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The daughter-in-law of the Wang family had several scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck) on her neck, three malignant nodules (malignant masses or enlarged lymph nodes) in both axillae, and a toxic sore on her thigh that was neither painful nor itchy. After more than a hundred days, the lesion gradually enlarged, becoming as large as a bushel basket, hard as stone upon palpation, with cyanotic veins visible on the skin surface, and accompanied by frequent spasmodic pain. Several physicians treated her and all diagnosed it as a "tumor" (liu). I stated, "Tumors are typically soft; there are no tumors in the world that are hard as stone." This is a Stone Abscess (Shi Ju), which belongs to Yin syndromes. When asked if it could be treated, I replied: "If treated at the onset, it can be resolved. If it enlarges over time and shows venous patterns on the surface, although it feels hard as stone, pus has already formed at the root. Occasional spasmodic pain indicates that pus is forming. The presence of cyanotic veins suggests yellowish serum inside, indicating a treatable condition. However, if small, uneven nodules resembling rock appear on the surface, it is untreatable; after three hundred days, severe pain will erupt, leading to death without ulceration. If red veins appear, it indicates connection to the Blood Sea, making it untreatable. If spots appear, it signifies spontaneous ulceration; once ulcerated, massive hemorrhage will occur, leading to death within three days. Currently, the presence of cyanotic veins means that if the lesion becomes soft, half the treatment effect will be achieved. After ulceration, if the pus becomes thick, recovery is hopeful. Externally apply fresh Phytolacca esculenta (Shanglu) paste; internally administer Yanghe Decoction (Warming Yang and Resolving Masses Decoction). After ten doses, the spasmodic pain ceased. After thirteen doses, itching occurred both internally and externally. After sixteen doses, the apex softened. After eighteen doses, the entire lesion softened. The nodules on the neck and axillae completely dissipated without a trace, leaving only the Stone Abscess, where an internal pus sac was visible below when standing. Prescribe one qian of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra (Renshen). Since the lesion is located in the meridians and collaterals, first puncture with a silver needle, then enlarge the opening with a knife, and insert a paper wick. The next day, about one dou of fluid drained twice. When using large doses of tonifying and expelling-toxicity formulas, omit Ginseng and double the dose of Astragali Radix (Huangqi). Continue for ten doses; the condition stabilized significantly. A relative who practiced surgery advised him to use honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao). Within three days, swelling erupted around the area with internal pain, requiring my re-evaluation. I instructed him to continue the previous formula. After another twenty-plus doses, apply Yanghe Plaster covering the base, leaving the wound open, and bind tightly with cloth. Asked why plaster and binding were used, I explained: "For Yin abscesses, the outer skin must remain mobile while the inner membrane regenerates. Surgical incision damaging the inner membrane leads to necrosis and death. The pus lies between the skin and the membrane, merely causing superficial irritation, and cannot accommodate topical tissue-nourishing herbs. Therefore, internally administer warming, tonifying, yin-nourishing, and blood-invigorating agents; externally apply warming and blood-invigorating plasters. Binding ensures the skin and membrane adhere, facilitating pus drainage and tissue regeneration. Indeed, after binding, the internal pus became thick. Adding Ginseng, the patient recovered after two months."

Mr. Gong from Changmen developed a carbuncle on his waist, with a base spanning over two chi wide, extending anteriorly to the abdomen and posteriorly to the back. It was non-erythematous, non-edematous, painless, and firm like wood. Initially, I prescribed Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) and Prepared Ginger (Paojiang) at the head of the prescription. Later, three or four renowned physicians reviewed my prescription and objected, stating, "How can such hot herbs be used in intense summer heat!" They deemed it incorrect and proposed cooling and draining formulas. After five to six days of this treatment, the patient fell into coma with stomach qi exhaustion. I was called again: the lesion remained painless, the color resembled overnight pork liver, speech was slurred, and food intake ceased. I said, "Let us see if he survives the night before discussing further." He died that night. Soon after, his relative suffered from the same condition. I treated him with Yanghe Decoction. Relief was felt the next day, and the carbuncle reduced by half after subsequent doses. Then, Xihuang Pills (Rhino Horn and Musk Pill) were alternated with Yanghe Decoction morning and evening. Full recovery was achieved on the fifth day. Subsequent cases of back carbuncles with similar presentations were also cured using this method.

A woman from Mudu Town developed a bowl-sized carbuncle on her back. Initially white, it turned red with severe pain during the Sanfu (dog days) period. I prescribed Yanghe Decoction. Bystanders questioned, "Why use Ma Huang (Ephedra) to release the exterior and hot herbs like Ginger and Cinnamon in summer?" I replied, "This is a Yin syndrome." They argued, "Since the color turned red, Yin has transformed into Yang." I responded, "Do not worry." After administration, pain ceased briefly. After four additional doses, the lesion ulcerated without pain, and healing was completed in five days.

The son of Mr. Xu from Yixing, aged six months, had one toxic sore on the Taiyang channel, two opposite the heart and umbilicus on the back, one on the nape ("duikou"), one each on the waist and abdomen, and five on both legs. All maintained normal skin color. The two sores on his thighs had been incised by another physician. Due to the child's young age and inability to take oral medicine, I administered Xiaojin Dan (Little Gold Pill) twice daily. By the fifth day, nine sores had resolved. I continued Xiaojin Dan once daily and arranged a wet nurse. Ten days later, the two incised wounds appeared healthy and red. I prescribed Baoyuan Decoction (Protect the Origin Decoction) with three fen of Cinnamon Bark (Rougui). Separately decoct six fen of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra (Renshen) and mix. After half a month, honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) was added. Recovery was achieved in one month.

The son of Mr. Lu from Xingyi, aged seven, had three coalescing carbuncles on the vertex, approximately one cun in diameter. They had ulcerated for a long time without healing, with holes the size of chess pieces, shallow, devoid of pus, dry, and grayish in color. The child was lethargic and spiritless with poor appetite, caused by excessive consumption of cold-natured medicines. Upon examination, I stated, "The color resembles incense ash, indicating depletion of Qi and Blood, dryness without pus, and extinction of spirit. How can this be treated?" The child died the following day.

Mrs. Yao from Shantang, aged twenty-nine, experienced a miscarriage over a month prior. A toxic sore initially appeared at the left shoulder ("dashou" point), surrounding an area of 1.5 chi. Half a month later, another sore appeared on the spine, extending vertically for 1.3 chi. Both were white and depressed. Treatment was sought ten days later due to critical condition. Three doses of Yanghe Decoction enabled her to sit up. Five doses allowed normal urination and defecation. After twelve doses, new lesions resolved completely. For the initial "dashou" lesion, the surrounding area resolved, leaving only the apex which ulcerated painlessly. Healing was completed in four days. She subsequently complained of a sensation of heaviness on the back, like carrying a board, restricting movement. Ten pills of Xiaojin Dan, taken twice daily, resulted in full recovery.

A man suffered from syphilis (Yangmei Chuang) and bubo (Yukou). I reasoned that bubo indicates Yang deficiency, requiring warming and tonification, whereas syphilis involves fire toxin, requiring cooling and resolution. These opposing conditions require a balanced formula; only Xihuang Pills are suitable. Instructed him to take three qian with wine on an empty stomach daily. Two symptoms resolved after ten doses. Another case with similar presentation but heavier toxicity required twenty doses for recovery.

Mother Cheng, aged seventy, suffered from a flowing abscess (Liuzhu) Yin abscess under the knee, ulcerated for months. Two hard nodules appeared below and beside the lesion. A physician misdiagnosed the new nodules as swelling adjacent to the old lesion, failing to recognize Liuzhu, and administered detoxifying agents. This aggravated the new nodules, causing pain. Upon my consultation, three doses of Yanghe Decoction resolved the new nodules. Followed by ten pills of Xiaojin Dan, then yin-nourishing and warming-tonifying herbs. Apply Xingren San (Almond Powder) for half a month until pus thickened. Finally, Baoyuan Decoction with Rougui for over ten doses led to cure.

A woman had three phlegm nodules on her neck that formed sinuses over many years. I inserted sinus-extracting medicine, changing it daily. Two sites healed in half a month. One site had been treated superficially. Unexpectedly, upon her husband's return from afar, the sinus deepened again within two days. I stated, "Treatment now will be ineffective. Wait until her husband travels away for half a month for recovery." Days later, she returned to her maternal home, and I treated her successfully there.

Qin Bunian from Dongting had twelve malignant nodules on the neck and axillae, ulcerated for three years without healing. I alternated Yanghe Decoction and Xihuang Pills. Eight out of twelve healed in half a month. Delighted, he took the medicine home. On the way, he bought and ate cold jelly noodles, and upon returning, consumed cold water with noodles. The next day, he suffered urinary and fecal retention, dying on the fifth day. This serves as a warning against disregarding health precautions.

Min Xing from Fengzhen, aged seventeen, suffered from extensive ulcerated scrofula spreading to the ears, axillae, and waist, with palm-sized areas in multiple locations. He was extremely emaciated. Initially treated with Dongtian Jiuku Dan, resulting in profuse discharge of toxic fluid. After ten days, Yanghe Decoction and Xingxiao Pills were administered morning and evening. Neck mobility improved within ten days, and appetite increased. External application of Yanghe Plaster, internal administration of Dazao Wan (Jujube Pill), washing with Jingjie Decoction, and applying Shanlian San throughout the process led to recovery in ninety days. Because Zilong Wan and Xiaojin Wan were not used, the root of the toxin remained. Later, malignant nodules recurred in the axilla, which were resolved using Zilong Wan.