(即痘子)
小儿斑疹,世皆根据钱氏法治之,此不必赘。但黑泡斑及缩陷等证,古今治之,未得其法,以为火而用凉药
治者,十无一生。盖此乃污血逆于皮肤,凝滞不行,久则攻心而死。黄帝正法,用霹雳汤、姜附汤。凡多死之
证,但用此法,常有得生者。盖毒血死于各经,决无复还之理。唯附子健壮,峻走十二经络,故用此攻之,十
中常生八九。于脐下一寸,灸五十壮,则十分无事。若以凉药凝冰其血,致遍身青黑而死,此其过也。世俗凡
遇热证,辄以凉药投之,热气未去,元气又漓,此法最不良。余每遇热证,以知母五钱煎服,热即退,元气无
损,此乃秘法。(钱氏之法,后世儿医咸遵守之,以五行五色而分五脏之证,以顺逆险而为难易不治之条,所
用之药不过温平无奇,阳热之逆诚可救全,阴寒之逆,百无一愈。其后陈氏虽云得法,十中或救一二,不若先
生之论,阐千古之秘奥,为救逆之神枢。儿医苟能奉行,自然夭枉者少矣。每见世俗一遇逆证,勿论阴阳,辄
云火闭,石膏、黄连、大黄用之不厌,人皆信之,至死不悔。近时费氏《救偏琐言》一出,庸子辄又奉为典型。
在证药相合者,虽偶活其一二,而阴寒之证,亦以其法治之,冤遭毒害者,不知凡几矣。)
(Referring to smallpox)
For infantile macules and rashes, the world generally follows the treatment methods of Qian Yi (Qian Zhizheng), so there is no need to elaborate here. However, for conditions such as black blistering rashes and retracted/depressed lesions, ancient and modern physicians have not found the correct method. Those who mistakenly consider them as fire-toxin and use cold/cooling medicines to treat them rarely survive (less than one in ten). This is because foul blood reverses into the skin, stagnates and fails to circulate; if prolonged, it attacks the heart leading to death. The orthodox method of the Yellow Emperor involves using Pili Tang (Thunderbolt Decoction) and Jiangfu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction). For any condition with a high mortality rate, employing this method often results in survival. Since the toxic blood has perished within the various meridians, there is absolutely no possibility of recovery. Only Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) possesses robust properties and swiftly traverses the twelve meridians; therefore, using it to attack the pathogen yields a survival rate of eight or nine out of ten. Applying moxibustion at the point one cun below the umbilicus (Shenque, CV8) for fifty moxa cones ensures complete safety. If cold medicines are used, causing the blood to congeal like ice, resulting in the whole body turning blue-black and death, this is the fault of the physician. Laypeople, upon encountering heat syndromes, invariably administer cold medicines; the heat is not cleared, yet the primordial qi is depleted. This approach is most detrimental. Whenever I encounter heat syndromes, I prescribe Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) five qian decocted and taken orally; the heat subsides immediately without damaging the primordial qi. This is my secret method. (The methods of Qian Yi are strictly adhered to by subsequent pediatricians, who differentiate organ syndromes based on the Five Elements and Five Colors, and categorize prognosis based on favorable/unfavorable and dangerous courses. The herbs used are merely mild and level, lacking uniqueness. While rebellious Yang-heat can indeed be saved, rebellious Yin-cold rarely recovers (one in a hundred). Although later Chen Shi claimed to have mastered the true method, saving only one or two out of ten, it does not compare to Mr. Dou's exposition, which elucidates ancient secrets and serves as the pivot for rescuing critical conditions. If pediatricians could follow this, premature deaths would naturally decrease. It is common to see that when laypeople encounter critical conditions, regardless of Yin or Yang, they claim it is "fire closure" and unceasingly use Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma). People believe this and do not repent until death. Recently, with the publication of Fei Shi's *Jiu Pian Suoyan* (Brief Words on Correcting Deviations), quacks have adopted it as a model. Even when the syndrome and medicine match occasionally saving one or two, applying this method to Yin-cold syndromes has caused countless unjust victims.)
Infantile tidal fever occurring in the afternoon does not belong to deficiency syndromes; rather, it is caused by dietary injury to the Yangming Meridian. It must be accompanied by abdominal pain and vomiting/regurgitation. It is appropriate to use Laifu Dan (Reviving Elixir Pill) and Bichengqie San (Bi Cheng Qia Powder).