万密斋治罗野松，年十六出痘。或曰∶凡出痘者，春夏为顺，秋冬为逆。今冬出，时逆也。痘起发，头面
要肿，今被寒气遏抑，毒不得出，故头面不肿，症逆也。曰∶不然，春夏为顺，秋冬为逆，非以时言，以症言
也。盖春夏者，发生长养之令也；秋冬者，收敛闭藏之令也。痘本阳毒，自出现而起发，自起发而成脓，如苗
而秀，秀而实，故曰春夏为顺。如应出不出，应发不发，谓之陷伏，故曰秋冬为逆。头面不肿，顺症也。头浮
肿者，险症也。头面预肿者，逆痘也。今痘本磊落尖圆坚实，其毒轻微，故不肿。若顶平根阔，肌肉鲜红，此
为毒盛，不待起发而头面先肿矣。或又曰∶起发太迟，宜服温补。曰∶痘无病，不须服药。此症红润鲜明，表
气足也。大小便调，里气充也。无热无渴，无他病也。若补之，谓之实实。此症不十数日必收靥矣。果不药而
安。（雄按∶此乃千古名言。）
吴氏子五岁出痘，起发时，顶平而陷。曰∶顺症也，凡出痘以气血和平为主。尖圆坚实者，气也。红活明
润者，血也。红活平陷者，血至而气不足也。圆实而色白者，气至而血不足也。平塌灰白者，气血俱不足也。
肿红绽者，气血俱有热也。今痘出即密，时日未到，气血未周，以渐起发，得其常也，故曰顺症。不须服药，
已而果然。（看痘之法，尽此数语。）
Wan Mizhai treated Luo Yesong, who was sixteen years old and suffering from smallpox. Someone said, "In general, the eruption of smallpox is a favorable condition (Shun) in spring and summer, but an unfavorable condition (Ni) in autumn and winter. Since it erupted in winter, this is unfavorable according to the season. When smallpox erupts, the head and face should swell. Now, suppressed by cold qi, the pathogenic toxin cannot emerge, hence the lack of swelling on the head and face; this indicates an unfavorable symptom pattern." Wan Mizhai replied, "Incorrect. The distinction between favorable in spring/summer and unfavorable in autumn/winter is not based on the season, but on the symptom pattern. Spring and summer are seasons of growth and nourishment; autumn and winter are seasons of convergence and storage. Smallpox is fundamentally a yang toxin. It emerges, then rises, and finally suppurates, similar to a plant heading and bearing fruit; therefore, spring and summer are considered favorable. If the eruption or rising fails to occur as expected, it is termed 'sunken and stagnant' (Xianfu); thus, autumn and winter are considered unfavorable. Lack of swelling on the head and face is a favorable sign. Swelling of the head and face indicates a critical condition. Premature swelling of the head and face indicates an unfavorable smallpox case. Currently, the pustules are distinct, pointed, round, firm, and solid, indicating mild toxicity, hence no swelling. If the tops were flat, roots broad, and flesh bright red, that would indicate severe toxicity, where the head and face would swell before the rising stage even begins." Another person said, "The rising stage is too delayed; warm tonification should be administered." Wan Mizhai said, "There is no pathological deviation in the smallpox itself; medication is unnecessary. The brightness and ruddy color indicate sufficient exterior qi. Normal urination and defecation indicate sufficient interior qi. There is no fever, no thirst, and no other diseases. Administering tonification now would constitute 'tonifying excess' (Shi Shi). This case will naturally scab over within ten days." Indeed, the patient recovered safely without medication. (Comment by Xiong Yingxiong: This is a timeless maxim.)
The son of Mr. Wu was five years old when he contracted smallpox. During the rising stage, the pustule tops were flat and sunken. Wan Mizhai said, "This is a favorable condition. In smallpox, the harmony of qi and blood is paramount. Pointed, round, and firm shapes indicate sufficient qi. Ruddy, vibrant, and moist colors indicate sufficient blood. Ruddy yet flat and sunken shapes indicate that blood has arrived but qi is insufficient. Round and solid shapes with white color indicate that qi has arrived but blood is insufficient. Flat, collapsed, and ash-white shapes indicate insufficiency of both qi and blood. Swollen, red, and bursting shapes indicate heat in both qi and blood. Currently, the eruptions are dense, but the timing is premature, and the qi and blood have not yet fully circulated. The gradual rising conforms to normal physiological processes; therefore, it is deemed a favorable condition. Medication is unnecessary." Subsequently, the prediction proved correct. (The method for assessing smallpox is contained entirely in these few sentences.)