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Miao (seed/graft) refers to the scab of smallpox. Vaccination relies entirely on this, using it as a guide for fetal toxins, which is of significant importance. When selecting miao, one must pay close attention and examine carefully, not taking it lightly. Among them, some are usable, and some are not; it depends on distinguishing whether the smallpox eruption is favorable (Shun) or unfavorable (Bu Shun). Unfavorable eruptions present with shapes that are not sharp and round, colors that are not ruddy and bright, and pustules that are not full. The fallen scabs are dark and thin. This is caused by the combination of heaven and human pathologies, and internal and external evils. Even if recovery occurs by luck, it is merely due to the skillful treatment of a competent physician, not a natural perfection. Such scabs must absolutely not be used. Favorable eruptions have no mixed symptoms from beginning to end; they erupt with sharp and round shapes, ruddy and bright colors, and full pustules. The fallen scabs are pale wax-colored, lustrous, large, thick, and solid. These obtain the righteous qi of heaven and earth's yin and yang, representing the most favorable miao. Collecting and using them yields effects as immediate as an echo. However, such scabs are rare and encounters are infrequent. If one cannot handle the matter personally and delegates it to others, one must ensure those persons witness it themselves. Otherwise, it is better to leave them unused than to abuse them; vaccinators should exercise caution.

Vaccination must rely on miao, and what makes miao reliable is the communication of qi. If exposed to heat, the qi dissipates; over time, the qi becomes weak; contact with filth makes the qi impure; unclean containers make the qi irregular. Thus, the method of storing miao must be handled with extreme care. Upon encountering good miao, it must be stored in a new porcelain bottle, tightly covered with an object, and placed in a clean, cool location. Miao stored in spring can be used within one month. In the severe cold of winter, miao aged forty to fifty days can still be used. This is because cold causes qi to store, while heat causes qi to dissipate easily, hence the difference in timeframes. However, before collecting miao, one must clearly explain the reasons to families who have had smallpox, so they willingly comply without suspicion or fear. Only then will they diligently store it, avoiding any delays or errors.

Vaccination values adhering to heavenly timing: vaccinate when the time is right, do not vaccinate when it is not. The most appropriate season is spring. Spring is the time when all things generate; the weather is mild, neither cold nor hot. Vaccinating then allows the smallpox to occur naturally following the qi. Hence, the first, second, and third lunar months are suitable for vaccination. After entering summer, the six yang energies emerge above ground, and human yang qi floats outward. Summer heat scorches metal (lungs), leading to many illnesses. How could children endure vaccination at this time? Therefore, the fourth, fifth, and sixth lunar months are absolutely unsuitable for vaccination. As for autumn, the weather is clear and solemn, a time of contraction. Although there may be children suitable for vaccination, there is no tool to guide the toxin (lack of generative qi to draw out toxins). Thus, the seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months are situationally unsuitable. By the tenth month, known as "Little Spring," vaccination is possible, but cold qi is consolidated, and pure yin dominates. It is better to wait until after the Winter Solstice when one yang begins to stir, borrowing its life-generating qi for very auspicious results. Thus, the tenth month is less ideal than the eleventh and twelfth months. However, even during suitable times, there are unsuitable conditions. For example, if spring is cold instead of warm, summer is cool instead of hot, autumn is hot instead of cool, or winter is warm instead of cold, the time does not match the climate. This is the irregular qi of heaven and earth. Ordinary people contracting this develop seasonal epidemics; how much more so for children whose regulation is already insufficient, let alone vaccination? If such situations arise, one should avoid them slightly, waiting for the climate to stabilize before discussing vaccination to ensure safety. There are also cases where the climate was correct before vaccination, but sudden fluctuations in cold and warmth occur afterward. This is due to uneven human circumstances and occasional unexpected climatic changes. In such cases, one should adjust the indoor temperature appropriately, align with the heavenly timing, frequently burn incense to dispel filth, and be more cautious with diet and daily routine to ensure safety. Vaccinators should carefully examine and observe these details.