Library

Rabies caused by mad dog bites is a very dangerous condition. Although ancient formulas using *Mylabris* (Banmao) can achieve a cure, patients must avoid water, the sound of gongs, consumption of various beans, walking on land where sesame is planted, and touching sesame for one hundred days. Furthermore, sexual intercourse must be strictly prohibited for one hundred days. If any of these prohibitions are violated, the condition may relapse, making convalescence extremely difficult. Mr. Hu from Shexian, deeply pitying those suffering from this incurable disease, published a request for effective prescriptions in the *Shaoxing Medical Journal*. Subsequently, Mr. Shu from Jiangdong reported that he had cured two cases using *Xiayuxue Tang* (Lower Stasis Blood Decoction) from the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet). Later, Mr. Huang from Jiangxi reported a formula taught by an extraordinary person: one large centipede (*Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans*), 1 liang of *Rhei Radix et Rhizoma* (Dahuang), and 1 liang of *Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma* (Gancao), decocted in water and taken orally, proved highly effective. If the patient becomes slightly calm after taking the medicine but relapses shortly thereafter, the same formula should be continued until full recovery, at which point administration may cease. Two case records of successful treatment were appended, both involving patients who recovered after the onset of rabies symptoms.

Note: This prescription is indeed an excellent remedy. Mr. Hu stated: "It is commonly believed that during winter, snakes hide in earthen holes, holding mud or grass in their mouths. When they emerge in spring, they spit out what they held. Dogs, having a keen sense of smell, are attracted to these odors and become infected with madness. This theory is credible. Since dogs have a superior olfactory ability and are prone to sniffing unusual smells, they alone contract this poison. When a mad dog bites a human, it transmits the snake's poison to the human. The use of one centipede in this formula resolves the snake's toxicity." Additionally, regarding this condition, Mr. Shu mentioned curing two people with *Xiayuxue Tang* from the *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, indicating that blood stasis is present in this condition and can be resolved by purging. The use of 1 liang of *Rhei Radix et Rhizoma* (Dahuang) in the formula should effectively purge the stasis, while the addition of 1 liang of *Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma* (Gancao) not only detoxifies but also moderates the harsh purgative action of *Rhei Radix et Rhizoma* (Dahuang). This explains why it is considered a good prescription. However, although this formula is effective, it remains unclear if there are post-recovery prohibitions. If such prohibitions exist, the efficacy is incomplete. During my time in Fengtian (modern-day Shenyang), I obtained a locally transmitted formula. Those who used it experienced immediate relief without burden, with no specific prohibitions, making it truly an excellent remedy. The formula consists of 3 qian of Pianhui (gunpowder compressed into tablets, made from sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal) and 3 liang of fresh *Lycii Cortex* (Gouqigen), decocted in water and taken orally. Recovery occurs after passing a certain amount of turbid, foul matter through urination. Post-recovery, only sexual intercourse is prohibited for ten days. However, the medication should not be taken too early; it is effective only when administered five to six days, or seven to eight days, after the bite, once internal wind begins to stir, causing restlessness and agitation. This is a repeatedly tested and effective formula, free from error. *Lycii Cortex* (Gouqigen) refers to the root bark of the wolfberry plant, but typically only the bark is used; here, the woody part within the bark is also utilized.

Furthermore: Mr. Lu from Wu County met me in Tianjin during the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Dingmao year, discussing this condition. Mr. Lu stated that mad dogs harbor toxic insects in their spinal bones. If the fatty membrane from the spinal bone is scraped off, processed into carbon powder, and ingested, it facilitates the expulsion of turbid matter through bowel and bladder movements, leading to recovery. His clan grandson suffered from this condition and was cured using this method. However, the concern is that the biting mad dog may not always be captured.

Additionally: Mr. Zhou Xiaonong from Wuxi published an article in the *Shanxi Medical Journal* discussing treatments for mad dog bites. He noted that in the Jichou year, many mad dogs appeared in Xiangyi, and most treatments for victims failed. Coincidentally, a draft ox died from this affliction. Upon dissection, a blood clot as large as a bushel basket was found in its abdomen, dark purple in color, moving wrigglingly when stirred, causing local astonishment. A Mr. Zhang, knowledgeable in medical principles, deduced: "Zhongjing stated, 'When stagnant heat resides in the interior, the person becomes manic.' He also said, 'When a person appears manic, it is undoubtedly a blood syndrome; purging the blood cures the mania.' Patients with this condition often exhibit manic or epileptic-like behavior. Could this not be caused by blood stasis? Otherwise, how could such a monster exist in the ox's abdomen? I have now grasped the key." Consequently, he treated patients using Zhongjing's *Xiayuxue Tang* (Lower Stasis Blood Decoction). Regardless of severity or whether toxins had manifested, all cases responded promptly. He shared this method, achieving near-perfect success. He adapted the ancient dosages to modern equivalents with slight modifications: 3 qian of *Rhei Radix et Rhizoma* (Dahuang), 7 seeds of *Persicae Semen* (Taoren), and 7 fried *Eupolyphaga seu Steleophaga* (Diebiechong) with feet removed, ground into fine powder. Add 3 qian of honey, decoct in one teacup of wine until reduced to seventy percent, and consume the dregs along with the liquid. For those who cannot drink alcohol, a half-water, half-wine decoction is acceptable. Within two meal times after ingestion, turbid matter is expelled. One dose per day is recommended. Once bowel and bladder functions normalize, two additional doses are advised, ensuring no turbid matter remains in excreta. Patients need only abstain from sexual intercourse for a few days; other prohibitions are unnecessary. For children, halve the dosage. Pregnant women may take it boldly without excessive caution. Note: If this formula works as described, it is indeed an excellent prescription.

[Appendix by XX]: Mr. Zhang from the same county reported that his relative acquired a secret method for treating mad dog bites. The formula uses one white rooster: beak, lower legs with claws, gallbladder, gizzard lining, wing tip feathers, and tail feathers. Add 3 qian of Cinnabar (Yinzhu) and 3 cun of fish maw whiskers (Bixu). Wrap in three to four sheets of cotton paper, tie tightly with hemp thread, soak in 4 liang of sesame oil, ignite, and pour remaining oil over it until carbonized. Grind into powder and administer with yellow rice wine. Recovery occurs upon profuse sweating. Post-recovery, only sexual intercourse is prohibited for ten days; otherwise, no restrictions apply. This method has been repeatedly tested and verified.