秦汉以后，有通经博史，修身慎行，闻人巨儒，兼通乎医。
张机 字仲景，东汉南阳人。举孝廉，官至长沙太守。作《伤寒论》，医方大备，扁鹊、仓公无以加焉。
后世称为医圣。其门人卫沈撰《四逆三部厥经》及《妇人胎脏经》、《小儿颅囟经方》。
皇甫谧 幼名静，字士安，西晋安定朝那人，汉太尉嵩之曾孙也。居贫，年二十始感激读书，带经而锄，博
通典籍百家，以着述为务。沉静寡欲，高尚其志，征辟不就，号玄晏先生。后得风痹羸疾知医，着《甲乙经》
及《针经》。
裴 字逸民，西晋河东人也。多学术，善医经，官至尚书左仆射，校正《太医权衡》及上古药物轻重分
两。
范汪 字玄平，东晋颖阳人，雍州刺史略之孙也。博学，善谈性理，以拯恤为心，着方书百余卷。
殷仲堪 东晋陈郡人，性至孝，善属文谈理。祖融吏部尚书，父师骠骑咨议参军。因父病精医，执药挥
泪，遂眇一目。孝武帝召为太子中庶子。
殷浩 字深源，陈郡长平人，好古《易》，精医术，妙解经脉，着方书。
徐熙 南宋东海人。早好黄老，隐泰望山，遇道士授以《扁鹊镜经》。晚精心学，名振海内，官至濮阳
太守。世医徐秋夫、道度、文伯、徐雄、之才等，皆其子孙也。
褚澄 字彦通，齐河南阳翟人。宋武帝之甥，尚书左仆射湛之子。博学善医，官尚书。论僧道尼姑异乎
妻外家，求嗣必有子，妇人如未笄之女则不宜也。着《医论》一帙，发身中造化之秘。治一人服鸡子多而得奇疾，
煮苏汁一升饮之，吐涎升许，其中有一鸡雏，翅距已全而能走，后吐三十余枚而瘳。
王显 字世荣，后魏阳平乐平人。好学精医，少历本州从事，明敏有断才，领军有功，迁廷尉御史，官至太
子詹事，兼吏部行事，仍在侍御营进御药。着《医方》三十五卷，颁行天下。
徐之才 字士茂，后周雄之子。幼隽发，年十三召为太学生，通《礼》、《易》，善医术，兼有机辨，药
石多效。官尚书，赠司徒公，录尚书事，谥曰衣冠文物。撰《药对》。治一人患足跟肿痛，诸医莫识，公曰∶蛤精
疾也，由乘舡入海，垂脚水中而得。为剖出二蛤子而愈。治一人酒色过度，眼见空中有五色物，稍近变成一美
妇人，去地数尺，亭亭而立。公曰∶此色欲多，大虚所致。乃处补药饮之，数剂而愈。
孙思邈 唐京兆华原人。幼称圣童。隋文帝召不拜。太宗即位，召见拜谏议大夫，固辞，隐太白山，学
道养气，求度世之术，洞晓天文，精究医业，着《千金言》三十卷，《脉经》一卷，独于伤寒不及。朱子《小
学笺注》谓思邈为唐名进士，因知医贬为技流，惜哉！孟诜、卢照邻师事之，与论心欲小，胆欲大，智欲圆，
行欲方之语。
狄梁公 知针术。有富儿鼻端生赘，为脑下针，赘应手而落。
王绩 字无功，绛州人，王通之弟。唐太宗秘书正字，不乐在朝，还里莳药自供，或以济人。以《周易》
置床头，他书罕读，游北山东皋着书，自号东皋子。
孟诜 唐汝州梁人。举进士，累迁凤阁舍人。睿宗即位，加银青光禄大夫，后致仕，以药饵为事。常曰∶
保身养性者，善言莫离口，良药莫离手。年九十三卒。着《补养方》、《必效方》各三卷，《食疗本草》。
陈藏器 唐开元中，京兆府三原县县尉。撰《神农本经》，总曰《本草拾遗》，共一十卷。
许胤宗 唐义兴人，仕陈为新蔡王外兵参军，后为散骑侍郎。王太后病风不能言，脉沉难对，医家告术穷，
公以黄 、防风煮汤数十斗置床下，气如雾熏薄之，是夕语。关中多骨蒸病，递相传染，得者皆死，公疗必愈。
或劝其着书贻后世者，答曰∶医者意也，思虑精则得之，脉之候幽而难明，吾意所解，口莫能宣也。古之工医，
要在视脉，病乃可识，病与药值，唯用一物攻之，气纯而愈速；今人不善为脉，以情度病，多其物以幸有功，
譬猎不知兔，广络原野，冀一人获之，术亦疏矣。一药偶得，他药相制，弗能专力，此难愈之验也。脉之妙
处，不可言传，虚着方论，终无人能悟，此吾所以不着书也。卒年九十余。
许叔微 字知可，宋白沙人。尝获乡荐，省闱不利而归，舟次吴江平望，夜梦白衣人，曰∶汝无阴德，所
以不第，何不学医？吾助汝智能。归践其言，果得扁鹊之妙。人无高下，皆急赴之，后绍兴登科第五。着《本
事方》，撰《伤寒辨疑》。
郑樵 莆田人。博学强记，搜奇访古，好着方书。绍兴中，以荐召对，授枢密院编修，尝居夹 山，学人称
夹先生。
纪天锡 字齐卿，宋泰安人。弃进士业，精医，注《难经》五卷。太定十五年上其书。授医博士。
杨文修 字中理，浙人。性纯孝，因母病遂去举业，读轩岐氏书，药不效，割股和 粥以进，母疾即起。
母死，庐墓有群鸟随文修起止，府县旌表其宅。修曰∶某之事亲，不足以起名哉！朱文公就见，与谈性理及
天文、地理、医学之书，竟夕乃去。晚年着《医衍》二十卷，编《地理拨沙经图》，卒年九十九。
李惟熙 舒州人。博学通医，善论物理。云∶菱、芡皆水物，菱寒而芡暖者，菱花开背日，芡花开向日故
也。又曰∶桃、杏双仁辄杀人者，其花本五出，六出必双仁。草木花皆五出，惟山栀、雪花六出，此殆阴阳之
理。今桃、杏六出双仁杀人者，失其常也。
麻九畴 字知几，金莫州人。三岁识字，七岁能草书，作大字，有神童之目。章宗召见，问∶汝入宫殿惧
否？对曰∶君臣，父子也，子宁惧父耶？上大奇子。弱冠往太学，有声场屋间。南渡后，读书北阳山中，始以
古学自力，博通五经，于《易》、《春秋》为尤长。少时有恶疾，就道士学服气数年，疾遂平复。又从张子和
学医，子和以为能得其不传之妙。大率九畴于学也专，故所得者深，饥寒劳苦，人所不能堪者，处之怡然，不
以略其业也。
刘完素 字守真，金河间人。少聪明博学，忽遇异人，以酒饮之，大醉，及寤，洞达医术。撰《运气要
旨论》、《精要宣明论》、《素问玄机原病式》。然好用凉剂，以降心火、益肾水为主，自号通元处士。
张元素 字洁古，金易州人。八岁试童子举，二十七岁试经义进士，犯庙讳下第。乃学医，洞彻其术，
治病不用古方。其说曰∶运气不齐，古今异轨，古方新病，不相能也，自为家法云。故其书不传，其学则李东
垣深得之。
李庆嗣 洛人。少举进士不第，弃而读《素问》，洞晓其义，着《伤寒纂类》四卷，《改正活人书》二
卷，《伤寒论》三卷，《针经》一卷。年八十，无疾而逝。
李杲 字明之，号东垣，元之镇人也。幼好学，博经史，尤乐医药，捐千金从张元素，尽传其业。家富
自重，人不敢以医名之。大夫士或病，其资性高謇，少所降屈，非危急之疾不敢谒也。其学于伤寒、痈疽、眼目
病为尤长，当时称为神医。《东垣十书》多其着述。治伤寒发热，误服白虎汤，面黑脉细，小便不禁，公曰∶
白虎汤大寒，非行经之药，止寒脏腑，不善用之，则伤寒本病隐曲于经络之间，或更以大热之药救之，则他证
必起，但宜温药升阳行经。盖病隐于经络，阳不升则阴不行，经行而本症见矣，治之何难？又治十五岁人病伤
寒，烦渴目赤，脉七八至，按之不鼓，用古姜附汤
冷冻饮料而愈。
王好古 字进之，号海藏，元古赵人。任赵州教授，兼提举管内医学。性识明敏，博通经史，笃好医方，师
事李东垣，尽得所学，遂为明医。着有《医垒元戎》、《医家大法》、《仲景详辨》、《活人节要歌括》、
《汤液本草》、《此事难知》、《斑疹论》、《光明论》、《标本论》、《小儿吊书》、《伤寒辨惑论》、
《守真论》、《十二经络药图》。
滑寿 字伯仁，世为许襄城大家，元初祖父官江南，自许徙仪真而公生焉。性警敏，习儒，日记千言，
操笔为文，尤长于乐府。受王居中习医，而理识契悟过之。着《素问钞》。治妇人病小便涩，中满喘渴，脉三
部皆弦而涩，医投以瞿麦、栀、苓诸滑利药而秘益甚。公曰∶水出高源，膻中之气不化，则水液不行，病因
于气，徒行水无益，法当治上焦，乃与朱雀汤，倍枳、梗，长流水煎，一服而溲，再服气平而愈。治一妇人，
年六十余，亦病小便秘若淋状，小腹胀，口吻渴，脉沉且涩。公曰∶此病在下焦血分，阴火盛而水不足，法当
治血。血与水同，血有形而气无形，有形之疾，当以有形之法治之。乃与滋肾丸，服之而愈。治一妇人有孕，
九月病滞下，日五七十起，后重下迫。公以消滞导气丸药下之，病愈而孕不动。《素问》曰∶有故无殒是也。
殒者，损也。治一妇经水将来，三五日前脐下 痛如刀刺状，寒热交作下如黑豆汁，既而水行，因之无孕，
两尺沉涩欲绝，余部皆弦急。公曰∶此下焦寒湿，邪气搏于冲任。冲主血海，任主胞胎，为妇人血室。故经事将
来，邪与血争作痛，寒热生浊，下如豆汁，宜治下焦。遂以辛散苦温理血之药，令先经期日日服之，凡三次而
邪去，经调有孕。治一人因心高志大，所谋不遂，怔忡善忘，口淡舌燥，多汗，四肢疲软，发热，小便白浊。
诸医以内伤不足，拟进茸、附。公视其脉，虚大而数，曰∶此思虑过度，少阴君火行患耳。夫君火以名，相火以
位，相火代君火行事也。相火一扰，能为百病，况少阴乎！用补中益气汤、朱砂安神丸，空心则进坎离丸，月余
而愈。治一孕妇，五月病咳痰气逆，恶寒，咽膈不利，不嗜食者浃旬，脉浮紧，形体瘦，公曰∶此上受风寒也。投
以辛温与之，致津液，开腠理，散风寒，而嗽自止矣。治一妇暑月身冷自汗，口干烦躁，欲卧泥水中，脉浮而
数，沉之豁然虚散，公曰∶脉至而从，按之不鼓，为阴盛格阳，得之饮食生冷，坐卧风露。乃与玄武汤，冷冻饮料，
三服而愈。治一妇病寒疝，自脐下上至心皆胀满攻痛，而胁疼尤甚，呕吐烦满，不进饮食，两手脉沉结不调。公
曰∶此由寒在下焦，宜亟攻其下，无攻其上。为灸章门、气海、中脘，内服玄胡索、官桂、胡椒，佐以茴、木
诸香，茯苓、青皮等而愈。
葛干孙 字可久，平江吴人，膂力绝伦，击刺战阵，百家众技，靡不精究。及长，折节读书，应进士亚
选，遂不复应试。传药书坊论，有《医学启蒙》，又《经络十二论》、《十药神书》。勇力之士，争言其长于
武；逢掖之士，争言其长于文；方论之士，争言其长于医。然皆未睹其学之所至也。君于血气既定，资质既
变之时，方将举圣人之道而修之，凡所称誉，皆君所厌弃而羞道者，使当世知君而用之，功业岂少哉！治伤寒
疾不得汗，发狂循河而走，公就控置水中，使禁不得出，良久出之，裹以浓被，得汗而解。
吕复 字符膺，号沧州，吕东莱之后。其先河东人，后徙婺、徙鄞。习《尚书》，《周易》，后以母病
攻岐扁术，师事郑礼，受读一年，延医效无不神。治一病，睡则心悸神摄，如处孤垒，而四面受敌兵，达旦目眵
眵无所见，耳聩聩无所闻，虽坚卧密室，睫未尝交也。诊其脉，左关阳浮而虚，察其色，少阳之支外溢于目 。
公曰∶此得之胆虚而风，诸医独治其心，而不能祛胆之风，非法也。因投乌梅汤、抱胆丸，熟睡而愈。治一女孩
病嗜卧，面颇赤而身不热，医以慢惊治之，兼旬不愈。公诊其脉，左关独滑而数，他部大小等而和，曰∶此女无
病，关滑为有积食，意乳母嗜酒，酒后辄乳，故令女醉，非风也。及诘其内，果然。遂以枳壳、葛花，日二三
服而愈。治病伤寒，身热人静，脉伏而无，舌苔滑而两颧赤如火，语言不乱。公曰∶此子血为热搏，气无可根据，
必大发斑而后脉出。及揭其衾，赤斑烂然，即用化斑汤，继投承气汤下之。发斑无脉，长沙未论，公以意消息
耳。治一妇病喘不得卧，气口盛人迎一倍，厥阴弦动而疾，两尺俱短而离经，公曰∶得之毒药动血，以致胎死
不下，奔迫而上冲，非风寒作喘也。乃用催生汤倍芎、归，煮二三盏服之，夜半果下一死胎，喘止。治一人下
利完谷，脉两尺俱弦长，右关浮于左关一倍，目外 如草滋。盖肝风传脾，因成飧泄，非脏寒所致。以小续
命汤损麻黄加术，三五服而愈。治一室女经闭五月，腹大如有孕，公诊之，面色乍白乍赤者，鬼也，非有异梦，
则鬼灵所凭耳。乃以桃花煎，下血如猪肝五七枚而愈。治一人偶搔 中疥，出血如泉不止，公视时已困极无气
可言，脉唯尺部如丝，他部皆无。乃以四逆汤加荆芥、防风，其脉渐出，更服十全大补汤，一剂遂痊。治因见
杀人，惊风入心，疾作奔走，不避水火，或哭或笑，脉上部皆弦滑，左部径于右。公曰∶乃痰溢膻中，灌于心
胞，因惊而风缠五脏耳。即为涌痰一斗许，徐以惊气丸服之而愈。治一人嗜酒善食，忽瘦，前溲如脂，脉两
手三部皆洪数，而左寸尤躁。公曰∶此三阳病，由一水不胜五火，乃移热于小肠，不癃则淋。乃以琥珀、滑石、
After the Qin and Han dynasties, there were scholars who mastered the classics and histories, cultivated themselves with caution, became renowned great Confucians, and simultaneously excelled in medicine.
Zhang Ji (Zhang Zhongjing), courtesy name Zhongjing, was from Nanyang during the Eastern Han Dynasty. He was recommended as a Xiao Lian (Filial and Incorrupt Candidate) and served as the Grand Administrator of Changsha. He authored *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders), where medical prescriptions were comprehensively compiled; Bian Que and Cang Gong could not surpass him. Later generations honored him as the Medical Sage. His disciple Wei Shen authored *Si Ni San Bu Jue Jing* (Classic of Si Ni, Three Branches, and Jue Disorders) as well as *Fu Ren Tai Zang Jing* (Classic of Women's Fetal Organs) and *Xiao Er Lu Xin Jing Fang* (Prescriptions for Infant Cranial Fontanelle Disorders).
Huangfu Mi, childhood name Jing, courtesy name Shi'an, was from Chaona, Anding, during the Western Jin Dynasty, and was the great-grandson of Huangfu Song, Grand Commandant of the Han Dynasty. Living in poverty, he began to study diligently at age twenty, reading classics while plowing. He had extensive knowledge of the Hundred Schools of Thought and devoted himself to writing. Calm and desirous of little, with lofty aspirations, he declined official summons and was known as Mr. Xuan Yan. Later, suffering from Feng Bi (Wind-Bi syndrome characterized by numbness and weakness) and emaciation, he learned medicine and authored *Jia Yi Jing* (The Classic of Jia Yi) and *Zhen Jing* (Classic of Acupuncture).
Pei , courtesy name Yimin, was from Hedong during the Western Jin Dynasty. He was erudite and skilled in medical classics, serving as Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. He corrected *Tai Yi Quan Heng* (Standard Weights of the Imperial Physician) and the weights and measures of ancient drugs.
Wang Fan, courtesy name Xuanping, was from Yingyang during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, grandson of Fan Lue, Governor of Yongzhou. He was learned and skilled in discussing nature and principles, dedicated to relief and charity, and authored over one hundred volumes of medical formulas.
Yin Zhongkan was from Chenjun during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. He was extremely filial, skilled in literature and philosophical discourse. His grandfather Yin Rong served as Minister of Personnel, and his father Yin Shi served as Advisor to the Cavalry Attendant General. Due to his father's illness, he became proficient in medicine, shedding tears while handling medicine, which resulted in the loss of sight in one eye. Emperor Xiaowu appointed him as Assistant to the Crown Prince.
Yin Hao, courtesy name Shenyuan, was from Changping, Chenjun. He loved the ancient *I Ching* (Book of Changes), was proficient in medicine, understood meridians profoundly, and authored medical formulas.
Xu Xi was from Donghai during the Southern Song Dynasty. In his youth, he favored Huang-Lao Daoism and lived in seclusion on Taiwang Mountain, where a Daoist priest taught him *Bian Que Jing Jing* (Mirror Classic of Bian Que). In his later years, he studied diligently, gaining fame throughout the realm, and served as Grand Administrator of Puyang. Generations of physicians including Xu Qiufu, Daodu, Wenbo, Xu Xiong, and Xu Zhicai were his descendants.
Chu Cheng, courtesy name Yantong, was from Yangzhai, Henan, during the Qi Dynasty. He was the nephew of Emperor Wu of Song and son of Chu Zhan, Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. Learned and skilled in medicine, he served as Minister. He discussed differences between monks/nuns and wives' natal families, stating that seeking offspring would surely result in children, but women like unmarried girls should be cautious. He authored *Yi Lun* (Medical Discourse) in one volume, revealing secrets of bodily creation. He treated a person who suffered a strange disease from eating too many chicken eggs; boiling one liter of Perilla juice and having them drink it caused them to vomit about a liter of saliva containing a fully formed chick capable of walking. After vomiting over thirty more, they recovered.
Wang Xian, courtesy name Shirong, was from Leping, Yangping, during the Northern Wei Dynasty. He loved learning and excelled in medicine, serving in various capacities including Official of the Prefecture, Officer of the Court of Judicature and Revision, and Grand Steward to the Crown Prince. He also supervised imperial medicines. He authored *Yi Fang* (Medical Prescriptions) in thirty-five volumes, distributed throughout the empire.
Xu Zhicai, courtesy name Shimao, was the son of Xiong during the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Intelligent from childhood, he was summoned as a student at the Imperial Academy at thirteen, mastering *Li Ji* (Book of Rites) and *I Ching*. Skilled in medicine and rhetoric, his prescriptions were often effective. He served as Minister, was posthumously granted the title Duke of Situ, and given the posthumous name "Garment and Cultural Artifact." He authored *Yao Dui* (Drug Pairs). He treated a patient with painful swelling of the heel; identifying it as a "Clam Spirit" disease caused by dipping feet in seawater, he extracted two clams, curing the patient. He treated another patient suffering from excessive alcohol and sexual indulgence, who saw five-colored objects turning into beautiful women. Diagnosing it as severe deficiency due to lust, he prescribed tonics, curing them after several doses.
Sun Simiao was from Huayuan, Jingzhao, during the Tang Dynasty. Known as a "Sage Child" in youth, he declined summons from Emperor Wen of Sui. Emperor Taizong appointed him as Remonstrance Official, but he refused, retiring to Mount Taibai to cultivate Dao and seek longevity. Proficient in astronomy and medicine, he authored *Qian Jin Yan* (Words of a Thousand Gold) in thirty volumes and *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) in one volume, though notably omitting Shanghan. Zhu Xi noted in his commentary that Sun Simiao was a famous Jinshi who was demoted to a technician due to his medical skills, which is regrettable. Meng Shen and Lu Zhaolin studied under him, discussing the virtues: small heart, large gallbladder, round wisdom, square conduct.
Di Lianggong (Di Renjie) mastered acupuncture. When a rich man's son developed a growth on his nose tip, Di inserted a needle below the brain, causing the growth to fall off immediately.
Wang Ji, courtesy name Wugong, was from Jiangzhou, brother of Wang Tong. He served as Corrector of Books in the Secretariat under Emperor Taizong but disliked court life, returning home to grow herbs for self-sufficiency and charity. He kept the *I Ching* by his bed, rarely reading other books, and wrote while wandering Donggao, calling himself Donggaozi.
Meng Shen was from Liang, Ruzhou, Tang Dynasty. He passed the Jinshi exam, rising to Secretary of Fengge. Added Silver-Qing Guanglu Daifu upon Emperor Ruizong's accession, he retired to focus on herbal remedies. He said: "To preserve the body and nurture nature, good words should never leave the mouth, and good medicine should never leave the hand." He died at ninety-three. He authored *Bu Yang Fang* (Nourishing Formulas) and *Bi Xiao Fang* (Highly Effective Formulas), each in three volumes, and *Shi Liao Ben Cao* (Herbal Materia Medica for Food Therapy).
Chen Canger was County Magistrate of Sanyuan, Jingzhao Prefecture, during the Kaiyuan era of Tang. He compiled *Shen Nong Ben Jing*, titled *Ben Cao Shi Yi* (Supplement to Herbal Materia Medica), in ten volumes.
Xu Yinzong was from Yixing, Tang Dynasty. Serving Chen as Military Adjutant to Prince Xincai, he later became Palace Attendant-in-Ordinary. The Queen Mother suffered from wind disorder and aphasia; her pulse was deep and difficult to diagnose. Physicians gave up. Xu boiled dozens of dou of Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), placing the pot under the bed so the steam enveloped her. She spoke that night. Guanzhong suffered from bone-steaming tuberculosis, highly contagious and fatal. Xu always cured it. When advised to write a book, he replied: "Medicine is intent. Precise thought yields results. Pulses are subtle and hard to understand; my insights cannot be fully expressed in words. Ancient masters focused on pulse diagnosis to identify disease. Matching disease with single-potency drugs ensures purity and speed. Modern doctors neglect pulses, guessing diseases, using multiple drugs hoping for success—like hunting blindly, casting wide nets. If one drug works but others interfere, healing is hindered. Pulse subtleties cannot be taught; empty formulas confuse people. Thus, I do not write." He died in his nineties.
Xu Shumi, courtesy name Zhike, was from Baisha, Song Dynasty. After failing the metropolitan examination, he dreamed of a white-clad man telling him to study medicine due to lack of merit. He did so, mastering Bian Que's techniques. He treated all patients urgently regardless of status, eventually ranking fifth in the Jinshi exams. He authored *Ben Shi Fang* (Formulas of Actual Cases) and *Shanghan Bian Yi* (Doubts Clarified on Cold Damage).
Zheng Qiao was from Putian. Erudite with strong memory, he sought rare texts and wrote medical formulas. Recommended during the Shaoxing era, he became Compiler at the Bureau of Military Affairs and lived at Jiashan, earning the title Master Jia.
Ji Tianxi, courtesy name Qiqing, was from Tai'an, Song Dynasty. Abandoning civil service exams, he mastered medicine and annotated *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) in five volumes, presented in the 15th year of Taining. Appointed Medical Doctor.
Yang Wenxiu, courtesy name Zhongli, was from Zhejiang. Extremely filial, he abandoned exams when his mother fell ill, studying Huangdi and Qibo's texts. When herbs failed, he cut flesh from his thigh to cook with porridge for her, curing her. After her death, birds followed him at her grave; the local government honored his home. He said his filial piety wasn't enough for fame. Zhu Xi visited him, discussing philosophy, astronomy, geography, and medicine overnight. In old age, he authored *Yi Yan* (Medical Extensions) in twenty volumes and compiled *Di Li Bo Sha Jing Tu* (Geographical Sand-Digging Scripture Diagrams), dying at ninety-nine.
Li Weixi was from Shuzhou. Learned and medically skilled, he analyzed physical principles. He stated: Water plants like water caltrop (Lingjiao) and Chinese water chestnut (Qianshi) differ in temperature because Lingjiao flowers face away from the sun (cold), while Qianshi flowers face the sun (warm). He also noted: Peach and apricot kernels are usually single; double kernels are toxic. Flowers typically have five petals; six-petaled ones (like Gardenia, Snowdrop) have double kernels. This reflects Yin-Yang theory. Six-petaled peach/apricots with double kernels are anomalies.
Ma Jiuchou, courtesy name Zhiji, was from Mozhou, Jin Dynasty. Literate at three, calligraphy at seven, known as a prodigy. Summoned by Emperor Zhangzong, he answered fearlessly regarding entering the palace. At twenty, he studied at the Imperial Academy. After the southward migration, he studied in Beiyang Mountains, mastering the Five Classics, especially *I Ching* and *Spring and Autumn Annals*. He cured a chronic illness by learning Qi cultivation from a Daoist. Studying under Zhang Zihe, he mastered hidden secrets. Dedicated and resilient, he endured hardship without neglecting his studies.
Liu Wansu, courtesy name Shouzhen, was from Hejian, Jin Dynasty. Brilliant and learned, he met an eccentric figure who intoxicated him; upon waking, he gained profound medical insight. He authored *Yun Qi Yao Zhi Lun* (Essential Principles of Climate and Qi), *Jing Yao Xuan Ming Lun* (Elucidating Clarity in Essentials), and *Su Wen Xuan Ji Yuan Bing Shi* (Original Causes of Diseases in Suwen). He favored cooling formulas to subdue Heart Fire and nourish Kidney Water, calling himself Tongyuan Chushi.
Zhang Yuansu, courtesy name Jiegu, was from Yizhou, Jin Dynasty. Failed exams due to ancestral taboo names, he turned to medicine, mastering it thoroughly. He rejected ancient formulas, arguing that climatic cycles vary and ancient prescriptions don't fit modern diseases. His methods were unique. His writings didn't survive, but his teachings were deeply inherited by Li Dongyuan.
Li Qingsi was from Luo. Failing exams, he studied *Su Wen*, mastering its meaning. He authored *Shanghan Zan Lei* (Classified Cold Damage), *Gai Zheng Huo Ren Shu* (Corrected Book That Revives People), *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage), and *Zhen Jing* (Acupuncture Classic). He died peacefully at eighty.
Li Gao, courtesy name Mingzhi, pseudonym Dongyuan, was from Zhen, Yuan Dynasty. Loved learning and medicine, investing a thousand gold to study under Zhang Yuansu. Wealthy and dignified, he avoided the title of physician unless for critical cases. Expert in Shanghan, carbuncles, and eye diseases, called a Divine Physician. *Dongyuan Ten Books* contain his works. He treated Shanghan fever mismanaged with Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), resulting in dark face, thin pulse, and incontinence. He explained Baihu Tang is too cold for channel circulation; it traps pathogenic cold. Using hot herbs incorrectly causes complications. Instead, warm herbs should raise Yang and move channels. He also treated a fifteen-year-old with Shanghan, thirst, red eyes, rapid pulse unresponsive to pressure, using Jiang Fu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction) cooled, curing them.
Wang Haogu, courtesy name Jinzhi, pseudonym Haicang, was from Zhao, Yuan Dynasty. Professor at Zhaozhou and Medical Supervisor. Erudite and devoted to medicine, he studied under Li Dongyuan, becoming a renowned physician. He authored *Yi Lei Yuan Rong* (Source of Medical Fortifications), *Yi Jia Da Fa* (Great Methods of Medicine), *Zhong Jing Xiang Bian* (Detailed辨析 of Zhongjing), *Huo Ren Jie Yao Ge Kuo* (Essential Songs of Huo Ren), *Tang Ye Ben Cao* (Materia Medica of Decoctions), *Ci Shi Nan Zhi* (Difficulties of This Matter), *Ban Zhen Lun* (Discourse on Macules and Rash), *Guang Ming Lun* (Discourse on Light), *Biao Ben Lun* (Discourse on Root and Branch), *Xiao Er Diao Shu* (Children's Hanging Book), *Shanghan Bian Huo Lun* (Confusions Clarified in Cold Damage), *Shouzhen Lun* (Discourse on Shouzhen), and *Shi Er Jing Luo Yao Tu* (Illustrated Drug Map of Twelve Meridians).
Hua Shou, courtesy name Boren, descended from a prominent family in Xuchang. Born in Yizhen after his grandfather moved from Jiangnan. Quick-witted, he studied Confucianism, memorizing thousands of characters daily, and excelled in Yuefu poetry. Studying medicine under Wang Juzhong, he surpassed his teacher in understanding. He authored *Su Wen Chao* (Excerpts from Suwen). He treated a woman with dysuria, abdominal fullness, wheezing, and wiry-choppy pulses. Previous doctors used slippery diuretics worsening the condition. Hua diagnosed Qi stagnation in the Upper Jiao affecting water metabolism. He prescribed Zhuque Tang (Vermilion Bird Decoction) with increased Zhishi and Jiegeng, brewed in flowing water, curing her in one dose. He treated a sixty-year-old woman with urinary retention and dry mouth, diagnosing Lower Jiao Blood aspect deficiency with Yin fire. He prescribed Zishen Wan (Kidney Nourishing Pill), curing her. He treated a pregnant woman at nine months with dysentery. Using Stagnation-Resolving Qi-Moving Pills, he cured her without harming the fetus, citing *Su Wen*: "If there is a cause, no harm occurs." He treated a woman with pre-menstrual lower abdominal stabbing pain, chills/fever, and black bean-like discharge, diagnosing Lower Jiao cold-dampness attacking Chong and Ren vessels. He prescribed acrid-warm blood-regulating herbs before menstruation, restoring regularity and pregnancy. He treated a frustrated scholar with palpitations, forgetfulness, dry mouth, sweating, weakness, fever, and turbid urine. Doctors suggested Deer Antler and Aconite. Hua diagnosed excessive worry damaging Shaoyin Minister Fire. He used Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify Middle Augment Qi Decoction), Zhusha Anshen Wan (Cinnabar Calming Spirit Pill), and Kanli Wan (Kan and Li Pill) on an empty stomach, curing her in a month. He treated a pregnant woman with cough, phlegm, aversion to cold, and tight pulse, diagnosing external Wind-Cold. He used acrid-warm herbs to release fluids and pores, stopping the cough. He treated a summer heatstroke victim with cold sweat, irritability, and desire to lie in mud, with floating-rapid yet empty pulses. Diagnosing Yin excess repelling Yang from cold food/exposure, he used Xuanwu Tang (Black Warrior Decoction) cooled, curing her in three doses. He treated a woman with cold hernia causing upper abdominal pain and vomiting. He moxaed Zhangmen, Qihai, and Zhongwan, and administered internal herbs including Yanhusuo, Guizhi, and Huajiao, curing her.
Ge Gansun, courtesy name Kejiu, was from Wu, Pingjiang. Physically strong and skilled in martial arts, he later studied for exams but withdrew. He transmitted pharmacy knowledge, authoring *Yi Xue Qi Meng* (Medical Enlightenment), *Jing Luo Shi Er Lun* (Twelve Meridian Discourses), and *Shi Yao Shen Shu* (Divine Book of Ten Herbs). Martial artists praised his skill, scholars his literary talent, and physicians his medical prowess, though none fully grasped his depth. He believed true virtue lies in cultivating the Way of Sages, rejecting superficial praise. He treated a Shanghan case with no sweat and delirious running along a river. He restrained the patient in water, then wrapped them in thick blankets, inducing sweat and recovery.
Lu Fu, courtesy name Yuanying, pseudonym Cangzhou, descendant of Lü Donglai. Originally from Hedong, moved to Wu and Yin. Studied *Shangshu* and *I Ching*. After his mother's illness, he studied Huangdi and Qibo's arts under Master Zheng Li, achieving miraculous results within a year. He treated a patient with nocturnal palpitations and fear, feeling besieged. Pulse showed floating-empty Yang at Left Guan; color showed Shaoyang branch overflowing in eyes. He diagnosed Gallbladder deficiency with Wind, criticizing previous doctors for only treating the Heart. He prescribed Wumei Tang (Dark Plum Decoction) and Baodan Wan (Gallbladder Embracing Pill), curing the patient with sleep. He treated a girl sleeping excessively with reddish face but no fever, misdiagnosed as slow convulsion. Pulse showed slippery-rapid Left Guan. He deduced milk nurse drank alcohol before nursing, intoxicating the child. He prescribed Zhike and Gegua, curing her. He treated a Shanghan patient with high fever, quiet demeanor, hidden pulse, smooth coating, red malar flush, and coherent speech. He predicted macules would appear due to heat binding blood. Indeed, red macules appeared. He used Huaban Tang (Macule-Transforming Decoction) followed by Chengqi Tang (Descend Qi Decoction). He treated a woman with asthma unable to lie down, strong Qi Kou pulse, wiry-fast Jueyin pulse, and short Chi pulses. Diagnosing toxic drugs causing retained dead fetus, he used Cuisheng Tang (Birth-Delivery Decoction) with extra Danggui and Chuanxiong, delivering the fetus and stopping asthma. He treated a patient with undigested stool diarrhea, long wiry Chi pulses, and grass-like outer canthus. Diagnosing Liver Wind transmitting to Spleen causing incomplete digestion, he modified Xuxming Tang (Continued Life Decoction) by removing Mahuang and adding Baizhu, curing her. He treated a virgin with five-month amenorrhea and distended abdomen, pale-red complexion, attributing it to spirit possession. He used Taohua Jian (Peach Flower Decoction), passing blood clots like pig liver, curing her. He treated a patient with uncontrollable bleeding from a scratch, weak thread-like Chi pulse. He used Si Ni Tang with Jingjie and Fangfeng to restore pulse, then Shiquan Dabu Tang to cure him. He treated a witness to murder suffering from fright-induced madness, running wildly, crying/laughing, with wiry-slippery upper pulses. Diagnosing Phlegm flooding Danzhong and pericardium, he induced vomiting of one dou of phlegm, then used Jingqi Wan (Fright-Calming Pill) to cure him. He treated an alcoholic who suddenly lost weight and had fatty urine, with surging-rapid pulses, especially Left Cun. Diagnosing Triple Burner heat transferring to Small Intestine causing strangury or dribbling, he used Hupo (Amber) and Huashi (Talcum)...