Library

Smallpox is the fetal toxin. It lies dormant from the beginning of physical formation and erupts upon exposure to pathogens; it is unavoidable for all humans. However, its eruption may be triggered by contracting seasonal epidemics, catching wind-cold, improper diet, or fright. One illness induces another, leading to diverse complications and unpredictable changes. Moreover, favorable cases are few while dangerous and adverse ones are many; even with every possible effort, recovery is rarely hoped for in one out of ten thousand instances. This is why smallpox is considered difficult to treat. In ancient times, a method of variolation originated in Jiangxi (Jiangyou) and spread to the capital region. Tracing its source, it is said that during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, a divine being appeared on Mount Emei and inoculated the son of Chancellor Wang Dan, curing him, thus passing the method down to the world. Although this account seems vague, reasoning suggests it indeed possesses the merit of assisting the transformative powers of nature and the subtlety of adapting measures to specific conditions. Natural smallpox occurs after infection has taken place, whereas variolation is administered before illness arises; natural smallpox is treated when the disease is established, while variolation regulates health when no disease is present. Natural onset involves transmission from exterior to interior and vice versa, often accompanied by mixed symptoms. Variolation, guided by effective prescriptions externally and through gradual fumigation and absorption, allows the fetal toxin to be completely expelled. Why then worry about diverse complications and unpredictable changes that leave even skilled physicians helpless? This is truly an excellent method to remove danger and step onto safety, avoiding peril for peace. However, the art of variolation was mostly transmitted orally and heart-to-heart, not recorded in medical texts. Fearing that later generations might regard it as absurd fiction, and with long-standing tradition lacking verification, causing this profound truth and excellent method to be abandoned as useless, obscuring its miraculous efficacy—would this not be a great pity? Now, having carefully studied and meticulously examined the method of variolation, I have compiled it into this book to last forever, hoping it serves as a bridge for variolation, enabling all infants to attain longevity.

Upon examining methods of variolation, some suggest using the fluid from smallpox pustules for inoculation; others suggest wearing clothes worn by children who had smallpox; some suggest blowing dried powder of scabs into the nose, called "dry seedling" (Hanmiao); others suggest inserting moistened scab powder into the nostrils, called "wet seedling" (Shuimiao). Comparing these four methods, wet seedling is superior, dry seedling is second best, wearing infected clothes is often ineffective, and using pustule fluid is excessively cruel. Therefore, ancient methods exclusively used wet seedling, likely because it is peaceful and steady. In recent times, dry seedling began to be used; although fast, it is slightly rapid and intense. The theories of wearing infected clothes and using pustule fluid should absolutely not be followed. The reason wet seedling is good is that its action is very gentle, neither too fast nor too slow, entering gradually. After inoculation, the child suffers no injury, and the fetal toxin has a mechanism to emerge gradually. It is highly effective, swift in results, perfect in quality, worthy of emulation and transmission, making it the optimal method of variolation. Second is dry seedling; although more intense, it is still similar to the wet seedling method and may be applied if the child's constitution is robust. Regarding how scabs constitute a favorable condition, how to select and store seeds properly, how to align with correct heavenly timing, how to choose auspicious dates for inoculation, how to regulate care appropriately, how to observe taboos correctly, and under what physical conditions inoculation is suitable, as well as the drawbacks of wearing infected clothes and using pustule fluid—all are analyzed clearly and listed in detail below. Students must study these carefully to gain clear insight, avoiding confusion from divergent paths, so that with a good method, success is assured.