复函：枯竹蛀屑生蒲黄各等分，加冰片少许，时时掺之效。五、马××函：敬启者，家叔马润生于民十九年春间，染有奇疾，遍身干黄，两目尤甚，胁下结痞块，以致饮食顿减，积一年馀始治愈。不意去年秋季，旧病复发，症候较前烦重，治疗更觉棘手，中西医药分投迭治，有时虽奏肤功，究竟并无大效。素仰大医师学问渊博，义理精深，医国济世。早已蜚声中外，徒以山水阻隔，就医既感不便，聘请力尤不逮，望洋兴叹，徒唤奈何。近读鸿著，敬悉已为远道病家开通函问证之例，则荒僻区域，问之病而不能治，治而不得当，以致缠绵不起者，从此均得起死回生而免向隅，诚善举也，爰将症状脉象另纸呈览，恳即酌赐方剂。以便早复健康为感。附奉国币四元，至希詧纳。
马××马××，山东即墨人，年57岁。身体素健壮，在青岛经理纸张印刷事业，性亢直，寡言笑，然好代人抱不平，民国十九年春，因事触怒，郁结于中而病作，当时腹泄，旋复因气而至胁痛腹满，甚或呕吐不时，下午五时以后，则寒热交作，渐致身体瘦弱，面色憔悴，黧黑而透黄色，目光黄无神，小便黄赤，有时或清，大便色白而溏，次数较平日为多，日久则右胁下结硬块，按之微痛，脉象左关倍硬，馀稍数，右关虚数。中西医治者，或以为黄疸，或以为痞块，或以为积聚，某西医谓为肝脏肿大，胆汁输送不便，故皮肤焦黄，然投以药饵，则不见功效，最后断以怒气伤肝，脾因以虚，用归脾汤加醋炙白芍、鳖甲、石斛、木瓜、当归、鸡内金、丹皮、青蒿、柴胡、桑枝等药出入为剂十馀服，始能胁块渐消，气力渐强，病已全愈。此民二十年秋季也。
十四年九月，偶因伤气，前病复发，惟此次不寒热，不疼痛。夜间稍觉热燥为可异，不思饮食，身体赢弱为可惧，面目之颜色，大小便之形状，均与上次相同，但小便赤黄无时或清，胸口缘右胁硬块渐向下伸长，探手能掀起，非重按不痛，脉象右寸尺细弱无力，左寸迟亦细弱一惟沉分稍强，左关弦硬，但限于浮取，中取则稍弱，沉取不算有力，右关虚弱，沉分无力已极，六部总断细数虚之象，左关独有弦硬之象，最近西医诊为肝脏癌，方在服药，不知效能。
复函：年近六旬，胁痛腹满痞块又作，入夜热燥，饮食不思，病虽在肝，脾胃已渐遭延及，扼要图治，注意肝睥，肝之病实，睥之病虚，脉弦在左，即其证也，实宜攻，虚宜补，法当两顾。
又函：敬启者，家叔润生，得服大医师妙方，病日渐轻矣，惟症大缠绵，不能病魔即退，将脉病症另纸，附国币四元，祈再赐方，指示明途。此请陆士谔大医师伟鉴马××今病状：身体瘦弱，右胁下尽处及心窝下有一大硬块。(比前稍见小)症状：面黧黑而透黄色，目黄若前，惟小便黄赤，较前略淡。
脉象：左寸尺弦虚，左关中取弦硬，浮沉虚象。(比前稍柔，右寸尺细弱，右关弱，沉取稍振，比前略好。)饮食：较前加三分之一强，精神稍振，行路微有力量。
服药：每日三次，已照方服七日矣，发信之日犹照方服食。
原方照复。
复函：体虚邪实，以鳖甲煎丸攻邪，人参补正，既获见效，病情已难遁形。第年近六旬，病非一日，据述脉见虚弦细弱，断难浪投霸药，图快一时，仍主前法，服满一月再商。
仲景鳖甲煎丸钱半(分三次吞)。
别直参一钱白茯苓钱半粳米三十粒，煎汤下丸。六、左××君函：士谔先生大鉴：鄙人年近四十，身体外表尚不瘦弱。而其实内亏颇甚，所幸饮食日日如恒，夜眠亦好，间有睡至夜半，若千愁万绪奔至胸中，遂不能寐，直待旭日东升，起而后已。此为病否?抑心血亏耗否?应医治否?此外两腿自膝以下异常酸痛，且牵引痛于腰，或一二日酸一次，或三五日一次，如遇天将下雨，其酸更重，而酸时全部无力，虽行百步，亦觉为难，此患约五六年，服中药颇多，获益甚鲜。前见《金钢钻#医林》栏，载“医药问答”，因悉先生为当代医学中坚，不胜羡慕，故将鄙人病状述请先生赐方诊治，侔起沉疴而还健步，则不胜感祷之至，想先生济世婆心，慈云普照，决不肯拒之而弗教也，嵩肃祗请道安。左××复函：夜难眠属胃不和，足难步属湿流筋，奉上一方，试服五剂。
左××又函：士谔先生大鉴：前承赐方，已服五剂，现拟续服一二剂，近日来未见若何效验，恐药力太薄，难以达到病处，腰膝相连，应与肾并治否?再，恳求先生酌夺一方，于《金钢钻》披露，倘能服愈，定当重酬盛德，决不以事过情迁而不报答也，匆此即请道安，并希早日披露为盼。
左××复函：前方两顾，既未见效，法当分治，先治其不眠。
制半夏三钱北秫米(包)四钱朱获神四钱夜交藤四钱川连三分炒阿胶三钱此方连服七日。
七、张××君函：士翁道鉴：元宦自去岁夏季，偶得痒疹病，遍延中西医士，百药杂投。迄无效果，痛苦万状，近因阅先生所著剑侠小说，欣悉先生不独文学渊博，而且精于汉医，堪称国手，欢忭莫名，拟仰恳先生本慈航普渡之旨，为宦酌立一方，或尊处有现成药品，赐函示知价目，定当汇款购买，如无成药，则立方之费，亦恳示及，必当照寄不误，总之元宦志在立起沉疴，并不敢吝惜费用，务乞先生博展鸿慈，莫名顶感，顺颂福安。
张××又函：士谔先生道鉴：昨接惠寄诊例二纸，敬悉一切，今遵章由邮局汇上大洋四元，希即兑收，并恳立赐仙方，从速寄下，以便照服而起沉疴，至于鄙人病原病状，前函业经详陈。兹不赘述，语云“信而后医”，今鄙人于先生千里求医，可谓信矣，精诚所结，金石为开。将来服药之后，定获奇效，可预卜也，敬乞大国手逾格费神，莫名顶感，顺颂壶安。张××张××附言：附启者，请先生临开方时，务将病原及治法详论见告，以祛烦惑，鄙人近来饮食日减，困倦日甚，大便仍旧秘结、疙瘩已集中于两腿部，形如朱砂，其色鲜红，刺痒不堪，入夜益甚，如徒步行走数百步。则顿觉周身火热，所有疙瘩立时刺痒加倍。中医有谓脾湿者，有谓血热者，有谓内蕴风邪者，但试服其药，成如石沉大海。西医有谓系皮肤病者，有谓系花柳病者，然试注射皮肤药针，花柳药针，均无寸效。鄙近二年来因患斯病，日吸芙蓉三次，特此附告。谨将病原及病状列下，敬请亮察。
1、宦素患胃病、遗精病荏苒十年，忽愈忽剧，迄未根治，嗣因练习静坐，病热稍减，因政海浮沉，静坐久辍，但病尚未剧烈，不过身体精神俱甚衰弱。
2、此次痒疹初起，在1934年五六月之间(旧历)，先由腿部继及胸背，十馀日后，即遍周身矣。其痒难堪，不能忍受，其疙瘩如豆粒或米粒，其色红，始服中药，继到医院注射，均不见效。延至冬初，始见平复。
3、今年(1935)五六月间，疙瘩又起，其形状与刺痒与去年相同，及服中医汤药，则疙瘩由大变小，由一变百，全身几无完肤，宛如疥癞，令人不忍卒视，其刺痒增加万倍，嗣经友人告一偏方，用爆竹中之药，用猪油包上，擦在患部，用炭火烤之，顿见效益，但此愈彼起，仅能收效一时，不能根本除治，旋又在医院注射914药针，亦不见效，又注射治皮肤病药针，亦不见效。
4、现在饮食减少，精神不振，每日疲困不堪，头一着枕，即昏昏睡去。无论昼夜清晨，九点上斑，非经家人数度呼唤不醒。
5、至于房事，每一月或两月始行一次，然至多不过五分钟而已，可见精衰气竭。
6、如有所述不详不尽，先生有应垂讯之处，即请赐函示之，必当奉告台前也，至于邮资统由元宦担负，决不累及先生分毫也，诸希朗照不宣。张××又函：1、本年六七月间，曾延崔先生服肉桂、附子、桂枝、半夏、麻黄、升麻等等药品，病势骤然剧烈，甚至周身如疥如癞，溃烂流水，嗣用爆竹药炭火烤患处，始见略愈，此医历任税捐局长等差，素有大名医之称，不意经其一治，几不可收拾。
2、又在京中延聘著名汉医，投以五爪红、白藓皮、油贡朴、杏仁、桃仁等等药品，无过无功。平平无奇。据称此病系属湿气，胃中有病。西医则谓系属花柳，但注射花柳药针，多至一二十次，亦不见效，且元宦已十馀年未履曲巷，即从前亦不过逢场作戏，年中仅几次而已，宿妓至多不过十次，何至有如此之大毒，即有毒而药针何以不效，实属疑问。
3、此病一发，即患大便秘结。排泄一次。甚至力竭声嘶，须三四个钟点，且有时非用油药由肛门注入。否则不下，以此观之，似此病与肠胃有关，亦未可知。
4、疙瘩起时，如用爆竹中药合猪油擦上，用炭火烤之，则立即止痒，晚间擦烤能延至次日清晨，清晨擦烤，则能延至晚间，此理殊不可解。
5、疙瘩起处多在血管之上，或在血管近处，亦不知何故，上至头部，下至手足，无一处不起，甚至指尖处亦起此种疙瘩。
兹启者，元宦现年三十九岁，奉天人，幼年读书常有劳力过度处，中年境遇坎坷，忧伤亦有过度之处，十年以来，渐入佳境，然积弱之躯，不易遽复健康也。
复函：据述身发红疹，其形大者如豆，小者如米，奇痒难忍，病历三载，此乃胃家血热与脾家湿热连横为患，脾胃皆主肌肉，故肌肉奇痒，肠胃内气阳明，故大便闭结。阳明为多气多血之经，故血管近处最多，爆竹中药能燥湿，不能清热，能燥湿故能暂时见效，不能清热，故随愈随发，此病既非花柳，亦与皮肤无涉，西医所断，殊难可信。病既血热湿热连横为患，再投附桂热药，抱薪救火，适增其焰矣。奉上两方，一内服一外敷：黄连一钱黄柏一钱黄芩三钱连翘三钱银花四钱绿豆衣四钱生甘草七分飞滑石四钱冬瓜皮六钱霜桑叶三钱鲜竹叶三钱清水两碗浸透，煎成药汁一碗，去渣顿服。
处敷方：生茅术五钱丹皮五钱生大黄一两黄连五钱橘红五钱薄荷一两上药共细末和以猪胰脂油，敷患处。[可用白藓皮、地肤子、净蝉衣、薄荷、白僵蚕、晚蚕沙同煎汤洗擦，亦效。]八、镇江洪某某君函：士谔先生尊鉴：敬陈者，仆年幼无知，误交劣友，又中淫书之迷，终日神思恍惚，回想书中情景，若有馀味，致造意淫，时或抚弄阳物，日久成习，至十七岁始戒除(意淫仍旧)。但未越一年，欲念时起，终弗能坚持，乃变本加厉，非法出精(约月二三次)，其时身体衰弱，面黄肌瘦，不思饮食，小便特多，清夜扪心，自觉愧对，遂发狠根本戒除。然悔之已晚，今年十九岁，发育不全，咽喉未突起，腋下无毛，阴毛稀少，阳物短小，少年无知，一至如此。且仆系独生子，堂上双亲，抱孙心切，每提及婚事，仆辄以年幼为词，长此以往，终非良策，久仰先生医道精微，神未绝伦，对于此症，谅有奇术妙方，特此上函敬恳，乞在《医林》示复，以救残生，恩同再造，肃此敬颂德安。
洪××复函：此肾气衰也，宜吞服金匮肾气丸，每日三钱，淡盐汤下，此丸国药店皆有售。
九、周××函士谔先生尊鉴；敬启者，兹有疑症一件，因久闻先生学术精深，故特不揣冒昧。专函叩教，祈在《钻报，医林》内示下治法，不独晚生感激，敝成合家尤当永铭五中也。
敝戚居京，其长女今年21岁，自去岁旧历六月起，天癸忽止，半月后又觉身热、昏闷，见食呕吐，喜睡，初疑有孕，后延医诊治，云系肝血胃结之症。连诊三次，连服归芍枳栀等药十馀剂。各痛尽失，饮食加增。大致与平常无异，即停止服药。然其经仍未行。至八月底，食蟹数只，不多日，腹部膨胀，胃纳如常，故又诊治，并服理气消胀等药十馀剂，经仍未行，至十月去苏州诊治，药亦不下十馀味，不外调经理气等等，服药至今未断。其现状腹大如四五月孕，上月起睡后有块如小掌大在脐上撑动，小腹仍软如常。腹饥时亦软，食后胀硬气闷，早晨又宽软，胃口如常，未悉此症是否气结血闭成痞，其经已停将八月，究若何故?本当至申[上海]造府面叩诊察。实因京[南京]申往返非二日不可，于未熟悉申地者究若不便，兹嘱晚生函奉，一俟有便友出申，当偕至候先生面治也，临书匆匆，敬候仁示，专此敬请时祉。周××复函：《内经》云“男子内结七疝，妇子带下瘕聚”。令亲之病，不碍饮食，则与肠胃无涉。凡气之结。无不关乎血气凝滞，当是瘕聚无疑，可向著名国药店购鳖甲煎丸。每日空腹吞服一钱，连服七日再谈。
Reply: Take equal parts of bamboo borer debris (Kuzhu Zhuxie) and Polygoni Multiflori Caulis processed powder (Puhuang), add a small amount of borneol (Bingpian), and sprinkle it on the affected area frequently. This is effective.
V. Letter from Ma XX: Respectfully, my uncle, Ma Runsheng, contracted a strange illness in the spring of 1930 (the 19th year of the Republic of China). His entire body became dry and yellow, with his eyes being particularly severe. A mass formed under his ribs, causing a sudden decrease in appetite. It took over a year of treatment to cure him. Unexpectedly, in the autumn of last year, the old disease relapsed, with symptoms more severe and complicated than before, making treatment even more difficult. Chinese and Western medicines were used alternately; although sometimes superficial effects were achieved, there was ultimately no significant improvement. I have long admired your profound knowledge and deep understanding of medical principles, your ability to treat the nation and save the world, and your fame both at home and abroad. However, due to geographical barriers, seeking medical treatment was inconvenient, and hiring you was beyond our means, leaving us sighing in frustration. Recently, reading your work, I learned that you have opened a channel for distant patients to consult via letters and describe their conditions. Thus, patients in remote areas, who previously could not be treated or received inappropriate treatment leading to lingering illnesses, can now be brought back from the brink of death and avoid neglect. This is truly a benevolent act. Therefore, I have written down the symptoms and pulse characteristics on a separate sheet for your review. I earnestly request you to prescribe a formula so that he may recover his health soon. I am deeply grateful. Enclosed are four yuan in national currency, please accept them.
Ma XX, Ma Runsheng, from Jimo, Shandong, aged 57. He was generally robust, managing a paper printing business in Qingdao. His personality was upright and straightforward, speaking little and smiling rarely, but he liked to stand up for others. In the spring of 1930, angered by an incident, depression accumulated in his heart, leading to illness. Initially, he suffered from diarrhea, followed by hypochondriac pain and abdominal fullness due to Qi stagnation, and occasional vomiting. After 5 PM, chills and fever alternated, gradually leading to emaciation, a haggard complexion, blackish-yellow skin, dull yellow eyes, dark red urine (sometimes clear), white loose stools occurring more frequently than usual, and eventually a hard mass forming under the right rib, slightly painful upon pressure. The pulse was extremely hard at the left Guan position, slightly rapid elsewhere, and deficient-rapid at the right Guan position. TCM practitioners diagnosed it as jaundice, a palpable mass, or accumulation. A certain Western doctor diagnosed liver enlargement and impaired bile transport, causing the yellow skin. However, medications yielded no effect. Finally, it was diagnosed that anger injured the Liver, causing Spleen deficiency. Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) was modified with vinegar-processed Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Bie Jia (Turtle Shell), Shi Hu (Dendrobium Stem), Mu Gua (Chaenomeles Fruit), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Ji Nei Jin (Chicken Gizzard Lining), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Qing Hao (Artemisia Annua), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), and Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig). After taking more than ten doses, the hypochondriac mass gradually subsided, strength returned, and the illness was completely cured. This occurred in the autumn of 1931.
In September 1925 (the 14th year), due to accidental Qi injury, the previous illness relapsed. This time, there were no chills/fever or pain. Nighttime slight heat and dryness were unusual. Loss of appetite and physical weakness were concerning. Facial color and stool/urine shape were similar to the previous episode, but urine was dark red without becoming clear. The hard mass under the right rib extended downwards towards the chest, palpable and lifting with hand pressure, only painful when pressed heavily. The pulse was fine and weak at the right Cun and Chi positions, slow and fine-weak at the left Cun, with only slight strength at the Chen (deep) level. The left Guan was wiry and hard, but only at the Fu (superficial) level; it was weaker at the Zhong (moderate) level and not strong at the Chen level. The right Guan was deficient, extremely weak at the Chen level. Overall, the six positions showed fine, rapid, and deficient qualities, except for the wiry-hard quality unique to the left Guan. Recently, Western doctors diagnosed liver cancer. He is currently taking medication, but its efficacy is unknown.
Reply: Approaching sixty years of age, with recurring hypochondriac pain, abdominal fullness, and masses, plus nighttime heat and dryness and loss of appetite, although the disease is in the Liver, the Spleen and Stomach are gradually involved. To address the key aspects, attention must be paid to the Liver and Spleen. The Liver condition is excess, while the Spleen condition is deficiency. The wiry pulse at the left position confirms this. Excess should be attacked, deficiency should be tonified; the method should address both.
Zhongjing's Biejia Jian Wan (Turtle Shell Pill for Dissipating Accumulations), 1.5 qian (swallowed), taken with decoction of Biezhi Shen (American Ginseng), 1 qian, for seven consecutive days.
Another letter: Respectfully, my uncle Runsheng has improved day by day since taking your excellent prescription. However, the symptoms are lingering, and the illness cannot retreat immediately. The pulse and symptoms are written on a separate sheet. Enclosed are four yuan in national currency. Please grant another prescription and guide us clearly. With highest respect to Dr. Lu Shie. Ma XX. Current condition: Emaciated body, a large hard mass at the end of the right hypochondrium and below the epigastrium (slightly smaller than before). Symptoms: Blackish-yellow face, yellow eyes as before, but urine is dark red, slightly lighter than before. Pulse: Left Cun and Chi are wiry-deficient; Left Guan, moderate pressure is wiry-hard, floating and sinking show deficiency (softer than before); Right Cun and Chi are fine-weak; Right Guan is weak, slight strength at deep pressure (slightly better than before). Diet: Increased by more than one-third compared to before; spirit slightly revived; walking has some strength. Medication: Three times daily, taken according to the prescription for seven days; still following the prescription on the day of writing. Original prescription repeated.
Reply: Deficiency of body constitution with excess pathogenic factors. Biejia Jian Wan attacks the pathogen, Ren Shen tonifies the healthy Qi. Since effectiveness has been achieved, the condition is revealed. However, approaching sixty, the illness is not acute. Based on the described pulse showing deficiency, wiriness, fineness, and weakness, rash use of harsh drugs for quick results is inadvisable. Stick to the previous method, complete one month of treatment, then discuss further.
Zhongjing's Biejia Jian Wan, 1.5 qian (divided into three doses swallowed).
Biezhi Shen (American Ginseng), 1 qian; Bai Fu Ling (Poria), 1.5 qian; Jing Mi (Rice), 30 grains. Decoct and take the pill with this soup.
VI. Letter from Mr. Zuo XX: Dear Mr. Shie: I am nearly forty years old. My exterior does not look thin or weak, but internally, the deficiency is significant. Fortunately, my diet remains normal, and sleep is generally good. Occasionally, around midnight, countless worries rush to my chest, preventing sleep until sunrise. Is this a disease? Or is it Heart Blood deficiency? Should it be treated? Additionally, my legs below the knees ache excessively, radiating to the waist. The aching occurs once every one to two days or every three to five days. When rain is imminent, the aching worsens, accompanied by total weakness in the limbs, making even short walks difficult. This has persisted for about five or six years. I have taken much TCM with little benefit. Previously, I saw "Medical Q&A" in the *Diamond* newspaper, learning that you are a pillar of contemporary medicine. I envy you greatly and thus describe my condition, requesting a prescription to cure this chronic ailment and restore my gait. I pray sincerely, knowing your compassionate heart will surely teach me. Sincerely, Zuo XX.
Reply: Difficulty sleeping at night belongs to Stomach disharmony; difficulty walking belongs to Dampness flowing into the sinews. Here is a formula; try taking five doses.
Bei Shu Mi (Broomcorn Millet, wrapped), 3 qian; Xuan Mu Gua (Chaenomeles Fruit), 1 qian; Sheng Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed), 3 qian. Decoct in water, take twice daily.
Zuo XX's second letter: Dear Mr. Shie: I took the previous prescription for five doses and plan to continue for one or two more. Recently, I have seen no significant effect. I fear the medicinal power is too weak to reach the disease site. Since the waist and knees are connected, should they be treated together with the Kidney? Again, I beg you to consider a prescription and publish it in the *Diamond*. If it cures me, I will reward your great virtue generously and never forget. Hasty closing, wishing you peace.
Zuo XX's reply: The previous formula addressed both aspects but failed. The method should now be differentiated treatment, starting with insomnia.
Zhi Ban Xia (Prepared Pinellia Rhizome), 3 qian; Bei Shu Mi (Broomcorn Millet, wrapped), 4 qian; Zhu Fu Shen (Poria with Hosta Root, Cinnabar-coated), 4 qian; Ye Jiao Teng (Fleeceflower Caulis), 4 qian; Chuan Lian (Coptis Rhizome), 3 fen; Chao E Jiao (Stir-fried Donkey-hide Gelatin), 3 qian. Take this formula for seven consecutive days.
VII. Letter from Mr. Zhang XX: Respected Elder Shie: Yuanhuan contracted an itchy rash disease last summer. I consulted many Chinese and Western doctors, trying various medicines. There was no effect, and the suffering was extreme. Recently, having read your sword-hero novels, I am delighted to learn that you are not only literate but also proficient in Han Medicine, worthy of being a national master. Overjoyed, I humbly request you, based on your compassionate mission, to prescribe a formula for me. Or if you have ready-made medicines, please inform me of the price, and I will remit payment. If no ready-made medicines exist, please indicate the fee for prescribing, which I will certainly send. My goal is to cure this chronic illness, and I do not grudge the expense. I implore your great compassion. Wishing you happiness.
Zhang XX's second letter: Respected Mr. Shie: Yesterday I received your two case records and understand everything. Now, following regulations, I have remitted four silver dollars via post office. Please receive them and kindly provide your immortal prescription quickly so I may take it to cure this chronic illness. Regarding my cause and symptoms, I detailed them in my previous letter. I will not repeat them. As the saying goes, "Trust first, then treat." Seeking treatment from you across thousands of miles shows my trust. Sincerity opens metal and stone. I predict miraculous effects after taking the medicine. I respectfully ask the great master to exert extra effort. Wishing you health. Zhang XX. Postscript: When prescribing, please explain the cause and treatment method in detail to dispel my confusion. My diet is decreasing daily, fatigue increasing. Constipation persists. Rash bumps have concentrated on both legs, resembling cinnabar, bright red, unbearable itching, worsening at night. Walking hundreds of steps makes my whole body feel hot, doubling the itching. Some say it is Spleen Dampness, some Blood Heat, some internal Wind Evil. Trying their medicines was like throwing stones into the sea. Some say it is a skin disease, some a venereal disease. Injecting skin or venereal medicines had no effect. For the past two years, due to this illness, I smoke芙蓉 (Hibiscus) three times a day. I list the cause and symptoms below for your consideration.
1. I have suffered from Stomach disease and spermatorrhea for ten years, fluctuating in severity without root cure. Later, practicing meditation reduced the heat slightly. Due to political ups and downs, I stopped meditating, but the illness did not become severe, only causing physical and mental weakness.
2. This rash first appeared in May-June 1934 (lunar calendar), starting on the legs, spreading to chest and back, then all over the body within ten days. The itching was unbearable. The bumps were bean-sized or rice-grain-sized, red. I started with TCM, then injections at the hospital, neither worked. It subsided in early winter.
3. In May-June 1935, the bumps reappeared, same shape and itching as last year. Taking TCM decoctions made the bumps shrink from large to small, but multiplied from one to a hundred. Almost no intact skin remained, resembling scabies, unbearable to look at. Itching increased ten thousandfold. A friend advised a folk remedy: using gunpowder from firecrackers, wrapped in lard, applied to the affected area, and roasted over charcoal. Immediate relief was seen, but new bumps appeared where old ones healed, offering only temporary relief, not a cure. Then I injected Salvarsan (914) at the hospital, no effect. Injecting skin disease medicines, no effect.
4. Now, diet is reduced, spirit low, daily exhaustion. Head touches pillow, and I fall asleep instantly. Regardless of day or night, waking at 9 AM requires multiple calls from family.
5. Regarding sexual intercourse, it occurs once every month or two, lasting at most five minutes. This shows essence depletion and Qi exhaustion.
6. If anything is unclear, please write to ask. I will answer fully. I bear all postage costs.
Zhang XX's third letter: 1. In June-July this year, I hired Mr. Cui to prescribe Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Fu Zi (Aconite Root), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome), Ma Huang (Ephedra), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), etc. The illness suddenly intensified, even causing the whole body to resemble scabies, ulcerating and oozing. Roasting the affected area with gunpowder medicine and charcoal provided slight relief. This doctor, formerly a tax bureau director and known as a famous physician, nearly caused chaos with his treatment.
2. I also hired a famous Han Medicine doctor in Beijing, prescribing Wu Zhao Hong, Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Root Bark), You Gong Po (Magnolia Bark), Xing Ren (Apricot Seed), Tao Ren (Peach Seed), etc. No merit, no fault. Mediocre. They claimed it was Dampness and Stomach disease. Western doctors said it was venereal. Injecting venereal medicines twenty times had no effect. I haven't visited brothels for over ten years, only occasionally before, max ten times. How could such toxicity exist? Why didn't the injections work? Doubtful.
3. Upon onset, severe constipation occurred. One bowel movement required exhausting strength and voice, taking three to four hours. Sometimes oil enemas were needed. Thus, this disease might be related to the intestines and stomach.
4. When bumps appear, applying gunpowder medicine mixed with lard and roasting stops itching immediately. Evening application lasts until morning; morning application lasts until evening. This logic is inexplicable.
5. Bumps mostly appear on or near blood vessels. Unknown why. From head to hands and feet, everywhere is affected, even fingertips.
Hereby, Yuanhuan is 39 years old, from Fengtian. Overworked during youth studying, experienced hardships and excessive sorrow in middle age. Things have improved over the past ten years, but a chronically weak body does not easily regain health.
Reply: Described red rashes, large as beans, small as rice grains, unbearable itching, lasting three years. This is Stomach Blood Heat combined with Spleen Damp-Heat affecting each other. The Spleen and Stomach govern muscles, hence muscle itching. The Intestines and Stomach relate to Yangming Qi, hence constipation. Yangming is the meridian of abundant Qi and Blood, hence most bumps near blood vessels. Gunpowder medicine dries Dampness but does not clear Heat. Drying Dampness gives temporary effect; clearing Heat is lacking, hence recurrence. This is not venereal nor purely skin-related. Western diagnosis is unreliable. Since it is Blood Heat and Damp-Heat, administering hot herbs like Fu Zi and Rou Gui is like adding fuel to fire. Here are two formulas, one internal, one external:
Internal: Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), 1 qian; Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark), 1 qian; Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), 3 qian; Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit), 3 qian; Yin Hua (Chrysanthemum Flos), 4 qian; Lv Dou Yi (Mung Bean Coat), 4 qian; Sheng Gan Cao (Licorice Root), 7 fen; Fei Hua Shi (Calcined Talc), 4 qian; Dong Gua Pi (Winter Melon Peel), 6 qian; Shuang Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), 3 qian; Xian Zhu Ye (Fresh Bamboo Leaf), 3 qian. Soak in two bowls of clear water, decoct to one bowl of juice, remove dregs, take in one dose.
External: Sheng Mao Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), 5 qian; Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), 5 qian; Sheng Da Huang (Rhubarb Root), 1 liang; Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), 5 qian; Ju Hong (Citrus Reticulata Peel), 5 qian; Bo He (Mint), 1 liang. Grind all medicines into fine powder, mix with pig pancreas fat/lard, apply to affected area. [Alternatively, decoct Bai Xian Pi, Di Fu Zi, Jing Chan Yi, Bo He, Bai Jiang Can, Wan Can Sha, and wash/rub the area. Also effective.]
VIII. Letter from Mr. Hong XX of Zhenjiang: Respected Mr. Shie: Respectfully, I was young and ignorant, made bad friends, and was fascinated by erotic books. Day and night, my mind was confused, recalling scenes with lingering taste, leading to mental lust and occasional masturbation. This habit continued until I quit at seventeen (mental lust remained). Within a year, desires arose again, unable to persist, escalating to illegal ejaculation (about 2-3 times monthly). At that time, my body weakened, face yellow, muscles thin, loss of appetite, frequent urination. At night, feeling guilty, I resolved to quit fundamentally. But regret came too late. Now nineteen, development is incomplete: throat not prominent, no armpit hair, sparse pubic hair, small penis. Youthful ignorance led to this. As an only son, my parents eagerly desire grandchildren. Whenever marriage is mentioned, I use youth as an excuse. This is not a good strategy long-term. I admire your profound medical skills and unique wisdom. Surely you have miraculous methods for this condition. I write this letter begging for a reply in the *Medical Forest* to save my remaining life. Your grace is like rebirth. Sincerely wishing you virtue and peace.
Hong XX's reply: This is Kidney Qi decline. Swallow Jinkui Shenqi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill), 3 qian daily, taken with light salt water. This pill is available in all traditional pharmacies.
IX. Letter from Zhou XX: Respected Mr. Shie: Respectfully, I have a doubtful case. Having heard of your profound scholarship, I dare to write specifically for guidance. Please show the treatment method in the *Drill Newspaper · Medical Forest*. Not only will I be grateful, but my entire family will forever remember it.
My relative lives in Beijing. Her eldest daughter, 21 years old this year, suddenly stopped menstruation last June (lunar calendar). Half a month later, she felt feverish, dizzy, vomited upon seeing food, and preferred sleep. Initially suspected pregnancy, then consulted doctors who diagnosed Liver Blood and Stomach Knot syndrome. After three consultations and taking more than ten doses of Guishao Zhizhi (Guipi, Baishao, Zhizi, etc.), all pains disappeared, appetite increased. Generally normal, so medication stopped. However, menstruation did not resume. By late August, after eating several crabs, her abdomen swelled within days, though appetite remained normal. She was treated again and took more than ten doses of Qi-regulating and distension-reducing medicines. Menstruation still did not resume. In October, she went to Suzhou for treatment. Prescriptions included more than ten herbs, mainly regulating menstruation and moving Qi. Medication has been continuous. Currently, her abdomen is as large as a 4-5 month pregnancy. Since last month, a palm-sized mass moves above the navel after sleep. Lower abdomen remains soft. Abdomen is soft when hungry, hard and bloated after eating, wide and soft in the morning, appetite normal. I wonder if this is Qi knot and Blood closure forming a mass? Her period has stopped for nearly eight months. What is the cause? I should visit Shanghai for examination. However, travel between Nanjing and Shanghai takes two days, inconvenient for those unfamiliar with Shanghai. I instruct my junior to send this letter. When a friend travels to Shanghai, I will accompany them to see you. Writing hastily, awaiting your benevolent instructions. Sincerely wishing you seasonal blessings.
Zhou XX's reply: The *Neijing* states, "Men suffer internal Seven Hernias; women suffer leukorrhea and Jia Ju (masses)." Your relative's illness does not hinder diet, so it is unrelated to the intestines and stomach. Any Qi knot involves Blood and Qi stagnation. It is undoubtedly Jia Ju. You can purchase Biejia Jian Wan (Turtle Shell Pill for Dissipating Accumulations) from a famous traditional pharmacy. Swallow 1 qian on an empty stomach daily, and we will discuss after seven days.