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A Hunanese soldier in the Ningbo Tiao Biao (Ningbo Standard) camp suffered from Summer-heat Disease (Shu Re Zheng). Initially, he had slight aversion to cold, which was quickly followed by high fever. Local physicians, fond of using warm-natured medicines, administered drying and heating herbs such as Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) ingredients—Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi), Wuzhuyu (Fructus Evodiae), Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Chinensis), and Houpo (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis). Consequently, his body heat became intense like a blazing fire, he experienced extreme thirst preferring cold water, and urination ceased completely. Upon my consultation, the pulse was surging (Hong) and rapid (Shuo). I stated: "This is Summer-heat Disease caused by the mistaken administration of warming and drying agents." Therefore, I prescribed Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) supplemented with Dazhusugen (Radix Phragmitis Rhizoma), Huafen (Radix Platycodonis), Maidong (Tuber Ophiopogonis), Yinhua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae), Xian Shihu (Herba Dendrobii Nobiles Fresh), Xian Zhuye (Folium Bambusae Fresh), Jinzhui Shui (Water of Gold Juice), and Huashi (Talcum). The large dose was decocted, allowed to cool until frozen-cold, and then ingested. One dose resulted in recovery. The next day, upon supporting him to my residence, examination revealed minimal residual heat, patent urination, a harmonious pulse, moist mouth and tongue, and resolution of all ailments. Thus, I adjusted the previous formula by removing Jinzhui Shui, Zhimu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae), and Xian Shihu, adding Xiyangshen (Radix Panacis Quinquefolii), Heye (Folium Nelumbinis), and Chuan Shihu (Herba Dendrobii Nobiles). Two doses led to complete cure. Although provinces are divided into north and south, the pathogenic factors of the Six Excesses (Liu Yin) affect humans uniformly. One must always assess the strength or weakness of the constitution and distinguish the cold or heat nature of the pulse and symptoms, rather than adhering rigidly to preconceived notions when treating.

A Mr. Yu residing at Huaguang Alley, Fengle Bridge, Wulin, Hangzhou, aged over fifty, suffered from internal accumulation of Dampness (Shi Xie). In early winter, he slightly contracted Wind-Cold, resulting in cough and rebellious Qi (Qi Ni). He sought treatment from a Hunan physician who heavily utilized Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), and Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). After taking these for six or seven consecutive doses, severe abdominal distension ensued. The treatment was changed to strong purgatives including Shanglu (Radix Phytolaccae), Gansui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansuen), Daji (Radix Euphorbiae Pekinensis), and Qianniu (Semen Pharbitidis). Initially, there was slight relief, but eventually, the distension worsened significantly. By the first lunar month of the new year, he invited me to consult. The pulse was rootless (Li Gen), complexion was grayish and stagnant, Qi rebellion caused hoarseness, expectorated sputum resembled rotting flesh, and urination was completely obstructed. The source of transformation (Hua Yuan) was exhausted. Due to repeated errors, no medicine could save him. It is truly said that this is killing people without a blade. Analyzing the onset, it was originally a minor ailment; one or two doses of Xingsu San (Apricot Kernel Powder) would have been effective. However, the use of heavy acrid-warm medicines caused Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens to combine internally and externally, knotting at the boundary of Taiyin and Yangming meridians, leading to distension. The disease was not Water-Fluid retention, yet strong purgation was applied, causing the water passages to close and urination to stop. At such a critical juncture, even divine physicians would be powerless. Xu Lingtai stated: "One does not die from the disease, but from the physician." Who else does this refer to but this case? Alas.