Library

Mr. Wei Yuhuang's "Continued Cases of Famous Doctors" (Xu Mingyi Leian), I first borrowed and copied the entire text from the Imperial Library edition, and later obtained a handwritten copy from the Wei family collection. After collating it, I found that it corrected many errors compared to the Imperial Library edition. It includes prefaces by Han Taishi Shijun and Yu Taishi Ji, along with a table of contents. There is also a postscript by Mr. Wei. Wang Mengying (Shixiong) of Haining, in his "Qianzhai Medical Conversations," stated that the beginning of the volume lacks a preface and table of contents; this was likely based solely on the Imperial Library edition. I hereby record the postscript here: "The 'Continued Cases of Famous Doctors' consists of sixty volumes, compiled and published by my father from Wang's 'Cases of Famous Doctors.' It is more comprehensive than the compilation by Huangnan. The merits and demerits of this book have been discussed in detail in the preface of the 'General Catalogue of the Complete Library of Four Treasuries' (Siku Quanshu Zongmu Tiyao). As a junior, I dare not add a word. The book adopts Jiang's style, attaching clinical cases to it. In the year Jiawu of Qianlong, coinciding with the establishment of the Imperial Academy for the Compilation of the Complete Library, it was possible to preserve it for immortality. The original manuscript was returned to the Wei family for safekeeping. Several points pointed out by the academy were carefully corrected. After submission, Bao's Zhibuzu Studio intended to print it but failed. The original manuscript was left by my late father as a cherished relic, and I dared not show it to others. Now, having carefully selected paper and brush, I have meticulously copied the entire work, proofread and bound it, hoping that gentlemen of the present age will fund its publication to widely disseminate it among the medical community. This is truly beneficial to body and mind; how could I dare keep it as a secret? Written with washed hands in winter of the Dingchou year of Jiaqing, by the descendant of Linjiang Caotang."

Zhang Jingyue emphasized warm and tonifying therapies, and there were many who revered and believed in him. Recently, however, there have been those who attacked him, such as Ye Tianshi, Wei Yuhuang, and Zhang Xugu, aiming to correct abuses. Students reading his works should consult "Jingyue Quanshu Fahui" simultaneously to avoid being misled. However, "Fahui" was privately printed by his family and had not been reprinted for a long time. After years of searching, I finally purchased a copy in Suzhou in the year Disi, but lacking funds, I could not reprint and distribute it widely.

Gu Xiaolan (Jin Shou) from Rugao was talented in his youth and entered the Imperial College in his prime. He failed the autumn examinations multiple times. At forty, he returned south to teach and abandoned his pursuit of official success. After recovering from severe illness, he resigned from office in his later years and settled in Suzhou. Patients flocked to him, and his students compiled his cases, selecting one hundred to be printed (carved in autumn of Yyou, Daoguang era), titled "Wumen Zhiyan Lu" (Records of Successful Treatments in Wumen). He often used uncommon herbs to achieve remarkable results. For women's depression and menstrual regulation, he decocted Albizia bark (Hehuan Pi) to replace water. For women's regurgitation and phlegm-fluid retention, he used soil from the east wall, white snail shells, and black donkey urine, dried together in the shade, powdered, and added to prescriptions. Black donkey urine enters the Kidney, is extremely Yin, and promotes urination; it guides fire downward rapidly, though its strong odor is intolerable for those with Spleen deficiency. White snails can burrow through water and soil, resolving Yangming stagnation-phlegm and Jueyin stagnation-fire. Combined with east wall soil and dried in shade, it loses its odor and gains special efficacy. For phlegm confusing the heart orifices, causing amnesia of recently read books, he used Poria spirit (Fushen) 5 qian, Polygala root (Yuanzhi) 1.5 qian, prepared Pinellia (Banxia) 1.5 qian, Tangerine peel (Chenpi) 1 qian, Acorus (Shichangpu) 0.5 qian, aged Arisaema (Danning) 0.5 qian, Pearl mother-of-pearl (Zhenzhumu) 3 qian, Licorice (Gancao) 0.5 qian, decocted with ash from character-burning stoves (1 liang) replacing water. Effect was achieved; removing Danning, adding Alpinia oxyphylla (Yizhiren) 1 qian and magnetite (Cilingmishi) 3 qian vinegar-processed, resulted in complete recovery after ten doses. This nourishes Ying, opens orifices, and resolves phlegm, using paper ash as a guiding agent, Alpinia to enhance intelligence, and Magnetite to connect Heart and Kidney. Physicians comprehend through insight, derived from diligent thinking.

Xue Shouyin (Fu) from Wu County was a poet and skilled in medical theory, residing in Wangjiangjing, Xiushui. He authored "Shouyin Yizhui" with appended poems, and his preface was clear and graceful. Li Xianruo (Wang You) of Wujiang, in "Wenhu Shixu Chao," noted that Xue's prescriptions were bold and surprising, yet he adhered strictly to ancient methods. Although his theories were penetrating, treatments often failed, leading to few patients and poverty until his death in his seventies. However, "Yizhui" contained valid insights, such as stating that modern Shanghan are mostly Warm Diseases. Ancient Taiyang patterns like Mahuang Tang, Guizhi Tang, and Qinglong Tang are rare; early treatment requires Congchi Tang combined with Liangge San to release the exterior and clear interior heat, inducing slight sweating. He also emphasized checking tongue dryness/moisture and thirst as key diagnostic signs for Warm Diseases. Summer malaria is often dry, treating the Lung; severe cases use Renshen Baihu Tang or Zhuye Shigao Tang plus Houpo; mild cases use Xingren, Huashi, Kouren, Siguye, Lugen, and Yiren. Damp malaria is cold, treating the Spleen; suitable formulas include Linggui Zhugan Tang or Xiaoshu Wan. He cited predecessors like Wu Zhenggong recommending "Yifang Jijie," Xu Bingnan keeping "Guang Biji," Wu Yuanchang valuing "Linzheng Zhinan," and Niu Futing using "Jiren Bian." This shows insight comes from depth, not quantity. Yet, without insight, one cannot excuse lack of study; true insight requires extensive reading, as breadth leads to conciseness. These are bridges to medicine, yet his clinical results were poor, suggesting the proverb about physicians needing luck is not unfounded.

"Yizhui" lists effective simple prescriptions. Fresh Albizia bark (approx. 2 liang) decocted treats night blindness effectively. For vomiting roundworms: roasted Vascular moss (Wasong) and processed Calamine (Luganshi) in equal parts, powdered and applied to inflamed eyelids (Lanxian Feng), showing great efficacy. Fentail grass root (Beimou Jinxingcao), cleaned, mashed, mixed with egg white and a little Musk, applied to the umbilicus daily, promotes urination and reduces edema rapidly without harming organs. For scabies: fresh Polygonum multiflorum (Shouwu) 1 liang and Dioscorea hypoglauca (Bixie) 5 qian decocted and taken for 10-20 doses (30 for severe cases) is effective. For infantile urinary retention with abdominal distension: a whole lotus pod decocted and drunk provides immediate relief, especially if fresh. Jinchan Huaguan Wan: Mercury 3 qian, Realgar 1 liang, large Toad 1, Silver Nitrate 1 liang, Alum 1 liang. Mercury and Realgar are boiled in 2 jin of rice wine until dry, powdered, and wrapped. The toad is gutted, liver/lungs kept, filled with powder, sewn, and placed in a jar with silver nitrate and alum paste. Sublimated using specific heat levels to obtain spiritual medicine, mixed with Toad venom. Old Horseweed (Malan tou) eaten abundantly treats internal abscesses.

For Drum Distension (Guzheng), dampness entering collaterals is common. Stagnation-resolving and diuretic methods only damage Qi. Formula: Xinjiang 1.5 qian, Dung beetle (Qianglang) 2 qian, Corydalis (Yanhusuo), Dried Bergamot (Foshou) 3 slices, Curcuma aromatica (Yujin) 1 qian, Polygala (Yuanzhi) 8 fen. Adjusting these few herbs yields quick results. For stagnation, Red yeast rice (Hongqu) and Chicken gizzard lining (Jineijin) are best. For purging, Plantago seed (Cheqianzi) is best. For descending Qi, Perilla seed (Suzi) and Fritillaria thunbergii (Chuanbei) are best. Xue Shouyin recorded treating a Huizhou merchant with deficiency-phlegm wheezing using Jinshui Liu Jun Decoction plus Prepared Aconite (Fuzi), Ephedra (Xixin), and Schisandra (Wuweizi), pills made with Coix seed slurry, coated with raw Pinellia and Ginger powders. One course cured over ten years of illness. Later cases were equally effective.

Cheng Zhongling's "Yixue Xinwu," though short, contains excellent formulas. My relative Mrs. Li suffered from dysphagia (Yese), refusing food, unresponsive to other medicines. I prescribed Qige San from this book (North American Ginseng/Beishashen 3 qian, Salvia/Danshen 3 qian, Fritillaria/Chuanbei 2 qian, Poria/Fuling 1.5 qian, Amomum shell/Sharenke 5 fen, Curcuma/Yujin 5 fen, Persimmon calyx/Kedi 2 pieces, Rice bran/Moutoukuang 5 fen). After four doses, she could eat. Removing Yujin, adding Trichosanthes peel (Loupi) 1 qian, and four more doses, followed by modification, led to full recovery.

He Xichi (Mengyao) of Nanhai's "Yibian" was hard to find. I borrowed a copy from Yan Jian-san in winter of Disi. He was talented, called a pearl of Nanhai by Scholar Hui. Disappointed in officialdom, he practiced medicine. His "Yibian" (7 vols) was published in 1751. Preface notes criticism of Zhang Jingyue's popularity and harsh warming herbs. He argues against bias, citing Liu Wansu and Zhu Danxi as complementary to Zhang Zhongjing and Li Dongyuan, not biased. He criticizes later practitioners for swinging between cold/cool and warm/hot extremes. His book offers creative solutions beneficial to medicine.

Zhao Shuxuan (Xuemin) of Qiantang's "Chuanya Neiwai Bian" covers wandering physician techniques. "Ding" (top) herbs induce vomiting; "Chuan" (string) herbs induce purging; "Jie" (cut) herbs stop disease abruptly. These correspond to ancient sweating, vomiting, and purging methods. Three principles: cheap (Jian), effective (Yan), convenient (Bian). Zhao edited these from oral traditions, removing esoteric or frivolous content, compiling "Chuanya" to preserve practical knowledge while elevating it to elegance. However, the book favors yang-boosting hot herbs (Tianxiong, Fuzi, Caowu, Rougui, Sulfur, Opium, Epimedium, Deer antler, Silkworm moth), which can be harmful and encourage licentiousness. Unpublished, it needs editing before printing.

"Fushi Nuke" (Female Medicine by Fu), prefaced by Zhang Danoya in 1827 and included in Pan's "Xianguan Congshu." Wang Mengying criticized it for absurd claims like "Jealousy-relieving Drink" changing temperament and "Ghost-cleansing Soup," falsely attributing them to Patriarch Qi. Also listing Honghua Pili San. Likely written by Chen Yuan Gong or inferior, considered the worst female medicine book.

"Youyi Daquan" is comprehensive but omits Smallpox (Lucchuang), mentioned in Chen Zaian's case and "Zhouhou Beiji Fang"/"Bencao Gangmu". "Songfeng Shuoyi" details epidemics but omits Venereal Disease (Rouxing), mentioned in Qian Guobin's case. This highlights the difficulty of writing and the need for physicians to read broadly, not rely on single sources.

Shen Qianlü (Jin Ao) of Wuxi's "Yaoyao Fenji" (10 vols) classifies 400+ essential daily drugs based on Xu Zhicai's Ten Categories. For Xuan category, Five-tung fat (Wulingzhi) is described as from the "Cold Calling Bird," a flying insect-like creature, thus moved from Insect to Bird section. Shen asks if he missed "Bencao Gangmu" which did this earlier.

Zhang Xugu (Nan) of Kuaiji's "Yimen Penghe" states Chunwen (Spring Warmth) uses Huangqin Tang as main formula, adding Chaihu and Gegen. Pathogen lies deep, rising causes headache/sore throat. Chaihu reaches Shaoyang, Gegen reaches Yangming to stop thirst/release muscle layer, allowing sweat to resolve heat. Overuse of cold herbs suppresses this, worsening heat. Zhang argues Chunwen stems from Winter essence loss; heat damages True Yin. Using Chai/Gegen to raise Yang consumes fluids further. Bohe, Niubangzi, Xiangchi suffice for dispersal. Chai/Gegen are occasional, not mandatory. "Jingyue Quanshu Fahui" is attributed to Ye Tianshi, but Cao Ji'an's "Yixue Dushu Zhi" attributes it to Yao Qiu, claiming publishers forged Ye's name. Other books like "Quansheng Ji" attributed to Liu Dahua, etc., are also forgeries. "Fahui" is the best among them but overly critical, suggesting non-Ye authorship.

Huang Kunzai (Yuanyuan) of Changyi studied classics, lost sight due to misdiagnosis (excessive cooling herbs), then studied medicine extensively. He wrote much but despised predecessors. In "Suling Weiyun," he praised Sun Simiao as the only successor to ancient sages after Zhang Zhongjing. He criticized treatments for palpitations (Jingji) and night fever (Yetre), blaming later doctors like Yan Yonghe, Xue Lizhai, Zhang Jingyue, etc., for using cooling/yin-nourishing herbs excessively, causing harm. He argued for warming/drying approaches, criticizing Li Dongyuan's Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and Tao Jie'an's Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang. His formulas favored warming Yang, ignoring Yin-deficiency fire-wang patterns.

Wei Chen Shangren of Shiyun Temple, Yuhang, published family secret recipes as "Shiyun Xuanmi" (2 vols). Bone-setting formula uses Nightshade seeds (Naoyanghua) soaked in wine, or smoked for years, powdered with Tiger bone. Effective but potent. Similar method used by Ye family in Tiantai for bruises.

Jiang Hantun's "Bihua Yijing" praises Cheng Zhongling's "Nuke" as perfect, lacking the flaws of "Linzheng Zhinan." However, "Linzheng Zhinan," though compiled by disciples and verbose, offers valuable diagnostic and prescribing insights, especially regarding Extraordinary Vessels in gynecology. Reading Cheng teaches foundations; reading Ye teaches flexibility.

Qian Jinglun (Chushi) of Xiushui, Kangxi era, was skilled. Treated winter cold as latent summerheat with Qinghao alone. Refused payment from rich, helped poor neighbors. Claimed to be dead to avoid requests. Remembered as a local deity after death.