旧传∶人当兵荒困顿之后,必有大疫。因饥寒劳役,在所不免,脏气先虚,再感外邪,
一人
病疫,传染无休。崇祯辛巳,天下扰攘,疫气蔓延数省,时以伤寒法治之,不见其效,反多
有害。吴又可先生特出己见,发千古神明之识,着《温疫论》三卷,《补遗》一卷。以疫气
从口鼻吸入,伏于膜原,在不表不里之间,治法迥异,乃着此书以辨别之,有功于世,大矣
哉!首用达原饮,继以三承气,谓伤寒可迟下,一下可愈,温疫宜早下方痊。论中详辨分明
,何待予言,惟所论乃兵荒困顿传染之疫也。近时承平熙泰,间有是症,其因不同,而邪伏
膜原,以数下始痊则一也。更《温疫论》中,首用达原饮,内草果一味,燥烈而温,与承平
之疫,未能中的。予乃加制一方,名开郁胜湿汤,乃因近时疫症,有感邪于冬季者,《伤寒
论》所谓人之伤于寒也,至春化为温,至夏为热。再兼挟湿与肥浓,食物胶结于胃而成,舌
黄胸痞,壮热不休,脉洪涩或沉细。其邪并非自口鼻吸入,故药用茅术、浓朴、陈皮(三味
开郁胜湿为君。)楂肉、神曲、枳实、栝蒌皮、(消胃中胶结为臣。)黄芩、连翘、(清伏热
为佐。)甘草。(和中为使。)若热不解,须以大黄、枳实、元明粉,再配合症之药下之,所
下如胶似漆,必得净尽。若留邪一分,则不愈焉。有用大黄数两至半斤始愈者。本论最为精
确,但粗工取其卷帙不繁,论断简捷,竟操为枕秘。不论东垣之脾虚发热,丹溪之阴虚发热
,概用达原饮、三承气等汤治之。呜呼!杀人多矣!非又可之谬,实谬用者
之罪也。今论清时疫症,与兵荒疫症,其因有异,达原饮太烈,余治无别焉。并解内伤与血
虚,不可混施误人也。
Ancient tradition holds: After experiencing war, famine, and hardship, people are bound to suffer from a major epidemic. This is because hunger, cold, and overwork are inevitable, causing the Qi of the Zang-Fu organs to become deficient first. Subsequently, when external pathogens are contracted, if one person falls ill with an epidemic, it spreads continuously without end. In the Xin-Si year of the Chongzhen reign (1641), the world was in turmoil, and epidemic Qi spread across several provinces. At that time, treatments for Shanghan (Cold Damage) were used, but they showed no effect and instead caused much harm. Mr. Wu Youke presented his own unique insights, demonstrating profound wisdom unmatched for millennia, and wrote *Wenyi Lun* (Treatise on Warm Epidemics) in three volumes, along with one volume of *Supplement*. He posited that epidemic Qi enters through the mouth and nose and lies hidden in the Membrane Source (Moyuan, a location between the exterior and interior). Since the treatment methods are radically different, he authored this book to distinguish such conditions, contributing immensely to the world! The treatment begins with Dayuan Yin (Reach the Origin Decoction), followed by the three Chengqi Tangs (Gastro-Draining Decoctions). It is argued that Shanghan can be treated with purgatives later, cured after one administration, whereas Wenyi requires early purgation for recovery. The discussions in the book are detailed and clear, leaving little for me to add. However, what he discussed was epidemics transmitted due to war and famine. In recent times, during periods of peace and prosperity, similar symptoms occasionally occur, but although the causes differ, the fact that the pathogen lies hidden in the Membrane Source and requires multiple purgations for recovery remains the same. Furthermore, the Dayuan Yin used at the beginning of *Wenyi Lun* contains Caoguo (Tsaoko Fruit), which is dry, hot, and potent, and may not be precisely suited for epidemics occurring in peaceful times. Therefore, I formulated a new prescription named Kaiyu Shengshi Tang (Open Stagnation and Dispel Dampness Decoction), addressing recent epidemic patterns. Some epidemics result from contracting pathogens in winter; as stated in *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage): "When humans are injured by cold, it transforms into Wen (Warmth) in spring and Re (Heat) in summer." Additionally, dampness may combine with rich, fatty foods, causing food stagnation to bind in the stomach. Symptoms include yellow tongue coating, chest and epigastric fullness/stuffiness, persistent high fever, and a pulse that is surging and choppy or deep and fine. This pathogen does not enter via the mouth and nose. Therefore, the herbs used are: Maoshu (Atractylodis Rhizoma Preparata), Nongpu (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) as Jun (Emperor) herbs, opening stagnation and dispelling dampness; Zharen (Crataegi Fructus), Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), and Gualoupi (Trichosanthis Pericarpium) as Chen (Minister) herbs, resolving gastric binding; Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) as Zuo (Assistant) herbs, clearing latent heat; and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) as Shi (Envoy) herb, harmonizing the middle. If the heat does not resolve, Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Zhishi, and Yuanmingfen (Natrii Sulfas) must be combined with condition-specific herbs to induce purgation. The excrement will resemble glue or lacquer and must be completely cleared. If even a fraction of the pathogen remains, the disease will not heal. Some patients require several taels or even half a jin of Dahuang to recover. Although *Wenyi Lun* is extremely precise, unskilled physicians, attracted by its concise length and straightforward assertions, treat it as a secret manual. Regardless of whether the patient suffers from Pi Xu Fa Re (Spleen Deficiency Fever) described by Li Dongyuan or Yin Xu Fa Re (Yin Deficiency Fever) described by Zhu Danxi, they indiscriminately use Dayuan Yin and the three Chengqi Tangs. Alas! Many have been killed! This is not Wu Youke's error, but the fault of those who misuse it. Now, discussing Qing dynasty epidemics versus wartime epidemics, their causes differ. Dayuan Yin is too harsh; my treatment approach distinguishes them. Furthermore, internal injury and Blood Deficiency must not be confused with these conditions to avoid harming patients.