Library

When Fu Lianfang served as the Inspector of Qinghe, his brother Nan'an sent him two volumes of *Shenxiu Yi* (Chen Xiuyuan's courtesy name was also Shenxiu) and eight volumes of *Donggao Four Books Essays*. He read them tirelessly and inscribed a poem: "The essays of Donggao and the medical texts of Shenxiu; vast as ten thousand acres of ocean, who can measure its depth?" In the Xinyou year, I arrived in Zhili and had the honor of acquainting myself with you beyond the mysteries of Yin and Yang (referring to profound changes or cosmic principles). This was a grand event of that time, and also a rare occurrence.

Recently, I was commissioned to go to Rehe. Just as I had reported for departure and stepped out, I was summoned back to the office. They said, "Several of your previous works have been copied and carefully commented upon. However, the collection lacks a section on 'female uterine prolapse' (Furen Yinting). This condition is most common in the North, yet it is also the most dangerous, adverse, and difficult to treat; it cannot be omitted. When you arrive at Rehe to handle official duties, please supplement this during your leisure." I replied, "Recently, due to successfully treating two patients, amidst my busy and tedious affairs, I fear my theoretical discussions may not be detailed enough. It would be better if I were to write it directly in my residence. I will present it for your review after completion." Upon reading it, he applauded every passage. He then asked, "I heard that twenty years ago, few people suffered from this disease. Since sweet potatoes began to be cultivated and produced locally, many women developed this sore after eating them. Perhaps it is because the shape of the sore resembles a sweet potato?" I said, "This is merely an assumption; in reality, it is not so. Sweet potatoes originated in Fujian Province, commonly known as 'Di Gua'. Their medicinal nature is similar to Chinese Yam (*Dioscorea opposita*), but their sweetness is greater. In Fujian, from Fuqing southward, and in the coastal areas of Zhangzhou and Quanzhou Prefectures, people use them as staple food and rarely suffer from other diseases. *Bencao Congxin* states that they tonify the Spleen and Stomach, dispel damp-heat, nourish Qi and Blood, and promote muscle growth. The longevity of people in coastal areas is attributed to consuming this food. Current *Shupu* highly praises its efficacy. Fujianese treat dysentery by boiling it with white honey and eating it, which is very effective. Women suffering from leukorrhea (red and white discharge) also find this method effective. Thus, we can see its great power in promoting the drainage of damp-heat. Its sweet taste corresponds to Earth, and Earth can overcome Dampness; thus, its power in draining dampness is particularly significant. My opinion is that sweet potatoes can serve as a specific medicine for uterine prolapse. The root cause of prolapse lies in Dampness, and this addresses the root; the shape of prolapse protrudes like a melon, and this follows the principle of sympathetic magic/form correspondence. For patients, besides taking medication and applying external treatments according to standard methods, substituting rice with sweet potatoes should yield even better results." The Inspector agreed and requested that this be appended to his previous works to fill a historical gap and clarify contemporary doubts, which is indeed a valuable contribution by a learned physician.

If the Stomach Qi leaks downward (leaking gas not through the anus is called passing wind, but previously), vaginal flatulence (Yinchui) occurs and is noisy (meaning continuous and audible). This is due to excess Grain Qi (constipation). Treat with Gao Fa Jian (Pig Fat and Hair Decoction) (to moisten and unblock the bowels, allowing Qi to exit through the anus; once open here, the blockage there resolves).

Formula for Gao Fa Jian (Pig Fat and Hair Decoction)
Zhu Gao (Pig Fat, 8 liang) Luan Fa (Tangled Human Hair, three pieces the size of a chicken egg)
Take the above two ingredients, boil them together in the pig fat until the hair dissolves and the medicine is ready. Divide into two doses. The pathogen exits via the urine. According to *Qianjin Fang*: A maid in the household of Taiyi Wei Shi Tuo suffered from jaundice (Huangbing); after taking this formula, dry feces in the stomach were discharged, and she recovered miraculously.

Xu Zhongke stated: Downward leakage differs from sinking. Sinking is a deficiency pattern; downward leakage means Qi escapes from the yin gate, hence called Yinchui. 'Chui' refers to the unceasing emission of Qi.

You Zaijing stated: Excess Grain Qi implies constipation and obstruction. Therefore, the descending Qi of the Yangming channel cannot follow its normal pathway and instead diverts to an accessory orifice. Gao Fa Jian moistens and guides the bowels; once stool passes, Qi returns to its proper course.

Formula for Pediatric Malnutrition Caused by Worms Eroding Teeth
Xiong Huang (Realgar) Ting Li (Descurainia Seed / Lepidium Seed)
Grind the above two ingredients into powder. Take lard rendered in the twelfth lunar month, melt it using locust branches, wrap four or five cotton wicks in the mixture, dip in the powder, and cauterize the affected teeth.