道为先。用药之理，一同本草，但制御之途，小异世法。犹如粱、肉，主于济命，华夷禽兽
，皆共仰资。其为主理即同，其为性灵则异尔。大略所用不多，远至二十余物，或单行数种
，便致大益，是其服食岁月深积。即本草所云久服之效，不如俗人微觉便止，故能臻其所极
，以致遐龄，岂但充体愈疾而已哉。今庸医处疗，皆耻看本草，或倚约旧方，或闻人传说，
或遇其所忆，便揽笔疏之，俄然戴面，以此表奇。其畏恶相反，故自寡昧，而药类违僻，分
两参差，亦不以为疑脱。或偶尔值瘥，则自信方验；若旬月未瘳，则言病源深结。了不反求
诸已，详思得失，虚构声称，多纳金帛，非唯在显宜责，固将居幽贻谴矣。其五经四部，军
国礼服，若详用乖越者，犹可矣，止于事迹非宜尔。至于汤药，一物有谬，便性命及之。千
乘之君，百金之长，何不深思戒慎邪？昔许太子侍药不尝，招弑君之恶；季孙馈药，仲尼有
未达之辞，知其药性之不可轻信也，晋时有一才人，欲刊正《周易》及诸药方，先与祖讷异
论，祖云∶辨释经典，纵有异同，不足以伤风教；至于汤药，小小不达，便致寿夭所由，则
后人受弊不少，何可轻以裁断。祖之此言，可为仁识，足为龟镜矣。按《论语》云∶人而无
恒，不可以作巫医。明此二法，不可以权饰妄造。所以医不三世，不服其药。九折臂者，乃
成
良医。盖谓学功须深故也。复患今之承藉者，多恃KT 名价，亦不能精心研习，实为可惜。
虚
传声美，闻风竞往，自有新学该明，而名称未播，贵胜以为始习，多不信用，委命虚名，谅
可惜也。京邑诸人，皆尚声誉，不取实事。余祖世以来，务敦方药，本有《范汪方》一部，
斟酌详用，多获其效，内护家门，傍及亲族。其有虚心告请者，不限贵贱，皆摩踵救之。凡
所救活，数百千人。自余投缨宅岭，犹不忘此，日夜玩味，常觉欣欣。今亦撰方三卷，并《
效验方》五卷，又补葛氏《肘后方》三卷。盖欲承嗣善业，令诸子侄，不敢失坠，可以辅身
济物者也。
今按诸药采造之法，既并用见成，非能自采，不复具论其事，唯合药须解节度，列之如
下。
按诸药所生，皆的有境界。秦、汉以前，当言列国。今郡县之名，后人所改尔。江东以
来，
小小杂药，多出近道，气力性理，不及本邦。假令荆、益不通，则全用历阳当归，钱塘三建
，岂得相似。所以疗病不及往人，亦当缘此故也。蜀药及北药，虽有去来，亦非复精者。且
市
人不解药性，唯尚形饰。上党人参，世不复售。华阴细辛，弃之如芥。且各随俗相竞，不能
多备，诸族故往往遗漏。今之所存，二百许种尔。众医都不识药，唯听市人。市人又不辨究
，皆委采送之家。采送之家，传习造作，真伪好恶，并皆莫测。所以钟乳醋煮令白，细辛水
渍使直，黄 蜜蒸为甜，当归酒洒取润，螵蛸胶着桑枝，蜈蚣朱足令赤。诸有此等，皆非事
实，俗用既久，转以成法，非复可改，末如之何。又根据方分药，不量剥除。只如远志、牡丹
，才不收半；地黄、门冬，三分耗一。凡去皮除心之属，分两皆不复相应，病家唯根据此用，
不知更秤取足。又王公贵胜，合药之日，悉付群下。其中好药贵石，无不窃换。乃有紫石英
、丹砂吞出洗取，一片动经十数过卖。诸有此例，巧伪百端，虽复监检，终不能觉。以此疗
病，固难即效，如斯并是药家之盈虚，不得咎医人之浅拙也。
凡采药时月，皆是建寅岁首，则从汉太初后所记也。其根物多以二月、八月采者，谓春
初津
润始萌，未冲枝叶势力淳浓故也。至秋，枝叶干枯，津润归流于下。今即事验之，春宁宜早
，
秋宁宜晚，花、实、茎、叶，乃各随其成熟尔。岁月亦有早晏，不必都根据本文也。经说阴干
者，谓就六甲阴中干之。又根据遁甲法，甲子旬阴中在癸酉，以药着酉地也。实谓不
必然，正是不露日曝，于卷影处干之尔。所以亦有云曝干故也。若幸可两用，益当为善。（
今按本草采药阴干者，皆多恶。至如鹿茸，经称阴干，皆悉烂令坏。今火干易
得且良。草木根苗，阴之皆恶。九月以前采者，悉宜日干；十月以后采者，阴干乃好。）
古秤唯有铢两，而无分名。今则以十黍为一铢，六铢为一分，四分成一两，十六两为一
斤。虽有子谷 黍之制，从来均之已久，正尔，根据此用之。（臣禹锡等谨按唐本又云∶但古
秤
复，今南秤是也。晋秤始后汉末以来，分一斤为二斤，一两为二两耳。金银丝绵，并与药同
，无轻重矣。古方唯有仲景而已，涉今秤若用古秤，作汤则水为殊少，故知非复秤，悉用今
者耳。）今方家所云等分者，非分两之分，谓诸药斤两多少皆同尔。先视病之大小，轻重所
须，乃以意裁之。凡此之类，皆是丸散；丸散竟根据度用之。汤酒之中，无等分也。
凡散药，有云刀圭者，十分方寸之一，准如梧桐子大也。方寸匕者，作匕正方一寸，抄
散取
不落为度。钱五匕者，今五铢钱边五字者以抄之，亦令不落为度。一撮者，四刀圭也。十撮
为一勺，十勺为一合。以药升分之者，谓药有虚实、轻重，不得用斤两，则以升平之。药升
方作，上径一寸，下径六分，深八分，纳散药，勿按抑之，正尔微动令平调尔。今人分药，
不复用此。
凡丸药，有云如细麻者，即胡麻也，不必扁扁，但令较略大小相称尔。如黍粟亦然，以
十六
黍为一大豆也。如大麻子者，准三细麻也。如胡豆者，即今青斑豆是也，以二大麻子准之。
如小豆者，今赤小豆也，粒有大小，以三大麻子准之。如大豆者，以二小豆准之。如梧子者
，以二大豆准之。一方寸匕散，蜜和得如梧子，准十丸为度。如弹丸及鸡子黄者，以十梧子
准之。（唐本注云∶方寸匕散，为丸如梧子，得十六丸，如弹丸。一枚若鸡子黄者，准四十
丸。今弹丸同鸡子黄，此甚不等。）
凡汤酒膏药，旧方皆云 （方汝切）咀（子与切）者，谓秤毕捣之如大豆，又使吹去细
末，此于
事殊不允当；药有易碎、难碎，多末、少末，秤两则不复均平，今皆细切之，较略令如 咀
者。乃得无末，而又粒片调和也（唐本注云∶ 咀，正谓商量斟酌之，余解皆理外生精尔。
臣禹锡等看详 咀，即上文细切之义，非商量斟酌也。）
凡丸散药，亦先切细，曝燥，乃捣之。有各捣者，有合捣者，并随方所言。其润湿药，
如天
门冬、干地黄辈，皆先切，曝，独捣令偏碎，更出细擘，曝干。若逢阴雨，亦以微火烘（火
工切）之，既燥，小停，冷，乃捣之。
凡湿药，燥皆大耗，当先增分两，须得屑乃称之为正。其汤酒中，不须如此也。
凡筛丸药，用重密绢令细，于蜜丸易熟。若筛散草药，用轻疏绢，于酒中服即不泥。其
石药
，亦用细绢筛令如丸者。凡筛丸散药毕，皆更合于臼中，以杵捣之数百过，视其色理和同，
为佳也。
凡汤酒膏中用诸石，皆细捣之如粟米，亦可以葛布筛令调，并以新绵别裹内中。其雄黄、
朱
凡煮汤，欲微火，令小沸。其水数根据方多少，大略二十两药，用水一斗，煮取四升，以
此为
准。然则利汤欲生，少水而多取；补汤欲熟，多水而少取。好详视之，不得令水多少。用新
布，两人以尺木绞之，澄去 （鱼靳切）浊，纸覆令密。温汤勿令铛器中有水气，于熟汤
上煮，令暖亦好。服汤宁令小沸热易下，冷则呕涌。
凡云分再服、三服者，要令势力相及，并视人之强羸，病之轻重，以为进退增减之，不
必悉
凡渍药酒，皆须细切，生绢袋盛之，乃入酒密封，随寒暑日数，视其浓烈，便可漉出，
不必
凡建中、肾沥诸补汤，滓合两剂，加水煮竭饮之，亦敌一剂新药，贫人可当根据此用，皆
应先
凡合膏，初以苦酒渍令淹浃，不用多汁，密覆勿泄。云 （祖对切，时者，周时也，从
今旦
明旦。亦有只一宿者。煮膏，当三上三下，以泄其热势，令药味得出。上之使匝匝沸，乃下
之，使沸静良久乃止，宁欲小小生。其中有薤白者，以两头微焦黄为候。有白芷、附子者，
亦令小黄色为度。猪肪皆勿令经水，腊月者弥佳。绞膏亦以新布绞之。若是可服之膏，膏滓
亦可酒煮饮之。可摩之膏，膏滓则宜以敷病上，此盖欲兼尽其药力故也。
凡膏中有雄黄、朱砂辈，皆别捣细研如面，须绞膏毕乃投中，以物疾搅，至于凝强，勿
使沉聚在下不调也。有水银者，于凝膏中研令消散。胡粉亦尔。
凡汤酒中用大黄，不须细锉。作汤者，先以水浸令淹浃，密覆一宿。明旦煮汤，临熟乃
内汤
中，又煮两、三沸，便绞出，则势力猛，易得快利。丸散中用大黄，旧皆蒸之，今不须尔。
凡汤中用麻黄，皆先别煮两、三沸，掠去其沫，更益水如本数，乃内余药，不尔，令人
烦。
麻黄皆折去节，令理通，寸锉之；小草、瞿麦五分锉之；细辛、白前三分锉之；丸散膏中，
则细锉也。
凡汤中用完物，皆擘破，干枣、栀子、栝蒌之类是也。用细核物，亦打破，山茱萸、五
味子
、蕤核、决明子之类是也。细花之物，正尔完用之，旋复花、菊花、地肤子、葵子之类是也
。米麦豆辈，亦完用之。诸虫，先微炙之，唯螵蛸当中破炙之。生姜、射干皆薄切之。芒硝
、饴糖、阿胶皆须绞汤毕，纳汁中，更上火两、三沸，烊尽乃服之。
凡用麦门冬，皆微润抽去心。杏仁、桃仁，汤柔挞去皮。巴豆打破，剥其皮，刮去心，
不尔
，令人闷。石韦刮去毛。辛夷去毛及心。鬼箭削取羽皮。藜芦剔取根微炙。枳实去其瓤，亦
炙之。椒去实于铛中微熬令汗出，则有势力。矾石于瓦上若铁物中，熬令沸，汁尽即止。
石皆以黄土泥包使燥，烧之半日，令熟而解散。犀角、羚羊角皆镑刮作屑。诸齿骨并炙捣碎
之。皂荚去皮、子炙之。
凡汤并丸散，用天雄、附子、乌头、乌喙、侧子，皆 灰中炮令微坼，削去黑皮，乃称
之
。唯姜附汤及膏酒中生用，亦削皮乃称之，直理破作七八片。随其大小，但削除处黑尖处令
尽。
凡汤酒丸散膏中，用半夏皆且完，用热汤洗去上滑，以手挪之皮释随剥去，更复易汤洗
令滑
尽。不尔，戟人咽喉。旧方云二十许过，今六、七过便足。亦可煮之，一、两沸一易水，如
此三、四过，仍挪洗毕，便曝干；随其大小，破为细片，乃称之以入汤。若膏酒丸散，皆须
曝燥，乃称之。
凡丸散用阿胶，皆先炙，使通体沸起，燥，乃可捣。有不沸处，更炙之。
凡丸中用蜡，皆烊投少蜜中，搅调以和药。若用熟艾，先细擘，合诸药捣，令散。不可
筛者
凡用蜜，皆先火煎，掠去其沫，令色微黄，则丸经久不坏。掠之多少，随蜜精粗。
凡丸散用巴豆、杏仁、桃仁、葶苈、胡麻诸有膏腻药，皆先熬黄黑，别捣令如膏，指
（莫结
切）视泯泯尔，乃以向成散；稍稍下臼中，合研捣，令消散，仍复都以轻疏绢筛度之，须尽
，又纳臼中，根据法捣数百杵也。汤膏中用，亦有熬之者，虽生并捣破之。
凡用桂心、浓朴、杜仲、秦皮、木兰之辈，皆削去上虚软甲错处，取里有味者称之。茯
苓、
猪苓，削除黑皮；牡丹、巴戟天、远志、野葛等，皆槌破去心；紫菀洗去土皆毕，乃称之；
薤白、葱白除青令尽；莽草、石南、茵芋、泽兰，皆剔取叶及嫩茎，去大枝；鬼臼、黄连，
皆除根毛；蜀椒去闭口者及目熬之。
凡野狼毒、枳实、橘皮、半夏、麻黄、吴茱萸，皆欲得陈久者良。其余须精新也。
凡方云巴豆若干枚者，粒有大小，当先去心皮，乃称之，以一分准十六枚。附子、乌头
若干
枣有大小，三枚准一两。云干姜一累者，以重一两为正。
凡方云半夏一升者，洗毕称五两为正。蜀椒一升者，三两为正。吴茱萸一升者，五两为
正。
菟丝子一升，九两为正。庵 子一升，四两为正。蛇床子一升，三两半为正。地肤子一升，
四两为正。此其不同也。云某子一升者，其子各有虚实、轻重，不可通以秤准，皆取平升为
正。
凡方云用桂一尺者，削去皮毕，重半两为正。甘草一尺者，重二两为正。云某草一束者，
以
道是根本。用药的道理，与《本草》一致，只是控制病情的途径，与世俗常规略有不同。就像粮食和肉类，主要用来维持生命，无论是中原还是夷狄的禽兽，都共同仰赖它们。其作为主治的原理相同，但其作为性灵（生命力）的表现则不同。大致使用的药物不多，远至二十多种，或者单用几种药，就能产生巨大的益处，这是长期服用、日积月累的结果。这就是《本草》所说的“久服”的功效，不像普通人稍微感觉有效就停止，所以能达到极致的效果，从而延长寿命，岂止是充饥治病而已呢？现在的庸医开方治疗，都以阅读《本草》为耻，有的依靠简略的旧方，有的听人传说，有的遇到自己记得住的，就提笔疏列，一会儿就脸红耳赤地以此标榜奇特。对于药物的畏恶相反关系，因为自己孤陋寡闻而缺乏了解，导致药类使用偏颇，分量参差错落，也不以为疑脱。如果偶尔碰巧痊愈，就自信方子有效；如果过了十天半个月还没好，就说病源深结。完全不知道反求诸己，详细思考得失，虚构名声，多收钱财，这不仅会在显贵处受到责备，在幽冥中也会遭到谴责。那些五经四部、军国礼服，如果详细使用违背常规，还可以说是事迹不当。至于汤药，一旦有一味药出错，就会危及性命。拥有千乘兵车的君主、拥有百金财富的长官，为什么不深思戒慎呢？从前许太子侍奉药物不先尝，招致了弑君的恶名；季孙赠送药物，孔子有“未达”（不了解情况）的言辞，说明药物的性质不可轻信。晋时有一位才人，想要刊正《周易》及各类药方，先与祖讷有不同意见，祖讷说：“辨释经典，纵然有异同，不足以损伤风化教化；至于汤药，稍微不理解，就会导致寿夭的原因，那么后人受到的弊害不少，怎么可以轻易裁断。”祖讷的这番话，可以说是仁爱的见识，足以作为借鉴。按《论语》所说：“人如果没有恒心，不可以做巫医。”说明这两种方法（指医术和占卜），不可以权宜修饰妄加创造。所以医生如果不传承三世医术，就不服用他的药。九次折断手臂的人，才能成为良医。大概是因为学习功夫必须深厚啊。又担心现在继承家业的人，大多倚仗门第名望，也不能精心研习，实在可惜。虚传美名，人们闻风竞往，自有新学精通明理的人，但名声未传播，权贵认为他们是初学者，大多不信用，把性命托付给虚名，确实可惜。京城人士，都崇尚声誉，不取实事。我家祖辈以来，致力于敦厚方药，本来有《范汪方》一部，斟酌详细使用，多获其效，对内保护家门，对外波及亲族。那些虚心告请的人，不限贵贱，都接踵救之。凡所救活，数百千人。自从我挂冠隐居岭南，仍不忘此事，日夜玩味，常觉欣欣然。现在也撰写方剂三卷，并《效验方》五卷，又补葛氏《肘后方》三卷。大概是想承继善业，让子孙侄辈，不敢失坠，可以用来修身济物。
现在考察各种药物的采造方法，既然都用现成的，不能自己采摘，不再详细论述其事，只有合药需要懂得节度，列举如下。
考察各种药物所生之地，都有明确的境界。秦汉以前，应当称为列国。现在的郡县名称，是后人改的。江东以来，小小的杂药，多出近道，气力性理，不及本邦。假如荆、益不通，则全用历阳当归，钱塘三建，怎么能相似。所以治病不如前人，也应当因为这个缘故。蜀药及北药，虽然有去来，也不再是精者。况且市人不解药性，只尚形饰。上党人参，世人不复售卖。华阴细辛，弃之如芥。且各随俗相竞，不能多备，诸族故往往遗漏。现在所存的，二百种左右罢了。众医都不识药，只听市人。市人又不辨究，都委托采送之家。采送之家，传习造作，真伪好恶，并皆莫测。所以钟乳醋煮令白，细辛水渍使直，黄蜜蒸为甜，当归酒洒取润，螵蛸胶着桑枝，蜈蚣朱足令赤。诸有此等，皆非事实，俗用既久，转以成法，不再可改，无可奈何。又根据方分药，不量剥除。只如远志、牡丹，才不收半；地黄、门冬，三分耗一。凡去皮除心之类，分量都不再相应，病家只根据此用，不知更秤取足。又王公贵胜，合药之日，悉付群下。其中好药贵石，无不窃换。乃有紫石英、丹砂吞出洗取，一片动经十数过卖。诸有此例，巧伪百端，虽复监检，终不能觉。以此疗病，固难即效，如斯并是药家之盈虚，不得咎医人之浅拙也。
凡是采药时节，都是建寅岁首，则是从汉太初后所记。其根物多以二月、八月采者，谓春初津润始萌，未冲枝叶势力淳浓的缘故。到了秋天，枝叶干枯，津润归流于下。现在就事验证，春天宁可宜早，秋天宁可宜晚，花、实、茎、叶，乃各自随其成熟而定。岁月也有早晚，不必都根据本文。经说阴干者，谓就在六甲阴中干之。又根据遁甲法，甲子旬阴中在癸酉，以药着酉地。实则未必必然，正是不露日曝，于卷影处干之罢了。所以也有云曝干的。如果幸可两用，益当为善。（现在考察本草采药阴干者，皆多恶。至如鹿茸，经称阴干，皆悉烂令坏。现在火干易得且良。草木根苗，阴之皆恶。九月以前采者，悉宜日干；十月以后采者，阴干乃好。）
古秤唯有铢两，而无分名。现在则以十黍为一铢，六铢为一分，四分成一两，十六两为一斤。虽有子谷黍之制，从来均之已久，正尔，根据此用之。（臣禹锡等谨按唐本又云：但古秤复，今南秤是也。晋秤始后汉末以来，分一斤为二斤，一两为二两耳。金银丝绵，并与药同，无轻重矣。古方唯有仲景而已，涉今秤若用古秤，作汤则水为殊少，故知非复秤，悉用今者耳。）今方家所云等分者，非分两之分，谓诸药斤两多少皆同尔。先视病之大小，轻重所需，乃以意裁之。凡此之类，皆是丸散；丸散竟根据度用之。汤酒之中，无等分也。
凡是散药，有云刀圭者，十分方寸之一，准如梧桐子大也。方寸匕者，作匕正方一寸，抄散取不落为度。钱五匕者，今五铢钱边五字者以抄之，亦令不落为度。一撮者，四刀圭也。十撮为一勺，十勺为一合。以药升分之者，谓药有虚实、轻重，不得用斤两，则以升平之。药升方作，上径一寸，下径六分，深八分，纳散药，勿按抑之，正尔微动令平调尔。今人分药，不复用此。
凡是丸药，有云如细麻者，即胡麻也，不必扁扁，但令较略大小相称尔。如黍粟亦然，以十六黍为一大豆也。如大麻子者，准三细麻也。如胡豆者，即今青斑豆是也，以二大麻子准之。如小豆者，今赤小豆也，粒有大小，以三大麻子准之。如大豆者，以二小豆准之。如梧子者，以二大豆准之。一方寸匕散，蜜和得如梧子，准十丸为度。如弹丸及鸡子黄者，以十梧子准之。（唐本注云：方寸匕散，为丸如梧子，得十六丸，如弹丸。一枚若鸡子黄者，准四十丸。今弹丸同鸡子黄，此甚不等。）
凡是汤酒膏药，旧方皆云 （方汝切）咀（子与切）者，谓秤毕捣之如大豆，又使吹去细末，此事殊不允当；药有易碎、难碎，多末、少末，秤两则不复均平，今皆细切之，较略令如 咀者。乃得无末，而又粒片调和也（唐本注云： 咀，正谓商量斟酌之，余解皆理外生精尔。臣禹锡等看详 咀，即上文细切之义，非商量斟酌也。）
凡是丸散药，亦先切细，曝燥，乃捣之。有各捣者，有合捣者，并随方所言。其润湿药，如天门冬、干地黄辈，皆先切，曝，独捣令偏碎，更出细擘，曝干。若逢阴雨，亦以微火烘之，既燥，小停，冷，乃捣之。
凡是湿药，燥皆大耗，当先增分两，须得屑乃称之为正。其汤酒中，不须如此也。
凡是筛丸药，用重密绢令细，于蜜丸易熟。若筛散草药，用轻疏绢，于酒中服即不泥。其石药，亦用细绢筛令如丸者。凡筛丸散药毕，皆更合于臼中，以杵捣之数百过，视其色理和同，为佳也。
凡是汤酒膏中用诸石，皆细捣之如粟米，亦可以葛布筛令调，并以新绵别裹内中。其雄黄、朱
凡是煮汤，欲微火，令小沸。其水数根据方多少，大略二十两药，用水一斗，煮取四升，以此为准则。然而利汤欲生，少水而多取；补汤欲熟，多水而少取。好详视之，不得令水多少。用新布，两人以尺木绞之，澄去 浊，纸覆令密。温汤勿令铛器中有水气，于熟汤上煮，令暖亦好。服汤宁令小沸热易下，冷则呕涌。
凡是云分再服、三服者，要令势力相及，并视人之强羸，病之轻重，以为进退增减之，不必悉
凡是渍药酒，皆须细切，生绢袋盛之，乃入酒密封，随寒暑日数，视其浓烈，便可漉出，不必
凡是建中、肾沥诸补汤，滓合两剂，加水煮竭饮之，亦敌一剂新药，贫人可当根据此用，皆应先
凡是合膏，初以苦酒渍令淹浃，不用多汁，密覆勿泄。云 （祖对切，时者，周时也，从今旦明旦。亦有只一宿者。煮膏，当三上三下，以泄其热势，令药味得出。上之使匝匝沸，乃下之，使沸静良久乃止，宁欲小小生。其中有薤白者，以两头微焦黄为候。有白芷、附子者，亦令小黄色为度。猪肪皆勿令经水，腊月者弥佳。绞膏亦以新布绞之。若是可服之膏，膏滓亦可酒煮饮之。可摩之膏，膏滓则宜以敷病上，此盖欲兼尽其药力故也。
凡是膏中有雄黄、朱砂辈，皆别捣细研如面，须绞膏毕乃投中，以物疾搅，至于凝强，勿使沉聚在下不调也。有水银者，于凝膏中研令消散。胡粉亦尔。
凡是汤酒中用大黄，不须细锉。作汤者，先以水浸令淹浃，密覆一宿。明旦煮汤，临熟乃内汤中，又煮两、三沸，便绞出，则势力猛，易得快利。丸散中用大黄，旧皆蒸之，今不须尔。
凡是汤中用麻黄，皆先别煮两、三沸，掠去其沫，更益水如本数，乃内余药，不尔，令人烦。
麻黄皆折去节，令理通，寸锉之；小草、瞿麦五分锉之；细辛、白前三分锉之；丸散膏中，则细锉也。
凡是汤中用完物，皆擘破，干枣、栀子、栝蒌之类是也。用细核物，亦打破，山茱萸、五味子、蕤核、决明子之类是也。细花之物，正尔完用之，旋复花、菊花、地肤子、葵子之类是也。米麦豆辈，亦完用之。诸虫，先微炙之，唯螵蛸当中破炙之。生姜、射干皆薄切之。芒硝、饴糖、阿胶皆须绞汤毕，纳汁中，更上火两、三沸，烊尽乃服之。
凡是用麦门冬，皆微润抽去心。杏仁、桃仁，汤柔挞去皮。巴豆打破，剥其皮，刮去心，不尔，令人闷。石韦刮去毛。辛夷去毛及心。鬼箭削取羽皮。藜芦剔取根微炙。枳实去其瓤，亦炙之。椒去实于铛中微熬令汗出，则有势力。矾石于瓦上若铁物中，熬令沸，汁尽即止。石皆以黄土泥包使燥，烧之半日，令熟而解散。犀角、羚羊角皆镑刮作屑。诸齿骨并炙捣碎之。皂荚去皮、子炙之。
凡是汤并丸散，用天雄、附子、乌头、乌喙、侧子，皆 灰中炮令微坼，削去黑皮，乃称之。唯姜附汤及膏酒中生用，亦削皮乃称之，直理破作七八片。随其大小，但削除处黑尖处令尽。
凡是汤酒丸散膏中，用半夏皆且完，用热汤洗去上滑，以手挪之皮释随剥去，更复易汤洗令滑尽。不尔，戟人咽喉。旧方云二十许过，今六、七过便足。亦可煮之，一、两沸一易水，如此三、四过，仍挪洗毕，便曝干；随其大小，破为细片，乃称之以入汤。若膏酒丸散，皆须曝燥，乃称之。
凡是丸散用阿胶，皆先炙，使通体沸起，燥，乃可捣。有不沸处，更炙之。
凡是丸中用蜡，皆烊投少蜜中，搅调以和药。若用熟艾，先细擘，合诸药捣，令散。不可筛者
凡是用蜜，皆先火煎，掠去其沫，令色微黄，则丸经久不坏。掠之多少，随蜜精粗。
凡是丸散用巴豆、杏仁、桃仁、葶苈、胡麻诸有膏腻药，皆先熬黄黑，别捣令如膏，指（莫结切）视泯泯尔，乃以向成散；稍稍下臼中，合研捣，令消散，仍复都以轻疏绢筛度之，须尽，又纳臼中，根据法捣数百杵也。汤膏中用，亦有熬之者，虽生并捣破之。
凡是用桂心、浓朴、杜仲、秦皮、木兰之辈，皆削去上虚软甲错处，取里有味者称之。茯苓、猪苓，削除黑皮；牡丹、巴戟天、远志、野葛等，皆槌破去心；紫菀洗去土皆毕，乃称之；薤白、葱白除青令尽；莽草、石南、茵芋、泽兰，皆剔取叶及嫩茎，去大枝；鬼臼、黄连，皆除根毛；蜀椒去闭口者及目熬之。
凡是野狼毒、枳实、橘皮、半夏、麻黄、吴茱萸，皆欲得陈久者良。其余须精新也。
凡是方云巴豆若干枚者，粒有大小，当先去心皮，乃称之，以一分准十六枚。附子、乌头若干
凡是方云半夏一升者，洗毕称五两为正。蜀椒一升者，三两为正。吴茱萸一升者，五两为正。
菟丝子一升，九两为正。庵 子一升，四两为正。蛇床子一升，三两半为正。地肤子一升，四两为正。此其不同也。云某子一升者，其子各有虚实、轻重，不可通以秤准，皆取平升为正。
The Way (Dao) is fundamental. The principle of using medicine is the same as that in the *Bencao* (Compendium of Materia Medica), but the path to controlling the disease differs slightly from worldly conventions. Just as grain and meat are primarily used to sustain life, both Central Plains people and barbarians, as well as birds and beasts, rely on them. Their function as primary treatments is the same, but their manifestation as vital spirits (life force) differs. Generally, the number of drugs used is not large, extending to more than twenty items, or simply using a few single herbs can bring great benefit. This is due to the long-term accumulation over years of ingestion. This is what the *Bencao* refers to as the effect of "long-term consumption," unlike common people who stop as soon as they feel slight improvement. Thus, one can reach the ultimate effect and achieve longevity, far beyond merely satisfying hunger or curing illness. Today's mediocre physicians are ashamed to read the *Bencao* when prescribing. Some rely on abbreviated old formulas, some listen to rumors, and upon remembering something, they hastily write it down, then blush with pride to claim uniqueness. Due to their own ignorance regarding the mutual aversion and incompatibility of drugs, they use inappropriate drug categories and inconsistent dosages without doubt. If by chance a patient recovers, they confidently claim the formula is effective; if there is no recovery after ten days or a month, they claim the disease source is deeply entrenched. They never reflect on themselves or carefully consider gains and losses, but instead fabricate reputations and collect excessive wealth. This will not only invite blame from the prominent but also retribution in the underworld. Regarding the Five Classics and Four Sections, military and state rituals, if detailed usage deviates from norms, it may be excused as merely inappropriate historical accounts. However, regarding decoctions, a single error in one herb can endanger life. Why do rulers of thousand-chariot states and leaders of hundred-gold households not think deeply and exercise caution? In the past, Prince Xu failed to taste medicine before serving it, inviting the evil reputation of regicide; Confucius expressed "not understanding" (wei da) regarding Ji Sun's gift of medicine, indicating that drug properties should not be trusted lightly. During the Jin Dynasty, a talented person wished to correct the *I Ching* (Book of Changes) and various medical formulas. He first had a different opinion from Zu Ne, who said: "Interpreting classics, even if there are differences, does not harm social morals; however, regarding medicinal decoctions, a slight lack of understanding can lead to causes of longevity or premature death, causing significant harm to later generations. How can one make light judgments?" Zu Ne's words can be considered benevolent wisdom and sufficient as a mirror for reflection. As stated in the *Analects*: "A person without constancy cannot serve as a shaman or physician." This clarifies that these two methods (medicine and divination) cannot be arbitrarily fabricated or decorated. Therefore, if a physician has not inherited three generations of medical knowledge, one should not take his medicine. One who has broken an arm nine times becomes a good physician, implying that learning requires profound effort. I also worry that those inheriting family traditions today often rely on their family name and status, failing to study diligently, which is truly regrettable. False fame spreads, and people flock to hear it, while genuinely learned scholars with unspread names are ignored by the nobility as beginners and not trusted. Entrusting one's life to false fame is indeed pitiable. People in the capital all value reputation rather than practical results. My ancestors have always been dedicated to sincere prescription and materia medica. We originally had a copy of *Fan Wang Fang*, which was carefully studied and used, yielding many effects, protecting our family internally and extending to relatives externally. For those who sincerely requested help, regardless of status, we helped them one after another. Hundreds or thousands were saved. Since I retired to live in the Lingnan region, I have not forgotten this, constantly studying and finding joy day and night. Now I have compiled three volumes of formulas, along with five volumes of *Verified Formulas*, and supplemented Ge Shi's *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* (Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies) with three volumes. This is to inherit good deeds, ensuring descendants do not lose them, so they can assist in self-cultivation and benefiting others.
Now, examining the methods of harvesting and processing various drugs, since ready-made ones are used and self-harvesting is not possible, I will not detail those matters further. Only the necessary measures for compounding medicines are listed below.
Regarding the origin of various drugs, each has a specific geographical boundary. Before the Qin and Han dynasties, these should be referred to as separate states. The current commandery and county names were changed by later generations. Since the Jiangdong era, minor miscellaneous drugs mostly come from nearby regions, and their efficacy and nature are inferior to those from their original habitats. For example, if Jing and Yi regions are inaccessible, relying entirely on Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) from Liyang or San Jian (three types of Lysimachia) from Qiantang would not yield similar results. Therefore, treating diseases is less effective than in the past, likely due to this reason. Drugs from Shu and the North, although available, are no longer of the finest quality. Moreover, market vendors do not understand drug properties and only care about appearance. Ren Shen (Ginseng) from Shangdang is no longer sold. Xi Xin (Asarum) from Huayin is discarded like mustard seeds. Each follows local customs and competition, unable to stock extensively, leading to frequent omissions among various families. What remains today is only about two hundred species. Most physicians do not recognize drugs and rely on vendors. Vendors do not investigate either, delegating everything to collectors and suppliers. Collectors and suppliers transmit practices and processes, making it impossible to discern truth from falsehood or quality from inferiority. Consequently, Zhong Ru (Ochre) is boiled in vinegar to turn white, Xi Xin is soaked in water to straighten it, Huang Mi (Yellow Honey/processed licorice?) is steamed to become sweet, Dang Gui is sprinkled with wine to gain moisture, Piao Xiao (Mantispidae Ootheca) is glued to mulberry branches, and Wu Gong (Centipede) is dyed red. All such practices are not factual. Having been used by custom for a long time, they have become established methods and cannot be changed, leaving us helpless. Furthermore, when dividing drugs according to formulas, peeling and removing cores are not measured accurately. For instance, Yuan Zhi (Polygala root) and Mu Dan Pi (Moutan bark) lose half their weight during processing; Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Men Dong (Ophiopogon) lose one-third. For drugs requiring peeling or core removal, the final weight no longer corresponds to the original specification. Patients use them based on this without realizing the need to weigh additional amounts to compensate. Also, when nobles compound medicines, they entrust the task to subordinates. Good drugs and precious minerals are often stolen and replaced. There are cases where Zi Shi Ying (Hematite) and Dan Sha (Cinnabar) are swallowed, excreted, washed, and sold repeatedly. Such examples of cunning fraud are endless; even with supervision, they are difficult to detect. Using such drugs for treatment makes immediate efficacy difficult to achieve. These issues stem from the fluctuations in the drug trade and should not be blamed on the superficial skills of physicians.
The timing for harvesting drugs is recorded from the beginning of the year in the Jianyin calendar system, dating back to the post-Han Taichu reforms. Root drugs are mostly harvested in February or August. This is because in early spring, sap begins to sprout, and before it rushes into branches and leaves, the potency is concentrated. By autumn, branches and leaves dry up, and sap flows downward. Current empirical evidence suggests that for roots, early spring is preferable, while late autumn is better. For flowers, fruits, stems, and leaves, harvesting depends on their maturity. Years vary in early or late seasons, so one should not strictly follow the text. Scriptures mention "shade-drying," meaning drying in the shade of the Six Jia (a cycle of heavenly stems). According to Dunjia (Divination) methods, in the Jiazi cycle, the shade is at Guiyou, so placing drugs in the You direction. However, this is not necessarily true; it simply means avoiding direct sunlight and drying in shaded areas. Hence, some texts mention sun-drying. If both methods are acceptable, it is better. (Note: Examining the Bencao, shade-drying often leads to spoilage. For example, Lu Rong (Deer Antler) mentioned as shade-dried rots completely. Fire-drying is now easier and better. Shade-drying root and shoot plants is detrimental. Herbs harvested before September should be sun-dried; those harvested after October are better shade-dried.)
Ancient weights only included Zhu and Liang, without Fen. Currently, ten millet grains equal one Zhu, six Zhu equal one Fen, four Fen equal one Liang, and sixteen Liang equal one Jin. Although there are standards based on millet grains, they have been standardized for a long time. Use them as such. (Minister Yuxi et al. note in the Tang Bencao: Ancient weights were complex; the current Southern scale is used. The Jin scale originated from the late Eastern Han, dividing one Jin into two and one Liang into two. Gold, silver, silk, and cotton were weighed together with drugs, losing precise weight distinctions. Ancient formulas only existed from Zhang Zhongjing. Considering modern scales, if ancient weights were used for decoctions, the water amount would be significantly less. Thus, it is known that weights have changed, and modern scales are universally used.) When modern practitioners say "equal parts," it does not refer to weight division but means the quantity of each drug in Jin and Liang is the same. First, assess the size and severity of the disease, then adjust accordingly. This applies to pills and powders; use them according to measure. Decoctions and wines do not use equal parts.
For powders, "Dao Gui" refers to one-tenth of a square inch, roughly the size of a Sophora seed. "Fang Cun Bi" is a spoon one square inch in size, scooping powder until it doesn't fall off. "Qian Wu Bi" uses the edge of a Wuzhu coin inscribed with "Wu" to scoop powder, also ensuring it doesn't fall off. "Yi Cuo" equals four Dao Gui. Ten Cuo equal one Shao, and ten Shao equal one He. When dividing drugs by volume (Sheng), it is because drugs vary in density and weight, making weight measurement inaccurate. A drug Sheng is made square, with an upper diameter of one cun, lower diameter of six fen, and depth of eight fen. Place loose powder in it without pressing, just shaking slightly to level it. Modern people no longer use this.
For pills, "Ru Xi Ma" refers to Sesame seeds, not necessarily flat, but roughly proportional in size. "Ru Su" is similar, with sixteen Su equaling one Da Dou (large bean). "Da Ma Zi" (Hemp seed) equals three Xi Ma. "Hu Dou" refers to current green mottled beans, equaling two Da Ma Zi. "Xiao Dou" refers to current red adzuki beans, varying in size, equaling three Da Ma Zi. "Da Dou" (Soybean) equals two Xiao Dou. "Wu Zi" (Sophora seed) equals two Da Dou. One Fang Cun Bi of powder mixed with honey forms pills the size of Sophora seeds, equivalent to ten pills. Pills the size of a bullet or egg yolk equal ten Wu Zi. (Tang Ben Note: One Fang Cun Bi of powder makes sixteen Sophora-sized pills. A bullet-sized pill equals forty Sophora-sized pills. Currently, bullets and egg yolks are similar, which is inconsistent.)
Old formulas for decoctions, wines, and plasters often use the term "Ju Ju" (chew/bite). It meant crushing drugs to the size of soybeans and blowing away fine dust. This is impractical; drugs vary in brittleness, leading to uneven powder content and inaccurate weighing. Now, drugs are finely chopped to approximate the texture of "Ju Ju," ensuring no dust and uniform particle size. (Tang Ben Note: "Ju Ju" originally meant deliberation, but other interpretations are overly refined. Minister Yuxi et al. clarify that "Ju Ju" here means fine chopping, not deliberation.)
Pills and powders must be finely chopped, sun-dried, and then pounded. Some are pounded separately, others together, depending on the formula. Moist drugs like Tian Men Dong (Asparagus root) and Gan Di Huang (Rehmannia) should be chopped, dried, pounded alone until partially broken, then separated into fine pieces and dried again. If rainy, gently heat them. Once dry, let cool slightly before pounding.
Wet drugs lose significant weight when dried. Dosages should be increased initially to account for this loss. This is not necessary for decoctions and wines.
When sifting pill ingredients, use heavy, fine silk for finer powder, which mixes better with honey. For herbal powders, use light, coarse silk to prevent clumping in wine. Mineral drugs are also sifted through fine silk to pill consistency. After sifting, combine in a mortar and pound hundreds of times until color and texture are uniform.
For stones in decoctions, wines, and plasters, crush finely like millet. Sift through kudzu cloth for smoothness and wrap separately in new cotton before adding. Realgar (Xiong Huang) and Cinnabar (Zhu Sha)...
To boil decoctions, use low heat to maintain a gentle boil. Water quantity depends on the formula. Roughly, for twenty liang of drugs, use one dou of water, boiling down to four sheng. This is the standard. Purging decoctions require raw preparation with less water to extract more; tonifying decoctions require thorough cooking with more water to extract less. Monitor carefully. Strain through new cloth using two people and a wooden rod to remove turbidity. Cover tightly with paper. Warm the decoction without letting steam condense in the vessel; heating it over already hot water is also acceptable. Take decoctions warm; cold decoctions may cause vomiting.
When instructed to divide into two or three doses, ensure the potency is appropriate. Adjust based on the patient's strength and disease severity. Do not rigidly adhere...
For medicinal wines, finely chop drugs, place in raw silk bags, seal tightly in wine, and steep for days depending on season. Strain when strong enough. Do not...
For tonifying decoctions like Jian Zhong and Shen Li, combine residues from two doses, add water, boil dry, and drink. This is equivalent to one dose of new drugs. Poor people can use this method. Always start...
To prepare plasters, initially soak in vinegar until saturated, using minimal liquid. Seal tightly. "Zhou Shi" means a full day, from dawn to dawn. Some last only one night. Boiling plaster involves three ups and three downs to release heat and allow flavors to emerge. Bring to a rolling boil, then let settle. If containing Xie Bai (Scallion), cook until ends are slightly yellow. If containing Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) or Fu Zi (Aconite), cook until slightly yellow. Pig fat should not touch water; December fat is best. Strain plaster through new cloth. Edible plaster residues can be boiled in wine and drunk. External application plaster residues should be applied to the affected area to maximize efficacy.
If a plaster contains Realgar or Cinnabar, grind them finely separately and add after straining the plaster. Stir rapidly until thickened to prevent settling. If containing Mercury, grind into the solidified plaster until dissolved. Hufen (Lead Carbonate) is treated similarly.
For Da Huang (Rhubarb) in decoctions, fine cutting is unnecessary. Soak in water overnight, covered. Boil in the morning, add near the end, boil two or three times, then strain. This yields potent, rapid purgative effects. In pills and powders, Da Huang was traditionally steamed, but this is no longer required.
For Ma Huang (Ephedra) in decoctions, boil separately for two or three times, skim off foam, replenish water to original amount, then add other drugs. Otherwise, it causes irritability.
Ma Huang should have nodes removed, cut into inch-long pieces. Xiao Cao and Qu Mai cut into five-fen pieces. Xi Xin and Bai Qian cut into three-fen pieces. For pills, powders, and plasters, cut finely.
Whole items in decoctions should be broken open, such as dried dates, Gardenia, and Trichosanthes. Small pits like Cornus, Schisandra, Prunus, and Cassia seeds should also be broken. Fine flowers like Inula, Chrysanthemum, Kochia, and Abutilon seeds are used whole. Grains like rice, wheat, and beans are used whole. Insects are lightly roasted; Mantispidae oothecae are split and roasted. Ginger and Belamcanda are thinly sliced. Mang Xiao (Mirabilite), Yi Tang (Maltose), and E Jiao (Donkey-hide gelatin) are added after straining the decoction, boiled two or three times until dissolved, then taken.
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon) should be slightly moistened to remove the heart. Xing Ren (Apricot kernel) and Tao Ren (Peach kernel) are blanched and skins removed. Ba Dou (Croton) is cracked, skin peeled, and heart scraped out; otherwise, it causes suffocation. Shi Wei (Pyrrosia leaf) hair is scraped off. Xin Yi (Magnolia bud) hair and heart are removed. Gui Jian (Artemisia twigs) feathers are shaved off. Li Lu (Veratrum) roots are extracted and lightly roasted. Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) pulp is removed and roasted. Sichuan Pepper is roasted in a pan until sweating to enhance potency. Ming Fan (Alum) is boiled on tile or iron until dry. Stones are wrapped in yellow clay mud, dried, and burned for half a day until soft and crumbly. Xi Jiao (Rhino horn) and Ling Yang Jiao (Antelope horn) are shaved into flakes. Teeth and bones are roasted and crushed. Gleditsia sinensis pods are de-skinned, de-seeded, and roasted.
For Tian Xiong, Fu Zi, Wu Tou, Wu Hui, and Ce Zi in decoctions, pills, and powders, roast in ash until slightly cracked, scrape off black skin, then weigh. Except for Jiang Fu Tang and raw use in plasters/wines, where skin is also scraped off and broken into seven or eight pieces. Remove all black tips regardless of size.
Ban Xia (Pinellia) in decoctions, wines, pills, and powders should be kept whole initially. Wash with hot water to remove slime, rub by hand to peel skin, rinse repeatedly until slime is gone. Otherwise, it irritates the throat. Old formulas required twenty washes; now six or seven suffice. Alternatively, boil briefly, changing water three or four times. Wash, dry, slice finely, and weigh for decoctions. For plasters, wines, pills, and powders, dry thoroughly before weighing.
E Jiao (Donkey-hide gelatin) in pills and powders should be roasted until bubbling throughout, dried, then pounded. Re-roast any unbubbled parts.
Beeswax in pills should be melted and mixed with a little honey to blend with drugs. If using cooked Ai Ye (Mugwort), shred finely, mix with other drugs, and pound until dispersed. Cannot be sifted...
Honey should be heated, skimmed of foam, until slightly yellow, ensuring pills last long without spoiling. Skimming amount depends on honey purity.
Ba Dou, Xing Ren, Tao Ren, Ting Li, and Hu Ma (Sesame) in pills and powders should be fried until yellow-black, pounded separately into a paste-like consistency ("Mo Jie"), then gradually added to the existing powder, ground in a mortar, sifted through light silk, and pounded hundreds of times. In decoctions and plasters, some are fried, others raw and crushed.
Gui Xin (Cinnamon heart), Hou Po (Magnolia bark), Du Zhong (Eucommia bark), Qin Pi (Ash bark), and Mu Lan (Magnolia flower) should have outer soft/cracked layers removed, using only the flavorful inner part. Fu Ling (Poria) and Zhu Ling (Polyporus) have black skin removed. Mu Dan Pi, Ba Ji Tian (Morinda root), Yuan Zhi (Polygala root), and Ye Ge (Wild Kadsura) are crushed and hearts removed. Zi Wan (Aster root) is washed free of soil before weighing. Xie Bai (Scallion) and Cong Bai (Green onion) have green parts removed. Mang Cao (Daphne), Shi Nan (Nandina), Yin Yu (Epimedium), and Ze Lan (Lycopus) have leaves and tender stems selected, removing large branches. Gui Jiu (Podophyllum) and Huang Lian (Coptis) have root hairs removed. Shu Jiao (Sichuan Pepper) removes closed-mouth peppercorns and eyes before roasting.
Ye Lang Du (Stemona), Zhi Shi, Ju Pi (Tangerine peel), Ban Xia, Ma Huang, and Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia) are best aged. Others should be fresh and refined.
For Ba Dou specified by count, remove heart and skin before weighing; one fen equals sixteen seeds. Fu Zi and Wu Tou counts vary. Three Jujube dates equal one liang. One Lei of Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) weighs one liang.
One Sheng of washed Ban Xia weighs five liang. One Sheng of Shu Jiao weighs three liang. One Sheng of Wu Zhu Yu weighs five liang.
One Sheng of Tu Si Zi weighs nine liang. One Sheng of An Xi Zi weighs four liang. One Sheng of She Chuang Zi weighs three and a half liang. One Sheng of Di Fu Zi weighs four liang. These differ. For unspecified seeds per Sheng, weight varies, so level Sheng is standard.
One Chi of Gui (Cinnamon), peeled, weighs half a liang. One Chi of Gan Cao (Licorice) weighs two liang. One Bundle of unspecified grass...