陈氏妇,素无病,娩后甚健,乳极多而善饭。六月初,形忽遽瘦,犹疑天热使然,渐至减餐。所亲徐丽生
嘱延孟英视之,脉细数,舌光绛。曰∶“急劳”也。无以药为。夫乳者,血之所化也,乳之多寡,可征血之
盛衰。兹乳溢过中,与草木将枯,精华尽发于外者何异?即令断乳,亦不
及矣。其家人闻之,未为深信,即日断乳服药,及秋而逝。
吴馥斋室,新产后,呕吐不止,汤水不能下咽,头痛痰多,苔色白滑。孟英用∶苏梗橘(皮) 半(夏)
吴萸 茯苓 旋复 姜皮 柿蒂 紫石英 竹茹,一剂知,二剂已。
翁嘉顺令正,娩后,阴户坠下一物,形色如柿。多方疗之不收。第三日始求治于孟英。令以∶泽兰叶二两,煎
浓汤熏而温洗,随以∶海螵蛸、五倍子等分,研细粉糁之,果即收上。
继而恶露不行,白带时下,乳汁全无,两腿作痛,又求方以通之。孟英曰∶此血虚也。乳与恶露虽无,其腹必
不胀,前证亦属大虚,合而论之,毋庸诊视。因与∶黄 当归 甘草 生地 杜仲 大枣 糯米 脂麻 藕(肉)
浓煎羊肉汤煮药,服后乳汁渐充,久服乃健。
溽暑之令, (江浙称麻疹为 )疹盛行,幼科仅知套药,升、柴、防、葛乱施,殆亦疫疠之病,造化
默行其杀运欤?陈仰山家患此者十余人,其长郎书芾孝廉之女,势最剧,以 甫出而汛至也,医者却走。始延孟英
视之,脉滑而数,舌绛大渴,面赤失音,不食便泻。曰∶此由发散太过,火盛风炽,气血两燔。气分之邪,由泻而
略泄其焰,营分之热,由汛而稍解其焚,岂可畏其脱陷,妄投止涩耶?与∶西洋参 石膏 知母 麦冬 犀角 生
地连翘 甘草 石斛 丹皮 桑叶 竹叶,大剂投之,三日而愈。养阴善后,遂以渐安。其余或轻或重,孟英一
以清解而痊。
仲夏, 疹流行,幼科执用套药,夭扎实多。有王子能参军所亲楚人刘某,仅一子,甫五龄。陆某见其 点不
绽,连进柽柳等药,壮热无汗,面赤静卧,二便不行。参军闻其殆,延孟英视之,投犀羚白虎汤而转机。陆某力阻石
膏不可再饵,仍进温散,以至气喘痰升,复加麻黄八分,欲图定喘,而喘汗濒危,二便复秘。再恳孟英救之,投白
虎(汤)加西洋参、竹叶而愈。
继有房氏子,亦为陆某误用温散致剧,痰喘便秘,口渴神昏,溲碧肢 。孟英与大剂白虎汤加西洋参、元参、竹
叶、木通、调紫雪(丹),四帖而始安。
李新畲仲郎, 未齐而痰嗽气喘,苔色白滑,小溲不赤。或主犀角地黄汤加紫雪,服而不效。延孟英诊之,
右脉洪滑而口渴。乃天时酷热。暑邪薄肺,挟其素有之痰而阻其治节,所以气机不行,而疹不能达,苔不能化,溺
不能赤也。温散大忌,凉血亦非。与∶竹叶石膏汤合苇茎(汤)加杏(仁)、(紫)菀、旋(复)、枇(杷叶)、海
石,投之,气平疹透,苔退色红,小溲亦赤,数日而愈。
徐艮生室,年四十余,于酷暑之时患 。所亲沈悦亭,连予清解不能刹其势,为邀孟英视之,体浓痰多,脉
甚滑数,扬掷谵妄,舌绛面赤,渴饮便涩。乃予大剂白虎(汤)加犀角、元参、银花、花粉、贝母、竺黄、竹叶、竹茹、
竹汤,送(服)滚痰丸,服后,大便下如胶漆,脉证渐和。数日后,去丸药,其势复剧,甚至发厥。仍加丸药乃
平。如是者三次,险浪始息。悦亭复以白金丸涤其膈下留痰,续用甘凉濡润法,充津液而搜余热,渐以告愈。
姚子, 后两腿筋掣,卧则更痛,幼科作风治而愈剧。孟英以∶犀角 生地 木通 豆卷 葳蕤 桑枝 丹
皮栀子 丝瓜络,投之而效。
朱敦书令嫒患感,医投温散,服二剂,遍身麻 ,汛事适来。医进小柴胡汤,遂狂妄莫制。乞援于孟英,脉至
洪滑弦数,目赤苔黄,大渴不寐。是 因温邪而发,所以起病至今,时时大汗,何必再攻其表?汛行为热迫于营,
胡反以姜、枣温之?(人)参、紫(草)、柴(胡)升之?宜其燎原而不可遏也。与∶大剂犀角 元参 生地
石膏 知母 花粉 银花 竹叶 贝母 白薇,以清卫凉营,服后即眠,久而未醒,或疑为昏沉也,屡为呼唤,
病者惊寤,即令家人启箧易服,穿鞋梳发,告别父母云∶“欲往花神庙归位”。人莫能拦,举家痛哭,急迓孟英
复视,脉象依然,嘱其家静守忽哭,仍以前方加重,和以竹沥、童溲,灌下即安,继用养阴清热而愈。
韩石甫大令令正,患感发疹,沈悦亭治以清解,热渐退而神气不爽,舌黑难伸,太息便秘,胸次拒按,脉弦缓
而滑。投∶凉膈散加知母、花粉、枳实、竹茹,一帖而苔即退黄,再服而黑屎下,神气清,即以向愈。
Mrs. Chen, who had no prior illness, was in good health after childbirth, with abundant lactation and a good appetite. In early June, her body suddenly wasted away rapidly. Her family initially suspected it was due to the hot weather, but she gradually began to eat less. A relative, Xu Lisheng, suggested consulting Wang Mengying. The pulse was fine and rapid (Xisu), and the tongue was bare and crimson (Guangjiang). Wang said, “This is Ji Lao (Acute Consumption). It cannot be cured by medicine. Milk is transformed from blood; the quantity of milk reflects the abundance or deficiency of blood. Now that milk is overflowing excessively, what difference is there from a tree about to wither, where all its essence is emitted outward? Even if we stop lactation immediately, it would be too late.” Her family did not believe him deeply. They stopped lactation and took medicine on that day, but she passed away in autumn.
The wife of Wu Fuzhai, shortly after childbirth, suffered from incessant vomiting, unable to swallow even soup or water. She had headaches and excessive phlegm, with a white and slippery tongue coating (Baihua Tai). Wang used: Perillae Caulis (Sugeng), Tangerine Peel (Jupi), Pinellia Rhizome (Banxia), Evodia Fruit (Wuyu), Poria (Fuling), Inula Flower (Xuanfu), Ginger Peel (Jiangpi), Persimmon Calyx (Shidi), Haematitum (Shizhuying), and Bamboo Shavings (Zhuru). Symptoms improved after one dose and resolved after two doses.
The wife of Weng Jiashun, after childbirth, had a mass prolapsing from the vagina, shaped and colored like a persimmon. Various treatments failed to reduce it. On the third day, she sought treatment from Wang. He prescribed: Leaves of Landolopia (Zelan Ye) two liang, decocted into a strong soup for fumigation and warm washing. Immediately afterwards, cuttlebone (Haipiaoxiao) and Chinese Gallnut (Wubeizi) in equal parts were ground into fine powder and applied. The prolapse indeed reduced immediately.
Subsequently, lochia did not flow, leukorrhea occurred intermittently, lactation ceased completely, and both legs ached. She requested another prescription to promote flow. Wang said, “This is Blood Deficiency (Xuexu). Although there is no lactation or lochia, the abdomen must not be distended. The previous symptoms also belong to severe deficiency. Considering them together, further diagnosis is unnecessary.” He prescribed: Astragalus Root (Huangqi), Angelica Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Licorice Root (Gancao), Rehmannia Root (Shengdi), Eucommia Bark (Duzhong), Jujube (Dazao), Glutinous Rice (Nuomi), Sesame Seeds (Zhima), Lotus Root Flesh (Ourou), decocted in thick mutton broth. After taking it, lactation gradually increased, and long-term use restored her health.
During the period of humid heat and summer heat, measles (Zhen) prevailed in the Jiang-Zhe region. Pediatricians only knew how to use standard prescriptions, recklessly administering Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma), Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), and Puerariae Radix (Gegen). This might be an epidemic disease, where nature silently executes its killing operation? More than ten people in the Chen Yangshan household suffered from this. The daughter of his eldest son, Xiaolian Shufei, had the most severe condition because menstruation started shortly after the rash appeared. Physicians refused to treat her. Initially, Wang Mengying was consulted. The pulse was slippery and rapid (Huashuo), the tongue was crimson with extreme thirst, face was red, voice was lost, anorexia, and diarrhea. Wang said, “This is caused by excessive diaphoresis, leading to intense fire and rampant wind, burning both Qi and Ying levels. The pathogen in the Qi level has slightly dissipated its flame through diarrhea; the heat in the Ying level has slightly relieved its burning through menstruation. How can one fear collapse and recklessly administer astringents?” He prescribed: American Ginseng (Xiyangshen), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong), Rhinoceros Horn (Xijiao - *note: substitute with Buffalo Horn in modern practice*), Rehmannia Root (Shengdi), Forsythiae Fructus (Lianqiao), Licorice Root (Gancao), Dendrobium Stem (Shihu), Moutan Cortex (Danpi), Mulberry Leaf (Sangye), and Bambusa Leaves (Zhuye), administered in large doses. She recovered in three days. Nourishing Yin for convalescence led to gradual stability. Other patients, mild or severe, were cured uniformly by clearing and resolving methods.
In mid-summer, measles were prevalent. Pediatricians stubbornly used standard prescriptions, resulting in many deaths. Liu, a Chu native related to Military Officer Wangzineng, had only one son, aged five. Physician Lu saw that the measles spots did not erupt and consecutively administered Chrysanthemum Indicum Herb (Chengliu) and other drugs. This resulted in high fever without sweat, red face, quiet lying down, and obstruction of both urination and defecation. Hearing of the critical condition, the officer invited Wang Mengying. Wang administered Xi Ling Bai Hu Tang (Rhinoceros-Horn and Antelope-Horn White Tiger Decoction), and the condition turned. Physician Lu strongly opposed continuing Gypsum, insisting on warm dispersants. Consequently, asthma and rising phlegm occurred. Another 8 fen of Ephedra Herb (Mahuang) was added to calm asthma, leading to asthmatic sweating and near-death state, with re-obstruction of bowels and urine. Again, Wang was implored to save her. He administered Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) plus American Ginseng and Bamboo Leaves, resulting in recovery.
Next, a child of the Fang family, also worsened by Physician Lu’s misuse of warm dispersants, presented with phlegm-asthma, constipation, thirst, confusion, clear urine, and cold limbs. Wang gave a large dose of Bai Hu Tang plus American Ginseng, Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Bamboo Leaves, and Akebia Caulis (Mutong), mixed with Zi Xue Dan (Purple Snow Pill). After four doses, he stabilized.
Li Xinshu’s second brother, before measles fully erupted, developed phlegm-cough and asthma, with a white slippery tongue coating and non-red urine. Someone proposed Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang (Rhino-Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) plus Zi Xue Dan, which was ineffective. Wang diagnosed a surging-slippery right pulse and thirst. He attributed it to extreme heat of the season, where Summer-Heat Evil oppressed the Lung, carrying inherent phlegm and obstructing Lung regulation. Thus, Qi mechanism failed, preventing eruption of measles, transformation of coating, and reddening of urine. Warm dispersants were strictly contraindicated, and cooling blood was inappropriate. He prescribed Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) combined with Wei Jing Tang (Reed Shoot Decoction) plus Apricot Kernel (Xingren), Aster Root (Ziwan), Inula Flower (Xuanfu), Loquat Leaf (Pipaye), and Pumice Stone (Haishi). After administration, breathing calmed, measles erupted, coating receded turning red, urine became red, and he recovered in several days.
Xu Gensheng’s wife, over forty years old, contracted measles during intense summer heat. Relative Shen Yueting, having failed to control the progression with clearing-resolving agents, invited Wang. The patient was obese with much phlegm, pulse very slippery and rapid, tossing and turning with delirious speech, crimson tongue, red face, thirst with desire to drink, and difficult urination. Wang gave a large dose of Bai Hu Tang plus Rhinoceros Horn, Scrophulariae Radix, Honeysuckle Flower (Yinhua), Trichosanthes Root (Huafen), Fritillaria Bulb (Beimu), Farfara Flower (Zhuhuang), Bamboo Leaves, Bamboo Shavings, and Bamboo Juice (Zhutang), delivered with Gun Tan Wan (Rolling Phlegm Pill). After ingestion, stool discharged like glue and lacquer, and pulse/symptoms gradually harmonized. Several days later, stopping the pill caused recurrence and severity, even syncope. Adding the pill again平息ed it. This happened three times before the danger subsided. Shen then used Bai Jin Wan (White Gold Pill) to cleanse retained phlegm below the diaphragm, followed by sweet-cool moistening methods to replenish fluids and search out residual heat, leading to gradual recovery.
Child Yao, after measles, suffered from leg muscle spasms, worse when lying down. Pediatricians treated it as Wind syndrome, worsening the condition. Wang prescribed: Rhinoceros Horn, Rehmannia Root, Akebia Caulis, Soybean Sprouts (Doujuan), Polygonatum Rhizome (Weirui), Mulberry Twig (Sangzhi), Moutan Cortex, Gardenia Fruit (Zhizi), and Luffa Fiber (Sigualuo). Administration yielded efficacy.
Zhu Dunshu’s daughter contracted a pathogenic influence. The physician administered warm dispersants. After two doses, numbness covered the whole body, and menstruation coincidentally started. The physician then administered Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), leading to uncontrollable mania. Seeking help from Wang, the pulse was surging-slippery-wiry-rapid, eyes red, yellow coating, extreme thirst, and insomnia. Wang reasoned: “This erupted due to Warm Evil. Hence, since onset, there has been constant profuse sweating. Why attack the exterior again? Menstruation occurs because heat forces into the Ying level. Why use Ginger and Jujube to warm? Why use Ginseng, Purple Perilla, and Bupleurum to ascend? No wonder the fire spreads uncontrollably.” He prescribed a large dose of Rhinoceros Horn, Scrophulariae Radix, Rehmannia Root, Gypsum, Anemarrhenae Rhizome, Trichosanthes Root, Honeysuckle Flower, Bamboo Leaves, Fritillaria Bulb, and Anemarrhenae Rhizome (Baiwei - *Note: Text says Baiwei, usually Anemarrhenae or similar cooling herb*) to clear Wei and cool Ying. She slept immediately after taking it, for a long time. Some suspected coma. Upon waking, she instructed her family to change clothes, put on shoes, comb hair, and bid farewell to parents, saying, “I want to go to the Flower Goddess Temple to return to my post.” Family could not restrain her. Crying, they urgently summoned Wang. Pulse remained the same. He advised the family to stay quiet and not cry, repeated the formula with increased dosage, mixed with Bamboo Juice and Child’s Urine (Tongsui). After灌下, she calmed. Convalescence with nourishing Yin and clearing heat led to recovery.
Han Shifu’s wife, County Magistrate, contracted influenza with rash. Shen Yueting treated with clearing-resolving. Heat gradually subsided, but spirit was dull, tongue black and stiff, sighing, constipation, chest tenderness to pressure, pulse wiry-slow-slippery. He administered Liang Ge San (Cooling the Chest Powder) plus Anemarrhenae Rhizome, Trichosanthes Root, Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi), and Bamboo Shavings. After one dose, tongue coating turned yellow and receded. After second dose, black stool passed, spirit cleared, and she moved towards recovery.