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My high-ranking friend, in his youth, was not careful in his conduct and once contracted syphilis (Meichuang). Due to improper treatment, the pathogenic toxin became internally latent. Although it appeared cured externally, a nodular toxin formed internally. Every summer, purple rashes would appear on the palms of his hands, resembling the appearance of Goose Palm Wind (Ezhangfeng). When he had children, all of them would inevitably manifest this toxin within twenty-seven days after birth. Initially, several red spots would appear below the scrotum, resembling Fire Dan (Huodan); within a few days, it would spread over the entire body, with skin and flesh ulcerating, looking as if burned by fire. The infants would cry and wail day and night, and various medicines failed to save them; after half a month, they would die from exhaustion of spirit and vitality. This happened consecutively to three sons, exactly the same each time. My friend was filled with regret and remorse, and earnestly begged for my help.

Although I appreciated his sincerity and respect, I initially did not know the method. Thus, I pondered quietly and deeply, and suddenly gained insight. It seems that this toxin entered the Mingmen Gate (Gate of Life) through deficiency after seminal emission, directly flooding the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), becoming like a fierce tiger entrenched in a stronghold. Having occupied this position for years, its roots were deep and firm, making it difficult to dislodge! If the suppression method is incorrect, it will only trample the battlefield and harm the people. As the ancients said: "Much calculation leads to victory; little calculation leads to defeat." Unless one attacks strongholds and destroys nests, one cannot eradicate the root cause. Therefore, I formulated a prescription named "Cuan Du Wan" (Toxin-Expelling Pill). I used scales from the head, tail, chest, back, and four feet of Pangolin (Lingli Jia, 鲮鲤甲), taking several scales from each part, to utilize their penetrating properties to lead other herbs directly to the toxin's nest. Thus, reaching everywhere inside the Zang-Fu organs and outside in the meridians, wherever the Chong Mai travels, this serves as the Sovereign herb. I also used Hedgehog Skin (Ciwei Pi, 刺猬皮) prepared similarly, taking its spines; although its power to search out toxins is inferior to Pangolin, its ability to attack toxin with toxin is superior, so it serves as the Minister herb. Cicada Slough (Chantui, 蝉蜕) and Snake Slough (Shetui, 蛇蜕) are used; while needed for detoxification and clearing heat, their primary symbolic meaning here is shedding/transformation, serving as the Assistant herb. Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix, 黄芩), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 黄连), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus, 栀子), and Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex, 黄柏) are used to clear the Fire of Lei Long (Thunder Dragon); Zaocys Spine (Zaoci Ci, 皂刺 - note: usually refers to Gleditsiae Spina or similar thorns, here likely referring to specific thorny herbs for guiding out toxins, text says Zao Ci), Tufuling (Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma, 土苓), and Huaihua (Sophorae Flos, 槐花) are used to guide the toxin outwards, preventing it from lingering in the essence apertures, serving as the Envoy herb. A slight addition of Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 人参) protects Stomach Qi, facilitating the distribution of medicinal power, avoiding collapse or stagnation, acting as reinforcements from four directions. After preparation and administration, it was indeed as if the hand and heart were coordinated, needles and buttons matching perfectly; before the medicine was exhausted, the toxin was expelled. Suddenly, a malignant sore erupted on the left foot, with purple-black skin and flesh, causing extreme pain and wailing in bed, healing only after one month. Thereafter, the palms returned to normal, and the children born subsequently not only did not contract syphilis but also had no scabies or tinea. This demonstrates that diseases may vary infinitely, but the underlying principles remain consistent. I have never been proficient in external medicine, yet I could eradicate such venomous toxins like rats in the shrine or foxes in the city, relying solely on this principle; without this principle, hoping for heaven's luck, I would not believe it.

Pediatric syphilis is the most severe condition. If it manifests within one or two months of birth, or within half a year, it is extremely difficult to treat. Because the toxin is inherited from the congenital source, the path is long, and medicinal formulas struggle to reach it. Even administering several spoonfuls of medicine daily is like adding a cup of water to a cartload of burning wood—ultimately ineffective. Ignorant practitioners merely use topical washing methods, which inadvertently block the exit path of the toxin, leading to internal attack and untreatable conditions. One should instead adopt a gradual approach to preserve life. First, administer finely prepared Huma Wan (Sesame Pill), taken daily. After thirty-seven days, when internal toxins are nearly exhausted, apply point-treatment medicines. Within three days, the sores heal completely. This method is miraculous and rapid, but must not be applied too early, lest the internal toxins remain unexhausted.