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In my prefecture, Vice Prefect He was subsequently transferred to Gansu, while his family remained in the city. A female servant in his household, who was nine months pregnant, accidentally suffered from a headache. The physician treated it as an external contraction (exogenous pathogenic factor), but the pain intensified, accompanied by vomiting and profuse sweating. By the second watch of the night (approximately 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM), she suddenly became unconscious with limb convulsions, upward staring of the eyes, and locked jaw. The symptoms came and went intermittently. Mr. He’s younger son, Brother Liuji, sent someone urgently to summon me that evening. I arrived at his residence the next morning. Brother Liuji informed me of the critical condition. Upon examining the manifestations of the convulsions and feeling the pulse, which was deficient, wiry, forceful, and rapid, I said, “This is Eclampsia (a complication of pregnancy characterized by dizziness, headache, convulsions, and coma). Although the situation is dangerous, fortunately, it is in the early stage, so death should not occur.” Brother Liuji said, “Last night, in the panic, fearing your late arrival, I invited a gynecologist nearby, who also diagnosed it as Eclampsia. However, the medicine had no effect. What should we do?” He showed me the prescription, which was Lingyangjiao San (Antelope Horn Decoction). I said, “This is an ancient formula and is fundamentally correct, but one must understand the etiology of eclampsia. Because the fetus is in the womb, the mother suffers from Yin deficiency with vigorous fire, leading to loose meridians and collaterals. Essence and blood fail to nourish the Spirit and tendons, resulting in symptoms resembling Jue syndrome (syncope or cold extremities) and Xian syndrome (epilepsy/seizures), loss of control over the Hun and Shen spirits, and jerking of the limbs. The initial headache was a sign of internal wind stirring. The physician mistakenly attributed it to external wind and blindly administered dispersing agents, causing this transformation. Regarding Lingyangjiao San, only Antelope Horn enters the Liver to relax the tendons; Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) and Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed) tonify the Liver and enrich blood; Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood) calms the Spirit; and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) moderates urgency. These match the syndrome. However, Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens Root), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Root), and Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) all consume true Qi, and Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed) may induce abortion; thus, they are largely inappropriate. One cannot simply use an ancient formula without careful examination.” Therefore, I retained the original formula but removed Fang Feng and Du Huo, adding Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Sha Shen (Glehnia Root), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), and Zhi Ma (Sesame Seed) to nourish Yin and moisten fluids. I added a small amount of Gou Teng (Uncaria Ramulus cum Uncis) and Sang Ji Sheng (Taxillus Caulis) to pacify the Liver and extinguish wind. After taking the first decoction, the convulsions gradually subsided. After taking the second decoction, the convulsions stopped, and the headache decreased. Brother Liuji was very pleased. I said, “The disease onset was violent. Although it has temporarily subsided, recurrence is still feared. I advise purchasing another dose and consuming it entirely tonight. If the convulsions do not recur again, then there will be no danger.” On the following day, upon re-examination, both the headache and convulsions had ceased. The patient’s spirit was clear, the pulse was calm, and she could eat without vomiting. I removed Gou Teng and Sang Ji Sheng from the prescription and added Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome), Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum Lucidum Fruit), and Shi Hu (Dendrobium Stem). She delivered after one month, and both mother and child were safe.

An Bo’s commentary: In analyzing syndromes, one must always maintain mental agility and adapt to changing symptoms. One should not be rigid like Weisheng, remaining obstinate until death.