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Individuals whose diet remains normal and physical condition is usual, yet whose pulse is rapid (Shu Mai, rapid pulse), are prone to developing carbuncles and sores (Yong Ju, general term for suppurative infections). The rapid pulse caused by external contraction appears suddenly, accompanied by a change in dietary habits. In this case, why does the rapid pulse occur while dietary habits remain unchanged? The rapid pulse caused by internal injury progresses gradually, accompanied by a slight decline in physical condition. In this case, why is the physical condition still normal? Thus, it is clear that this is a case of carbuncle or sore. Those manifesting externally are collectively called carbuncles and sores; treatment is still possible in later stages. Those manifesting internally are discussed solely as "carbuncles" (Yong); this must be known in advance. All cases involving lung carbuncle (Fei Yong) and various carbuncles of the stomach region are always due to the accumulation and binding of heat-toxin (Re Du Yun Jie), which can be summarized in these four characters. Initially, there may be mild chills and fever, followed by dull pain. At this stage, clearing heat, resolving toxin, and regulating qi (Empirical Formula: Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng), Asparagi Rhizoma (Tiandong), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), Lepidii Semen (Tinglizi) 5 fen, Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Qinguang), Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Sheng Gancao)) makes treatment quite easy. If the pulse differentiation is unclear and it is mistaken for another disease, if the viscera could speak, their cries of injustice would indeed be pitiful. Only when pus vomiting and hematemesis occur is the diagnosis made, but by then it is too late. A gentleman should investigate medical principles in daily life and differentiate pulses at the time of illness. Upon encountering internal toxins, he should immediately analyze the current situation, truly having no need to test with soybeans to verify red spots (a metaphor for unnecessary empirical testing). In the past, Bian Que, upon examining patients, could perceive the subtle accumulations within the viscera. Those who pay attention to pulse studies, how can they not see that ancient and modern medical theories are connected!

Regarding the syndrome of carbuncles and sores, only after the publication of books such as *Yizong Jinjian* (Golden Mirror of Medicine) and *Zhengzhi Quansheng Ji* (Complete Manual of Treatment and Life Preservation) in our dynasty were conditions previously untreatable now curable. However, the Yongquan syndrome (Yongquan Zheng) was not included in the determinations of previous dynasties. Liu Lansheng, a Qianzong (military officer) and my close friend like lacquer adhering to wood, suffered from this syndrome, with toxic effects persisting for over ten years. Before onset, predicting his inevitable illness was verified by his rapid pulse; after onset, determining he would not die was verified by his slow/relaxed pulse (Huan Mai). Despite spending a thousand pieces of gold, complete recovery remained difficult. During my three-year sojourn in Hunan, I do not know if anyone else could cure this. I record this to express my gratitude to my confidant.

Things in the world that are believed to be true must have reasons that are invariably correct. However, speaking only of the regularity without revealing the contingency cannot only fail to strengthen belief, but may反而 increase doubt. For example, defining the slow/relaxed pulse (Huan Mai) as the normal pulse (Ping Mai) suggests that all diseases should heal. Yet, aside from dysphagia (Ye Ge) and regurgitation (Fan Wei), there are three untreatable conditions. First, when muscles are severely wasted away, even if the pulses in all nine positions (Jiu Hou) are harmonious, it is untreatable. Second, when the disease progresses to panting and shortness of breath, and the pulse suddenly returns to its original state (indicating a false recovery or terminal sign), it is untreatable. Third, when one receives full endowment and the body is unimpaired, yet at death the pulse remains unchanged (indicating separation of yin and yang before calmness), it is untreatable. There are matters outside reason, and thus reasons outside reason. It is feared that if one has not thoroughly understood the reasons within reason without doubt, compared to reasons outside reason, one will feel even more confused and mixed up. Since one cannot clearly distinguish reasons outside reason, one becomes hesitant and baseless regarding reasons within reason. Then, isn't the theory that "the slow pulse is the normal pulse" merely picking up old words, ultimately lacking authority? Therefore, I extract these three points, explicitly stating them in this compilation, so that people know to take the slow pulse as the root, returning drop by drop to the source, which is indeed appropriate. This approach inherits the virtue of the classics (The *Book of Han* records: Wei Xian was appointed chancellor in his seventies for his mastery of poetry and books; his youngest son, Yuan Cheng, also became chancellor through the Mingjing examination. The proverb says: "Leaving children gold filling the house is not as good as leaving them one classic." Shen Quanqi's poem: "One classic transmits old virtues." This book's definition of the slow pulse as normal is based on the old virtues of the *Neijing*). It fits perfectly, standing firm like the Great Wall of Five Characters (The *Book of Tang* records: Qin Xi and Liu Changqing were good friends skilled in poetry and fu. Quan Deyu said: "Liu Changqing considers himself a Great Wall of five characters; Qin Xi attacked him with a flank force, becoming stronger despite his age. *Danqian Zonglu* records: Sima Jingwang ordered Yu Song to draft a memorial, which was rejected twice. Zhong Hui revised it into five characters, which Yu Song accepted gratefully. When presented to Jingwang, he said: "It shouldn't be like this." Yu Song replied: "Zhong Hui did it." Jingwang said: "Such talent can be greatly used." Shen Quanqi's poem: "Five characters promote outstanding talents" uses this story. Interpreters mistakenly took 'five characters' to refer to poetry).