惠山赵某之妻，气体丰腴，每日呕吐百余次，饮食难进，诸药罔效。先生用秋石五分泡汤，每日服二次，三日愈。此胃火上逆，秋石味咸，取咸能下降之意。西门谢继昌妇结缡未满一年，病伏邪淹缠半载，遍请各地名医，时轻时重，危在旦夕。病骨支离，忽而遍体浮肿，气逆喘急，神情模糊，风动痉厥，口喷血沫，两手脉伏，目不能视。先生用潜阳扶土法，一剂而神识清，浮肿退。复诊两目仍不见物，先生曰：经云气脱者目不明，又曰目得血而能视，此气阴并亏之故也。小溲现虽通利，然水不涵木，肝阳妄动，火极则风生，风阳飞舞，痰涎血沫随喘而起，若秋金之气下降，可以制震东之木，而三焦决渎之水皆归州都化溺而出。但病久大虚，还防虚脱，再拟益气养阴和中潜阳之法。方用人参须一钱、白芍三钱、广郁金二钱、淮小麦三钱、煅石决明一两、炒秫米三钱、土炒于术二钱、辰茯神四钱、炒西洋参钱半、珍珠母一两，另上濂珠三分、玳瑁三分，研末调下，病势顿轻。后生骨槽风，两足痿躄，先生按症调理，数月而愈，
先生病霍乱，饮蔗汁而痊。曾载入《医钟》第四期，谨录其原文于左。
仆于光绪壬寅正月病春温，绵延三月，始进糜粥。至四月间吾锡时疫盛行，沿门合境，死亡者踵相接，仆亦传染疫症，吐泻暴作，指螺皆瘪，目眶黑陷，声嘶呃逆，烦躁筋转，险象叠生。群医束手，危在俄顷，衣衾棺木齐备，咸谓生机绝望矣。当一息奄奄时，向家慈索饮甘蔗汁少许，服后心烦撩乱稍定，吐泻呃逆肢冷如故，一昼夜再连饮数十碗，呕任其呕，服还自服，而呃逆吐泻心烦撩乱顿止，病势爽然若失。仆嗣后追思疗病之由，从阳明温病后，胃液煎涸，重犯吐泻，胃之津液能有几何?《本草》载甘蔗甘寒，助胃除热，润燥止渴，并治哕恶。大凡霍乱症属热者，一经吐泻，胃液不存，肝木风翔则激浪上涌，所以呕吐不止，抽筋不休。而蔗汁既能清热润燥，味甘更可安胃，并能缓肝，而是病之得愈者，其理在是矣。若患湿霍乱症，中焦痞满者，饮之反致不可救。附志于此，以资同人研究。先生花甲后，患少腹终日饱胀，不可忍耐，溲痛不爽，当时以为肾气不足，肝木失疏。一日忽溲血鲜紫，不一日夜数便壶，一月已来不止，甚至有血块溺出，砰然有声，大如银元而腹胀渐消，饮食倍增。先生悟为气虚湿火久蕴使然，非真溺血也。不然溺血如此之多，元神必困疲矣，何以康健如恒?自制六味地黄丸，加人参、牛膝、黄柏，服之而愈。
驳岸上某姓女患霍乱，吐泻无度，脉沉苔腻，遍体如冰，气息奄奄。其母最信女巫，巫云用向东杨柳枝煎汤薰洗，因用沸汤遍体揩洗。终日不休。汤热揩者，手皮破烂，而病人不觉其热。先生用半硫丸及附、桂、干姜大热之药，三剂汗出而愈。
陈季度年甫弱冠在学校，暑假回里，忽下颏动摇不止。适先生诊杨氏子，因邀诊曰：此阳明经之风火使然。用石膏、知母、僵蚕、钩钩、菊花、丝瓜络等清胃之品，外用乌梅擦牙，两日而愈。
杨君之义子三岁，寄育于外，因病来城，寓崔官牌下程姓家。请先生诊视，壮热不扬，面色青滞，涕泪俱无，此系暑热内伏，多饮乳汁，蒸变为痰，痰阻清窍，肺气不宣。用杏仁、大贝、桔梗、胆星、月石、炒麦芽等，一剂面色青滞退，两剂哭而有泪，转为间疟，汗出而愈。
北门外陈合茂行主年五十余，有烟霞癖，素有痰喘之证，忽起寒热不扬，不进饮食者累月，咳嗽痰多，形神消瘦，脉沉细，苔浊腻。龚医用达邪化湿之品，不效反至汗出如雨，呃逆不止，神迷谵语。先生以为气阴皆伤，中阳不足。同张君砚芬，用老山人参一钱、生姜一钱、西洋参、天生术、牡蛎、五味子，半夏、茯苓、伽楠香、再生稻叶等，一剂汗止，再剂苔化能食。煮烂焦锅巴，调理旬日而愈。又羊毛行陈某亦有烟癖，神情迷糊，谵语气逆喘急，循衣摸床。先生诊其脉沉细，舌苔浊腻，用人参、附子、干姜、半夏温补之法。适王医至，见方用人参，扬言不可服，诊脉后在楼下相遇，不置可否而去。病家信，服一剂而神情清爽，诸象均退。
西门凌君企周有烟癖，四旬未便，而饮食如故。彼自服燕医生泻丸，始三粒继服六粒，后一日服至二十丸，竟不得便。延先生诊视曰：此肠胃干枯燥结极矣。用五仁汤，大黄六七钱、元明粉二钱，仍不效。再用泻叶三钱煎汤，以磨生大黄钱半，一日服三次，服后腹中攻撑，先下燥栗粪，又下干结硬粪无数。先生曰：此非一日所能尽也，须三五日方能下清。前方加减，连服三日，约有桶许，然后用参术等调治，其便如常。
师母张夫人素来阴虚，每交冬令，喜用脚炉，春时易生温病，一日遍体奇痒，渐发无数之块，大者如盘，小者如碗不等，肿而微红，攻于头面则目红，攻于胸肺则气逆神糊，搔痒不止，几欲挖去其肉，日夜不寐，呼号三日，困苦莫可言状。他医惊而却走，先生以为非风疹，乃疙瘩瘟也。热毒蕴于营分，外发肌肤，防其毒陷心包则大险。重用犀角、鲜大青、鲜生地、银花、连翘、黑山栀、丹皮、牛蒡子、人中黄、绿豆、茅根等，服三四剂而块渐小渐减，痒亦渐止，调理六七剂而愈。东大街某君年十八岁，其母寡孀，只此一子，病暑邪寒热起伏，已历三候，而热仍不解，骨瘦支离。延先生诊视，脉细数，苔薄腻，曰：此邪湿未清也。用薄荷、牛蒡、佩兰、郁金、藿梗、滑石、猪苓、佛手、荷叶等，至二十七日始透白瘠，细粒密布，色如枯骨。古人谓气液已竭，先生以为久病初透而未足也。再宗前法，加茅根、芦根、蝉衣服之，遍体透足，粒粒晶珠，热势渐退，二三日而能食稀粥矣。
寿州孙夫人年近六十，忽身热胸闷不畅，延先生诊视，用辛凉泄肺之药。翌日胸前发出红点而圆，先生以为营分之热，温毒发痘也。用生地、紫草茸、连翘、黑栀、丹皮、茅根，胸背前后又透约有数百粒，渐起浆汁。仍用犀角、人中黄、银花、丹皮一派清营之品，收浆结疤而熟势退，再服解毒数剂而愈。据云此痘安徽时有之。寺后门大头金官之子咳嗽壮热，胸闷烦躁，三日后头面及体遍发痧点，内含稀浆。先生曰：此温热挟湿，故含水气也，并非水痘。重用辛凉透泄，继用解毒之药而愈。
刘姓子年十余岁，伏邪秋发，寒热起伏，始一二日汗多，以后肌肤干枯不润，形神瘦弱，至第八日，延先生诊之，舌薄苔白，脉象细数。曰：此童本元不足且不见汗，第九日必透白痦，即透亦迟，非二三日不能透足。用薄荷、牛蒡、连翘、黑栀、豆豉、杏仁、猪苓、泽泻、茅根、枇杷叶、竹茹、佛手、荷叶，轻清宣泄之法，服后胸前稀透白痦，再加蝉衣、桔梗、郁金等，背足亦透，三日而伏热退矣。
琴雪轩某牙科之女，病顿咳已四月，不咳则已，咳则百余声不止，气不接续，骨瘦如柴。先生用麻杏石甘汤两剂而愈。年余又病寒热咳嗽，痧点隐约不透。先生偕门人丁士镛同去诊视，脉象闷郁，舌苔光红，壮热口糜，神情模糊。曰：此邪热炽盛，故痧点不能透达也。时医仅知透发，但余须用犀角、紫草清凉一派，此药非君家不开，防时医之訾议也。其家信服之，大便得解，痧点外达。再剂点齐，三服而愈。观此则吾邑过玉书所著治痧书专用温透者，未可一概论也。
迎迓亭某茶肆主苏人也，其妻怀妊八月患伏邪，烦躁不安，神情倦怠，面色青晦，两脉沉伏，舌苔焦黑，腹中不动者半月矣。无力延医，先生诊之曰：此邪热内燔，胎元恐已不保。若顾其胎，命在旦夕。用寒凉香开之剂，服之胎下，已半体溃烂。后用去瘀等剂，化险为夷。
先生邻家女仆阿梅，手腕作痛，不能举'物，先生细视其腕，见脉门有红丝一条长二三寸，蜿蜒游行半臂，此红丝疔也。若过肩胛不可治矣。用旧头绳系止，以银针刺红丝两端，挤出紫血。内服黄连解毒汤而愈。又一妇生手指疔，曾闻业师马征君云：疔初起背上有红点，如蚁螫状，其数均奇，非五即七，须银针刺破挑断其中之丝，则疔可以不成。若过三五日，其毒走散，红点隐去，疔必成矣。余依法寻得，刺之果未成。周源按：此法已刊入《周氏集验方》中甚详。
西门外棉花巷雷静安，右牙龈上发一粒子，不红而肿，牙关稍觉不利。诸医皆谓牙痈也。温君明远嘱偕至业师马培之徵君处视之，业师曰：前医皆不识此证耳。此名牙岩，药不可为矣。两月后牙关紧闭，不能饮食，必致饿毙。后果然。马徵君孙女患气喉头项肿大，徵君命用日者弹敝旧弦一条，长如颈项大小。使异姓六人绾六结，连本人一结，名七姓弦，套入颈中，时时移之上下，若气喉稍小，其结亦逐渐收小，一年而而愈，奇方也。其理殊难索解。又方，用钱钱草煎服亦效。
马征君为沈子达诊治，年四十余纳妾少艾，患痿症，服药外，令以桑叶去叶背筋络，浓煎，时时服之，半载而愈。
先生门人丁士镛之戚，病口歪偏右，就诊先生之师马徵君，用蓖麻子四十九粒，麝香三分，共捣成饼，夏布包好，放入左手掌心，以好酒一杯炖热，将杯底罩于药上，令手伸直，不一时即口歪牵正，欣喜而归。
大市桥林姓有烟霞癖，先寒热，继则腹痛，下痢红白，昼夜百余次，饮食不能下咽，气息奄奄。当时医士有汪党之称，茶集于崇安寺，议论此证，或主香连丸，或欲用驻车丸，或四磨饮。先生闻之，窃笑其误。明日来请诊视，脉细舌干黄，曰，此久痢气阴两伤，时时登圊而无便者，此虚坐努责，非益气养阴不可。用人参、白芍、丹皮、细生地等味服之，病大转机，前方扩充，数剂而愈。
木邑王燕庭医士之母，年已古稀外，一日腹痛下痢无度，神情倦怠，其孙文夔延先生诊视，脉细数，舌苔根浊而掯，先生曰：此痢不可与寻常症同治，大年正元早亏，食物不消，兼有积滞，用人参须、枳实壳、花槟、神曲等，先生曰：此方非在尊府不开，痢疾忌补，补而且攻，未免招物议。讵服后大便通利，腹痛亦止。竟两剂而愈。
毛梓桥下邹姓妇，怀妊六月，七月中旬腹痛，下红两次极多。延陈君诊治不效。先生诊其脉并不离经，舌苔白腻，用人参、白术、荷叶、蒂桑、寄生、白芍、苏梗、陈皮、砂仁、黄芪等安胎之品，血止而腰酸气滞，大便下血块，日二三次，红紫不一。先生曰：此肠胃有湿热也，虽与胎漏有别，于怀妊属不宜。用槐花炭、川连、黄柏、子芩、木香、苏梗分化湿热调气之晶，便红减而未止，再用槐花炭、地榆炭、子芩、野苦根、鲜藕节、荷蒂、苏梗、砂仁、陈皮、桑寄生、佛手等而愈。
东门内表善坊巷殷君一清，苏州桃坞中学毕业生也。任职上海工部局事，少腹作痛，间及两胁胸背，得食则呕，甚至不能直立，卧则气上冲，痛楚莫可言状，缠绵半载，形神瘦弱，面色青灰。江阴朱君用疏肝理气，一派香燥之药，服三十余剂毫不见效。又延他医，以为虚劳损证也，似见小效。一日来就诊，脉沉细，舌苔薄白，按腹板硬，已七日不便，得病以来便常艰少。先生曰：元气虽虚，定有干结燥粪也。非攻下不可，但恐正元不支耳。多服香燥之药，肝阴受伤，腑实不通，则其气上泛为逆，故呕恶。肝主筋，本脏既燥，则血不营筋。拟先通腑，取通则不痛之义。用人参须七分、生大黄三钱、元明粉一钱、枳实二钱、制香附三钱、橘络二钱、制半夏三钱、川雅连四分，同淡吴萸三分炒、竹茹二钱、佛手二钱，复诊大便未解，少腹仍痛，再拟攻下，生大黄三钱、元明粉一钱、元参三钱、带皮槟三钱、瓜蒌皮三钱、木香七分、秦艽钱半、沉香五分，服后大便下燥结硬粪尺许，坚如铁，粗如小臂，下时稍觉神疲，腹痛随止，少腹仍板，时吐酸水，肝胃不和也。再用和胃佐以润肠，藿香梗三钱、法半夏三钱、淡吴萸四分、黄连二分同炒、枳壳二钱、带皮槟三钱、省头草三钱、细青皮二钱、香附二钱、橘白络各钱半、沉香五分，磨冲，另先服清导丸三粒(系西药)，服后又下燥屎如前，按腹略软，惟呕逆，肝气横撑经络，稍有微痛，中脘不运，仿半夏茯苓汤加减，制半夏五钱、茯苓五钱、枳壳二钱、橘络二钱炒，天生术二钱、沉香屑五分、炒谷芽三钱、左金丸一钱、另醋炒高良姜七分酒炒，制香附钱半，煎服又下燥结与溏润之粪不知凡计，宿积从此清矣。呕逆亦止，只以肝木克土，脾胃受伤，当以培土抑木。天生术三钱、山药三钱、扁豆衣三钱、白芍五钱、萸肉钱半、炙乌梅五分、橘白络各一钱、制半夏三钱、茯苓四钱、檀香、炒谷芽三钱、白残花一钱，胃气大醒，每餐能食碗许，但右胁稍觉微痛耳。再从效法扩充，野于术三钱、怀山药三钱、扁豆衣三钱、白芍五钱、橘络一钱、川断三钱、郁金二钱、萸肉钱半、归身钱半、甜杏仁二钱、甘杞子二钱、生谷芽三钱，饮食加增，惟右胁下稍觉作酸，背旁痛处大如掌，此系有留饮也。当以蠲饮兼调脾胃，茯苓五钱、陈皮一钱、橘络一钱、远志二钱、法半夏二钱、扁豆衣三钱、泽泻三钱、桑枝三钱、神曲三钱、秦艽钱半、炒谷芽三钱、荷叶边一转，嗣后诸恙日退，调理而瘳。
The wife of Mr. Zhao from Huishan had a robust physique but vomited over a hundred times daily, unable to take food or drink, with all medicines proving ineffective. The physician prescribed Qiushi (Mineral Salt) five fen soaked in water, taken twice daily, resulting in recovery within three days. This was due to Stomach Fire rebelling upward; Qiushi is salty in flavor, utilizing the principle that saltiness can direct downward.
The wife of Xie Jichang from Ximen had been married for less than a year when she suffered from latent pathogenic factors lingering for half a year. Despite consulting renowned physicians everywhere, her condition fluctuated between mild and severe, leaving her on the brink of death. Her body was emaciated, yet suddenly developed generalized edema, rebellious Qi causing panting and urgency, blurred consciousness, wind stirring leading to spasms and convulsions, spitting blood foam, pulse hidden at both wrists, and blindness. The physician employed the method of Submerging Yang and Supporting Earth. After one dose, her consciousness cleared, and the edema subsided. On follow-up, her vision remained impaired. The physician stated: "The Classic says that when Qi escapes, vision is unclear; it also says the eyes see only when nourished by Blood." This indicates a deficiency of both Qi and Yin. Although urination is now patent, Water fails to nourish Wood, causing Liver Yang to move recklessly. Extreme Heat generates Wind; as Wind and Yang dance wildly, phlegm-saliva and blood foam rise with panting. If the energy of Autumn Metal descends, it can restrain the surging Liver Wood, allowing the water regulated by the Triple Burner to return to the Bladder (Zhou Du) and be excreted as urine. However, given the prolonged illness and extreme deficiency, collapse must be guarded against. A new prescription was formulated to Tonify Qi and Nourish Yin, harmonize the Middle, and Submerge Yang. It consisted of Renshen Xu (Ginseng Rootlet) 1 qian, Baishao (White Peony Root) 3 qian, Guang Yujin (Curcuma Aromatica Rhizome) 2 qian, Huai Xiaomai (Triticum aestivum L.) 3 qian, Duan Shijueming (Concha Arcae) 1 liang, Chao Shumi (Sorghum vulgare L.) 3 qian, Tu Chao Yuzhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma prepared with soil) 2 qian, Chen Fushen (Poria Cocos with Hostwood) 4 qian, Chao Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) 0.5 qian, Zhenzhumu (Margarita) 1 liang. Additionally, Lianzhu (Pearl) 3 fen and Daimao (Eretmochelys imbricata Carapace) 3 fen were powdered and taken with the decoction. The condition improved dramatically. Later, she developed bone-carving wind (osteomyelitis of the jaw) and flaccidity of both legs. Under the physician's symptomatic regulation, she recovered after several months.
The physician himself contracted cholera and recovered by drinking sugarcane juice. This case was recorded in Issue 4 of *Yi Zhong* (Medical Bell); here is the original text.
In the first month of the Renyin year of the Guangxu era, I contracted Spring Warmth disease, which persisted for three months before I could consume congee. By April, an epidemic raged through Wuxi, claiming lives door-to-door. I too contracted the epidemic, suffering sudden violent vomiting and diarrhea, retracted fingers, sunken black eye sockets, hoarse voice, hiccups, irritability, muscle cramps, and numerous perilous signs. Physicians were helpless, and death seemed imminent; coffins and shrouds were prepared, and hope was lost. When my breath was faint, I asked my mother for a small amount of sugarcane juice. After ingestion, the irritability slightly settled, though vomiting, diarrhea, hiccups, and cold limbs persisted. Consuming dozens of bowls over twenty-four hours, regardless of vomiting, the symptoms ceased abruptly, and the illness vanished like a dream. Reflecting later, after Yangming Warmth disease, stomach fluids were depleted. Repeated vomiting and diarrhea further exhausted gastric juices. The *Bencao* records sugarcane as sweet and cold, aiding the Stomach, clearing heat, moistening dryness, quenching thirst, and treating hiccups. In hot-type cholera, once vomiting and diarrhea occur, gastric fluids are gone, Liver Wood wind rises, causing waves to surge upward, leading to incessant vomiting and cramping. Sugarcane juice clears heat, moistens dryness, its sweetness calms the Stomach and soothes the Liver. This explains the recovery. However, in damp-type cholera with middle jiao stagnation, it may prove fatal. Recorded here for study.
After age sixty, the physician suffered from constant lower abdominal fullness and unbearable pain, with painful and incomplete urination. Initially attributed to Kidney Qi deficiency and Liver Wood stagnation. One day, he passed bright purple blood in urine, frequent urination throughout the day and night, lasting a month, with large coin-sized clots making noise, while abdominal distension decreased and appetite increased. He realized this was due to long-standing Qi deficiency and damp-heat accumulation, not true hematuria. Otherwise, such massive bleeding would exhaust vital essence. He self-prescribed Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) added with Renshen (Ginseng), Niuxi (Achyranthes Bidentata Root), and Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), recovering thereafter.
A woman from the embankment area suffered from cholera with uncontrolled vomiting and diarrhea, deep pulse, greasy coating, icy cold body, and faint breath. Her mother believed in witchcraft, who suggested washing with boiling water infused with willow branches facing east. The skin peeled off from the hot rubbing, but the patient felt no heat. The physician prescribed Banshui Wan (Half-Sulfur Pill) along with Fuzi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), potent warming herbs. After three doses, sweating occurred, and she recovered.
Chen Jidu, just coming of age and studying at school, returned home for summer vacation when his chin began shaking uncontrollably. Invited to treat a Yang family child, he diagnosed this as Wind-Fire in the Yangming Meridian. Prescribed Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus), Gouteng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis), Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos), Sigualuo (Luffae Fructus Retinervus) to clear Stomach heat. Externally, Wumei (Mume Fructus) was used to rub the teeth. Recovery in two days.
Yang Jun’s adopted son, aged three, living away from home, came to the city ill. Presentation: high fever not manifesting clearly, cyanotic and dull complexion, absence of tears and mucus. Diagnosis: Summer-Heat pathogen latent internally, excessive milk intake steaming into Phlegm, obstructing clear orifices, impairing Lung Qi dissemination. Prescribed Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Dabei (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Dansheng (Arisaematis Cum Bile), Yueshi (Natrii Sulfas), Chao Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus). After one dose, cyanosis faded; after two, tears appeared, transforming into intermittent malaria, resolving with sweating.
Mr. Chen Hemao, owner of a shop north of the city gate, aged fifty-plus, addicted to smoking, with chronic phlegm-wheezing. Suddenly developed low-grade fever and chills, anorexia for months, copious cough with phlegm, emaciation, deep thin pulse, turbid greasy coating. Physician Gong used herbs to expel pathogens and resolve dampness without effect, leading to profuse sweating, intractable hiccups, confusion, and delirium. The physician diagnosed injury to both Qi and Yin, insufficiency of Middle Yang. Together with Zhang Yanfen, prescribed Laoshan Renshen (Old Mountain Ginseng) 1 qian, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) 1 qian, Xiyangshen (American Ginseng), Tiansheng Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Muli (Concha Ostreae), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria), Jianaxiang (Agarwood), Zaisheng Daoye (Regenerated Rice Leaf). Sweating stopped after one dose; coating resolved, appetite returned after second. Cooked scorched rice crust for ten days to regulate recovery. Another smoker, Chen from Wool Trade, presented with confusion, delirium, rebellious Qi, panting, picking at clothes. Pulse deep thin, coating turbid greasy. Prescribed Renshen, Fuzi, Ganjiang, Banxia for warming tonification. Dr. Wang saw the prescription containing Renshen, claimed it was contraindicated, but left silently after pulse diagnosis. Family administered it; clarity returned, symptoms receded.
Ling Qizhou from Ximen, addicted to smoking, constipated for forty days despite normal diet. Self-medicated with laxative pills by Dr. Yan, increasing dosage up to twenty pills daily without result. The physician diagnosed extreme dryness and coagulation of intestines and stomach. Prescribed Wuren Tang (Five Seeds Decoction) with Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) 6-7 qian, Yuanmingfen (Natrii Sulfas) 2 qian, ineffective. Then used Xiaye (Senna Leaf) 3 qian decoction to grind Sheng Dahuang 0.5 qian, taken three times daily. Abdominal distension followed, passing dry pellet-like stool and hard feces. Physician noted complete clearance takes 3-5 days. Modified formula continued for three days, yielding about a bucket of stool. Then regulated with Renshen and Baizhu. Bowels normalized.
Teacher’s wife, Mrs. Zhang, constitutionally Yin deficient. In winter, preferred foot warmers; prone to Warmth diseases in spring. One day, whole-body itching, developing countless lumps, plate-sized to bowl-sized, swollen and slightly red. If affecting head/face, eyes reddened; if chest/lungs, rebellious Qi and blurred consciousness. Scratching nearly removed flesh, insomnia, screaming for three days. Other physicians fled. Diagnosed not as wind-rash, but as疙瘩瘟 (Geda Wen - lump plague). Heat-toxin stored in Ying level, erupting to skin, risking toxin entering Pericardium. Heavy use of Xijiao (Rhinocerotis Cornu), Xian Daqing (Isatidis Folium fresh), Xian Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix fresh), Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Hei Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus charred), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus), Renzhonghuang (Human Manure processed), Ludou (Vigna angularis), Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma). After 3-4 doses, lumps reduced, itching stopped. Regulated for 6-7 doses to recover.
Man on East Main Street, eighteen years old, orphaned mother, sole son. Suffered from Summer-Evil alternating fever/chills for three pentads, unresolved fever, emaciation. Pulse fine rapid, coating thin greasy. Diagnosed as residual pathogenic dampness. Used Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Niubangzi, Peilan (Agastaches Herba), Yujin, Huogeng (Costi Rhizoma), Huashi (Talcum), Zhuling (Polyporus), Foshou (Citrus Sarcodactylis), Heye (Nelumbinis Folium). On 27th day, white papules emerged densely, color like dead bone. Ancient texts say Qi and fluids exhausted; physician argued prolonged illness just emerging insufficient. Continued previous method adding Maogen, Lugeng (Phragmitis Rhizoma), Chan Yi (Bombyx Cicadae Periostracum). Full eruption, crystal-like grains, fever subsided, eating congee in 2-3 days.
Madam Sun from Shouzhou, nearly sixty, sudden fever, chest tightness. Prescribed acrid-cool Lung-draining herbs. Next day, round red spots appeared on chest. Diagnosed as Ying-level heat, Warmth-Toxin causing pox. Used Shengdi, Zicao Rong (Arnebiae Radix), Lianqiao, Hei Zhi, Danpi, Maogen. Hundreds of spots erupted on chest/back, filling with pus. Continued Xijiao, Renzhonghuang, Yinhua, Danpi to clear Ying level. Scabs formed, maturity declined, recovered after several detoxifying doses. Such pox occasionally occurs in Anhui.
Son of Jin Guan behind Temple Back Gate: cough, high fever, chest tightness, irritability. After three days, sand-spots covered head/body with thin pus. Diagnosed as Warmth-Dampness, hence containing water qi, not chickenpox. Heavy acrid-cool dispersing/transmitting, followed by detoxification. Recovered.
Liu family son, ten years old, latent pathogen autumn onset, alternating fever/chills. First 1-2 days profuse sweat, then dry skin, emaciation. On 8th day, thin white coating, fine rapid pulse. Diagnosed as congenital insufficiency, lack of sweating. Predicted white papules on 9th day, delayed. Used Bohe, Niubangzi, Lianqiao, Hei Zhi, Douchi (Sojae Semen Preparatum), Xingren, Zhuling, Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Maogen, Pipaye (Loquat Leaf), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Foshou, Heye. Light clear ventilating method. White papules sparsely erupted on chest. Added Chan Yi, Jiegeng, Yujin. Back and feet erupted. Latent heat retreated in three days.
Daughter of a dentist at Qin Xue Xuan: persistent cough for four months, paroxysmal coughing over a hundred times, gasping, emaciation. Prescribed Maxing Shigan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, Licorice Decoction) for two doses. Over a year later, fever/chills/cough, vague sand-spots. With disciple Ding Shiyong, pulse oppressed, tongue bare red, high fever, mouth ulcers, blurred consciousness. Diagnosed as intense pathogenic heat blocking sand-spot eruption. Contemporary physicians only know how to vent; must use Xijiao, Zicao cooling herbs. Family complied, bowel movement released, sand-spots reached surface. Third dose cured. Critique: Guo Yushu’s book on treating sand-spots using only warm venting is not universally applicable.
Teahouse owner from Yingyi Ting (Su person): Wife pregnant eight months, latent pathogen, irritability, fatigue, cyanotic-dark face, deep hidden pulses, scorched black coating, no bowel movement for half month. Poor, couldn't afford doctor. Physician diagnosed internal blazing heat-toxin, fetus likely lost. Saving fetus risks life. Used cold aromatic-opening agents. Fetus expelled, half body ulcerated. Removed stasis agents, survived.
Neighbor’s maid Ame: wrist pain, inability to lift objects. Red thread visible at pulse point, extending two-three cun along half arm. Diagnosed as Hongsi Ding (Red Thread Carbuncle). If crossing shoulder blade, incurable. Tied with old hair rope, pricked ends with silver needle, squeezed purple blood. Internal Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Decoction for Detoxification) cured. Another woman with finger carbuncle: Master Ma Zhengjun said early carbuncles show odd-numbered red dots on back like ant bites (5 or 7). Prick and cut the thread with silver needle to prevent formation. If 3-5 days pass, toxin scatters, dots hide, carbuncle forms. Followed method, prevented formation. Note: Method detailed in *Zhou Shi Ji Yan Fang*.
Lei Jing’an from Cotton Alley, Ximen: nodule on right gum, non-red but swollen, slight trismus. Physicians diagnosed dental abscess. Teacher Ma Peizhi diagnosed Ya Yan (Tooth Rock/Cancer), incurable by medicine. Two months later, trismus, starvation death. Confirmed.
Ma Zhengjun’s granddaughter: swollen throat/neck. Ma ordered an old bowstring length of neck size. Six strangers tied six knots, plus one for herself, called Seven-Surname String. Placed around neck, moved up/down. As swelling reduced, knots tightened. Recovered in one year. Mechanism obscure. Also effective: Qianqian Cao (Lysimachiae Herba) decoction.
Ma Zhengjun treated Shen Zida, 40+, took young concubine, developed Wei Syndrome (flaccidity). Besides medicine, instructed taking Sangye (Mulberry Leaf) with veins removed, strong decoction, frequently. Recovered in half year.
Disciple Ding Shiyong’s relative: facial deviation to right. Consulted Ma Zhengjun. Used 49 Castor seeds, 3 fen Shexiang (Moschus), pounded into cake, wrapped in summer cloth, placed in left palm. Hot wine cup inverted over herb, hand extended. Facial deviation corrected quickly. Joyful return.
Lin family from Dashiqiao, smoker. Fever/chills, then abdominal pain, dysentery red/white, >100 times/day, unable to swallow, faint. Physicians gathered at Chong’an Temple debating Xianglian Wan, Zhuche Wan, Simo Yin. Physician laughed at error. Next day, fine pulse, dry yellow tongue. Diagnosed chronic dysentery injuring Qi/Yin, empty straining without stool. Must Tonify Qi/Nourish Yin. Used Renshen, Baishao, Danpi, Xi Shengdi. Condition turned. Expanded formula, recovered in few doses.
Wang Yanting’s mother, Wuxi, 70+, acute abdominal pain, violent dysentery, fatigue. Grandson Wen Kui consulted physician. Fine rapid pulse, turbid root coating. Diagnosed dysentery unlike common cases, early constitutional depletion, indigestion, stagnation. Used Renshen Xu, Zhishi, Huabing, Shenqu. Formula controversial as dysentery usually avoids tonification. Yet, after administration, bowel moved, pain stopped. Recovered in two doses.
Mrs. Zou under Maozi Bridge, pregnant six months, mid-July abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding twice. Dr. Chen ineffective. Physician: pulse not deviating from pregnancy norms, white greasy coating. Used Renshen, Baizhu, Heye, Disang (Cornus Officinalis Fruit Pedicle), Jisheng (Taxillus Chinensis), Baishao, Sugeng, Chenpi, Sharen, Huangqi for fetal calming. Bleeding stopped, but waist soreness, Qi stagnation, bloody stools 2-3 times/day. Diagnosed intestinal-stomach damp-heat. Not typical miscarriage risk. Used Huaihua Tan (Stir-baked Sophora Flower), Chuanlian (Coptis), Huangbai, Ziqin (Scutellaria Baicalensis Root), Muxiang, Sugeng to differentiate damp-heat/regulate Qi. Bloody stool reduced but continued. Added Diyu Tan (Sanguisorbae Radix), Ziqin, Yeku Gen, Fresh Oujie (Lotus Rhizome Node), Heti (Lotus Petiole), Sugeng, Sharen, Chenpi, Sangjisheng, Foshou. Recovered.
Yin Yiqing, Dongmen Neibiao Shanfang Lane, graduate of Taowu Middle School, Suzhou. Worked in Shanghai International Settlement. Lower abdominal pain radiating to hypochondrium/chest/back, vomiting upon eating, unable to stand upright, Qi rushing up when lying, excruciating pain, persisting half year, emaciation, grey-blue face. Dr. Zhu Jiangyin used Liver-soothing/Qi-regulating aromatic-dry herbs, 30+ doses ineffective. Another doctor diagnosed Deficiency Consumption, slight improvement. Visit: deep thin pulse, thin white coating, hard abdomen, seven days constipation, generally scanty stools since onset. Physician: Though Qi deficient, definitely dry hardened stool. Must purge, but fear constitutional collapse. Many aromatic-dry herbs injured Liver Yin, Fu organ excess blocked, Qi rebelling causing vomiting. Liver governs sinews; dryness means Blood doesn’t nourish sinews. Plan to unblock Fu organs ("Unblocked means no pain"). Used Renshen Xu 0.7 qian, Sheng Dahuang 3 qian, Yuanmingfen 1 qian, Zhishi 2 qian, Zhi Xiangfu 3 qian, Juluo 2 qian, Zhi Banxia 3 qian, Chuan Yalian 0.4 qian, Dan Wuzhuyu 0.3 qian stir-fried, Zhuru 2 qian, Foshou 2 qian. Follow-up: No bowel movement, lower abdominal pain persists. Re-purge plan: Sheng Dahuang 3 qian, Yuanmingfen 1 qian, Yuanshen 3 qian, Daipi Bing 3 qian, Gualou Pi 3 qian, Muxiang 0.7 qian, Qinjiao 1.5 qian, Chenxiang 0.5 qian. Passed foot-long iron-hard stool, thick as forearm. Slight fatigue during passage, pain stopped, lower abdomen still hard, occasional sour regurgitation (Liver-Stomach disharmony). Harmonize Stomach + moisten intestines: Huoxiang Geng 3 qian, Fa Banxia 3 qian, Dan Wuzhuyu 0.4 qian, Huanglian 0.2 qian stir-fried, Zhike 2 qian, Daipi Bing 3 qian, Shengtou Cao 3 qian, Qingpi 2 qian, Xiangfu 2 qian, Ju Bai Luo 1.5 qian each, Chenxiang 0.5 qian ground/washed. Pre-take Qingdao Wan (Western med) 3 pills. Passed more dry stool, abdomen softer, only vomiting/rebellious Qi. Liver Qi invading meridians, slight pain, Middle Jiao stagnant. Modeled after Banxia Fuling Tang modified: Zhi Banxia 5 qian, Fuling 5 qian, Zhike 2 qian, Ju Luo 2 qian stir-fried, Tiansheng Zhu 2 qian, Chenxiang Fen 0.5 qian, Chao Guya 3 qian, Zuojin Wan 1 qian, Cu Chao Gaoliangjiang 0.7 qian wine-fried, Zhi Xiangfu 1.5 qian. Decocted. Passed unknown quantity of dry/hard and loose stools, accumulated residue cleared. Vomiting stopped. Liver Wood overacting on Earth, Spleen/Stomach injured. Cultivate Earth, suppress Wood: Tiansheng Zhu 3 qian, Shanyao 3 qian, Biandou Yi 3 qian, Baishao 5 qian, Yurou 1.5 qian, Zhi Wumei 0.5 qian, Ju Bai Luo 1 qian each, Zhi Banxia 3 qian, Fuling 4 qian, Tanxiang, Chao Guya 3 qian, Baixianhua 1 qian. Stomach Qi awakened, ate ~1 bowl per meal, slight right hypochondriac pain. Further expansion: Ye Yuzhu 3 qian, Huaishanyao 3 qian, Biandou Yi 3 qian, Baishao 5 qian, Juluo 1 qian, Chuanduan 3 qian, Yujin 2 qian, Yurou 1.5 qian, Guishen 1.5 qian, Tian Xingren 2 qian, Gan Qizi 2 qian, Sheng Guya 3 qian. Appetite increased, slight sourness in right hypochondrium, palm-sized back pain (retained fluid). Eliminate fluid, regulate Spleen/Stomach: Fuling 5 qian, Chenpi 1 qian, Juluo 1 qian, Yuanzhi 2 qian, Fa Banxia 2 qian, Biandou Yi 3 qian, Zexie 3 qian, Sangzhi 3 qian, Shenqu 3 qian, Qinjiao 1.5 qian, Chao Guya 3 qian, Heye Bian 1 turn. Symptoms receded daily, recovered with regulation.