周××顿首
复函：令妹之恙，虽脉象、舌苔、饮食、溲便，皆不见告，以所列各症归纳之，是奇经八脉为病也。妇女最多奇经病，此症亦其一也，惟普通妇女病，病在奇经冲脉带脉为多，令妹之病，偏不在冲脉带脉，而在督脉任脉为可异耳。督脉行身之背，而根乎肾；任脉行身之前，而主乎心，心肾同气，同称少阴，所以冷气突出背脊，渐至心内紧缩也，继觉周身游串，头晕眼黑者，督脉行乎背，太阳脉亦行乎背，太阳主一身之表，而其脉上乎头入于目也。久患黄病，阳虚可知。拟方如下：
川桂枝一钱，生白芍一钱，制附片一钱，潞党参一钱，生绵芪一钱，炙甘草五分，生姜三片，大枣三枚。水煎服五剂。
戒烟验方自戒烟政令施行后，西医大做其投机生意，其实中医戒烟之方，验者极多。且费钱不多，何必大花冤钱，挑人来发财。余在《医林》宣布过红茶叶、食盐、烟膏之方，极灵极验。今又得一验方，还要便当还要便宜，其法采取紫花萁不拘多少，切细晒干，代做茶叶，泡汤代茶，随便渴饮，尽管抽鸦片，不必禁忌，自会丢枪戒绝。紫花萁即是紫色棉花之梗，种棉区域所在多有，价极便宜。此方得自中华国医学会张杏孙君。余意以紫花萁浓煎熬膏，开水冲服更妙。
诊病记[湿温化火重症]古人治病用药或凉或热，或补或攻，绝无丝毫成见。一以病为对象，病之环境异，药亦应之而异。尽有昨日进热药，今日易进凉药者；亦有晨投攻药而夕易投补药者。观仲景《伤寒论》，昨进桂枝汤，今进白虎汤者有之；晨进承气汤，夕与四逆汤者有之。不象今人死守一方，不敢稍有变易，恐人之议其后也，此其故，半由于医药之退化，半由于风俗之浇薄，不负责之旁人，好为不相干之议论，“大风吹倒梧桐树，自有旁人说短长。”信口雌黄，议药不议证，足令名医短气，贤者袖手，此种事在富贵之家为尤甚。余近治一极重之湿温证，病情变幻，虽幸焦头烂额，经余一手治愈。患者何莲根，一寻常百姓家子弟，设此人为富家之子，斯人斯疾。必死无疑。何氏年20岁，住南市高昌庙炮石后街司庆里王宅12号门牌，为一工人子，病者亦在船厂为工人。王家宅小学校曾君之子，春初病温，中西医俱束手，经余治愈，由此相知，时时为余绍介患病之人，盛情可感。二十五年三月二十六日，曾君介绍莲根来诊室求治。
余见其脉涩，唇焦，目黄，苔厚尖红，知病来不善，谓之曰“此湿温症也，势将化火。”
为之立案曰：“湿遏热伏，身热胸闷，头痛，肢痛，唇焦，目黄，舌苔厚腻，尖边红，有汗济颈而还，脉涩。与清热化湿。”
桑叶三钱，川浙贝各三钱，连翘三钱，鲜竹叶三钱，全瓜蒌四钱(打)，黄连四分，宋半夏二钱，地枯萎四钱，黄芩钱半，加枇杷叶(去毛，包)四钱，鲜芦根(去节)一尺。此药服下，唇焦虽减，陡变谵语，不眠，倘在富贵之家，眼见服药病增，定然归咎医者药误，即不归咎，亦必谓病重药轻，有误病机，势必改弦易辙，亲友纷纷荐医，中西并进，杂药乱投，西法之打针冰帽，无不应有尽有矣。乃何姓以寻常百姓，实无闲钱，仍来相请。
余诊之脉涩如故，病邪深伏欲出不得也，危险之极，为之立案定方，此三月二十七日也，案曰：“湿遏热伏，投清热化湿，唇焦虽减，谵语不眠，胸闷如故，身热不扬，脉涩。伏邪欲出不得出，危险之至，防厥。”
宋半夏三钱，鲜竹叶三钱，焦枳壳一钱，鲜菖蒲三钱，连翘三钱，焦山栀三钱，广郁金四钱，川浙贝各三钱，淡豆豉三钱，干荷梗三钱，梗通草八分，白蔻仁八分(打，后下)。此方煎服后，病势又大变，竟然神昏不语，右脉竟隐伏不见，愈治愈重，病象如上，即非富贵之家，照理亦必另访贤哲，用何姓以信曾君者信余，以为曾君所荐，决无错误。三月二十八日，仍来延余。余百计筹思，此证舍开泄外，别无治法，乃为之立案曰：“热邪逆传心包，先由谵语，后竟神昏，脉涩，右脉伏，急与开泄，以期挽回于万一。”
至宝丹(化服)一粒，紫雪丹(调服)一钱半，鲜菖蒲四钱，广郁金五钱。二味煎服。此药服下，开口能自言语，惟烦热，语不休，脉已易涩为弦，余即于原方去至宝丹，紫雪丹则减为一钱，另加钩藤勾三钱，鲜竹叶四钱。
三月二十九日，又来相延，至则病者已发狂欲起，三四人不能制，目直视不识人，余曰“病者发狂如是，邪热欲出也。”乃以壮汉三四人制之，病者既受病邪之煎熬而成狂，已觉万分困苦，今于抵抗病邪之外，又须抵抗三四壮汉之强制，倍增痛苦，大非所宜，其母曰：“三四人犹不能制，倘一离去，彼即离床出走矣。”余曰：“余自有妙药制之。”乃令购犀角尖、羚羊角尖各一钱，磨粉调服。而其家清寒，此两药价奇昂，二钱药粉须五六十元法币，财力不能胜任，恳余易低价之药，余于是大为踌躇，即使犀羚并进，有无把握尚成问题，今既如此，只好尽我之力以图维，是否有效，不敢必也。
乃立案曰：“热邪逆传心包，发狂，脉弦，不识人，急与清营，以期万一之挽救。”
鲜生地一两，莲子芯八分，左牡蛎一两(先煎)，苍龙齿一两(先煎)，川连八分，钩藤勾四钱，珍珠母一两(先煎)，紫雪丹二钱(调服)。此方服后，狂势较减，乃去紫雪丹，令再服一剂。
三月三十一日，延诊。狂已尽止，惟舌黑唇焦，脉见浮洪。余日“阴液伤矣。”立案曰：。热邪透而未清，阴液大伤，舌黑唇焦，脉浮洪，急与救阴。
鲜生地一两，天麦冬各五钱，珍珠母一两(先煎)，鲜竹叶五钱，北沙参八钱，苍龙齿一两(先煎)，鲜梨汁(冲)一枚，黄芩三钱，生白芍三钱，钩藤勾三钱，炙鳖甲八钱。四月二日，复诊。见舌苔糙腻，唇焦，犹时欲起作狂，案曰：“投救阴，阴液犹未尽复，舌苔糙腻，唇犹焦，时欲发狂，脉微弦，仍主前法。”
知母五钱，鲜生地二两，青龙齿一两(先煎)，黄芩三钱，生白芍三两，石决明一两(先煎)，川连一两(先煎)，炙鳖甲一两(先煎)，珠珍母一两(先煎)，生山栀三钱，左牡蛎二两(先煎)，天麦冬各五钱，鲜竹叶五钱，莲子芯一钱，赤茯苓五钱。连服两剂。[大胆之极!方中黄连极切，分量亦重。]，四月四日，复诊。案曰“病去阴液大亏，二溲皆少，舌苔黑，脉弱，法与救阴。”
北沙参四钱，生白芍三钱，黄芩钱半，小生地六钱，赤茯苓四钱，竹二青三钱，玄参四钱，全瓜蒌(打)五钱，丝瓜络四钱，知母四钱，天麦冬各三钱，莲子芯八分，鲜芦根一尺(去节)，生谷芽四钱，猪苓三钱。此药服后，大便畅行，口犹渴。身犹热，乃于原方去瓜蒌、竹二青、丝瓜络，加玉竹三钱、连翘三钱、绿豆衣四钱、杭菊花三钱，连服三剂。[此病生机在大便畅行也]四月九日，复诊。案曰：“病后阴液未复，二溲皆少，脉弱，法与养阴。”
大生地八钱，玉竹三钱，天麦冬各三钱，生白芍三钱，白茯苓四钱，生谷芽四钱，天花粉三钱，炙龟板五钱，生首乌四钱，加鲜蔗汁冲一小盅。五服后，日民不甚安，口渴已减，大便未行，头时痛，乃去玉竹加宋半夏、秫米、滁菊、枸杞、生甘草等善后而瘥。
此症治愈，余不敢居功，乃病家信任之效也。设何莲根为富家之子，则不死于病必死于中西之杂治，富家之子病，病而亦延余治，其病即轻于何莲根，亦必无如此之成绩，何以故?以决不会有何莲根家信任之专也，余尝治富家子病多矣，受任于败军之际，奉命于危难之间，竭尽心力，幸得转机，乃富家以转机之太快，反生疑问者有之；转机之后，或有小变，电话频问，虽力告以无妨，仍掉头而去者有之。余于何莲根证不敢居功者，竟盖在此。[综观此证，前后共服药十六剂，士谔非深入孟英之堂奥者，决无如此大刀阔斧之手段也。]
认病与治病每有人齗齗(音yin，读龈。同龈。齗齗，争辨的样子。)争辨病名，所病的究竟是伤寒证，还是湿温证，还是湿热证，在争辨者的意思，总以谓医家治病，对于伤寒证，自有伤寒证的治法，伤寒证的方药；对于湿温证，必有湿温证的治法，湿温证的方药；对于湿热证，另有湿热证的治法，湿热证的方药。湿热证的方药，决不能移治湿温证；湿温证的治法，决不能移治伤寒证，倘然弄错，定致贻误病机，有关大局。
那里知道伤寒不过是外感病的总称，湿温乃是伤寒之一种，湿热乃是湿温之互名，称伤寒犹之称中国人，湿温犹之称浙江人，湿热犹之称杭州人，绝无是非可言，很不必龂龂争辨。
1. Is the soreness and pain caused by Blood Deficiency (Xue Xu)?
2. Is the headache due to insufficiency of Brain Yuan (Brain Essence/Qi), with Wind-Yang disturbing internally?
3. What herbs are suitable for treating the branch (symptoms)?
4. What herbs are suitable for treating the root (cause)?
5. Is the distension and pain in the chest and epigastrium a Stomach disease?
6. Is there any harm in taking a daily bath mixed with herbal decoction?
Respectfully requesting your peace. Qiang XX respectfully submits.
Reply: Your condition is suitable for separate treatment of the root and branch. Root deficiency is one issue, and branch pathology is another. Treating from the branch is like a lawyer handling a case: only investigating the correctness or incorrectness of the matter, without asking about the family's wealth or strength. Regarding your six questions, the replies are as follows:
1. Soreness and pain is a disease of the meridians; when Blood fails to nourish the tendons, it is also a type of soreness and pain disease. However, other manifestations must be present to confirm Blood Deficiency before a conclusion can be drawn. With insufficient evidence, it is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis.
2. If the headache is not caused by external contraction, it must be internal injury. Disturbance by Wind-Yang is also one type of internal injury syndrome. The term "Brain Yuan" is not recorded in TCM books, so I dare not comment rashly.
3. To treat the branch, medication should be prescribed according to symptoms. For symptoms of chest and epigastric distension/pain and vomiting of phlegm, herbs regulating the Stomach and Epigastrium should be used.
4. To treat the root, let us discuss this later.
5. Chest and epigastric distension and pain constitute a Stomach/Epigastrium disease.
6. There is no hindrance in taking a daily bath mixed with herbal decoction.
The Stomach governs reception, and the Spleen governs transformation. When the Middle Jiao loses its health and transformation power is lacking, chest and epigastric distension and pain occur, and phlegm is vomited every morning; this is irrefutable evidence. Shoulder and back soreness and pain, which come and go, are diseases of the meridians. Perhaps if the Stomach's transformation function is normal and Qi mechanism ascending and descending is appropriate, the meridian disease may heal itself without treatment.
Prepared Pinellia Ternata Rhizome 3 qian, Broad-leaved Citrus Peel 1 qian, Scorched Bitter Orange 1 qian, White Poria 3 qian, Chuanbei Fritillaria Bulb 2 qian, Ginger-processed Bamboo Shavings 3 qian, Curcuma Aromatica and Turmeric 2 qian each, Unprocessed Cyperus Rotundus 2 qian, Rice Sprout and Malt 3 qian each, plus Fresh Finger Lime 1 qian. Inform me if effective after taking.
Forty-two: Letter from Mr. Yin XX: Dear Editor, In the "Medical Forest" column of issue No. 782, Mr. Bu Xi's "Complete Collection of Effective Prescriptions" states that palpitations caused by masturbation or excessive sexual intercourse can be cured by consuming Gouqi Dihuang Wan (Lycium and Rehmannia Pill), Jiawei Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Modified Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), Tianwang Buxin Dan (Emperor of Heaven's Heart-Nourishing Pellet), etc. However, I do not know what the words "Jiawei" (modified/additions) mean here. Is it also a name of a pill, or does it refer to adding or subtracting dosages? Please instruct me. As I practiced masturbation in my youth, in recent years I have felt vibrations in my chest and heart. A friend advised me to take Qiju Dihuang Wan (Lycium and Chrysanthemum Rehmannia Pill) 3 qian daily, taken with light salt water. I wonder if Qiju has the same efficacy as Gouqi alone?
["Qiju" refers to the ingredients of Liuwei Dihuang Wan plus Lycium and Chrysanthemum, to benefit the Kidney and brighten the eyes. "Gouqi" refers to the ingredients of Liuwei Dihuang Wan plus only Lycium.] Furthermore, in the past three or four years, I have suddenly developed an embarrassing state resembling illness but not quite illness. I do not know if it is also caused by Kidney and Heart deficiency. I describe this embarrassing state below: In the last three or four years, while speaking with others, I suddenly feel my face and neck turning red, followed by profuse sweating, while my heart beats continuously. Although I try to calm myself, I suffer from the inability to control it. If noticed by others and their gaze falls on me, I sweat even more profusely, looking like someone drenched in rain, which is very shameful. At that time, I am ashamed and wish there were a hole to hide in. Initially, this occurred when talking with strange women in public gatherings; subsequently, it began to happen with men, and recently it has become worse. Even relatives and friends I meet daily (regardless of gender) exhibit this embarrassing state. Therefore, I can only keep silent like a bronze statue. Thinking over it repeatedly, I truly do not understand its origin. It might be physical weakness or Heart depletion, both are possible. I respectfully request you to reply in the "Medical Forest" column. Thank you. I hereby wish you well in your writing.
Yin XX respectfully submits.
Reply: First question regarding the two words "Jiawei": they are not the name of a pill, but rather the physician adjusting the Liuwei Dihuang Wan formula by adding or subtracting ingredients based on the patient's condition.
Second question: Spontaneous shyness indicates a disease in the Liver and Gallbladder. You should take Jiaren Qianjin Wendan Tang (Modified Thousand-Gold Gallbladder-Warming Decoction).
Prepared Pinellia Ternata Rhizome 3 qian, Light Bamboo Shavings 3 qian, Scorched Immature Bitter Orange 1.5 qian, White Poria 3 qian, Citrus Peel 1.5 qian, Unprocessed Licorice Root 0.8 fen, Fresh Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome 3 qian, Curcuma Aromatica 3 qian, Fresh Ginger 3 slices, Red Date 3 pieces. Decoct in water, take one dose daily, continue for five days.
Forty-three: Letter from Mr. Wang XX: Great Physician Shi'e, esteemed greeting: I am currently 39 years old. In adulthood, my spirit was abundant, I advanced bravely in matters, knowing no difficulties. Relying on sufficient energy, I established a career and entered society. However, I inevitably sought flowers and willows (prostitutes), excessively depleting my spirit, though I did not feel weak or fatigued. At age 29, bad friends led me to smoke opium (black record), yet my ambition, work ethic, and courage did not seem to decline. Since childhood, I cherished my spirit and avoided sexual activity. Only starting at age 34 did I feel spiritual fatigue and discomfort, becoming afraid of trouble and lazy in work. After that, I unknowingly temporarily suffered from impotence. Last year, wanting to revitalize my career, I sought medical treatment, quit opium, received injections, and took expensive tonics, but my spirit became even more fatigued, and I had no desire to move all day, forcing me to stop. Recently, I have had slight headaches, mental restlessness, and no desire to work or write. I feel my spiritual fatigue and physical/mental discomfort originated from impotence. Because I haven't worked much in recent years and my diet hasn't decreased significantly, I don't understand how my spirit could be so severely depleted. Limited by finances, I cannot obtain suitable medical treatment and prescriptions. I beg for your advice on how to regulate and treat. Wang XX respectfully opens.
Reply: Your ailment is Kidney Deficiency. The Kidney is the official of strength and vigor. Damage to Kidney Yang leads to lack of spirit; damage to Kidney Yin leads to essence depletion and impotence. This syndrome belongs to internal damage, and treatment is not easy. Please drink a bowl of millet porridge oil every morning, adding a little salt essence to nourish Kidney Yin; swallow Jinkui Shenqi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney-Empowering Pill) 3 qian before bed to support Kidney Yang. Discuss again after one month of服用.
Forty-four: Letter from Mr. Zhou XX: Master Shi'e, I have long heard of your name and that of Mr. Xingwu at your desk, but bitterly lacked the opportunity to see you, causing endless admiration and longing. Now, because my younger sister suddenly developed a symptom of unknown nature, initially feeling cold air protruding from her spine, gradually tightening inside her heart, causing great discomfort, then feeling wandering throughout her body, dizziness, and blackouts. She has been bedridden for over a month. Currently taking over ten doses of Chinese medicine, the situation has slightly eased, but the disease remains. My sister suffered from jaundice in childhood, which has slightly improved but not disappeared. I wonder if this change stems from the root of jaundice? Xingwu's situation is poor and bitter, unable to afford medical care, and the patient resides in her northern hometown, lacking good doctors for diagnosis and treatment. If delayed for too long, it may endanger her life. Forced by circumstances, I write to earnestly request you to draft a prescription. I eagerly await your precious reply. Sincerely respecting and wishing you peace.
Zhou XX bows.
Reply: Your sister's ailment, although pulse, tongue coating, diet, and urination/defecation are not reported, summarizing the listed symptoms, it is a disease of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels. Women most often suffer from diseases of these vessels, and this case is one of them. However, ordinary women's diseases mostly affect the Chong and Dai vessels. Your sister's disease, peculiarly affecting the Du and Ren vessels rather than Chong and Dai, is unusual. The Du vessel runs along the back and roots in the Kidney; the Ren vessel runs along the front and governs the Heart. Heart and Kidney share the same Qi, collectively called Shaoyin. Thus, cold air protrudes from the spine, gradually tightening inside the heart. Subsequently feeling wandering throughout the body, dizziness, and blackouts: the Du vessel runs along the back, and the Taiyang vessel also runs along the back. Taiyang governs the exterior of the whole body, and its vessel goes up to the head and enters the eyes. Long-term jaundice indicates Yang Deficiency. Proposed prescription as follows:
Cinnamon Twig 1 qian, Unprocessed White Peony Root 1 qian, Prepared Aconite Slice 1 qian, Codonopsis Pilosula 1 qian, Unprocessed Astragalus Membranaceus 1 qian, Roasted Licorice Root 0.5 fen, Fresh Ginger 3 slices, Large Jujube 3 pieces. Decoct in water, take five doses.
Effective Prescription for Quitting Smoking Since the implementation of anti-smoking policies, Western medicine has engaged in speculative business. Actually, there are many effective TCM prescriptions for quitting smoking. Moreover, they are inexpensive; why spend unjustified money to enrich others? I previously announced a formula of black tea leaves, table salt, and tobacco paste in "Medical Forest," which is extremely effective. Now I have obtained another effective prescription, which is even more convenient and cheaper. The method is to collect Purple Flower Fern (Zihua Qi) in any amount, cut finely, dry it, use it as tea, brew soup to drink as tea, drink freely, continue smoking opium without prohibition, and naturally quit smoking. Purple Flower Fern is the stem of purple cotton, widely available in cotton-growing areas, and very cheap. This prescription was obtained from Mr. Zhang Xingsun of the China National Medical Association. I suggest boiling Purple Flower Fern into a thick paste and taking it with boiled water, which would be even better.
Case Record [Severe Case of Damp-Warmth Transforming into Fire] Ancient physicians treated diseases with drugs that were either cooling or heating, tonifying or attacking, with absolutely no preconceived notions. They focused solely on the disease; as the disease's environment differed, the drugs adapted accordingly. There were cases where hot drugs were given yesterday and cooling drugs today; or attacking drugs in the morning and tonifying drugs in the evening. Observing Zhang Zhongjing's "Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases," there are cases of giving Guizhi Tang yesterday and Baihu Tang today; or Chengqi Tang in the morning and Sini Tang in the evening. Unlike modern people who rigidly stick to one prescription, daring not to change slightly for fear of criticism, this reason lies half in the degeneration of medicine and half in the deterioration of customs. Irresponsible bystanders love to make irrelevant comments: "When the big wind blows down the paulownia tree, bystanders naturally discuss its merits and faults." Speaking recklessly, discussing drugs instead of syndromes, enough to make famous doctors sigh and sages stand aside. Such matters are especially prevalent among the wealthy. I recently treated a very severe case of Damp-Warmth. The condition changed frequently, but fortunately, through my efforts, it was cured. The patient, He Lingen, was a commoner's son. If this person were the son of a rich family, he would surely have died. Mr. He was 20 years old, residing at No. 12 Siqing Lane, Paoshi Back Street, Gaochang Temple, South Market. He was a worker's son and also worked in a shipyard. Mr. Zeng, son of the Wang Family Elementary School, contracted Warmth disease in early spring. Both Western and Chinese medicine were helpless, but I cured him. Through this, we became acquainted, and he frequently introduced patients to me. His kindness is touching. On March 26th of the 25th Year, Mr. Zeng introduced Lingen to my clinic for treatment.
I saw his pulse was choppy, lips scorched, eyes yellow, tongue coating thick with red tip. Knowing the disease onset was unfavorable, I said to him, "This is Damp-Warmth syndrome, likely to transform into fire."
I recorded the case: "Dampness obstructs and Heat hides, fever, chest tightness, headache, limb pain, scorched lips, yellow eyes, thick greasy tongue coating with red tip and edges, sweating reaching only the neck, choppy pulse. Provide Clearing Heat and Resolving Dampness."
Mulberry Leaf 3 qian, Chuanbei and Zhebei Fritillaria Bulbs 3 qian each, Forsythia Fruit 3 qian, Fresh Bamboo Leaves 3 qian, Whole Trichosanthes Fruit 4 qian (crushed), Coptis Rhizome 0.4 fen, Song Banxia (Pinellia) 2 qian, Diwukua (Trichosanthes Root) 4 qian, Scutellaria Root 1.5 qian, plus Loquat Leaf (de-hairy, wrapped) 4 qian, Fresh Reed Rhizome (de-jointed) 1 chi. After taking this medicine, lip scorching reduced slightly, but suddenly delirious speech and insomnia appeared. If in a wealthy home, seeing illness worsen after taking medicine, they would definitely blame the doctor for wrong medication. Even if not blamed, they would say the disease is severe and the medicine too light, delaying the disease mechanism, inevitably changing strategies. Relatives and friends would recommend doctors, combining Western and Chinese medicine, indiscriminately administering drugs. Western methods like injections and ice caps would be fully utilized. However, the He family, being commoners with no spare money, still came to invite me.
I examined his pulse, still choppy. Pathogenic factors deeply hidden, wanting to exit but unable to do so, extremely dangerous. I recorded the case and prescribed, on March 27th: "Dampness obstructs and Heat hides, administered Clearing Heat and Resolving Dampness. Lip scorching reduced, but delirious speech and insomnia persist, chest tightness remains, fever not obvious, choppy pulse. Hidden pathogen wants to exit but cannot, extremely dangerous, prevent convulsions."
Song Banxia 3 qian, Fresh Bamboo Leaves 3 qian, Scorched Bitter Orange 1 qian, Fresh Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome 3 qian, Forsythia Fruit 3 qian, Scorched Gardenia Fruit 3 qian, Curcuma Aromatica 4 qian, Chuanbei and Zhebei Fritillaria Bulbs 3 qian each, Fermented Soybean 3 qian, Dried Lotus Stem 3 qian, Tongcao 0.8 fen, White Cardamom Seed 0.8 fen (crushed, added later). After decocting and taking this prescription, the disease condition changed drastically again, becoming unconscious and speechless, right pulse completely hidden. The more it was treated, the heavier it became. As described above, even if not a wealthy family, logically one should seek another wise doctor. Using the He family's trust in Mr. Zeng to trust me, believing that what Mr. Zeng recommended must be correct. On March 28th, they still invited me. I pondered hundreds of ways, for this syndrome, apart from opening and draining, there is no other treatment method. So I recorded the case: "Heat pathogen counter-transmits to Pericardium, first delirious speech, then unconsciousness, choppy pulse, right pulse hidden. Urgently provide opening and draining, hoping to save in one chance."
Zhibao Dan (dissolved) 1 pill, Zixue Dan (mixed) 1.5 qian, Fresh Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome 4 qian, Curcuma Aromatica 5 qian. Decoct the latter two and take together. After taking this medicine, the patient could speak, but remained restless and verbose, pulse changed from choppy to wiry. I removed Zhibao Dan from the original prescription, reduced Zixue Dan to 1 qian, and added Uncaria Ramulus 3 qian, Fresh Bamboo Leaves 4 qian.
On March 29th, they invited me again. Upon arrival, the patient was manic and wanted to get up, unable to be restrained by three or four people, staring straight ahead, not recognizing anyone. I said, "The patient is manic like this, the pathogenic heat wants to exit." So I had three or four strong men restrain him. The patient, already suffering from pathogenic heat and becoming manic, felt extreme distress. Now, besides resisting the pathogen, he had to resist the coercion of three or four strong men, doubling his pain, which was highly inappropriate. His mother said, "Three or four people still couldn't restrain him; if they leave, he will get out of bed and run away." I said, "I have wonderful medicine to restrain him." So I ordered purchasing Rhinoceros Horn Tip and Antelope Horn Tip, 1 qian each, ground into powder and mixed. But their family was poor, these two drugs were extremely expensive, two qian of powder cost 50-60 yuan fiat currency, beyond their financial capacity. They begged me to substitute cheaper drugs. I was greatly hesitant. Even if using both Rhinoceros and Antelope horns, whether it would be effective was uncertain. Now, since it is like this, I can only do my best to manage it. Whether effective, I cannot guarantee.
So I recorded the case: "Heat pathogen counter-transmits to Pericardium, mania, wiry pulse, not recognizing anyone. Urgently clear Ying level, hoping for a chance of rescue."
Fresh Rehmannia Root 1 liang, Lotus Plumule 0.8 fen, Left Oyster Shell 1 liang (decoct first), Canglongchi (Dragon Tooth) 1 liang (decoct first), Coptis Rhizome 0.8 fen, Uncaria Ramulus 4 qian, Mother of Pearl 1 liang (decoct first), Zixue Dan 2 qian (mixed). After taking this prescription, manic tendency reduced slightly, so Zixue Dan was removed, instructed to take another dose.
On March 31st, consulted. Mania completely stopped, only black tongue and scorched lips, pulse floating and surging. I said, "Yin fluid is damaged." Recorded case: Heat pathogen penetrated but not cleared, Yin fluid severely damaged, black tongue, scorched lips, floating and surging pulse. Urgently rescue Yin.
Fresh Rehmannia Root 1 liang, Tian Dong and Mai Dong 5 qian each, Mother of Pearl 1 liang (decoct first), Fresh Bamboo Leaves 5 qian, Glehnia Root 8 qian, Canglongchi 1 liang (decoct first), Fresh Pear Juice (mixed) one pear, Scutellaria Root 3 qian, Unprocessed White Peony Root 3 qian, Uncaria Ramulus 3 qian, Roasted Tortoise Shell 8 qian. April 2nd, follow-up visit. Saw rough and greasy tongue coating, scorched lips, still occasionally wanting to rise and act manic. Case record: "Administered Yin rescue, Yin fluid not yet fully restored, rough and greasy tongue coating, lips still scorched, occasionally wanting to act manic, slightly wiry pulse. Still adhere to previous method."
Anemarrhena Rhizome 5 qian, Fresh Rehmannia Root 2 liang, Qinglongchi (Dragon Tooth) 1 liang (decoct first), Scutellaria Root 3 qian, Unprocessed White Peony Root 3 liang, Abalone Shell 1 liang (decoct first), Coptis Rhizome 1 liang (decoct first), Roasted Tortoise Shell 1 liang (decoct first), Mother of Pearl 1 liang (decoct first), Raw Gardenia Fruit 3 qian, Left Oyster Shell 2 liang (decoct first), Tian Dong and Mai Dong 5 qian each, Fresh Bamboo Leaves 5 qian, Lotus Plumule 1 qian, Red Poria 5 qian. Take two doses consecutively. [Extremely bold! The Coptis in the formula is very apt, and the dosage is heavy.] April 4th, follow-up visit. Case record: "Disease gone, Yin fluid severely deficient, urination and defecation both scant, black tongue coating, weak pulse. Method: Rescue Yin."
Glehnia Root 4 qian, Unprocessed White Peony Root 3 qian, Scutellaria Root 1.5 qian, Small Rehmannia Root 6 qian, Red Poria 4 qian, Zhu Er Qing (Bamboo Sap) 3 qian, Scrophularia Root 4 qian, Whole Trichosanthes Fruit (crushed) 5 qian, Luffa Vine 4 qian, Anemarrhena Rhizome 4 qian, Tian Dong and Mai Dong 3 qian each, Lotus Plumule 0.8 fen, Fresh Reed Rhizome 1 chi (de-jointed), Raw Rice Sprout 4 qian, Polyporus 3 qian. After taking this medicine, bowel movement was smooth, mouth still thirsty, body still hot. So remove Trichosanthes Fruit, Zhu Er Qing, and Luffa Vine from the original prescription, add Polygonatum Odoratum 3 qian, Forsythia Fruit 3 qian, Mung Bean Coat 4 qian, Hangzhou Chrysanthemum 3 qian, take three doses consecutively. [The vitality of this disease lies in smooth bowel movement.] April 9th, follow-up visit. Case record: "Post-disease Yin fluid not restored, urination and defecation both scant, weak pulse. Method: Nourish Yin."
Large Rehmannia Root 8 qian, Polygonatum Odoratum 3 qian, Tian Dong and Mai Dong 3 qian each, Unprocessed White Peony Root 3 qian, White Poria 4 qian, Raw Rice Sprout 4 qian, Trichosanthes Root 3 qian, Roasted Tortoise Shell 5 qian, Raw Polygonum Multiflorum 4 qian, plus fresh sugarcane juice to mix a small cup. After five doses, patient was not very comfortable, thirst reduced, bowel movement not performed, occasional headache. So remove Polygonatum Odoratum, add Song Banxia, Millet, Chuzhou Chrysanthemum, Lycium, Unprocessed Licorice Root, etc., for aftermath care, and recovered.
For this cured syndrome, I dare not take credit; it is the effect of the patient's family's trust. If He Lingen were the son of a rich family, he would not die from the disease but from mixed Western and Chinese treatments. Even if the son of a rich family fell ill and I treated him, and his disease was lighter than He Lingen's, he would certainly not achieve such results. Why? Because they would never have the exclusive trust of the He Lingen family. I have treated many sons of wealthy families, taking charge during defeat and accepting orders in times of crisis, exhausting my efforts, fortunately achieving a turnaround. Yet some wealthy families, because the turnaround was too fast, raised doubts; after the turnaround, if there were minor changes, they called frequently. Although I strongly assured them it was harmless, they still turned away and left. My reason for not taking credit for the He Lingen case is precisely this. [Overall, this case involved sixteen doses of medicine. Unless Shi'e had thoroughly mastered Mengying's profound skills, he would certainly not have such bold and decisive methods.]
Recognizing Disease and Treating Disease Some people argue fiercely about disease names. Is the disease Shanghan syndrome, Wenwen syndrome, or Shire syndrome? The arguers' intention is generally that for Shanghan syndrome, there are specific treatment methods and prescriptions; for Wenwen syndrome, there must be specific treatment methods and prescriptions; for Shire syndrome, there are separate treatment methods and prescriptions. Shire prescriptions cannot be used to treat Wenwen syndrome; Wenwen treatment methods cannot be used to treat Shanghan syndrome. If mistaken, it will definitely delay the disease mechanism, affecting the overall situation.
Little do they know that Shanghan is merely a general term for external contraction diseases, Wenwen is a type of Shanghan, and Shire is an alternative name for Wenwen. Calling it Shanghan is like calling someone Chinese; calling it Wenwen is like calling someone from Zhejiang; calling it Shire is like calling someone from Hangzhou. There is absolutely no right or wrong to debate, and it is unnecessary to argue fiercely.