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Mr. Zheng's son, just seven years old, suffered from *xiaohou* (asthma with stridor). His pulse was full and solid. The blue veins on both sides of the larynx protruded like pen tubes, and his throat made sounds resembling those of oxen or horses. This was caused by the mixed consumption of fruits and snacks, leading to an accumulation of turbid phlegm.

Initially, *Suzi Jiangqi Tang* (Perilla Fruit Decoction for Descending Qi) was used with modifications. After taking six or seven doses, there was no effect. I reasoned that the disease was severe while the medication was light. Therefore, I replaced the Perilla Fruit (*Fructus Perillae*) in the original formula with eight qian of Perilla Stem (*Caulis Perillae*), and increased the dosage of the other herbs. After taking it continuously for three doses, the protruding veins receded and were no longer visible, the pulse became harmonious and soft, and the wheezing ceased. Generally, in treating diseases, even if the prescription is correct, if the dosage is insufficient and the medicinal power does not reach the pathology, it often fails.

A Mrs. Chen from Dinghai, around forty years old, suffered from asthma where she could only breathe while leaning on something and could not lie flat. I examined her and found her complexion bright and shiny, with redness on both malar eminences. Her tongue had no coating. Her pulse was empty and large at the superficial level, and fine as a spider's thread at the deep level, seeming to disappear upon careful search. I came out and told her daughter: "This condition is very critical and is incurable." Because she pleaded repeatedly for a prescription, I reluctantly wrote a medical record stating: "Yin deficiency in the lower jiao, with Yang repelled to the upper jiao; facial flushing due to floating deficient Yang (Daiyang); rootless pulse; true Yuan Qi is about to perish. If profuse sweating occurs, Yin and Yang will separate instantly." I tentatively prescribed *Erjia Longgu Tang* (Double-Added Dragon Bone Decoction) and politely declined further engagement. Other physicians said it was not a problem and administered *Xuanfu Daizhe Tang* (Inula and Hematite Decoction). She died immediately after swallowing the medicine.

Public Official Wang, Salt Commissioner of Guangdong, contracted a slight pathogenic factor while returning to Hangzhou, compounded by anger. This led to panting and inability to lie flat. Since I was treating another patient, Observer Sang, I happened to be summoned to examine him. His breathing was very rapid, and his voice was discontinuous. His complexion was dark black with an oily sheen in the center. His pulse was hollow and large at the superficial level, empty and spongy at the middle level, and weak and disconnected at the deep level. I said: "This condition involves little pathogen but significant deficiency. Do not mistakenly use diaphoretic methods." He took two doses of *Erjia Longmu Tang* (Double-Added Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction) and stabilized.

Chen Xinliang, a Daoist priest at Penglai Palace in Ningbo, suffered from deficient asthma, coughing with qi rebellion and no phlegm. He experienced shortness of breath and fatigue upon movement, a deficient pulse, and spontaneous sweating. The condition belonged to deficiency of both Lung and Spleen. I prescribed American Ginseng (*Radix Panacis Quinquefolii*), Cordyceps (*Cordyceps Sinensis*), Fritillaria (*Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae*), Qingyan Chenpi (Salted Tangerine Peel), Donkey-hide Gelatin (*Corium Asini Colla*), Angelica Sinensis (*Radix Angelicae Sinensis*), Goji Berry (*Fructus Lycii*), Loquat Leaf (*Folium Eriobotryae*), Tribulus (*Fructus Tribuli*), and Oyster Shell (*Concha Ostreae*). Through the method of generating Metal from Earth (strengthening Spleen to benefit Lung), he recovered after taking more than twenty doses.