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Rhinoceros horn is of the best quality when it is black as lacquer, yellow like millet, transparent from top to bottom, and with distinct cloud-head and rain-foot patterns. Recently, many people resort to cunning falsification, dyeing or boiling in decoction, going to any lengths, yet it is also easy to distinguish. Rhinoceros horn should not be exposed to sunlight during storage; if this taboo is violated, its color and texture will become coarse and dry. Any tender rhinoceros horn treated with honey is dyed with *Impatiens balsamina* (Fengxianhua, 凤仙花). There are two types of rhinoceros horn: water rhino and land rhino, with water rhino being superior. It is indeed a good medicine for heat in the Heart, Gallbladder, and Liver meridians.

*Mengxi Bitan* states: When doctors use moxibustion with mugwort once, it is called one "Zhuang" (a unit of moxa cones), based on the standard of a robust adult. The number of Zhuang mentioned refers to this count for strong individuals; for the elderly, children, or frail persons, it should be reduced according to their physical capacity. One must not rigidly adhere to the standard so as to cause harm.
In my childhood, I saw a leech and, disgusted by it, urinated on it several times until it dissolved into water. Another day, seeing one, I dripped a spoonful of honey on it; it shrank and remained motionless, eventually dissolving into water after a long time. Even after passing through rainy days, it did not revive. These two substances can neutralize leech toxicity so effectively (The principle of mutual inhibition among substances must be known, to prepare for emergencies, which is indispensable). Previously, someone had a leech attached, and the doctor was extremely distressed and troubled, unfortunately unaware of this method. It is also said that although human beard, hair, and eyebrows all belong to the category of hair, they correspond to different Zang organs. Thus, some people have white beards but non-white eyebrows and hair due to the bias of their organ Qi. Generally, hair belongs to the Heart, inheriting Fire Qi, hence growing upwards; beard belongs to the Kidney, inheriting Water Qi, hence growing downwards; eyebrows belong to the Liver, hence growing sideways. In men, Kidney Qi flows outward, ascending to form the beard and descending to form the genitals. Women and palace maids lack genitals, thus also lack beards, while their eyebrows and hair are no different from men's, indicating that beards do not belong to the Kidney. It is also said that Feng Zhen from Siming was a skilled physician. Xu Yuan, a waiting scholar at Tianzhang Pavilion, reported on the performance assessment of the Jianghuai Grain Transport Commissioner in the capital. Just as he was about to enter for an audience, his son fell critically ill, closing his eyes and refusing food, nearing a night's passage. Feng Zhen examined him and said: "The Spleen has already failed; it is incurable, death will occur tomorrow." Xu Yuan said: "Observing the severity, I know it is hopeless, but I have official duties and must present myself to the Emperor. Can you extend his life by a few days?" Feng Zhen replied: "This can be done. All Zang organs are declining, but the Liver Qi is excessively strong. The Spleen is controlled by the Liver, so its Qi fails first. Once one Zang fails, death ensues. If we urgently drain the Liver Qi, the Liver will weaken, allowing the Spleen to recover slightly, extending life by three days. Beyond this, there is no medicine." He administered the prescription. By evening, the patient could open his eyes and slowly sip porridge. The next day, he gradually revived and could eat. Xu Yuan said: "I am very pleased!" Feng Zhen smiled and said: "There is no need for such joy; the Liver Qi has merely relaxed slightly. Nothing more can be done." Three days later, he indeed passed away.
The various discussions recorded here mostly draw upon the enlightening words of past sages. The following supplements by Gao Shi add content not covered in the original text, resulting from careful study. This surpasses ten years of reading; those who understand will know.
When brewing wine, coldness makes it sweet, and heat makes it sour. If it becomes sour, add things like clam powder or river snails to cool the heat; if it remains sweet, wrap it in fire-cotton and hang it in the wine to warm the cold. There are also cases where sour wine is remedied with herbs like Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and Amomum fruit, which is also a "following treatment" method used by physicians.

Treatment for alopecia caused by severe wind-dampness (Leprosy/Mal-feng):
*Bitter Sophora Root* (Powder, half jin / ~250g)
*Hibiscus Tiliaceus Bark* (Powder, four liang / ~125g)
Process these with refined honey to make pills the size of弹子 (bullet seeds). Take one pill per dose, three times daily, washed down with clear tea.

Single prescription for treating Bullous Impetigo (Tianpao Chuang):
Use only Xiangzi (Aromatic Herb).

Treatment for Yamei Chuang (Syphilis/Kapok Sores) Toxicity:
Qianghuo (Notopterygium Root), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), Baishao (White Peony Root), Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle Flower), Ya Zao (Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit) (each five qian / ~15g), Leng Fan Tuan (Four liang / ~125g, i.e., fresh *Smilax glabra* rhizome).
Decoct and take together. If adding one toad and four liang (~125g) of aged rice wine to the decoction, the effect is even more rapid.

Also treated a woman whose face and eyes swelled in the morning, and legs and feet swelled severely in the afternoon. Her six pulses were floating and soft. Various treatments failed, so she sought my prescription. This condition arises from wind-dampness. *Neijing* states: Swelling of the face is Wind; severe swelling of the feet is Water. Use Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) with Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) to open the exterior and expel wind, and Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) to promote diuresis and move water. After ten doses, all symptoms resolved. This is what *Jingui Yaolue* calls Fengshui (Wind-Water Edema). From here onwards, thirteen entries are recorded in the original manuscript but omitted in Yin Shi's printed edition; now added back from the original to broaden knowledge.

Also treated a woman whose face and whole body were yellow as if dyed gold, with abdominal distension and shortness of breath. Initially, Guozhai treated her with Zhang Zhongjing's Zhizi Bopi Tang (Gardenia and Phellodendron Decoction), without effect.
I palpated her pulse as soggy and deep. This belongs to dampness accumulating over a long period, with water qi invading the interstices (Couli) and failing to reach the exterior. The stagnant dampness transforms into heat, causing jaundice. I prescribed Yinchen Hao Tang (Artemisia Scoparia and Coix Seed Decoction) plus Zhizi (Gardenia), Bopi (Phellodendron Bark), and Dahuang (Rhubarb) to drain damp-heat. Externally, I used seven live crucian carp (Golden Lin Black-spined variety), cutting off the tails and applying them around the navel (avoiding direct contact with the umbilicus itself). Replace when dry. Within less than four hours (Shichen), fluid drained from the navel, and the yellow discoloration gradually faded. After ten days, the chronic illness was cured.
Note: This method yields rapid results. Shou imitated this method and achieved consistent success. Since it is rare in the world, I record it here to inspire future generations. However, this formula is not recorded in *Zhunsheng*. Upon偶然ly reading *Mizhi*, I found a similar formula. Later, consulting Chuntian, he also stated that Li Guanxian used it with effects like a drum responding to a strike. I do not know its origin and will investigate further for correction by scholars (recorded by Lan).

Guozhai treated a woman vomiting blood full basins, with all medicines ineffective. Recalling the ancients' method of "using blood to guide blood back to its source," he instructed to collect the vomited blood, store it in a clay vessel, wait for coagulation, stir-fry it in a copper pot until black, place it on cotton paper on the ground for a week to remove fire toxicity, grind into fine powder. Mix five fen (~1.5g) of this blood charcoal powder with decoction of five qian (~15g) fresh Ce Bai Ye (Biota Tops) and one qian (~3g) Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber). Take two or three doses, and the blood naturally returns to its source. Verified effective repeatedly. Additionally, regarding the use of bitter-cold herbs for hematemesis, some warn against them. One must select based on symptoms and not rigidly adhere to one approach to avoid error.
*Lou Shi Gangmu* treats hematemesis using various herb charcoals, which is also quite effective. Now, "using blood to guide blood back to its source" follows this intent but changes agilely, achieving obvious results.
Note: I treated a woman vomiting blood profusely for days, with closed eyes and unconsciousness, red face, weak limbs, rough breathing making lying difficult. Left pulse was deep, right pulse was surging; heavy pressure still felt a root. This was long-standing stifled fire steaming the Lung and Stomach, compounded by summer-heat forcing externally, damaging the Yang collaterals, causing the Blood Sea to fail to contain blood, critical moment. Thinking that most hemostatic herbs are cold-natured and would cause vomiting if used heavily, I varied the standard method, first using sweet-cold herbs hoping to clear the Stomach Qi and stop upper bleeding. After two doses, bleeding stopped—this was a novel approach. After taking it, she slept peacefully at night, bleeding stopped, consciousness cleared, but she was fatigued and spoke little, with faint breath. Pulse smoothed slightly, but the right pulse became more floating, large, and powerless. This indicated excessive blood loss, risking deficiency collapse. *Jingui* says: "In blood depletion, benefit the Qi." Following this intent, I used Renshen (Seven fen / ~2.1g, mixed with Qiushi water), Huangqi (Seven fen / ~2.1g, stir-fried black with Huangqin water), Guishen (One qian / ~3g, stir-fried black), Huai Shanyao (One and a half qian / ~4.5g), Fuling (Three qian / ~9g), Maidong (One and a half qian / ~4.5g, heart removed), Zheng Beiwuzi (Seven grains), mixed with Sugarcane juice, Pear juice, and Lotus root juice. After three doses, appetite improved, spirit strengthened, and she recovered. From this, we see diseases have deficiency/excess, constitutions have strength/weakness; one cannot rigidly adhere to one method. Nowadays, most hematemesis cases involve deficiency, yet doctors often use bitter-cold herbs, ignoring deficiency/excess, leading to few cures and many premature deaths. I attach the Eight-Juice Drink formula below for wise consultation. Another formula: Sugarcane juice, Lotus root juice, Reed rhizome juice (each one wine-glass measure), White fruit juice (two spoons), White radish juice (half wine-glass), Pear juice (one wine-glass), Watermelon juice (one wine-glass, taken raw), Fresh Lotus leaf juice (three spoons). Mix evenly, warm in a double boiler, mix in melon juice, and drink slowly and frequently. For deficiency-fire turning crisis to safety, it is often effective. If not in summer, lacking watermelon and lotus leaf juices, use doubled Pear and Lotus root juices, with increased Tian Dong (Asparagus Tuber) and Baihe (Lily Bulb) juice as substitutes. In the previous formula, Renshen is expensive; substitute with Zhen Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) one and a half qian (~4.5g).

Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst) syndrome: Modern doctors habitually use cooling medicines, worsening the condition with each treatment. Occasionally reading Sun Dongsu's case of Xiao Ke: urine was clear and long, sweet-tasting, pulse fine and rapid. Used Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) plus Guixin (Cinnamon Bark), Bei Wuwei Zi (Schisandra Berry), Lujiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue), and Yizhiren (Bennet Seed) with effect. Another case: Patient preferred hot drinks, disliked cold, constipation, clear and copious urination, worse at night. Pulse floating and rapid/large on light pressure, but weaker on heavy pressure. I reasoned this disease stems from Fire failing to control Water, hence "drinking one dou, urinating one dou," as detailed in *Jingui Yaolue*. Following the intent but not the exact formula, I used Shenqi Wan minus Cheqian Zi (Plantago Seed) and Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), plus Yizhiren and Renshen, made into pills with glue paste. Taken for over a month, the patient recovered.
Note: In Xiao Ke with polyuria, it is due to deficient Fire failing to transform water, hence drinking one and urinating one, with thirst above but water not absorbed. For polyuria, using "benefiting the source of Fire to eliminate Yin shadows" often works; for Middle Xiao Ke, using Huangcao Tang to drain heat is appropriate. One must not rigidly stick to established methods without adapting to change to avoid error. Other verified cases are detailed elsewhere; refer to them.
Combining pulse and symptoms for research naturally yields prompt results. I recall *Mizhi* stating: Generally, for Xiao Ke to respond to medicine, salt must be abstained from for two months to prevent recurrence. If one cannot eat bland food, even good prescriptions will not ensure longevity. Be cautious! Be reverent!
*Mizhi* states: After recovery from warm-heat diseases, residual pathogens often settle in the feet, causing fever, swelling, and pain. If not treated urgently, severe pain leads to death, or even mild cases result in disability. Fortunately surviving cases are named "Jiezu Feng" (Foot-Cutting Wind). I attach a verified formula below to relieve this distress.
Guangjiao (Gelatin) one liang (~30g), mixed with lees, vinegar, ginger juice, and scallion juice, melted into a paste, spread on cotton paper or red cloth, applied to the affected area; pain stops immediately. (Lees should be crushed in vinegar, mixed well, filtered to extract juice, discard dregs. Ginger juice should be minimal; scallion juice should be half again as much as ginger juice; the lees-vinegar juice should be three to four times the amount of scallion juice).
Note: This formula treated Carpenter Wang, over thirty years old, who suffered from warm-heat disease stages. I treated him with modified Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) and he recovered. He did not take convalescent medicine and went to work. After seven days, he developed fever, aversion to cold, and severe pain in both feet, unable to walk or stand. Colleagues carried him to my residence. His pulse was surging and large, but the two Chi (Kidney) positions were soggy and fine. I knew this was residual warm-heat pathogens sinking downward, becoming critical Jiezu Feng. I immediately used this formula externally and internally administered Daochi Wuling San (Guide Out Redness and Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) to clear residual heat. In just three days, the illness vanished. I later treated many others with complete recovery. I highlight this now for wide dissemination. For decoction, replace Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) with N Sangzhi (Young Mulberry Twig) five qian (~15g), add Huainiuxi (Achyranthes Bidentata Root) three qian (~9g). Use fresh Cheqian Cao (Plantago Leaf) as a guiding herb.

It is also said: Grinding teeth, locked jaw, blue tongue, black face, incessant sweating, and cold hands/feet extending beyond joints is called Zhenxintong (True Heart Pain). If the entire head and teeth hurt, and cold extends to joints, it is called Zhen Toutong (True Head Pain). Morning onset means evening death; one in a hundred survives. These are critical conditions of direct invasion.
Note: I treated one case of Zhenxintong: The condition was critical, and I could not sit idle. I used Mahuang (Ephedra), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), and Guixin (Cinnamon Heart) each two qian (~6g), decocted in pork liver soup, administered frequently. Gradually, warmth returned—a method of seeking life from death. For Zhen Toutong, urgently moxa Baihui (GV20) several Zhuang, then use Wutou (Aconite), Fuzi, and Renshen each two qian (~6g), decoct strongly with ginger, swallow thirty pellets of Hexi Dan (Black Tin Pill). Only such potent agents can retrieve scattered Primordial Yang and disperse external true cold pathogens. I encountered one case of acute Sha (Plague/Toxin) with similar symptoms and saved the patient using this method. All belong to critical conditions of direct invasion of the Three Yin.

It is also said: Before diseases manifest, signs can predict them. For example, heat in palms and soles, thirst for tea/water, or hunger immediately after eating indicates impending Fabai (Back Carbuncle); orbital bone pain within three years indicates impending Mal-feng (Leprosy); finger numbness for three years predicts sudden stroke. Ancients observed spirit, complexion, and pulse to identify disease beforehand, which is why Bian Que knew Duke Huan of Qi's illness was incurable. Only those with divine skill can follow in their footsteps.
Note: *Neijing* states: The sage treats disease before it arises, not after. Knowing color and pulse ensures perfection. This is what is meant. However, modern doctors fall short. Often, when symptoms are obvious and clear, they hesitate. Such practitioners are inferior.

Cheng Wuji said: Regarding Jue (Cold Extremities), if hands and feet are cold from the onset, it is pathogen in Yin meridians with insufficient Yang Qi; Si Ni Tang (Four Counterflow Decoction) can be used. If hands/feet start hot and become warm, or go from warm to cold, it is transmitted pathogen; Si Ni San (Four Counterflow Powder) governs it. Regarding Six Qi influences differing from Shanghan transmission, the tongue coating is the most reliable indicator: Yin syndromes may have black or scorched-yellow coatings, but they are always swollen/floating, or slippery/moist, not dry. These are key methods for differentiation; one should ponder these words repeatedly.
Note: Treating disease is not hard; the difficulty lies in distinguishing doubtful cases. Do not echo others or drift with the tide, or you will harm people significantly. In mid-June, I treated a Dai family case: Body cold, pulse empty, cold limbs, crimson spots hidden under skin, thirst, delirium. Previous doctors misunderstood, wrongly using acrid-warm Yang-restoring methods, nearly causing danger. I differentiated it as: This is a Yang syndrome resembling Yin. Moreover, it was peak summer. I proposed using warm/acrid methods to purge urgently to preserve Yin. I used Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) three qian (~9g), Jinwen Jun (Da Huang/Rhubarb) three qian (~9g), Zhike (Bitter Orange) one qian (~3g), Sheng Gancao (Raw Licorice) eight fen (~2.4g), Fenghua Xiao (Effloresced Mirabilite) two qian (~6g), mixed and taken. After ingestion, much black stool like glue was passed, and red/scanty urination decreased. Using the same formula minus Xiao and Da Huang, adding Lianqiao (Forsythia), Shanzhi (Gardenia), and Yinhua (Honeysuckle), the patient stabilized after several doses. If I hadn't firmly refuted the error of acrid-warm herbs, wouldn't I have died at the hands of mediocrity? Everyone assumed it was a Three Yin syndrome without suspicion. I knew it wasn't Yin because of thirst, delirium, desire to drink, scorched-yellow/dry tongue coating, and cold extremities—these are phenomena of "deep heat causing deep cold" (Re Shen Jue Shen). Thus, I treated it according to He Jian's warm-heat examples and cured it.

Yu Tianmin treated a woman with night fever subsiding by morning, five-palm heat, unceasing for eight months. Her pulse was rapid, hidden, and firm in all six positions, completely unresponsive to light pressure. I gave Dongyuan's Shengyang Sanhuo Tang (Raise Yang and Scatter Fire Decoction). After four doses, fever halved, chest felt clearer than before. Continuing two doses, fever completely subsided. Afterwards, using Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) plus Zhimu (Anemarrhena), Jiuhuangbai (Wine-fried Phellodendron), with a hint of Paojiang (Roasted Ginger). After twenty-plus doses, fever did not return, and she recovered.
Note: Night fever and rapid pulse indicate Yin deficiency. Without keen insight, one might blindly use Yin-nourishing and fire-draining methods, which is like adding firewood to a fire. Here, because the pulse was hidden/firm and unresponsive to light pressure, Shengyang Sanhuo Tang worked. The brilliance lies in combining Paojiang with Zhimu and Huangbai to clear blood-level heat, differing from standard Yin-deficiency treatment. This is why famous doctors differ from mediocrities.

*Mizhi* states: For all infection syndromes where heat enters the Pericardium causing coma and delirium, using Xijiao (Rhinoceros Horn), Lingyangjiao (Antelope Horn), Lianqiao (Forsythia), Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle), Yuanshen (Scrophularia), Shengdi (Rehmannia), Renzhonghuang (Human Manure Yellow) etc., delivered with Zhibao Dan (Precious Treasure Pill) often yields results. For deep-seated heat pathogens causing spasms, this therapy is also suitable. People encountering children with this condition wrongly call it Jingfeng (Convulsive Wind) and use needle pricking, leaking True Qi, causing Yin-Yang reversal and untreatable conditions.
Note: Coma, delirium, and spasms often result from transformation of warm-heat, phlegm, or summer-heat. Ignorant women, listening to superstition, call it Convulsive Wind and prick with needles, worsening the condition and harming people greatly. Some old women or nuns claim divinity in treating Convulsive Wind,惯用挑刺 (habitually using pricking/thorn therapy). Ignorant women revere them as gods, suffering harm unknowingly. I record this as a warning.

Gong Yunlin said: Summer-heat pathogen interfering internally often causes sudden headache, nausea, or abdominal/back pain, or generalized pain. If untreated, coma, spasms, and syncope occur, dying from morning to evening. Only one dose of Baihu Wan (White Tiger Pill) disperses blood and cures instantly. Compared to bloodletting which depletes blood, this pill is more agile and miraculous. Formula uses Qiannian Duanshi (Millennium Forge Stone), scrape off impurities, grind to fine powder, wash with clear water, make pills size of Toad seeds. Take fifty pills per dose, adjust based on Sha severity, wash down with rice wine. Truly a miraculous formula.
Note: This pill regulates Qi, disperses blood, resolves phlegm, and quenches thirst; it is a fairy medicine for Sha. It also treats heart/abdominal pain, uterine flooding, red/white leukorrhea, chronic dysentery, traumatic internal injury with stagnant blood; effective for all. I frequently compound this pill to help the world, achieving quick results. Millennium Forge Stone is unavailable; forge stone from ancient tombs can be used. For Cold Sha, take with wine; for Hot Sha, take warm with boiled water. Adjust according to syndrome; do not rigidly adhere. However, Sha distension arises from unclear separation of pure/turbid in the Twelve Meridians, overflowing into Extraordinary Vessels, causing vessel manifestation and disease. Pathogens stagnate in collaterals; scraping/pricking opens collaterals, yielding even faster effects.

*Mizhi* records: Star-like spots in eyes, heat in feet from dampness, soak feet in warm water, rub soles to draw heat downward; treat urgently at onset. Alternatively, decoct three qian (~9g) Baijili (Tribulus Fruit) to wash eyes, four to five times daily, verified effective. Or use Gujingzhu (Eyebright) as tea. Cured in a few days.
Note: Eye stars arise from Spleen Fire rushing up, Liver heat binding with wind. Use Biyun San (Green Cloud Powder) insufflated into nose to dissipate stagnant Qi, frequently wash feet to descend heat; or stuff new Tangerine peel (Ju Pi) into nose, recedes in about six hours. Do not mistakenly use cold-cooling eye drops, causing blood stasis and cloudiness. Be cautious.

Wang Guang'an Miscellaneous Essays state: Food-stagnation syndrome resembles stroke; without investigating etiology, quick results are hard to achieve. I treated one person with sudden illness, locked jaw, inability to speak, blindness to recognition, paralyzed limbs. Urgently administered Suhexiang Wan (Styrax Pill), ineffective. Asked about cause: "Just accompanied guests, ate and suddenly got this." Taught to drink plenty of ginger-salt water and induce vomiting, expelled several bowls of food. Then took Baizhu Chenpi Banxia Maiya Tang (Atractylodes, Citrus Peel, Pinellia, Malt Decoction) and recovered. This is Shi Jue (Food Syncope). If etiology is not asked, and treated merely with phlegm/wind herbs, damaging Spleen/Stomach, disease worsens daily—this is the doctor's fault.
Note: Food-stagnation cases have varying etiologies; one cannot argue from a single perspective. In my youth, exam deadlines were tight. After meals, no time to walk, copying essays left no leisure. Writing at desk after full meals often caused abdominal pain, chest oppression, constipation, bloating, loss of appetite. Baohe Wan and Chaqu (Tea/Curds) plus Rice Charcoal were ineffective. An old friend said: In *Sanshi Yixian*, Runzi Wan is best. I followed the formula, took it, bowel movement cleared, all symptoms resolved. Lu Shi's Runzi Wan has many effects. Briefly listing a few to inspire juniors: For warm-heat, damp-phlegm etc., adjust dosage by severity. Most spiritual and swift. Highlighting this now.