一圃人,诣孟英泣请救命,诘其所以。云∶家住清泰门内马婆巷,因本年二月十五日卯刻,雷从地奋,
火药局适当其冲,墙垣廨宇,一震泯然,虽不(未)伤人,而附近民房,撼摇如簸。其时妻在睡中惊醒,即觉
气不舒畅。半载以来,渐至食减形瘦,神疲汛少。惟卧则其病如失,
药治罔效。或疑邪祟所凭,祈祷压镇,亦属无灵,敢乞手援,幸无却焉。孟英许之,往见妇卧于榻,神色言动,固
若无恙。诊毕,病患云∶君欲睹我之疾也(耶)?坐起,果即面赤如火,气息如奔,似不能接续者。苟登厕溲便,必
贲逆欲死。而前所服药,如破气行血,和肝补肺,运脾纳肾,清火安神,诸法具备,辄如水投石。孟英仿喻氏治(吴
添官母)厥巅疾之法,用药∶旋复花 代赭石 龙胆草 黄连 龙骨 牡蛎 五味子 乌梅 木瓜 法夏 蒺
藜猪胆汁,一剂知,旬余愈。
孟英治其令弟季杰之 室,因夜间未寐,侵晨饮酒解寒,适见旁人争谇,即觉心跳欲吐,家人疑其醉也。而欲
吐不出,气即奔逆如喘,且肢麻手握,语言难出,又疑为急痧而欲刺之。孟英闻而视之,脉象弦驶。曰∶夜坐阳升,
饮醇则肝阳益浮。见人争谇,是惊则气更上逆,不可刺也。灌以苏合香丸一颗,下咽即瘥。
顾升庵参军之仲郎,久患多疑善恐,不出房者数年矣。食则不肯与人共案,卧则须人防护。寡言善笑,时或遗精,
多医广药,略无寸效。孟英切脉∶甚滑数。与∶元参 丹参 竺黄 竹茹 丹皮 黄连 花粉 栀子 海 荸荠
为剂,送服当归龙荟丸,四帖,即能出署观剧,游净慈而登吴山。参军大喜,以为神治。次年为之配室。
章养云室,患感,适遇猝惊,黄、包二医皆主温补,乃至昏谵痉厥,势极危殆。棺衾成备,无望生矣。
所亲陈仰山闻之谓云∶去秋顾奏云之恙,仅存一息,得孟英治愈,子盍图之。章遂求诊于孟英,证交三十八日,
脉至细数无伦。两手拘挛,宛如角弓之反张。痰升自汗,渴饮苔黄,面赤臀穿,昼夜不能合眼。先与∶犀(角
)羚(羊角) 贝(母) (石)斛 元参 连翘 知母 花粉 胆星 牛黄 鳖甲 珍珠 竺黄 竹叶
竹茹 竹沥为方,三剂,两手渐柔,汗亦渐收,又五剂,热退痰降,脉较和,而自言自答,日夜不休,乃
去羚(羊角)、(石)斛、(珍)珠、(牛)黄,加西洋参、生地、大块朱砂两许,服之,聆絮不减。复于方中,
加青黛、龙(骨)、牡(蛎)、服二剂,仍喋喋不已。孟英苦思数四,径于前方加木通一钱,投匕即效。次日,
病者自云∶前此小溲业已通畅,不甚觉热,昨药服后,似有一团热气从心头直趋于下,由溺而泄。从此神气安谧
,粥食渐加,两腿能动,大解亦坚。忽咽肿大痛,水饮不下。孟英曰∶余火上炎也。仍
与前方,更吹锡类散而安。唯臀疮未敛,腿痛不已,乃下焦气血伤残。改用∶(人)参 (黄) (当)归
(白)芍 生地 合欢 山药 麦冬 牛膝 石斛 木瓜 山栀 藕肉,数服,痛止餐加。又予峻补生肌而愈。
魏氏女,因事惊骇,次日即不知饥,眩晕便秘。医谓“神虚”,投补数帖,反至时欲昏厥。更医作中
风治,势益甚。旬日后,孟英持其脉,弦伏而滑,胸腹无胀闷之苦,而旬
余又不更衣。是惊则气乱,挟痰逆升。正仲圣所谓“诸厥应
下者,下其痰与气也”。以∶旋(复) 赭(石) 栀(子) (黄)连 雪羹 楝(实) 贝(母) 金箔
竹沥 (莱)菔汁为方,并以铁器烧红淬醋,令吸其气,二剂厥止。旬日而瘳。
杨某,方作事,不知背后有人潜立,回顾失惊,遂不言不食,不寐不便,别无他苦。孟英按脉,沉弦。
以∶石菖蒲 远志 琥珀 胆星 旋(复) 贝(母) 竺黄 杏仁 省头草 羚羊角为剂,化服苏合香丸,
二帖,大解行而啜粥,夜得寐而能言。复予调气宁神蠲饮药,数日霍然。
王瘦石,禀属阴亏,卒闻惊吓之声,而气逆肢冷,自汗息微,速孟英视之∶身面皆青绿之色,脉沉弦而细。乃
素伤忧虑,而风阳陡动也。予∶牡蛎(四两) 鳖甲(二两) 蛤壳(一两) 石英(五钱) 龙齿 小麦 辰砂 麦
冬茯神 贝母 竹茹为方,一剂知,二剂已,续以滋养而瘳。
己酉春,胡孟绅山长,患疑。坐卧不安,如畏人捕,自知为痰,饵白金丸吐之,汗出头面,神躁妄闻。孟
英切其脉,弦滑洪数,不为指挠。投∶石膏 竹茹 枳实 黄连 旋复 花粉 胆星 石菖蒲 加雪羹、竹沥、
童溲,吞礞石滚痰丸,下其痰火。连得大解,夜分较安。惟不能断酒,为加∶绿豆、银花、枳 子,吞当归龙荟
丸。旬余,脉证渐平,神气亦静,尚多疑惧。改授∶犀角 元参 丹皮 竹叶 竹茹 贝母 百合 丹参 莲
心猪胆汁炒枣仁 盐水炒黄连,吞枕中丹,以清包络肝胆之有余而调神志。又旬日,各恙皆蠲,即能拈韵。
继与十味温胆法善其后。
太仑陆竹琴之令正,陡患心悸,肢冷如冰。其子惶惶,浼吴江程勉耘恳援于孟英。察其脉,浮弦而数,
视其舌,尖赤无苔。乃阴虚阳越,“煎厥”根萌。与∶元参 “二至” “三甲” 龙齿 石英 生地
牛膝 茯神 莲子心而愈。
康康侯司马令郎尔九,在玉环署中,患心忡自汗,气短面赤,霎时溲溺数十次,澄澈如水。医佥谓虚,
补之日剧。乃来省就孟英诊焉。左寸关数,右弦滑,心下似阻。因作痰火阻气,心热移肺治。用∶蛤壳 黄连
枳实 楝实 旋复 花粉 橘红 杏仁 百合 丝瓜络 冬瓜子 海 荸荠 竹茹 竹沥 梨汁等,出入为
方,服之良愈。而司马(指康康侯)为职守所羁,尝患恙,函请孟英诊视者数四,竟不克往。继闻司马于仲冬
竟卒于瓯。乃知病而得遇良手,原非偶然。前岁遇而今岁不能致,岂非命也耶!
A commoner went to Meng Ying, weeping and begging for help. Meng Ying inquired about the cause. The man said: "My home is located in Mapo Alley inside Qingtai Gate. On the Mao hour of February 15th this year, thunder erupted from the ground. The gunpowder depot was directly in its path; walls and official buildings collapsed instantly. Although no one was injured, nearby civilian houses were shaken as if in a winnowing basket. At that time, my wife was awakened from sleep and immediately felt uncomfortable Qi (vital energy). Over the past half-year, her appetite decreased, she became emaciated, fatigued, and her menstrual flow diminished. Only when lying down did the symptoms disappear. Medication was ineffective. Some suspected demonic possession; prayers and suppressive rituals also failed. I dare to beg for your assistance, please do not refuse." Meng Ying agreed and visited the woman. She lay on the couch, her expression, speech, and movements appearing normal. After pulse diagnosis, the patient asked: "Do you wish to see my illness?" Upon sitting up, her face indeed turned red as fire, her breathing became rapid and surging, seemingly unable to continue. If she went to the toilet to urinate, she would experience severe Qi rebellion, nearly dying. Previous medications included methods to break Qi and move blood, harmonize Liver and tonify Lung, regulate Spleen and store Kidney, clear Heat and calm Spirit, yet they were like water thrown on stone. Meng Ying imitated Yu Jia Yan's treatment of Wu Tianguan's mother's Jue Dian disease (a type of severe headache or stroke-like condition), prescribing: Inulae Flos (Xuanfu Hua), Magnetitum (Daizheshi), Gentianae Radix (Longdancao), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Ossis Fragments Longgu (Longgu), Concha Ostreae (Muli), Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi), Mume Fructus (Wumei), Chaenomelis Fructus (Mu Gua), Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum (Fabanxia), Tribuli Fructus (Jili) with Pig Bile. One dose showed improvement; over ten days, she recovered.
Meng Ying treated the wife of his brother Ji Jie. Because she had not slept at night and drank alcohol in the early morning to dispel cold, and happened to see others arguing and cursing, she suddenly felt palpitations and nausea. Her family suspected intoxication. She wanted to vomit but could not; Qi surged rebelliously like asthma, limbs were numb, hands clenched, and speech was difficult. Others suspected acute Sha disease and wanted to prick it. Meng Ying heard this and examined her; the pulse was Wiry (Xian) and Rapid (Shi). He said: "Sitting at night causes Yang to rise; drinking strong wine further floats Liver Yang. Seeing an argument causes Jing (Shock) to make Qi rebel upward; pricking is contraindicated." He administered one pill of Suhe Xiang Wan (Styrax Pill), and she recovered immediately upon swallowing.
The second son of Canjun Gu Shengan suffered from chronic suspicion and fear, staying indoors for years. He refused to eat at the same table as others and required protection while sleeping. He spoke little but laughed often, and occasionally experienced nocturnal emissions. Many doctors and medicines yielded no effect. Meng Ying palpated the pulse: very Slippery (Hua) and Rapid (Shu). He prescribed: Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (Danshen), Farfarae Flos (Zhuhuang), Bambusae Medulla (Zhuru), Moutan Cortex (Danpi), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Glehniae Radix (Huafen), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi), and Hydrocotyl Asiatica (Haibiqi) as a decoction, taken with Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica Sinensis and Picrorhiza Pill). After four doses, he could leave the residence to watch plays, visit Jingci Temple, and climb Wushan. The Canjun was overjoyed, calling it divine treatment. He married him off the following year.
Zhang Yangyun's wife contracted a Cold-Heat disorder (Gan) and encountered sudden shock. Doctors Huang and Bao both advocated Warm Tonification, leading to coma, delirium, spasms, and syncope, with critical danger. Coffins and shrouds were prepared, with no hope of survival. A relative, Chen Yangshan, told Zhang: "Last autumn, Gu Zhaoyun's illness was near death, but Meng Ying cured him. Why not try him?" Zhang sought Meng Ying's consultation. The disease had lasted thirty-eight days. The pulse was Thready (Xi) and Rapid without limit. Both hands were convulsed, resembling opisthotonos. Phlegm rose, spontaneous sweating occurred, thirst with yellow coating was present, face was red, buttocks were ulcerated, and eyes could not close day or night. First, he prescribed: Rhinocerotis Cornu (or Buffalo Horn substitute), Saiga Tataricae Cornu (Lingyangjiao), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Dendrobii Caulis (Shihu), Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Forsythiae Fructus (Lianqiao), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Glehniae Radix (Huafen), Arisaematis Cum Bile (Danning), Bovis Calculus (Niuhuang), Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (Biejia), Perla (Zhenzhu), Farfarae Flos (Zhuhuang), Phragmitis Rhizome (Zhuye), Bambusae Medulla (Zhuru), and Bamboo Sap (Zhulü). After three doses, hand convulsions softened, and sweating stopped. After five more doses, heat subsided, phlegm descended, and pulse became harmonious. However, the patient talked to himself incessantly day and night. Meng Ying removed Lingyangjiao, Shihu, Zhenzhu, and Niuhuang, adding American Ginseng (Xiyangshen), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi), and large pieces of Cinnabar (Zhusha) weighing approximately two taels. The muttering continued. Meng Ying then added Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis), Longgu (Ossis Fragments), and Muli (Concha Ostreae). After two doses, the chatter persisted. After deep contemplation, Meng Ying added Tong Cao (Akebia Caulis) one qian to the previous formula. The effect was immediate. The next day, the patient reported: "Previously, urination was smooth, and I did not feel much heat. After yesterday's medicine, a mass of hot Qi seemed to rush from the heart downward and exit through urine. Since then, spirit has been calm, food intake increased, legs moved, and stool became firm. Suddenly, throat swelled and hurt severely, unable to swallow liquids." Meng Ying said: "This is residual Fire flaring upward." He used the previous formula and applied Xile San (Tin Type Powder) externally to soothe it. Buttocks ulcers remained unhealed, and leg pain persisted, indicating injury to Qi and Blood in the Lower Jiao. He changed the prescription to: Ginseng Radix (Renshen), Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi), Albiziae Cortex (Hehuan), Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao), Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), Dendrobii Caulis (Shihu), Chaenomelis Fructus (Mu Gua), Gardeniae Fructus (Shanzhi), and Lotus Root Flesh (Outou). After several doses, pain stopped, and appetite increased. He then provided strong tonification to generate flesh, and she recovered.
Ms. Wei, shocked by an incident, lost her appetite, suffered vertigo, and constipation the next day. Doctors diagnosed "Spirit Deficiency" and gave tonics, causing frequent fainting. Another doctor treated it as Stroke, worsening the condition. Ten days later, Meng Ying palpated her pulse: Wiry, Hidden (Fu), and Slippery. There was no chest/abdominal fullness, but she had not defecated for over ten days. This was Shock causing Qi chaos, carrying Phlegm upward. As Zhongjing stated: "For various Jue syndromes requiring purgation, purge the Phlegm and Qi." He prescribed: Inulae Flos (Xuanfu), Magnetitum (Daizheshi), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Xueting Soup (Snow Broth), Meliae Fructus (Lianshi), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Gold Leaf (Jinpiao), Bamboo Sap (Zhulü), and Raphani Fructus Juice (Laifu Zhi). He also heated iron tools and quenched them in vinegar, letting her inhale the fumes. Two doses stopped the Jue. She recovered in ten days.
Mr. Yang was working when someone stood quietly behind him. Turning around in surprise, he became mute, refused food, could not sleep or defecate, with no other complaints. Meng Ying palpated the pulse: Deep (Chen) and Wiry (Xian). He prescribed: Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Shichangpu), Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi), Succinum (Hupo), Arisaematis Cum Bile (Danning), Inulae Flos (Xuanfu), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Farfarae Flos (Zhuhuang), Armeniacae Semen (Xingren), Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Shentoucao), and Saiga Tataricae Cornu (Lingyangjiao) as a decoction, taken with dissolved Suhe Xiang Wan. After two doses, bowel movement occurred, he ate porridge, slept at night, and spoke. He was then given Qi-regulating, Spirit-calming, and Phlegm-resolving herbs, recovering fully in a few days.
Wang Shoushi had a Yin-deficient constitution. Upon hearing a startling noise, he experienced Qi rebellion, cold limbs, spontaneous sweating, and weak respiration. Meng Ying found his body and face greenish-blue, pulse Deep, Wiry, and Thready. This was due to chronic worry causing sudden Wind-Yang agitation. He prescribed: Concha Ostreae (Muli - 4 liang), Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (Biejia - 2 liang), Concha Meretricis et Cyprinae (Geqiao - 1 liang), Quartz (Shiying - 5 qian), Dracunis Os (Longchi), Tritici Granum (Xiaomai), Cinnabar (Chensha), Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong), Poria (Fushen), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Bambusae Medulla (Zhuru). One dose improved, two doses resolved, followed by nourishing herbs for recovery.
In the spring of Jiyou year, Headmaster Hu Mengshen suffered from paranoia. Restless sitting and lying, fearing capture, he knew it was Phlegm and took Baijin Wan to induce vomiting, resulting in sweating on the head/face, irritability, and auditory hallucinations. Meng Ying palpated the pulse: Wiry, Slippery, Surging, and Rapid, unaffected by finger pressure. He prescribed: Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), Bambusae Medulla (Zhuru), Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Inulae Flos (Xuanfu), Glehniae Radix (Huafen), Arisaematis Cum Bile (Danning), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Shichangpu), plus Xueting Soup, Bamboo Sap, and Child's Urine (Tong Sou), swallowed with Mengshi Guntan Wan to purge Phlegm-Fire. Large bowel movements ensued, bringing relief at night. Since he couldn't quit alcohol, Meng Ying added Mung Bean (Lvdou), Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (Yinjinhua), and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhizi), swallowing Danggui Longhui Wan. Over ten days, pulse and symptoms stabilized, spirit quieted, but suspicion/fear remained. He switched to: Rhinocerotis Cornu (or Buffalo Horn), Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Moutan Cortex (Danpi), Phragmitis Rhizome (Zhuye), Bambusae Medulla (Zhuru), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (Danshen), Nelumbinis Plumula (Lianxin) stir-fried with Pig Bile and Ziziphus Seed (Suanzaoren), Salt-fried Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), swallowed with Zhenzhong Dan to clear excess in Pericardium/Liver/Gallbladder and regulate Spirit. After another ten days, all ailments vanished, and he could compose poetry. Finally, Shiwei Wendan Tang was used for consolidation.
Madam Lu Zhuqin of Taicang suddenly suffered palpitations and ice-cold limbs. Her son panicked and asked Cheng Mi Yun of Wujiang to seek Meng Ying's aid. Pulse: Floating, Wiry, Rapid. Tongue: Red tip, no coating. This was Yin Deficiency with Yang Hyperactivity, the root of Jian Jue (Boiling Syncope). He prescribed: Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Erzhi Wan (Two Solstices Pill), Sanjia Fumai Tang (Three Shells Decoction), Dracunis Os (Longchi), Quartz (Shiying), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), Poria (Fushen), Nelumbinis Plumula (Lianxin). She recovered.
Erjiu, son of Sima Kang Kanghou, in Yuhuan office, suffered palpitations, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, red face, and frequent urination (dozens of times, clear as water). Doctors assumed Deficiency and tonified daily, worsening the condition. He came to the provincial capital for Meng Ying. Left Cun/Guan pulses: Rapid. Right pulse: Wiry, Slippery. Epigastrium felt obstructed. Diagnosed as Phlegm-Fire obstructing Qi, Heart Heat transferring to Lung. Prescribed: Concha Meretricis et Cyprinae (Geqiao), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi), Meliae Fructus (Lianshi), Inulae Flos (Xuanfu), Glehniae Radix (Huafen), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Juhong), Armeniacae Semen (Xingren), Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), Luffae Fructus Retinervus (Sigualuo), Benincasae Semen (Dongguazi), Hydrocotyl Asiatica (Haibiqi), Bambusae Medulla (Zhuru), Bamboo Sap (Zhulü), Pear Juice. Variations led to good recovery. Meanwhile, Sima Kang Kanghou was bound by duty, had previously requested consultations via letter multiple times, but Meng Ying couldn't go. Later, Sima died in Ou region in mid-winter. It was realized that meeting a skilled physician during illness was not accidental. Meeting last year but failing this year—was it not fate?