十、韩××君函：士碍先生伟鉴：敬启者，敝友张君，年三十八岁，于七年前正二月间患耳聋症。即二耳如蝉鸣。头目晕眩，神志不清，头响如潮声，此乃系心火肝火上升，故头部有声，两耳被蒙，以致失聪，投以滋水降火及引火归元法渐愈。不料于是年十一月天气寒冷时复发，由其乡间医生诊治，方用鳖血柴胡、砂仁拌熟地、细辛、杭菊花、怀牛膝、生枳壳、僵蚕、川通草、莲子心、小青皮、炒杞子、白蒺藜等连服数帖即愈。而翌年十二月又发，以后年发一次，必在十二月正月间，在天气寒冷时，偶患伤风，其症即发，直至五六月天热方愈。天寒则发，天热则愈，年年如此。困苦情形，莫可言状，迩今天气寒冷，为感冒风寒，二耳又告失聪，脉濡细苔腻，须待至天热方可全愈。先生为国医泰斗，善济人急，恳求速赐妙方，登于《金钢钻报》，倘能药到病除，则恩同再造矣。顺请新年如意。
韩××复函：贵友耳聋，天寒则病，天热自瘥，此乃阳郁阴中，欲升不得。升降失其常度。春升秋降，冬夏为甚。冬至阳升，夏至阴生，此不过升降之征兆，究其实际，夏则生之至，冬则降之至，姑拟小方，请一试之。
活磁石二两细辛七分以上二味，文火熬，清水三大杯，熬成药汁一杯，临卧顿服。服药后，即以丝绵裹铁落碎粒少许塞两耳中，连服三剂。
十一、蔡××君函：士谔老先生尊鉴：久未奉教，鄙吝之念复萌。近维新春大吉，诸事如意为颂为贺。
兹启者，有医药一项，念晚生年轻学浅，不能解决，故特专函请教，祈为指导是幸。事缘敝戚郭君，去年回粤，得识粤医谭孟勤，今春谭医寄来一方，与郭君云为家庭太平药剂，无论其人身体寒热虚实，皆可服用，寒者自愈，即热者食之，亦能泻热，但观其方，辛热异常，且其份量亦比寻常药方重十馀倍，郭君食之，精神增加，其家人食之，亦俱见佳，尚有敝成陈君家人，潘君家人等，食之亦无不精神爽利，其中虽有寒体，然亦不无热体，如有常流鼻血及牙出血者，亦有肝火上升者，又有平日便结者。又有失眠者，但食之均能自愈，且大便畅顺，试研究其药味，则不莫名其妙。兹将该药方开列如下：胡椒八两川椒八两细辛八两陈皮二两北五味四两如有喘加半夏六两用二十四碗水煎成一碗顿服。以上五味，均辛热之药，寒热之体俱能医治，岂非神乎，其中奥妙，还祈老先生研究指教是幸，嵩此顺请春安。
蔡××复函：此劫剂也。以二椒之散，细辛之升，陈皮之行，而有五味之酸涩监制之，则椒、辛、橘为所牵制，缚英雄之手，槛虎豹于阱，只能鼓动气血，不能为祸肠胃，犹之吸鸦片烟者之精神得振。江湖劫剂，不可为训，烦寄语诸亲友，幸毋以劫剂自戕也。
十二、郭××君函：士谔大医士伟鉴：敬启者，久慕大名，未能前来请教为憾，先生对于医理至精，病者受惠实多，近更为远处通讥请教之病者，在《金钢钻报》示明病理及处方，则授惠远道病者，更不胜其数矣。兹将鄙人之病况，奉告于后。烦请先生将病理及服何药。披露于《金钢钻报》，则感谢不尽矣。
病状：1、左耳常鸣及至最近厉害，听时届须双目一闭。
2、夜间睡眠不安，如睡非睡熟之状，恶梦连绵不断，在睡第一觉比较安静些，到午夜二时左右，醒后则颇难入睡，既入睡不到二十分钟左右即被恶梦惊醒，如此直至天明。
4、喝开水咽口水时，颇易误入气管而致咳嗽。
5、头部常觉发热不舒服，尤其是晨八时至十时及饭后喉问觉干哮，虽无痰亦欲咳嗽一下才舒服。
6、作任何事，心终甚为着急。
7、一运动或一着急，则呼吸即甚急促。
8、前几个月每隔五六天遗精一次，后服中药，现已二十天没有遗精，而以上七种病症，迄无稍愈，用敢烦劳，敬颂大安。郭××，复函：此肝胆有馀火，肺胃有馀饮也，奉上小方，宜连服五剂。
制半夏三钱川贝母三钱竹二青三钱（不知是何药）枇杷叶(去毛)三钱青陈皮各八分朱茯神四钱夜交藤三钱川连三分生甘草三分十三、顾××君函：士谔大医士有道，久仰盛名，无缘拜识，每读《钻报》至“医药栏”论，钦佩无任。仆肠胃消化素强，惟有蛀牙致右面腭齿失职，只能一面咀嚼。十载以来，致肠胃中时觉胀满，剧作时脐部小腹间续痛不已，约三四天始止，其时频欲下便，而所下仅黑灰芕溏汁少许。此种作痛，每年约二三次，平时胃欲虽大，肠中消化不任，无多进食则胀，未知应常服何种药品为宜，敢请先生拟方载于《钻报》是荷，如丸药更妙，因仆作客沪上，煮煎不便，耑此祗颂炉安。
顾××。
复函：贵恙乃睥运失健也，奉上小方，宜制丸服。
生白术五钱焦枳实一两鸡内金一两焦谷麦芽各一两神曲一两清炙甘草五钱焦山馇一两共研细末，饭汤泛丸。梧子大，每食前吞服十五丸。开水下，一日三次。十四、徐××君函：陆士谔先生道鉴：小儿现年四岁半，在二年半前的春天，陡然发烧、惊惶、啼哭，腰以下瘫软如绵，不能坐立，当求医服药，烧退左腿即行复原，惟右腿自膝以下不红不肿，热天时有汗如渗。冷天时触手如冰，不知伸曲，肌肉消瘦，迭经中西医诊治，或谓系风湿内侵，宜服热燥之药；或谓系神经麻痹。宜用电疗。二年以来。稍能站立，而不能自由伸曲如故，西医并谓须自然恢复，无特效药，殊为绝望。仆夙仰先生为医界泰斗，济世为怀，因不揣冒昧，专函干渎，伏乞惠示医治方法，则感荷无慨矣。即颂壶安。徐××，，复函：此痹证也，古称难治，姑拟小方试之。
党参三钱川桂枝一钱白芍一钱怀牛膝一钱鹿角胶七分(另烊化入药)十五、郑×君函：士谔先生大鉴：读《钻报》时聆伟说。欣慰莫名，仆少嗜医，奈乏师承，等于盲人暗中摸索，今得一睹曙光，未始非三生有幸也。兹有请者，内人向有带疾，乃月初自止，而脑后之发脚[发际处]突起小疮，大便秘结，喉干口苦，脉颇洪实，本人自服泻丸，大泻三次，竟小便不通，刺痛欲死，仆以莲梗二两，陈皮五钱，甘草梢三钱，木通三钱，水煎服，始略通。乃翌日复闭，且遍体出小疹如米，其痒异常，脉转弦数，再以龙胆泻肝汤及当归芦荟丸，亦时通时闭，如是十日，精神渐疲，脉亦弦软，且午后至夜半更重，喉干欲焦，试以四物汤加黑山栀、丹皮、元参、麦冬、肉桂等服之，尿始出，顾数而短，阴痒难耐，不得已仿《国医新话》法用桃仁研碎绵裹纳阴中，痒竟止，溺亦不甚数，但一去桃仁又复作。殊深闷损，此症似属湿热，惟舌苔淡而不渴，尚能食，未卜将何以善其后耳，愿先生有以教之。专此并颂诊安。
郑×复函：尊言湿热，足见卓识，第病机似在气机，姑以轻药重用法治之，银花、绿豆衣、梗通草各一两，煎汤代茶，或有效也。[此方从舌苔淡而化出也。]十六、张××君函：士谔先生大鉴：读《钻报》见先生为人解答疑难疾病，造惠病家，深感钦佩，兹鄙人亦有二病。烦劳先生。
1、左眼有花点甚多(花点在看书时方有，眼内决无，与常眼同)，前首起只二点，亦未注意，现竟加至六七点。看物时随视线而转移，心甚厌恶。
2、前年夏日，着短裤坐于凳上，被友某误将铜元掷于右睾九上，当时睾丸在内反复转动，痛甚，有顷即下坠，睡时复缩上，如此念数日方不再下坠，隔一年又复发，痛更甚，肛门亦抽动伸缩，睡二小时方止，现在睾丸右略大，因恐其复发，有何药医治，以上二病，获请先生解答于《金钢钻报》则感德无涯，专此上达，即请德安。
张××。
注：睾丸下坠，仍劳作未休息。花点形，看远处花点亦远，看近则近，看近则小，看远则大而长。
复函：左眼有花点，宜以稆豆衣五钱煎汤服，连服一个月。铜元掷伤，病属不内外因，余是内科，愧难代谋。[左眼有花点，今之远视也，应配镜以矫正之。陆公用稆豆衣者，欲以清热而明目也。校者注。]十七、陈××君函：敬启者，久仰大名，时深响往，近更特辟《医林》，拔人痛苦。钦佩尤深，兹有恳者，室人素体衰弱，年事已在五十以上，平素血热，大肠秘结，向来五六天始通一次。
通时又须坐桶七八回方下，干燥非常，困苦委实难堪，常服平肝凉血补血等药，均不见效，即服泻肠药品如泻叶、泻盐等，亦等于零，此等怪症，殊属可恶，务请先生对症批答，并赐良方，藉资治理，以祛病源，实为幸甚。附上信封一扣并信纸两张，伏祈详细批答，并拟一方加封掷下为祷，专此奉恳。顺请大安。
陈××。
复函：尊夫人既病热体弱，则攻剂断不可服，奉上小方，试服十剂。
淡苁蓉八钱大生地八钱全当归四钱生白芍四钱核桃肉五个(打碎)郁李仁五钱大麻仁四钱十八、谭××君函：士谔先生大鉴：敬启者，近阅大著，得知先生学术精深，存心济世，为国医放大光明，为人生健康造福，弟恨远处南方，未获亲叩鸿仪，饫黔大教，唯见尊著《医学南针》卷末，附先生有诊例，通函论症一条，不胜欣幸之至，盖弟身有宿疾，二十馀年来中西医尊均经尝试，虽不无小效，然终未断根，今见先生之高明，实恨相知之晚，用敢不揣冒昧，将弟之症情详细函陈，并将例金四元奉上，以万分至诚至敬之意，请先生赐我良方，及指示摄生床第之法，俾得旧疾消除，恢复人生乐趣，则不啻恩同再造矣。谨此敬请大安。
谭××。
1、体格及生活情况(1)、年龄。现年41岁。
(2)、体格，筋肉颇坚实，身高约四尺四寸，体重约80馀斤，脉搏平时每分钟72跳。
(3)、生活经历，自少读书，自30岁以后在实业界做事。
(4)、嗜好，不饮酒，不吸烟。不赌博，不狎邪。喜游玩，好音乐美术，惟读书则精神不甚贯注。
2、病历及症情(1)、遗精，14岁时同居中有患麻风病者，不知因何而受其传染(非有肉体之接触)，中年之后。方医全可，但梦遗继之。由十馀岁而至三十馀岁后，仍有梦遗之病未断。惟近数年来，屡经中西医药疗治，此疾患已少，有时月中不过一二次，比之从前，好得多矣。
(2)、头晕头痛，自十余岁已常有之，在二十馀岁时，凡至众人集会空气秽浊之处，或行远路，则必头晕，其晕必在额，初则晕，晕极则痛，痛极则欲呕而不呕，必熟睡数小时后方复原。近来此病已较好，其晕痛已不似前十数年之频且剧矣，惟有时似觉有虚火上冲，如口燥鼻中有血，而且心胸胀闷及心跳时，则势必时连头晕头痛，其晕仍是在额也。
(3)、心跳(怔忡)，平常多觉心跳，以致心胸胀闷不舒，有心跳之现象时必随觉头晕，又平时纵宁静，而当与异性接触性欲勃发之际，心脏必大跳特跳，以至全身不克镇静，精神不能自主。
(4)、早泄精稀，平生少与异性交接，一有交接。则因一时性欲冲动。即极度心跳，不能自制，因此甫交即泄，甚至未交而泄者亦有之，有时与老妻敦伦必要毫无介意，情欲绝不举奋，而后方能持久，如是则又举而不坚，痿而没趣，至于精液则素来均甚稀薄而无结晶，龟头则平时冻而不暖。
(5)、中气不足，平生少言语。一多言语或激昂言语，高声言语时则觉中气不接而致头痛。
(6)、大小便，大便常通顺，小便亦不频不数，且素无夜尿，惟平时多黄赤。
(7)、起居饮食，平时嗜睡，夜间必须在十点钟以前就寝，睡足八九小时方可，不然，若深夜坐过十二点钟以后，则次日必精神不足，而头晕头痛见矣。食量每餐两碗，算是平常，茶水平生不甚多饮。
(8)、有时眼见火星飞，有时手足各处及阴囊后阴茎之根皮肉跳动。
谭××。
复函：谭××君：肝阳有馀，肾阴不足，肝主升，肾主泄，头晕头痛，怔忡，胀闷不舒，凡此或为直接或为间接，皆属肝之为病，皆病肝阳有馀。性动心悸，甫交即泄，此属肾之为病，病在肾阴不足。所幸眠食如常，根本犹未动摇，对证发药，惟有敛肝益肾，庶几利多弊少，万里拟方，是否悉中病情，尚祈贵地道中一酌之。
别直参五钱盐川柏五钱生甘草五钱天冬五钱川连五钱五味子五钱大熟地两生白芍五钱春砂仁三钱青龙骨一两左牡蛎一两炙桑椹一两上药十二味，共研细末，饭汤泛为丸，朱砂为衣，丸如绿豆大，每食前吞服一钱，开水下，日三服。
10. Letter from Mr. Han XX: Respected Mr. Shie, greetings. I write to inform you that my friend, Mr. Zhang, aged 38, suffered from deafness (hearing loss) in the first and second lunar months seven years ago. His symptoms included tinnitus (ringing in the ears) like cicadas, dizziness (vertigo), confusion of spirit, and a roaring sound in his head like tidal waves. This was due to the rising of Heart Fire and Liver Fire, causing sounds in the head, obstruction of the two ears, and resulting in deafness. He gradually improved with treatments aimed at nourishing Water to subdue Fire and guiding Fire back to its source. Unexpectedly, the condition relapsed in November of that year when the weather turned cold. A local doctor treated him with a prescription containing Buxue Chaihu (Bile-treated Bupleuri Radix), Sharen mixed with Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Hang Juhua (Hangzhou Chrysanthemi Flos), Huai Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Sheng Zhike (Immature Aurantii Fructus), Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus), Chuan Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla), Lianzixin (Nelumbinis Plumula), Xiao Qingpi (Young Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Chao Qizi (Fried Lycii Fructus), and Bai Jili (Tribuli Fructus). After taking several doses, he recovered. However, it relapsed again in December of the following year, and subsequently once a year, always between December and January during cold weather. Occasionally catching a common cold (Wind-Cold invasion), the symptoms would flare up until they subsided in May or June when the weather became hot. Cold weather triggered the onset, while hot weather brought relief, year after year. The suffering was indescribable. Recently, due to cold weather and a Wind-Cold invasion, both ears have become deaf again. His pulse is soft and fine, and the tongue coating is greasy. Full recovery must wait until the weather warms up. As a leading figure in Traditional Chinese Medicine who helps people in distress, I earnestly request your excellent prescription to be published in the "Diamond" newspaper. If the medicine can cure the disease, it would be a grace equal to giving new life. Wishing you a happy New Year.
Reply from Han XX: Your friend's deafness worsens in cold weather and improves spontaneously in hot weather. This indicates Yang Qi constrained within Yin, unable to ascend. The ascending and descending mechanisms have lost their normal rhythm. Spring brings ascent, Autumn brings descent, which are most pronounced in Winter and Summer. At the Winter Solstice, Yang begins to ascend; at the Summer Solstice, Yin begins to generate. These are merely signs of ascent and descent. In reality, Summer represents the peak of generation, and Winter represents the peak of descent. I tentatively propose a small prescription for you to try.
Take 2 liang of Huo Cishi (Live Magnetitum) and more than 7 fen of Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma). Simmer these two ingredients over low heat in three large cups of clear water until one cup of decoction remains. Take this all at once before going to bed. After taking the medicine, wrap a few fragments of Tielluo (Ferrum Limatura) in silk cotton and insert them into both ears. Continue taking the medicine for three doses.
11. Letter from Mr. Cai XX: Respected Old Master Shie, greetings. It has been a long time since we last corresponded, and my humble desire to seek advice has arisen again. I wish you great auspiciousness in the New Year and success in all matters.
I write regarding a medical matter. As a young person with shallow learning, I cannot resolve it myself, so I specially write to ask for your guidance, hoping for your instruction. My relative, Mr. Guo, returned to Guangdong last year and met the Cantonese doctor Tan Mengqin. This spring, Dr. Tan sent a prescription to Mr. Guo, claiming it to be a "Family Peace Formula." He stated that regardless of whether a person's body is Cold, Hot, Deficient, or Excess, it can be taken. Those with Cold constitutions will heal themselves, and even those with Heat constitutions can take it to drain Heat. However, looking at the prescription, the herbs are extremely pungent and hot, and the dosages are more than ten times heavier than ordinary prescriptions. Mr. Guo took it and felt increased energy. His family members also took it and saw good results. Other relatives, such as Mr. Chen's family and Mr. Pan's family, also took it and felt energetic and vigorous. Among them, although there were those with Cold constitutions, there were also those with Heat constitutions, such as those who often had nosebleeds and gum bleeding, those with rising Liver Fire, those with chronic constipation, and those with insomnia. Yet, upon taking it, all healed themselves, and bowel movements became smooth. Trying to study the medicinal properties, it is not inexplicable. I list the prescription below: 8 liang of Hujiao (Piperis Longi Fructus), 8 liang of Chuanjiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium), 8 liang of Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), 2 liang of Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), 4 liang of Bei Wuwei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus). If there is asthma, add 6 liang of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma). Decoct these in 24 bowls of water until one bowl remains, and take it all at once. All five flavors above are pungent and hot herbs, yet they can treat both Cold and Heat constitutions. Is this not miraculous? I pray the old master to study and instruct me on the mystery behind this. Sincerely requesting Spring peace.
Reply from Cai XX: This is a "robber formula" (a harsh, drastic remedy). Using the dispersing nature of the two peppers (Hujiao and Chuanjiao), the ascending nature of Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), and the moving nature of Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), but controlling them with the sour and astringent nature of Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), the Pepper, Asari, and Tangerine Peel are restrained. It is like binding the hands of heroes or caging tigers and leopards in a pit; it can only stir up Qi and Blood but cannot harm the stomach and intestines. It is like how opium smokers feel energized. Such radical remedies from the streets should not be used as a model. Please convey to your relatives and friends that they should not harm themselves with such drastic formulas.
12. Letter from Mr. Guo XX: Respected Great Physician Shie, greetings. I have long admired your reputation and regret not having visited you to seek advice. Your understanding of medical principles is profound, benefiting many patients. Recently, by explaining pathology and prescriptions in the "Diamond" newspaper for distant patients seeking advice, you have benefited countless patients far away. I hereby report my condition below. I trouble you to reveal the pathology and medication in the "Diamond" newspaper, for which I am endlessly grateful.
Symptoms:
1. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) in the left ear, which has recently become severe. When listening, I must close both eyes.
2. Restless sleep at night, feeling like sleeping but not deeply asleep, with continuous nightmares. The first sleep period is relatively quiet. Around midnight, I wake up and find it difficult to fall back asleep. Once asleep, I am awakened by nightmares after about twenty minutes, continuing until dawn.
3. Cough in the morning and evening, worse in the morning. Phlegm is grayish-white and scanty. Saliva is very sticky and white.
4. When drinking boiled water or swallowing saliva, it easily enters the trachea causing coughing.
5. The head often feels hot and uncomfortable, especially between 8 AM and 10 AM and after meals, where the throat feels dry and hoarse. Even without phlegm, I want to cough once to feel comfortable.
6. My heart is always very anxious when doing anything.
7. Upon any exercise or anxiety, breathing becomes very rapid.
8. For the past few months, I experienced nocturnal emission every five or six days. After taking Chinese medicine, I have not had an emission for twenty days. However, the above seven symptoms have not improved slightly. I trouble you, wishing you great peace.
Reply from Guo XX: This is excess Fire in the Liver and Gallbladder, and excess Fluid retention in the Lungs and Stomach. I offer a small prescription, suitable for taking continuously for five doses.
Zhi Banxia (Processed Pinelliae Rhizoma) 3 qian, Chuan Beimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus) 3 qian, Zhu Er Qing (Unknown Herb) 3 qian, Pipa Ye (Loquat Leaf, de-haired) 3 qian, Qing Chenpi (Green Tangerine Peel) 8 fen each, Zhufushen (Poria with Hostwood, dyed red) 4 qian, Yejiaoteng (Caulis Polygoni Multiflori) 3 qian, Chuanlian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 3 fen, Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 3 fen.
13. Letter from Mr. Gu XX: Respected Master Shie, greetings. I have long admired your great name but never had the chance to meet you. Every time I read the "Medical Column" in the "Diamond" newspaper, I am deeply impressed. My gastrointestinal digestion is generally strong, except for a decayed tooth causing dysfunction of the right molar, forcing me to chew on one side only. For ten years, this has caused occasional fullness in the gastrointestinal tract. When severe, continuous pain occurs in the umbilical and lower abdominal area, lasting about three or four days before stopping. During this time, there is frequent urge to defecate, but only a small amount of black-gray loose stool is passed. This pain occurs about two or three times a year. Although appetite is usually good, intestinal digestion cannot handle much food, leading to bloating if eating too much. I do not know what medicine I should take regularly. I dare to ask you to prescribe a formula to be published in the "Diamond" newspaper. Pill form would be better, as I am living in Shanghai and finding decoction inconvenient. Sincerely requesting warmth.
Reply from Gu XX: Your ailment is spleen transportation dysfunction. I offer a small prescription, suitable for making into pills.
Sheng Baizhu (Raw Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 5 qian, Jiao Zhishi (Charred Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) 1 liang, Ji Neijin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum) 1 liang, Jiao Guma Ya (Charred Hordei Fructus Germinatus and Zeae Mays Granmen) 1 liang each, Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) 1 liang, Qing Zhi Gancao (Clear-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 5 qian, Jiao Shanzha (Charred Crataegi Fructus) 1 liang. Grind all into fine powder, make pills using rice soup. Size of wu zi (walnut seed). Swallow fifteen pills before each meal with boiling water, three times a day.
14. Letter from Mr. Xu XX: Respected Mr. Lu Shie, greetings. My child is currently four and a half years old. In the spring of two and a half years ago, he suddenly developed fever, fright, and crying. His waist and below became flaccid like cotton, unable to sit or stand. Seeking medical treatment and medication, the fever subsided, and the left leg recovered immediately. However, the right leg, from the knee down, is neither red nor swollen. In hot weather, sweat oozes out occasionally. In cold weather, it feels ice-cold to the touch, unable to bend or extend, and muscles are emaciated. Having undergone diagnosis and treatment by both Western and Chinese doctors, some said it was internal invasion of Wind-Dampness, suitable for hot and drying medicines; others said it was nerve paralysis, suitable for electrotherapy. For two years, he can stand slightly but cannot bend or extend freely as before. Western medicine also states that natural recovery is required, with no specific medicine, leaving us in despair. I have long admired you as a leading figure in the medical world, compassionate and saving the world. Therefore, presumptuously writing to disturb you, I humbly request your treatment method, for which I will be eternally grateful. Wishing you health.
Reply from Xu XX: This is Bi Syndrome (Obstruction Syndrome), known in ancient times as difficult to treat. I tentatively propose a small prescription to try.
Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) 3 qian, Chuan Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 1 qian, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 1 qian, Huai Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) 1 qian, Lujiao Jiao (Colla Cornus Cervi, melted separately and added to the decoction) 7 fen.
15. Letter from Mr. Zheng XX: Respected Mr. Shie, greetings. Reading the "Diamond" newspaper and hearing your great theories brings indescribable joy. I loved medicine since youth but lacked a teacher, equivalent to groping in the dark. Now seeing the dawn, it is indeed a blessing of three lifetimes. I have a request. My wife has had a chronic illness, which stopped naturally at the beginning of the month. However, a small sore appeared at the hairline at the back of her head. She has constipation, dry throat, bitter taste in the mouth, and a surging and solid pulse. She self-medicated with laxative pills, resulting in severe diarrhea three times, followed by complete inability to urinate, with stinging pain almost killing her. I used 2 liang of Lian Geng (Lotus Stem), 5 qian of Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), 3 qian of Gancao Shao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma tip), and 3 qian of Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), decocted in water, which allowed slight urination. However, the next day, urination closed again, and small rice-like rashes appeared all over the body, itching excessively. The pulse became wiry and rapid. I then used Longdan Xiegan Tang (Gentiana Liver-Draining Decoction) and Danggui Luehui Wan (Angelica Aloe Pill), but urination remained intermittent. After ten days, spirit gradually fatigued, pulse became wiry and soft, and symptoms worsened from afternoon to midnight. Throat was dry as if burning. I tried Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) plus Heishanzhi (Black Gardenia Fruit), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Yuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex). Urine finally came out, but was frequent and scanty. Genital itching was unbearable. Reluctantly imitating the method in "New Stories of National Medicine," I crushed Taoren (Prunus Persica Seed), wrapped it in cotton, and inserted it into the vagina. The itching stopped, and urination frequency decreased. But upon removing the peach kernel, symptoms recurred. Deeply frustrated, this symptom seems to belong to Damp-Heat, but the tongue coating is pale, thirst is absent, and appetite is maintained. I do not know how to manage the aftermath. I hope you will teach me. Sincerely requesting examination peace.
Reply from Zheng XX: Your mention of Damp-Heat shows profound insight. However, the pathogenesis seems to lie in Qi mechanism. I tentatively use light herbs in heavy doses. Use 1 liang each of Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Lv Dou Yi (Vigna Radiata Testa), and Geng Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla). Decoct in water to drink as tea. This may be effective. [This prescription is derived from the pale tongue coating.]
16. Letter from Mr. Zhang XX: Respected Mr. Shie, greetings. Reading the "Diamond" newspaper and seeing you answer difficult diseases for people, benefiting patients, I am deeply impressed. I now have two ailments troubling you.
1. Many spots in the left eye (spots appear only when reading, not inside the eye, same as normal eyes). Initially only two spots, which I did not notice, now increased to six or seven. When looking at objects, they move with the line of sight, causing great disgust.
2. The summer before last, wearing shorts and sitting on a stool, a friend accidentally threw a copper coin onto my right testicle. At that time, the testicle rotated repeatedly inside, causing severe pain. After a while, it descended. When sleeping, it retracted upwards. This continued for several days until it no longer descended. One year later, it relapsed, with more severe pain, and the anus also twitched and contracted, stopping only after two hours of sleep. Currently, the right testicle is slightly larger. Fearing recurrence, is there any medicine to treat it? For the above two ailments, I would be infinitely grateful if you could answer them in the "Diamond" newspaper. Sincerely requesting virtue and peace.
Note: Testicular descent still occurs despite labor without rest. Spot shape: looking far makes spots appear far, looking near makes them appear near; looking near makes them small, looking far makes them large and elongated.
Reply from Zhang XX: Spots in the left eye should be treated by decocting 5 qian of Ludou Yi (Vigna Unguiculata Testa) in water and taking it continuously for one month. Injury from the copper coin belongs to external/internal causes not fitting standard categories. I am an internal medicine physician, ashamed to advise on this. [Left eye spots are today's presbyopia; glasses should be worn to correct it. Mr. Lu used Ludou Yi to clear heat and brighten the eyes. Editor's note.]
17. Letter from Mr. Chen XX: Greetings. I have long admired your great name and deeply admire you. Recently, you specially opened "Medical Forest" to relieve people's suffering. I am even more impressed. I have a request. My wife has always had a weak constitution, over fifty years old. Usually, she has Blood Heat and large intestine constipation, passing stool only once every five or six days.
When passing stool, she must sit on the bucket seven or eight times before it comes out. It is extremely dry, and the suffering is truly unbearable. She often takes medicines to calm the Liver, cool Blood, and nourish Blood, but none are effective. Even taking laxatives like Xieye (Senna Leaf) or Xieyan (Epsom Salt) is useless. Such strange symptoms are truly detestable. I earnestly request you to reply to the symptoms and provide a good prescription for management, to remove the disease source, which would be a great fortune. Enclosed are one envelope and two sheets of letter paper. I pray for a detailed reply and a prescribed formula sealed and thrown down. Sincerely requesting great peace.
Reply from Chen XX: Since your lady suffers from Heat constitution and weakness, attacking formulas must absolutely not be taken. I offer a small prescription, try taking ten doses.
Dan Congrong (Cistanche Deserticola) 8 qian, Da Shengdi (Rehmanniae Glutinosae Radix Recens) 8 qian, Quan Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Radix) 4 qian, Sheng Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 4 qian, Hetao Rou (Juglandis Semen Internum, crushed) 5 pieces, Yuli Ren (Pruni Semen) 5 qian, Dama Ren (Cannabis Sativa Seed) 4 qian.
18. Letter from Mr. Tan XX: Respected Mr. Shie, greetings. Recently reading your great works, I learned that your academic knowledge is profound, your heart is set on saving the world, bringing light to National Medicine, and benefiting human health. I regret being far away in the South, unable to personally visit your grand residence and receive your great teachings. Only seeing the end of your book "Medical Compass," attached with your case studies and a general discussion on symptoms, fills me with immense joy. Because I have a chronic illness, having tried both Western and Chinese medicine for over twenty years. Although there was some minor effect, it never cured the root. Seeing your brilliance now, I truly regret knowing you late. Presumptuously, I detail my condition in this letter and enclose four yuan as consultation fee, with utmost sincerity and respect, requesting your good prescription and instructions on lifestyle and sexual health methods, so that old diseases are eliminated and life's joy restored, which would be grace equal to giving new life. Respectfully requesting great peace.
Tan XX.
1. Physical Condition and Lifestyle:
(1) Age: Currently 41 years old.
(2) Constitution: Muscles are quite firm, height about 4 chi 4 cun, weight about 80+ jin, pulse normally 72 beats per minute.
(3) Life Experience: Studied since childhood, worked in industry after age 30.
(4) Habits: Does not drink alcohol, smoke, gamble, or engage in promiscuity. Likes traveling, music, and art, but concentration while reading is not very focused.
2. Medical History and Symptoms:
(1) Nocturnal Emission: At age 14, lived with someone having leprosy, unsure how infection occurred (no physical contact). After middle age, medical treatment helped, but nocturnal emissions continued. From teens to thirties, the disease persisted. However, in recent years, after repeated Western and Chinese medical treatments, this disorder has decreased, sometimes only one or twice a month, much better than before.
(2) Dizziness and Headache: Common since teens. In twenties, whenever going to crowded places with foul air or walking long distances, dizziness would occur, specifically in the forehead. Initially dizzy, extreme dizziness leads to pain, extreme pain leads to nausea without vomiting, requiring several hours of deep sleep to recover. Recently, this condition has improved, less frequent and severe than the previous ten years. However, sometimes feeling deficiency Fire rushing up, such as dry mouth, blood in nose, chest tightness, and palpitations, inevitably accompanied by dizziness and headache, still in the forehead.
(3) Palpitations (Zhengchong): Usually feel heart palpitations, causing chest tightness and discomfort. When palpitations occur, dizziness follows. Even when calm, upon contact with opposite sex and arousal of sexual desire, the heart beats violently, making the whole body unable to calm down, and spirit unable to control itself.
(4) Premature Ejaculation and Thin Semen: Rarely interact with opposite sex. Upon interaction, due to sudden sexual impulse, extreme palpitations occur, unable to control oneself. Thus, ejaculating immediately upon intercourse, or even before intercourse. Sometimes with old wife, needing complete indifference to desire to last long, but then erection is not firm, impotent and boring. Semen is always thin and crystalline-free. Glans penis is usually cold and not warm.
(5) Insufficient Middle Qi: Speak little in life. Speaking much, excitedly, or loudly causes Middle Qi to fail to connect, leading to headache.
(6) Bowel and Urine Movements: Bowels usually smooth. Urination is not frequent or numerous, and no nocturia. However, urine is usually yellow and red.
(7) Daily Routine and Diet: Usually loves sleep, must go to bed before 10 PM, sleeping 8-9 hours is necessary. Otherwise, staying up past 12 AM leads to lack of spirit next day, and dizziness/headache appear. Food intake is two bowls per meal, considered normal. Tea and water intake is not much.
(8) Sometimes see flying sparks in eyes, sometimes twitching of skin and flesh at various parts of hands, feet, and base of penis behind scrotum.
Tan XX.
Reply from Tan XX: Mr. Tan XX: Liver Yang is excessive, Kidney Yin is insufficient. Liver governs ascent, Kidney governs discharge. Dizziness, headache, palpitations, chest tightness and discomfort, whether directly or indirectly, all belong to Liver disease, specifically excessive Liver Yang. Sexual excitement causing palpitations, ejaculating immediately upon intercourse, belongs to Kidney disease, specifically insufficient Kidney Yin. Fortunately, sleep and appetite are normal, the foundation has not shaken. Treating according to symptoms, only收敛 Liver and benefit Kidney can be done, so benefits outweigh harms. I drafted this prescription from afar. Whether it fully fits your condition, I pray you to consult locally.
Biezhi Renshen (Korean Ginseng) 5 qian, Yan Chuanbai (Salt-processed Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex) 5 qian, Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 5 qian, Tiandong (Asparagi Radix) 5 qian, Chuanlian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 5 qian, Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 5 qian, Da Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix) 1 liang, Sheng Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 5 qian, Chun Sharen (Amomi Fructus) 3 qian, Qing Longgu (Fossilized Mammoth Bone) 1 liang, Zuo Muli (Ostreae Concha) 1 liang, Zhi Sangshen (Mulberry Fruit) 1 liang. Grind these twelve herbs into fine powder, make pills using rice soup, coat with Zhusha (Cinnabar). Pills size of mung bean. Swallow one qian before each meal with boiling water, three times a day.