汉军王爵字大封，博通今古，不求进取，而工医，能起死回生，危疾遇之罔不活。某军有大贵人，举家数百
口皆疫，疫且将死，延之治。王逐一视脉投剂，皆立起。惟贵人不与疗，强之再，乃开方，大书云∶砒霜三钱，
火酒四两，煎服。贵人愕然，谓之曰∶“若是者不速死耶？”王正色曰∶“若贵人者，不速死何俟？”贵人曰∶
“我何罪而至是耶？”王曰∶“贵人身为大臣，不思致君泽民，乃以货利为心，横求苛索，八旗军士，痛恨入骨，
一旦圣明知之，赐死西市，身首异处，家财籍没，妻孥入官，不若速饮余之砒酒，庶几完其头领，保全家口，此
真良药也，宁以为毒而却之乎？”于是贵人悚然受教，卒改其行。
郡中朱姓，素有饮癖，在左胁下，发则胀痛呕吐。始发甚轻，医者每以补剂疗之，发益勤而甚。余戒之曰∶
“此饮癖也，患者甚多。惟以消饮通气为主，断不可用温补，补则成坚癖，不可治矣。”不信也。后因有郁结之
事，其病大发，痛极呕逆，神疲力倦，医者乃大进参、附，热气上冲，痰饮闭塞，其痛加剧，肢冷脉微，医者益
加参、附、助其闭塞。饮药一口，如刀箭攒心，哀求免服。妻子环跪泣求曰∶“名医四人合议立方，岂有谬误？
人参如此贵重，岂有不效？”朱曰∶“我岂不欲生？此药实不能受！使我少缓痛苦，死亦甘心耳。必欲使我痛极
而死，亦命也。”勉饮其半，火沸痰壅，呼号宛转而绝。大凡富贵人之死，大半皆然，但不若是之甚耳。要知中病之药，
不必入口而知，闻其气即喜乐而欲饮；若不中病之药，闻其气则厌恶之。故服药而勉强若难者，皆与病相违者也。
《内经》云∶临病患问所便。此真治病之妙诀也。若《孟子》云∶药不瞑眩，厥疾不瘳。此乃指攻邪破积而言，
非一例也。
邻人顾姓者，因少年勤内事，头皮血出如汗。此肝肾之火逆上，因血热甚，所以从发窍直出。盖汗乃血之液，
从气化白。经有肌衄一条，因气散不能从化，故肌肤汗血。此证非气不能化，化亦不及也。与甘露饮而痊。
章御臣屡梦白人，持刀自割其头，至流血即惊醒，渐至闭目即梦，众医莫措。松江沈鲁珍治之，曰∶寐而见
白人者，肺虚也。以独参汤，每剂一两，服之而愈。
当湖汪希生内政中年时，每食猪肉即体战栗，屡医不效。嗣因他病服逍遥散数剂，而旧疾亦瘳。后与余谈及
此事，并询其故。余谓《素问》云∶诸禁鼓栗，皆属于火。此必肝胆素有郁热，猪肉乃动风之物，能引动其病，
而不能开其郁，故食之即发。逍遥散乃开郁散火之剂，所以偶服得愈。愚按钱塘吴君馥斋令正，每食猪肉少许，
即腹痛气冲，神瞀如寐，必呕吐而始舒，如是者经年。余亦作厥阴郁热治，以雪羹吞当归龙荟丸而瘥。
余郡一人，项边忽痒，渐起白痕一条，相延渐欲至喉，痒不可忍。群医莫识。一方士以刀轻开其痕，出白虱
甚多而愈。曰∶此虱瘤之类。凡皮内作痒，或起痕、或高起，皆其证也。
杭州周南溪，年三十余，体壮畏热，饮冷贪凉，至仲秋忽两腿筋脉掣痛，数日后牵掣至两臂，又数日手指一
动即周身筋脉掣痛而绝，诸治不效。余脉之弦而急，弦为饮，急为寒，乃寒湿生痰，流入筋隧也。以半夏、茯苓
各三钱，白芥子二钱，橘皮、木瓜各一钱五分，干姜一钱，生姜三片，煎送控涎丹一钱。服后手指可动，再服手
足不复牵掣，改与六君子汤善后而愈。
湖州汤荣光解元，世业伤科，接骨有奇效。其家佣者采桑于树，树折坠地，腹着枯桩而破，人即昏晕。汤闻
之，令徒携药敷治。徒视疮口二寸余，已透膜，内系红肉，不见肠，故以线缝之，而形似口张不能合。徒以告汤，
自往视之，果然，乃令舁归。佣少醒，复饮以药酒，使不知痛楚，随用刀割伤口使宽，以铁钩钩膜内红肉出，则
其大如掌，乃宿患之疟母也。始如法敷治疮口而愈，宿疾顿除。
一富翁倾跌伤臂，骱脱，护痛不许人动摇，人皆技窘。汤令患者向隅立，卒取冷水泼其顶。患者陡作寒噤，
即乘势将臂一把，骨随入骱，愈矣。
一人因跌而脊骨脱骱者，下节错向内，无可着手。汤令其家密备栲栳一只，中安绵絮，置于旁，扶患者环柱
走，走乏，卒推置栲栳间，上身直而下体弯环，所脱脊骨稍凸出，遂以按入而愈。愚谓此等手法心思，非凡庸所
及，苟能触类而通，则自无难题矣。
吕氏妇病两旬，延余视之。甫入室，病患裸衣而卧，神色不清，犹自掖被掩其胸∶及按脉，细而无神，目瞀
内烦，咽痛不能容汤水，身冷如冰，汗出如洗。余思仲景云∶大寒反汗出，身必冷如冰，咽痛目瞀者，龙雷之火
上炎也。用熟地一两，桂、附各一钱，菊花三钱，煎成，冷水浸凉服之，诸病如失，即索粥饮，次日再一服，随
以大补之药十余帖而安。愚按大寒反汗出，乃阴盛格阳于外也，故身冷如冰；咽痛目瞀者，阳戴于上也。凡格阳、
戴阳，皆是虚阳外越，所谓内真寒而外假热故可以以桂、附引之内潜，不可误谓龙雷之火上炎也。夫春分龙见而
雷乃发声，秋分龙蜇而雷乃收声。是龙雷之火，必炎于阳盛之时。人身一小天地，肝为角木，震为雷，龙雷之火
即肝火也。必肾阴虚者，肝阳始炽，致生龙雷上炎诸证。治宜壮水制火，设昧此义，而妄援引火归元之说，不啻
抱火救薪矣。古书辨别不清，贻误非浅。惟叶天士先生《景岳发挥》、何西池先生《医碥》，发明最畅，学人所
当究心也。舍弟仲韶，于乙卯新秋陡患洞泻，数行即浑身汗出如洗，恹恹一息。夤夜速余往视，脉亦沉细，身凉
不热，宛似虚寒之证，惟苔色黄腻，小溲全无，乃湿热病也。与桂苓甘露饮，一剂而瘳。附录于此，以便互勘。
友人洪岳山，用仙人杖炭与 牛齿等分研末， 子内青油调，以箍脓甚效。后余治一肝郁为病，中脘胀滞作
痛，腹渐大，欲成胀病。治以宣利疏养之法，二十余剂，腹中已觉宽畅，惟大腹仍空阜不瘪。思索再四，于原方
加入仙人杖数寸，一剂果平。盖嫩竹出土自枯，取其自然之性，遂合病机，而收捷效。
愚谓方药主治，皆可借用。有人因劳力后季肋作痛，诸药不愈，而问治于余，适徐君亚枝有保胎神佑丸寄送，余
遂以三钱与之，竟尔霍然。继有因踢伤而腹痛时作者来乞药，亦用此丸一服，果下黑矢而平。
道光丁亥秋季，病寒热者中脘俱结块如覆碗，投以泻心、陷胸皆不效，死者不少。因阅《外台秘要》，载有
增损理中丸方，主治纤毫不爽。余用以治此证，无不立应。间有一时不能消，仍作丸服以刈根株。凡余所治，其
最剧者陕人王姓，群医杂治两旬，邪块较大，按之拒痛，四肢逆冷，形萎面青，齿槁，舌镜无津，大便旬余不解，
脉弱欲伏。余谓邪气搏结中宫，正气津气几已消涸，即师其法，用东洋参、白术各二钱，黄连、干姜各五分，牡
蛎五钱，花粉三钱，枳实一钱五分，元明粉三钱。服后便行，块即渐减，脉亦稍起，四肢略温，仍以是方加减，
十余剂而痊。
陈氏妇盛夏病霍乱吐泻，腹中 痛，四肢厥冷，冷汗溱溱，转筋戴眼，烦燥大渴，喜冷冻饮料，饮已即吐，六脉
皆伏。余曰∶虽霍乱，实脏厥也。经云∶大气入脏，腹痛下注，可以致死，不可致生。速宜救阳为急，迟则肾阳
绝矣。以四逆汤∶姜、附各三钱，炙甘草、吴萸各一钱，木瓜四钱，煎成冷服。日夜连服三剂，四肢始得全和，
危象皆退，口渴反喜沸汤，寒象始露。即于方中佐以生津存液之品，两服而安。愚谓此案论证用药。皆有卓识，
惟不言苔色，尚欠周详。其真谛在喜冷冻饮料而饮已即吐，若能受冷冻饮料者，即为内真热而外假寒矣。
倪姓患霍乱吐泻，审知始不作渴，四肢不逆，脉不沉细，一医用大顺散两帖，渐至于此，因见四逆，复加附
子，脉证更剧。余曰∶此病一误再误，命将殆矣。若果属寒，投热病已，
今反四逆，脉转沉细欲伏，乃酿成热深厥深，与热邪传人厥阴者何异？即以竹叶石膏汤，人参易西洋参，加黄连、
滑石，两剂而愈。同时有陆姓患此，医用回阳之剂，日夜兼进，厥逆烦躁日增，病患欲得冷水，禁绝不与，甚至
病者自起拾地上痰涎以解渴，迁延旬日而死。噫，即使真属阴寒，阳回躁渴如是，热药之性，郁而无主，以凉药
和之，病亦立起。不学无术，曷胜浩叹！
张氏女夏月患霍乱，医用姜、附、藿、朴、茱、连等药，吐呕虽止，腹痛不已，而痢五色。至第八日，始延
余诊。两目罩翳，唇红舌绛，胸隔烦 ，口渴引饮，脉细数，沉部有力。是暑秽之毒，扰乱中宫而病霍乱，苦热
虽欲开郁止呕，毕竟反助邪势，致变五色毒痢。与子和桂苓甘露饮加黄连、银花、黑豆，两服翳退，而诸恙降序，
胃亦稍苏，因畏药不肯再服。余谓余邪未净，留而不去，残害脏腑，必转他病。乃与三豆汤加甘草代茶，频饮而
愈。
李陆集园，治寒湿暴侵，咳嗽不止，用猪肺管一条，入去节麻黄二、三分，两头以线扎紧，配以杏、苑、
橘、枳、苏子等品煎服，甚有巧思。
王燮庵乃郎痉病，角弓反张，儿医不能治。王自用当归四逆汤，一服汗解，亦可谓善读仲景圣书矣。然此必
太阳风寒之邪，因血分不足而内犯厥阴，故宜此方，非凡痉皆宜此方也。
一成衣患三疟数年，继又痢下，后患周身浮肿，待死而已。忽得一方，用新鲜楝树上蕈一枚，切碎煮熟，连
汤淡服，一啜而三恙悉痊。
王燮庵幼时，痧后食酸太多，咳呛不止，年余骨立，五心烦热，已近童劳。一人教于每日黎明，以头窠鸡子
一枚，打千余下，入盐少许，沸汤瀹服，百日而痊。
黄氏妇崩血不止，大便泄泻，半身痹痛。余脉之，右濡、左浮弦略数，知其脾有积湿，肝有郁热，因外风内
陷，入肠胃则泄，入血室则崩，窜络则痛也。与旋复花汤加归须、桃仁、柏子仁润血和络，川芎、神曲以化湿，
芩、防坚营散风，五服而三恙全愈。
常州伍某素壮健，方啖饭，忽呼痛倒地，云胸膈如刀割，群医莫解。阅三日，恹恹待毙矣。一老人过问病患，
令磨陈墨汁与啜，痛立止，病如失。因问此何证？曰∶记少时邻人患病类此，一老医以此法治之而愈，谓误食天
丝毒也。想墨汁无害，故令试之，不料其果合耳。
固始有人于元旦食汤圆讫，方出门贺岁，忽腹如火烧，痛不可忍，晕绝仆地，移时稍苏，而号痛声彻四邻。
延医诊视，皆云脉细如丝，不治。越日门外来一丐僧，家人辞以有病，僧云何不问我，家人苦无策，姑令诊视。
僧一望即曰∶是误食蛇精也。于破囊中取药丸一粒，以水研灌。移时病者起，呕如雀卵者数枚，僧云未也；复呕
秽野狼藉，出一物如鸡子大，僧曰是矣。剖视乃血裹中蟠一小蛇，见人遽动作势上下。病已若失，举家惊服。叩其
所以，云多年陈谷，蛇交其上，余沥粘着，误入腹中，乃成此物，少停即洞胸腹出矣。僧径裹蛇而去。愚谓二证
皆不易识。大凡腹中卒然大痛，在饮食后而无别证可凭者，无非中毒也。重用玉枢丹研灌，似亦有效。
海州刘氏子，五岁出痘，遍体疙瘩，大如瓯，凡三、四十枚，医皆不识。一老妪见之曰∶此包痘也。吾所见
并此而二，决无他虞。六、七日疙瘩悉破，内如榴子，层层灌浆皆满，真从来未睹者。痘书充栋，亦未道及。可
见医理渊微，即此一门，已难测识矣。
一妇免身后，脬肠内损，积秽碍塞，清浊混淆，而大小溲易位而出。以生黄丝绢、黄蜡、白芨、明矾、琥珀，
锉末水丸，猪脬一具煎汤下，即愈。
一人无故舌出于口寸余，或以巴豆烟熏之，饮以清心脾之药，不效。余取鸡冠血涂之，使人持铜钲立其后，
卒掷于地，声大而腾，病者愕顾，视其舌已收矣。或请其故。曰∶无他，舌为心苗，心主血，用从其类，必鸡冠
者，清高之分，精华所聚；掷钲于地者，惊气先入心，治其原也。
富人冯氏者，寒热如疟，溲溺闭塞，少腹隐痛，汗出淋漓，医以为瘵，频饮补剂，日益憔悴。余切其脉细，
重按之沉紧而实。曰∶此有积瘀而成小肠痈，于法当下。咸谓病久 羸，下恐有害，且素逸处，安有积瘀。余曰∶
论脉如是，可询病者，曾持重物否。其人以告病者，初不省，既而曰∶一月前会携镪方出，遭客至，匆遽复入，
越日而寒热作，得毋是耶？药已遍尝而病不去，盍从其治！遂用桃仁承气汤，捣土牛膝根汁和服。次日腹下痛如
刀割，殷血从溲溺出。如是数次，痛良已，病寻愈。
余视疾以之至先后为序，一日于众中瞥见一人，额端已起白色，急呼前，问所患。曰∶臂有微肿。视之，仅
一小 。因潜谓同来者曰∶此白刃疔，色已见额，速归矣，危在顷刻。其
人方出门，面部色渐趋口角，未至家死。
有仆足跟肿，终日奇痒。余曰∶此虱瘤也。破之，出黑白虱数百，痒止肿亦退。
一人患时疫，发狂谵语，若有物凭之，曰∶不飨我，当取汝手骨。已而十指软堕如饧。余曰∶是谓筋解，实
汉军王爵，字大封，博通古今学问，不追求仕途进取，却精通医术，能起死回生，遇到危重疾病，没有不能治好的。某军队中有一位显贵人物，全家数百口人都感染了瘟疫，病情危急即将死亡，于是请他诊治。王爵逐一诊脉开方，病人都立刻痊愈。只有那位显贵人物不接受治疗，王爵强迫他两次，他才肯开方，并在方子上大字写着：砒霜三钱，火酒四两，煎服。显贵人物感到惊愕，对他说：“像这样的药不是让人速死吗？”王爵严肃地说：“像您这样的人，如果不速死还等什么？”显贵人物说：“我有什么罪过落到这个地步？”王爵说：“您身为大臣，不想着辅佐君主、恩泽百姓，却一心贪图财利，横征暴敛，八旗军士对您恨之入骨。一旦圣上知道此事，赐死于西市，身首异处，家产被没收，妻儿没入官府，不如赶紧喝下我给的砒酒，或许还能保全头颅，保住全家性命，这真是良药啊，难道您会因为它是毒药而拒绝吗？”于是显贵人物惊恐地接受了教诲，最终改变了行为。
郡城中有位朱姓人士，素有饮酒癖好，酒积在左胁下，发作时胀痛呕吐。起初发病很轻，医生每次都用补剂治疗，导致发作越来越频繁且严重。我告诫他说：“这是饮癖，患者很多。只能用消除水饮、通畅气机为主，绝对不可用温补，用了温补就会形成坚硬的癖块，就无法治愈了。”他不相信。后来因为遇到郁结的事情，病情大发，疼痛剧烈，呕吐逆乱，精神疲惫，力气耗尽，医生反而大量进用人参、附子，导致热气上冲，痰饮闭塞，疼痛加剧，四肢冰冷，脉搏微弱，医生更加重用参、附，加重了闭塞。喝下一口药，感觉像刀箭刺心一样痛苦，哀求不再服用。妻子们围跪哭泣请求说：“四位名医共同商议开的方子，怎么会有错误？人参如此贵重，怎么会无效？”朱某说：“我难道不想活命？但这药实在承受不了！让我稍微缓解痛苦，死了也甘心。如果一定要让我痛极而死，那也是命。”勉强喝了一半，火热沸腾，痰液壅塞，呼叫号哭，辗转反侧而死。大凡富贵人的死亡，大半都是这样，只是没有这么严重罢了。要知道对症的药，不必入口就知道，闻到气味就会高兴想喝；如果不对症的药，闻到气味就会厌恶。所以服药时觉得勉强困难的，都是与病情相违背的。《内经》说：“面对病患询问其适宜之处。”这真是治病的妙诀。至于《孟子》说：“药不瞑眩，厥疾不瘳。”这是指攻邪破积而言，并非一概而论。
邻居顾姓的人，因为年轻时房事过度，头皮出血如汗。这是肝肾之火逆上，因为血热严重，所以从毛孔直接流出。大概汗是血的液体，由气化而生白。医经中有“肌衄”一条，因为气散不能化生，所以肌肤出汗带血。这个证候不是气不能化，而是化生也不够。给予甘露饮而痊愈。
章御臣多次梦见白人，拿着刀割自己的头，直到流血就惊醒，逐渐到闭上眼睛就做梦，众医生没办法。松江沈鲁珍治疗他，说：“睡觉时见到白人，是肺虚。用独参汤，每剂一两，服用后痊愈。”
当湖汪希生的内政（此处疑为人名或官职误植，依原文保留）中年时，每次吃猪肉身体就战栗发抖，多次医治无效。后来因为其他病服用了逍遥散几剂，旧疾也好了。后来与我谈起这件事，并询问原因。我说《素问》说：“各种禁固鼓栗，都属于火。”这一定是肝胆素有郁热，猪肉是动风之物，能引动他的病，但不能解开郁结，所以吃了就发作。逍遥散是解开郁结散发火的方剂，所以偶然服用就好了。我按察钱塘吴君馥斋的正室夫人，每次吃少许猪肉，就腹痛气冲，神志昏蒙像睡着一样，必须呕吐才舒服，像这样持续了一年。我也当作厥阴郁热治疗，用雪羹送服当归龙荟丸而痊愈。
我们郡里有一个人，脖子旁边突然发痒，渐渐起了一条白痕，延伸过去快要到喉咙，痒得无法忍受。众医生都不认识。一位方士用刀轻轻划开那道痕，出来很多白虱就好了。说：“这是虱瘤之类。凡是皮内作痒，或者起痕迹、或者高起，都是它的证候。”
杭州周南溪，三十多岁，身体壮实怕热，喜欢喝冷饮贪凉，到了仲秋忽然两条腿筋脉抽搐疼痛，几天后牵引到两只手臂，又几天手指一动就全身筋脉抽搐疼痛而死，各种治疗都无效。我诊他的脉弦而急，弦主饮，急主寒，这是寒湿生痰，流入筋隧。用半夏、茯苓各三钱，白芥子二钱，橘皮、木瓜各一钱五分，干姜一钱，生姜三片，煎汤送服控涎丹一钱。服用后手指可以活动，再服用手脚不再抽搐，改为六君子汤善后而痊愈。
湖州汤荣光解元，世代从事伤科，接骨有奇效。他家的佣人在树上采桑，树折断掉下来，腹部撞在枯树桩上破裂，人立即昏晕。汤荣光听说后，让徒弟带着药敷治。徒弟看疮口二寸多，已经透膜，里面连着红肉，看不见肠子，所以用线缝合，但形状像嘴张开合不上。徒弟告诉汤荣光，亲自去看，果然如此，于是让人抬回去。佣人稍微醒来，又喂他药酒，让他不知道疼痛，随即用刀割开伤口使其变宽，用铁钩钩出膜内的红肉，那肉大如手掌，原来是宿患的疟母。开始按照方法敷治疮口而痊愈，宿疾顿时消除。
一个富翁跌倒伤了手臂，关节脱臼，护痛不让别人动摇，大家都束手无策。汤荣光让患者面向角落站立，突然取冷水泼在他的头顶。患者突然打寒颤，就顺势将手臂一把，骨头随之进入关节，痊愈了。
一个人因为跌倒导致脊骨脱臼，下节错向内，没法下手。汤荣光让他家里秘密准备一只栲栳（一种竹编容器），中间安放棉絮，放在旁边，扶着患者绕柱子走，走累了，突然推放入栲栳间，上身直而下体弯曲环绕，所脱的脊骨稍微凸出，随即按进去而痊愈。我认为这种手法心思，非凡庸之人所能及，如果能触类旁通，自然就没有难题了。
吕氏妇人病了二十天，请我去看。刚进房间，病人裸衣躺着，神色不清，还自己掖着被子掩住胸口；等到诊脉，脉细而无神，眼睛昏花内心烦闷，咽痛不能吞咽汤水，身体冷如冰，出汗如洗。我思考张仲景说：“大寒反而出汗，身体一定冷如冰，咽痛目眩的，是龙雷之火上炎。”用熟地一两，桂枝、附子各一钱，菊花三钱，煎成，用冷水浸凉服用，各种病像消失，随即要粥喝，第二天再服一次，随后用大补药十几帖而安定。我按察大寒反汗出，是阴盛格阳于外，所以身体冷如冰；咽痛目眩，是阳气戴于上。凡是格阳、戴阳，都是虚阳外越，所谓内真寒而外假热，所以可以用桂、附引导内潜，不可误认为是龙雷之火上炎。春分龙出现雷发声，秋分龙潜伏雷收声。龙雷之火，一定在阳气旺盛之时炎上。人身是一小天地，肝属角木，震卦为雷，龙雷之火就是肝火。必须是肾阴虚，肝阳才炽盛，导致产生龙雷上炎的各种证候。治疗应该壮水制火，如果不懂这个道理，妄自援引火归元之说，无异于抱薪救火。古书辨别不清楚，贻误非浅。只有叶天士先生的《景岳发挥》、何西池先生的《医碥》，阐发最透彻，学人应当用心研究。我的弟弟仲韶，在乙卯年新秋突然患洞泻，拉几次就浑身出汗如洗，气息奄奄。深夜急忙叫我前去诊视，脉也是沉细，身体凉不热，宛似虚寒之证，只有舌苔色黄腻，小便全无，这是湿热病。给予桂苓甘露饮，一剂而愈。附录在这里，以便互相勘验。
友人洪岳山，用仙人杖炭与牛齿等分研末，用鸡蛋清调匀，用来箍脓非常有效。后来我治疗一个肝郁致病的人，中脘胀滞作痛，腹部渐渐变大，想要成为胀病。用宣利疏养的方法治疗，二十多剂，腹中已经觉得宽畅，只有大腹仍然空隆不瘪。思索再三，在原方中加入仙人杖几寸，一剂果然平复。大概嫩竹出土自枯，取其自然之性，遂合病机，而收到快速疗效。
我认为方药主治，都可以借用。有人因劳力后季肋作痛，各种药都不见效，来问我治疗，恰好徐君亚枝寄来保胎神佑丸，我就给他三钱，竟然立刻痊愈。接着有因踢伤而腹痛时常发作的人来讨药，也用此丸一服，果然排出黑屎而平复。
道光丁亥秋季，患寒热病的中脘部都有结块如倒扣的碗，投以泻心汤、陷胸汤都不见效，死者不少。因为阅读《外台秘要》，记载有增损理中丸方，主治纤毫不爽。我用它治疗这个证候，无不立刻见效。偶尔有一时不能消除的，仍做成丸药服用以铲除病根。凡是我所治疗的，其中最严重的陕西人王某，众医杂治二十天，邪块较大，按压拒痛，四肢逆冷，形体消瘦面色青，牙齿干枯，舌面光滑无津，大便十多天不解，脉弱欲伏。我认为邪气搏结在中宫，正气津气几乎消涸，于是师法其方，用东洋参、白术各二钱，黄连、干姜各五分，牡蛎五钱，花粉三钱，枳实一钱五分，元明粉三钱。服用后大便通行，块状物渐渐减少，脉也稍起，四肢略温，仍以原方加减，十几剂而痊愈。
陈氏妇盛夏患霍乱吐泻，腹中绞痛，四肢厥冷，冷汗淋漓，转筋戴眼，烦躁大渴，喜欢冷冻饮料，喝了就吐，六脉皆伏。我说：“虽然是霍乱，实际上是脏厥。经云：‘大气入脏，腹痛下注，可以致死，不可致生。’速宜救阳为急，迟则肾阳绝矣。用四逆汤：干姜、附子各三钱，炙甘草、吴茱萸各一钱，木瓜四钱，煎成冷服。日夜连服三剂，四肢才完全调和，危象都退去，口渴反而喜欢沸汤，寒象才显露。就在方中佐以生津存液的药，两服而安。我认为此案论证用药，都有卓识，只是不说舌苔颜色，尚欠周详。其真谛在于喜冷冻饮料而喝了就吐，如果能受冷冻饮料的，就是内真热而外假寒了。”
倪姓患霍乱吐泻，审知开始时不口渴，四肢不逆冷，脉不沉细，一个医生用大顺散两帖，逐渐弄成现在这样，因为见到四肢逆冷，又加附子，脉证更严重。我说：“这个病一误再误，命将要没了。如果果属寒，投热药病已好，现在反而四肢逆冷，脉转沉细欲伏，这是酿成热深厥深，与热邪传入厥阴有什么不同？就用竹叶石膏汤，人参换西洋参，加黄连、滑石，两剂而愈。同时有陆姓患此病，医生用回阳之剂，日夜兼进，厥逆烦躁日益增加，病人想要冷水，禁止不给，甚至病人自己起来拾地上的痰涎来解渴，拖延十天而死。唉，即使真属阴寒，阳气回复躁渴像这样，热药的性质，郁而无主，用凉药调和它，病也会立刻起来。不学无术，怎能不胜浩叹！”
张氏女夏月患霍乱，医生用姜、附、藿香、厚朴、吴茱萸、黄连等药，吐呕虽然停止，腹痛不止，而且痢下五色。到第八天，才请我诊视。两眼蒙翳，唇红舌绛，胸膈烦闷，口渴引饮，脉细数，沉部有力。这是暑秽之毒，扰乱中宫而病霍乱，苦热药虽然想开郁止呕，毕竟反而助长邪势，导致变成五色毒痢。给子和桂苓甘露饮加黄连、银花、黑豆，两服翳退，而诸恙降序，胃也稍苏，因为怕药不肯再服。我说余邪未净，留而不去，残害脏腑，必转他病。于是给三豆汤加甘草代茶，频饮而愈。
李陆集园，治疗寒湿暴侵，咳嗽不止，用猪肺管一条，放入去节麻黄二、三分，两头用线扎紧，配以杏仁、款冬花、橘皮、枳壳、苏子等品煎服，很有巧思。
王燮庵的儿子患痉病，角弓反张，儿科医生不能治。王燮庵自己用当归四逆汤，一服汗出而解，也可以说是善于读仲景圣书了。然而这必须是太阳风寒之邪，因为血分不足而内犯厥阴，所以宜用此方，不是所有痉病都宜用此方。
一个裁缝患三疟数年，继而又痢疾，后来患周身浮肿，等待死亡而已。忽然得到一个方子，用新鲜楝树上的蘑菇一枚，切碎煮熟，连汤淡服，一喝而三种病悉痊。
王燮庵小时候，痧疹后吃酸太多，咳呛不止，一年多骨瘦如柴，五心烦热，已经接近童劳。一个人教他每天黎明，用一个头窠鸡蛋，打一千多下，加入少许盐，用沸汤冲泡服用，一百天而痊愈。
黄氏妇崩血不止，大便泄泻，半身痹痛。我诊她的脉，右濡、左浮弦略数，知道她脾有积湿，肝有郁热，因为外风内陷，入肠胃则泄，入血室则崩，窜络则痛。给旋复花汤加归须、桃仁、柏子仁润血和络，川芎、神曲以化湿，黄芩、防风坚营散风，五服而三种病全愈。
常州伍某平时壮健，正在吃饭，忽然呼痛倒地，说胸膈如刀割，众医不明白。过了三天，气息奄奄等待死亡。一位老人过问病情，让磨陈墨汁给他喝，疼痛立刻停止，病像消失。于是问这是什么证？说：“记得小时候邻人患病类似此，一位老医用这个方法治好，说是误食天丝毒。想墨汁无害，所以让他试试，不料果然符合。”
固始有人在元旦吃完汤圆后，刚出门贺岁，忽然腹如火烧，痛不可忍，晕绝仆地，过了一会儿稍微苏醒，而号痛声彻四邻。延请医生诊视，都说脉细如丝，不治。第二天门外来一个乞丐僧，家人推辞说有病，僧人说为什么不问我，家人苦无对策，姑且让他诊视。僧人一望就说：“是误食蛇精。”从破囊中取药丸一粒，用水研磨灌下。过了一会儿病人起来，吐出像雀卵一样的东西几枚，僧人说还没完；又吐出秽物野狼藉，出一个像鸡蛋大的东西，僧人说就是这个了。剖开看乃是血裹中盘着一条小蛇，见人就动作上下。病已经像失去了一样，全家惊讶佩服。询问其原因，说多年陈谷，蛇交配在上面，余沥粘着，误入腹中，乃成此物，稍停即洞穿胸腹而出。僧人径直包着蛇走了。我认为这两个证候都不容易识别。大凡腹中突然大痛，在饮食后而无别证可凭者，无非中毒。重用玉枢丹研磨灌下，似乎也有疗效。
海州刘氏子，五岁出痘，遍体疙瘩，大如碗，凡三、四十枚，医生都不认识。一位老妪看见说：“这是包痘。我所见过的总共两个，决无其他忧虑。六、七天疙瘩全部破溃，里面像石榴子，层层灌浆都满，真是从未见过的。痘书堆积如山，也没提到。可见医理渊微，就这一门，已难测识了。”
一个妇人分娩后，膀胱肠子内损，积秽碍塞，清浊混淆，大小便易位而出。用生黄丝绢、黄蜡、白芨、明矾、琥珀，锉末水丸，猪膀胱一个煎汤送下，即愈。
一个人无故舌头伸出嘴巴一寸多，有人用巴豆烟熏它，喝清心脾的药，无效。我取鸡冠血涂在它上面，让人拿着铜锣站在后面，突然扔在地上，声音大而腾空，病人愕然回头看，看他的舌头已经收回了。有人请教原因。说：“没什么，舌为心苗，心主血，用从其类，必须是鸡冠的，清高之分，精华所聚；掷锣在地上，惊气先入心，治其原。”
富人冯氏，寒热如疟，小便闭塞，少腹隐痛，出汗淋漓，医生以为是痨病，频频饮用补剂，日益憔悴。我切他的脉细，重按之沉紧而实。说：“这是有积瘀而成小肠痈，依法应当下。大家都认为病久虚弱，下恐有害，况且平时安逸，哪里有积瘀。我说：论脉是这样，可以询问病人，曾拿重物否。那人告诉病人，起初不省悟，继而说：一个月前会携带钱财正要出去，遭客人来，匆忙又进去，第二天而寒热发作，莫非是这个？药已遍尝而病不去，何不听从治疗！于是用桃仁承气汤，捣土牛膝根汁和服。第二天腹部下痛如刀割，殷血从小便溺出。像这样几次，痛良已，病寻愈。”
我看病以先后为序，一天在众人中瞥见一个人，额端已经起白色，急忙叫上前，问患什么。说：“手臂有微肿。”看它，仅一小疔。于是悄悄对同来者说：“这是白刃疔，色已见于额头，速归，危在顷刻。”那人刚出门，面部色渐渐趋向口角，未到家用死。
Wang Jue, courtesy name Dafeng, of the Han Army, was well-versed in ancient and modern learning. He did not seek official advancement but excelled in medicine, capable of reviving the dying and saving lives from critical conditions; no matter how severe the illness, those who encountered him survived. A high-ranking nobleman in a certain army had his entire household of hundreds infected with an epidemic disease, on the verge of death, and invited Wang to treat them. Wang examined their pulses one by one and prescribed remedies, resulting in immediate recovery for all. Only the nobleman refused treatment. After Wang insisted twice, he finally agreed to receive a prescription, which Wang wrote in large characters: "Arsenic (Pishuang) 3 qian, strong liquor 4 liang, decocted and taken orally." The nobleman was astonished and said, "Wouldn't such a medicine cause rapid death?" Wang replied solemnly, "For someone like you, what else is there to wait for if not rapid death?" The nobleman asked, "What crime have I committed to deserve this?" Wang said, "As a high minister, instead of assisting the ruler and benefiting the people, you focus solely on profit, extorting and demanding excessively. The Eight Banners soldiers hate you to the bone. Once the Emperor knows of this, you will be ordered to commit suicide at the West Market, your head separated from your body, your property confiscated, and your wife and children enslaved. It would be better to quickly drink my arsenic wine, perhaps preserving your head and protecting your family. This is truly good medicine; would you reject it because you consider it poison?" Thus, the nobleman was terrified, accepted the advice, and ultimately changed his ways.
In the commandery, there was a man surnamed Zhu who suffered from a long-standing alcohol accumulation disorder (Yinpi). The alcohol accumulated under his left hypochondrium; upon onset, he experienced distending pain and vomiting. Initially, the attacks were mild, but physicians treated him with tonifying formulas each time, causing the attacks to become more frequent and severe. I warned him, "This is Yinpi, common among patients. Treatment should focus on resolving fluid retention and promoting Qi circulation. Warm-tonifying herbs must absolutely be avoided; using them will create hard, stubborn accumulations that are incurable." He did not believe me. Later, due to emotional frustration, his condition flared up severely with extreme pain, violent vomiting, mental exhaustion, and fatigue. Physicians then heavily administered Ginseng (Renshen) and Aconite (Fuzi), causing heat to rush upward and phlegm-fluids to obstruct, worsening the pain. His limbs became cold and his pulse faint. The physicians further increased the dosage of Ginseng and Aconite, exacerbating the obstruction. Upon taking a sip of the medicine, he felt as if knives and arrows were piercing his heart, begging to stop. His wife and daughters knelt around weeping, pleading, "Four famous physicians jointly prescribed this formula; how could it be wrong? Ginseng is so precious, how could it be ineffective?" Zhu said, "Do I not wish to live? But I truly cannot tolerate this medicine! Let me alleviate my pain slightly, and I will accept death willingly. If you insist on making me die in extreme pain, that is my fate." He reluctantly drank half. The heat boiled, phlegm obstructed, and after crying out and writhing, he died. Most deaths among the wealthy and powerful are similar, though not as severe. One must know that appropriate medicines do not need to be tasted to be recognized; one feels joy and desire to drink them upon smelling them. Inappropriate medicines cause disgust upon smell. Therefore, if taking medicine feels forced and difficult, it contradicts the disease. The *Neijing* states, "When facing a patient, ask about their preferences." This is truly the secret of effective treatment. As stated in *Mencius*, "If medicine does not cause dizziness or agitation, the serious disease will not heal." This refers specifically to attacking pathogens and breaking accumulations, not as a universal rule.
A neighbor named Gu suffered from bleeding from the scalp resembling sweat due to excessive sexual activity in his youth. This was caused by rebellious Fire of the Liver and Kidneys rising upwards; due to severe blood heat, it exited directly through the hair follicles. Sweat is the fluid of blood, transformed by Qi into white vapor. The classics mention "skin purpura" (Jinu), where scattered Qi fails to transform properly, causing blood to mix with sweat in the skin. This condition is not due to Qi's inability to transform, but rather insufficient transformation. He recovered after being given Ganlu Yin.
Zhang Yuchen frequently dreamed of a white man holding a knife and cutting off his head, waking up only when blood flowed. Gradually, he dreamed even with eyes closed. Physicians were helpless. Shen Luzhen from Songjiang treated him, stating, "Seeing a white man during sleep indicates Lung deficiency." He prescribed Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction), one liang per dose, which cured him.
Wang Xisheng, a civil official in Danghu, experienced trembling throughout his body whenever he ate pork in middle age, despite multiple treatments. Later, while treating another illness with Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) for several doses, his old ailment also resolved. When discussing this with me later, he asked for the reason. I cited the *Suwen*: "All cases of stiffness, shivering, and tremors belong to Fire." This must be pre-existing stagnant Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder. Pork is a wind-stimulating food that can trigger the disease but cannot resolve the stagnation, hence the reaction upon eating. Xiaoyao San resolves stagnation and dissipates fire, explaining why accidental use brought relief. I observed that Lady Wu, wife of Mr. Fuzhai from Qiantang, suffered abdominal pain, rushing Qi, and mental confusion resembling sleep after eating small amounts of pork, finding relief only after vomiting. This persisted for a year. I treated her as Jueyin Stagnant Heat, using Xueming Geng (Snow Soup) to deliver Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica Sinensis and Gardenia Euphrasia Pill), which cured her.
A man in our commandery suddenly developed itching on the side of his neck, gradually forming a white streak extending toward his throat, unbearable in intensity. Physicians could not identify it. A Daoist practitioner lightly cut the streak with a knife, extracting many white lice, curing him. He explained, "This is a type of louse tumor. Any skin itching, marking, or elevation is a sign of this."
Zhou Nanxi from Hangzhou, in his thirties, was robust but sensitive to heat, preferring cold drinks and coolness. In mid-autumn, he suddenly suffered spasmodic pain in the tendons of both legs, which spread to his arms days later. Eventually, moving a finger triggered full-body tendon spasms leading to death, despite various treatments. His pulse was wiry (Xuan) and rapid (Ji). Wiry indicates fluid retention; rapid indicates Cold. This was Phlegm generated by Cold-Dampness flowing into the tendon channels. I prescribed Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) and Fuling (Poria) 3 qian each, Baijiezi (White Mustard Seed) 2 qian, Chener (Tangerine Peel) and Mugua (Chaenomeles Fruit) 1.5 qian each, Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 1 qian, and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) three slices, decocted to administer Kongxian Dan (Control Fluid Pill) 1 qian. After the first dose, finger movement returned; after the second, limb spasms ceased. He was then given Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) for convalescence and recovered.
Tang Rongguang, a Jieyuan degree holder from Huzhou, came from a family specializing in trauma surgery, achieving miraculous results in setting bones. A servant of his fell from a mulberry tree, landing on his abdomen against a dead stump, rupturing the area and causing unconsciousness. Tang instructed his apprentice to apply medication. The apprentice saw a wound over two cun, penetrating the membrane, exposing red flesh without visible intestines, and sutured it. However, the wound gaped open. Reporting this to Tang, he inspected it personally and ordered the servant to be carried home. Upon regaining consciousness, the servant was given medicinal wine to numb pain. Tang then incised the wound wider, hooked out the red flesh inside the membrane—which was palm-sized—and identified it as a chronic Mamo (Malaria Mass). The wound was dressed according to protocol, healing completely and removing the chronic ailment.
A wealthy man fell and dislocated his arm, guarding the pain and refusing movement. All physicians were stumped. Tang told the patient to stand facing a corner, then suddenly splashed cold water on his head. The patient shivered violently, allowing Tang to manipulate the arm, reducing the joint instantly.
Another patient suffered a spinal dislocation from a fall, with the lower segment displaced inward, making manipulation difficult. Tang secretly prepared a bamboo basket lined with cotton wool. He had the patient walk around a pillar until exhausted, then suddenly pushed him into the basket. The upper body remained straight while the lower body curled, protruding the dislocated vertebrae slightly, which Tang then pressed back into place. Such manual techniques require ingenuity beyond ordinary practitioners; mastering them removes difficulties.
Lady Lu had been ill for twenty days. Upon entering, she lay naked, confused, pulling covers over her chest. Her pulse was fine and spiritless; her eyes were dim with internal irritability; her throat hurt preventing swallowing; her body was ice-cold, sweating profusely. Recalling Zhang Zhongjing: "Severe Cold with sweating and ice-cold body, accompanied by sore throat and visual disturbance, indicates Dragon-Legion Fire flaming upward." I prescribed Shudi (Rehmannia Root) 1 liang, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fuzi (Aconite Root) 1 qian each, Juhua (Chrysanthemum Flower) 3 qian. Decocted and cooled in cold water before administration, all symptoms vanished, and she requested porridge. A second dose the next day, followed by ten-plus tonic prescriptions, stabilized her. I note that "Severe Cold with sweating" indicates Yin excess repelling Yang outward, causing ice-cold body; sore throat and visual disturbance indicate Yang floating upward. Both Ge Yang (Repelling Yang) and Dai Yang (Floating Yang) represent deficient Yang escaping outward—true internal Cold with false external Heat. Thus, Guizhi and Fuzi guide Yang inward; misidentifying this as Dragon-Legion Fire is dangerous. Dragon-Legion Fire arises during peak Yang times (Spring/Autumn equinoxes). In the body, Liver corresponds to Wood/Thunder; Dragon-Legion Fire is Liver Fire, arising only with Kidney Yin Deficiency allowing Liver Yang to blaze. Treatment requires nourishing Water to control Fire. Ignoring this and blindly applying "Fire Returning to Source" theories is like adding fuel to a fire. Ancient texts often fail to distinguish these clearly, causing significant errors. Ye Tianshi's *Jingyue Fahui* and He Xichi's *Yi Bian* clarify this best; students must study them. My brother Zhongshao suddenly suffered severe diarrhea in early autumn, sweating profusely after each bowel movement, leaving him barely alive. His pulse was deep and fine, body cool, mimicking Deficient Cold, except for a yellow-greasy tongue coating and complete absence of urine, indicating Damp-Heat. Guiling Ganlu Yin cured him in one dose. Recorded here for comparison.
Friend Hong Yueshan used Tan of Xianrenzhang (Opuntia Cactus Charcoal) and Niu Chi (Cow Tooth) powder mixed with egg white to draw out pus effectively. Later, I treated a case of Liver Stagnation causing epigastric distension and pain, progressing to abdominal swelling. After twenty-plus doses of regulating and nourishing methods, the abdomen felt relaxed, but the large belly remained protuberant. Adding Xianrenzhang to the original formula flattened it in one dose. Young bamboo naturally withers after emerging; utilizing its natural property matched the pathology, yielding quick results.
I believe indications for formulas and herbs can be adapted. Someone suffered hypochondriac pain after labor, unresponsive to other drugs. I happened to receive Baotai Shenyao Wan (Fetal Protection Divine Blessing Pill) from Xu Yazhi and gave three qian, resulting in immediate recovery. Another patient with kicking-induced intermittent abdominal pain also took this pill once, passing black stool and recovering.
In the autumn of Dinghai (Daoguang era), patients with alternating chills and fever presented with epigastric masses like inverted bowls. Xiexin Tang and Xiongxiong Tang failed, causing many deaths. Reading *Waitai Miyao*, I found Zengsun Lizhong Wan, highly effective. Applying it yielded immediate results. For persistent cases, pills were used to eradicate the root. The most severe case was a Shaanxi man named Wang, treated by others for twenty days with large, tender masses, cold limbs, emaciation, blue complexion, dry teeth, glazed tongue, constipation for ten days, and faint pulse. I diagnosed pathogenic Qi knotting in the Middle Jiao, depleting Zheng Qi and fluids. Following the method, I used Dongyangshen (Japanese Ginseng) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) 2 qian each, Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 0.5 qian each, Muli (Oyster Shell) 5 qian, Huafen (Trichosanthes Root) 3 qian, Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange) 1.5 qian, and Yuanmingfen (Mirabilite) 3 qian. Bowel movement occurred, masses reduced, pulse strengthened, limbs warmed. Adjustments over ten doses led to recovery.
Madam Chen suffered summer cholera with vomiting/diarrhea, abdominal cramping, cold limbs, cold sweats, tetany, sunken eyes, restlessness, intense thirst for cold drinks (vomited immediately), and hidden pulses. I diagnosed Zang Jue (Visceral Cold Collapse) despite Cholera symptoms. The classics state atmospheric invasion causing abdominal pain and downward flow leads to death. Urgent Yang rescue was needed. Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction): Jiang (Ginger) and Fuzi (Aconite) 3 qian each, Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice) and Wuyu (Evodia Fruit) 1 qian each, Mugua (Chaenomeles) 4 qian. Decocted and taken cold. Three doses day and night restored limb harmony and resolved crisis. Thirst shifted to preferring hot soup, revealing true Cold. Adding fluids-preserving herbs cured her. While the diagnosis was insightful, omitting tongue diagnosis was incomplete. The key differentiator is preference for cold drinks followed by immediate vomiting, indicating True Internal Heat with False External Cold.
Patient Ni suffered cholera. Initially non-thirsty, warm limbs, normal pulse. A physician used Dashun San for two doses, worsening the condition. Seeing cold limbs, he added Fuzi, aggravating the pulse and symptoms. I diagnosed double error leading to impending death. If truly Cold, heat meds should have worked. Now, cold limbs and deep/faint pulse indicate Deep Heat with Deep Cold (Re Shen Jue Shen), akin to Heat entering Jueyin. Zhuyeshigao Tang (Leaf, Pearl, and Soybean Decoction) replaced Ren Shen with Xiyangshen (American Ginseng), plus Huanglian and Huashi, cured him in two doses. Meanwhile, Patient Lu received Yang-restoring agents day and night, worsening cold limbs and restlessness. Denied cold water, he licked phlegm from the floor, dying after ten days. Even if true Yin-Cold, such agitation suggests heat-drug toxicity; cooling herbs would help. Ignorance causes sighs.
Girl Zhang suffered summer cholera. Doctors used warming herbs (Ginger, Aconite, etc.). Vomiting stopped, but abdominal pain persisted, evolving into five-colored dysentery. On day eight, I examined her: cloudy eyes, red lips/crimson tongue, chest irritation, thirst, fine-rapid pulse with strength in deep position. Summer-turbidity toxin disturbed the Middle Jiao. Bitter-hot herbs attempted to resolve stagnation/vomiting but aided pathogens, causing toxic dysentery. Zihe's Guiling Ganlu Yin plus Huanglian, Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle), and Heidou (Black Soybean) cleared cloudiness in two doses, improving symptoms. Reluctant to continue, I prescribed Sandou Tang (Three Bean Decoction) with Licorice as tea, frequent sips cured her.
Li Luji Yuan treated cold-damp induced cough using a pig lung tube stuffed with Mahuang (Ephedra) 2-3 fen, tied at ends, decocted with Xingren (Apricot Seed), Yuanshua (Kudzu Leaf), Chenpi, Zhike (Bitter Orange), and Suzi (Perilla Seed). Clever design.
Wang Xie'an's son suffered spasms with opisthotonos, untreatable by pediatricians. Wang used Danggui Sini Tang (Angelica Sinensis and Cinnamon Twig Decoction), curing him with one dose showing sweating resolution. This demonstrates mastery of Zhang Zhongjing's works. However, this applies only to Taiyang Wind-Cold invading Jueyin due to Blood deficiency, not all spasms.
A tailor suffered San Nüe (Triennial Malaria) for years, followed by dysentery, then generalized edema, awaiting death. A remedy of fresh mushroom from a Chinaberry tree, chopped, cooked, and drunk with broth cured all three ailments in one sip.
Young Wang Xie'an, after measles, ate too much sour food, causing persistent coughing, emaciation, and five-palm heat for over a year, approaching childhood consumption disease. A remedy advised beating one fresh egg over a thousand times at dawn, adding salt, and drinking with boiling water daily for 100 days, resulting in cure.
Madam Huang suffered continuous metrorrhagia, diarrhea, and hemiplegic pain. Pulse: right soggy, left floating-wiry-slightly rapid. Spleen Dampness accumulation, Liver Stagnant Heat, external Wind sinking inward. Entering intestines/stomach caused diarrhea; entering blood chamber caused bleeding; entering collaterals caused pain. Xuanfuhua Tang (Inula Flower Decoction) plus Guixu (Angelica Tail), Taoren (Peach Kernel), Baiziren (Baiji Seed) to moisten blood/harmonize collaterals; Chuanxiong (Szechwan Lovage) and Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) to resolve Dampness; Huangqin (Scutellaria) and Fangfeng (Siler) to stabilize Ying and scatter Wind. Five doses cured all three.
Wu from Changzhou, usually robust, collapsed in pain while eating, describing chest/throat cutting pain. Physicians baffled. After three days, near death. An elderly visitor suggested grinding aged ink paste and drinking it. Pain stopped instantly. Explained as mistaking heavenly silk poison; ink is harmless, so tried it.
Person from Gushi ate tangyuan on New Year's Day, went out greeting, then suffered burning abdominal pain, fainting, then screaming pain. Physicians saw thread-like pulse, deemed incurable. Next day, a beggar-monk arrived. Family hesitated but allowed examination. Monk diagnosed "mistaken ingestion of Snake Essence." Gave a pill from his bag dissolved in water. Patient vomited bird-egg-sized clots, then debris, finally an egg-sized object containing a coiled small snake wrapped in blood, moving when seen. Illness vanished. Monk explained: old grain contaminated by mating snakes; residue ingested formed this mass, eventually piercing abdomen. Monk took the snake. These cases are hard to identify. Sudden severe post-prandial abdominal pain without other signs usually indicates poisoning. Heavy use of Yushu Dan (Jade Pivot Pill) ground and灌ed seems effective.
Liu's son from Haizhou, age five, had smallpox with bowl-sized pustules, 30-40 count. Physicians unrecognized. Old woman identified as "Bao Dou" (Wrapped Pox), rare but safe. Pustules broke in 6-7 days, filling with layers of pus like pomegranate seeds. Unrecorded in pox books. Shows depth of medical theory.
Postpartum woman suffered bladder/intestine damage, fecal blockage, mixing of clear/turbid, reversed urination/defecation. Sheng Huangsi Juan (Raw Yellow Silk), Huangla (Yellow Wax), Baiji (Bletilla), Mingfan (Alum), Hupo (Amber) powdered and pillized, taken with Pig Bladder decoction, cured her.
Man with tongue protruding one cun. Baidu smoke and Heart/Spleen clearing meds failed. I applied Cock Comb Blood, had someone drop a bronze gong behind him loudly. Startled, he looked back, tongue retracted. Explanation: Tongue is Heart sprout; Heart governs Blood. Use similar nature (Cock Comb = pure essence). Dropping gong startles Qi into Heart, treating the root.
Rich man Feng had malaria-like chills/fever, urinary obstruction, hypogastric dull pain, profuse sweating. Diagnosed as Tuberculosis (Zhai), treated with tonics, becoming emaciated. Pulse fine, deep-tight-solid upon pressure. Diagnosed Small Intestine Abscess from Blood Stasis, indicated for purging. Others feared weakness from purging. I asked if he lifted heavy objects recently. He recalled carrying money hastily a month prior, followed by chills/fever. Used Tao Ren Cheng Qi Tang (Peach Kernel and Major Order the Qi Decoction) mixed with Tu Niuxi (Achyranthes Bidentata) root juice. Next day, severe lower abdominal pain, dark blood passed in urine. Repeated several times, pain ceased, illness resolved.
I prioritize sequential observation. Once spotted a man with white spot on forehead, arm slight swelling. Identified as "White Blade Ding" (Carbuncle), color spreading to mouth corner imminent death. Died before reaching home.
Servant with swollen heel, intense itching. Identified as Louse Tumor. Incised, extracted hundreds of black/white lice, itch/swelling subsided.
Patient with epidemic disease, madness/delirium, claiming entity demanded hand bones. Fingers softened/dropped. Diagnosed Jin Jie (Tendon Dissolution), actually...