论阳明口渴用石膏汤 论四逆汤 论附子理中汤 论大承气汤
天师曰∶短治者，乃病不必长治，而可以短兵取胜，则用短治之法。譬如阳明之症初起，乘其口渴
引水自救之时，急用石膏、知母煎服。一剂而渴减，再剂而渴止，三剂而病如失，即不可再与四剂矣。
盖石膏初用有荡邪之功，久用有损正之失，故可暂用而不可长用。倘不信吾言，以石膏为夺命之药，日日
与之，必致变为痿症，而不能速起也。故我频频戒用石膏者为此。
仲景创立此方，所以救人伤寒传入阳明之症，不得已而用之，截住其邪，不使再传也。原非教人日
日用之也。奈何世医不知此故，妄自多加，任情纵意，忍于轻用，以致杀人而不悟也，悲夫。此短治之
法，又不可不知之。
张公曰∶吾方得岐天师发明，真大幸也。我立此方，原所以救一时之急，非教人经年累月而亦用
之也。世医不悟，亦可闻岐天师之语而悟矣。短治法不止石膏汤，如四逆汤，不可久服也，久则有火盛自
焚之虑。附子理中汤，亦不可久用，有太刚则折之虞。大承气汤止可一剂，而不可至再，重
则有大下亡阴之祸。诸如此，俱可类推。
华君曰∶同。
（白虎汤，张路玉谓为治 热病主方，极有理，故在伤寒门，亦不可轻用。
李子永识。）
On the Use of Shigao Tang (Gypsum Decoction) for Thirst in Yangming Disease
On Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction)
On Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Aconite Regulate the Middle Decoction)
On Dachengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction)
The Heavenly Master said: "Short treatment" refers to a condition that does not require long-term therapy but can be overcome with short, rapid measures; this is the method of short treatment. For instance, when Yangming disease first begins, while the patient is thirsty and drinking water to save themselves, urgently administer a decoction of Gypsum (Shigao) and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu). After one dose, thirst decreases; after two doses, thirst stops; after three doses, the illness vanishes. At this point, do not administer a fourth dose. This is because Gypsum has the merit of sweeping away pathogenic factors when used initially, but causes damage to healthy qi if used for a long time. Therefore, it can be used temporarily but not continuously. If you do not believe my words and treat Gypsum as a life-taking poison, administering it daily, it will inevitably lead to Wei syndrome (flaccidity syndrome), preventing rapid recovery. This is why I frequently warn against the abuse of Gypsum.
Zhang Zhongjing established this formula to rescue patients suffering from Cold Damage transmitted to the Yangming channel. It was used out of necessity to intercept the pathogen and prevent further transmission. It was never intended to teach people to use it day after day. Alas, how unfortunate that physicians of the world fail to understand this principle, recklessly increasing dosages and acting arbitrarily, using it lightly and causing death without realizing their error. This method of short treatment must not be unknown.
Lord Zhang said: "I have just received enlightenment from Heavenly Master Qi, which is truly fortunate. I formulated this prescription originally to save emergencies, not to teach people to use it year after year. Physicians of the world who do not comprehend this should awaken upon hearing Heavenly Master Qi's words. The method of short treatment applies not only to Shigao Tang. For example, Sini Tang should not be taken for a long time; prolonged use carries the risk of excessive fire leading to self-destruction. Fuzi Lizhong Tang should also not be used long-term, as there is a danger of being broken by excessive rigidity. Dachengqi Tang is suitable for only one dose and should not be repeated; in severe cases, excessive purgation may cause the loss of Yin. Such cases can all be inferred by analogy."
Lord Hua said: "Agreed."
(White Tiger Decoction [Baihu Tang], according to Zhang Luyu, is the principal formula for treating febrile diseases, which is very reasonable. Therefore, even in the category of Cold Damage, it should not be used lightly.
Recorded by Li Ziyong.)