Library

Zhang Jin, a military officer (Yuhou) of Fangzhou, was originally from the north. While returning to the commandery governor, he met a Daoist priest who sold him a prescription for treating carbuncles and ulcers. He resided at the home of Cao Zi, a clerk in Wenyu. Cao Zi suffered from a back ulcer that physicians could not cure. Hearing of Zhang Jin's skill, Cao summoned him. Zhang Jin possessed no specific hand seals (secret manual techniques), but merely applied prepared medicines topically. Within ten days, the patient recovered.

The five-year-old son of Zhang Ziwen developed an ulcer on his temple, which subsequently appeared on the back of his head. The clinical presentation was worrying, so his condition was also entrusted to Zhang Jin. Whatever medication Zhang used was the same single preparation. Within three nights, both patients recovered. Zhang Ziwen offered payment and asked for the method. Zhang Jin concealed nothing further and respectfully revealed it: Select one tael of transparent Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin), add half a sheng of water, and boil until dissolved. Then add one tael of Guodan (a traditional mineral compound), simmer over slow fire, stirring frequently until uniform. After boiling three to five times, remove from heat, spread out to cool completely, and store in bottles or jars. When applying, use a brush to paint around the four sides of the ulcer, leaving the opening exposed. If the ulcer has not yet suppurated, apply broadly over the swollen area; after a long time, it will dissipate naturally. Do not touch with hands. There are no other methods. Although this can treat all kinds of malignant sores, it is not limited to carbuncles and ulcers. (Ibid.)

Hu Quan, Vice Magistrate of She County, encountered an extraordinary person in the capital who taught him the Neituo San (Internal Support Powder) for treating carbuncles and ulcers. He said, "This medicine causes unformed lesions to disperse rapidly and formed lesions to suppurate quickly. Pus drains spontaneously without manual squeezing, and necrotic tissue falls off naturally without the need for knives or scissors." After taking it, pain is immediately alleviated. The method involves using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), each two taels; Xiong Qiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), each half a tael. All are ground into fine powder. Additionally, add one tael of Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Ramulus powder) and mix evenly. Take three to five qian each time, mixed with hot wine. A larger dose is preferable. For those who cannot drink alcohol, mix with Muguxiang Tang (Costus Decoction), though mixing with wine yields superior results.

Xiang Youzheng, son of Yuanzhong, served as Assistant Secretary of Jiangling and acting magistrate of Gong'an County in the eighth year of Chunxi (1181). An abscess developed between his chest and epigastrium. Despite treatment for half a year, it did not heal. Once, after bathing, he suffered severe pain and lay down exhausted, entering a state between sleep and wakefulness. He dreamed of a man who bowed slightly, sat down, and transmitted a prescription to him, saying: "Use Moyao (Myrrha), Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus), and Ruxiang (Olibanum), decocted in wine." He added that Xu Zhen, Magistrate of Taoyuan County, had the same prescription but omitted Gualou; if Gualou were included, the effect would be faster. Youzheng gratefully accepted and followed the instructions. He recovered before finishing the dosage. Later, he went to Yuquan Mountain to pray for rain and paid respects to the statue of Guan Wang (Guan Yu) at Shouting Pavilion. This was likely due to the dream's inspiration, so he depicted the event in his home. (Classified Compilation)