After the passing of Mr. Ding Ganren, I compiled a family biography for him based on the authentic records of his life. However, as Mr. Ding was an excellent physician, if I do not organize and record his academic discourses now while I have heard them, they will likely be unknown to future generations. Therefore, I have written this supplementary biography.

Having completed his studies in his hometown, Mr. Ganren initially practiced medicine in Suzhou but found no resonance there (or: met with little success). He then traveled east to Shanghai ("the Sea"), where he achieved great prominence. Subsequently, he studied under Wang Lianshi, who instructed him to specialize in the study of Cold Damage (Shanghan). Among the annotated collections by Shu Chiyuan (Mr. Shu), he gained the deepest insights. From then on, whenever encountering miscellaneous diseases, he would first determine the pattern according to the Six Meridians (Liu Jing) before applying treatment. He often stated that brain carbuncles (Nao Ju) belong to the Shaoyin channel, and back carbuncles (Fa Bei) belong to the Taiyang channel; neither should be mistakenly treated with cold and cool herbs. This was his general principle. He was also proficient in the principles of the *I Ching* (Book of Changes). He once told me: "At the Summer Solstice, Yin begins to generate; the *I Ching* hexagram is Gou (䷫). Thereafter, Yin Qi gradually increases, while the Yang Qi in the Middle Jiao gradually weakens. Yang disperses outward, while Yin guards inward. If one adheres to these natural laws without disorder, one can sufficiently resist the celestial Yang heat, and thus avoid summerheat diseases. However, if one consumes excessive cold drinks, causing the Middle Yang to fail, conditions such as profuse watery diarrhea (Dong Xie), cold damaging the interior, and cold-type cholera may arise." Through this, I comprehended the therapeutic applications of Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Aconite Decoction for Regulating the Middle) and Tongmai Sini Tang (Pulse-Reviving Four Reversal Decoction). "At the Winter Solstice, Yang begins to generate; the *I Ching* hexagram is Fu (䷗). Thereafter, Yang Qi gradually increases, while the Yin within the interior gradually thins out. Yin-cold is external, while latent Yang is internal. If one consolidates and protects Yang without dissipating it, one can sufficiently resist the cold, and thus severe cold damage syndromes will certainly not occur. Only through reckless exertion, leading to the loss of Yin fluids, where Yin cannot control Yang, does winter-warmth disease arise." Through this, I comprehended the applications of Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) and Huanglian Ejiao Tang (Coptis and Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction) in Shaoyin patterns. I said, "Well said." In terms of treating diseases and prescribing medicines, Mr. Ding spoke without reservation. Regarding carbuncle toxins (Ding Du), he said: "When heat-tox erupts violently, the head and face are most severely affected, and death can occur from morning to evening. In rural areas seeking medicine, distances to cities are far, and immediate measures are hard to take. One should quickly gather wild chrysanthemum leaves, crush them to extract juice for drinking, and apply the dregs to the affected area; this reduces swelling most rapidly." I previously verified this method on a patient surnamed Wu. He also said: "For all patterns where damp-toxin resides in the interior, it is appropriate to expel it to the exterior. However, once it has emerged to the exterior, one should heavily use Xiaojixian (Radix Cirsii Japonici), Daji (Herba Cirsii Japonici), Mudan Pi (Cortex Moutan), and Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) to clear residual toxins from the Blood level. This applies not only to external sores but also to Li Jie Feng (Bi-syndrome affecting joints)." I recently verified this theory on a woman surnamed Dai. He also said: "For unbearable heart pain, urgently use Rushen (Resina Olibani) and Moyao (Resina Myrrha), decocted together with wine and water; this can stop the pain immediately." I verified this on a tailor surnamed Jiang. He also commented on Wu Keyou's *Treatise on Warm Epidemics*, stating that it best captures the subtle purport of Zhang Zhongjing. I asked for the reason. Mr. Ding said: "In the Taiyang Chapter of the *Shanghan Lun*: 'Originally indicated for sweating, yet purgation was applied; this is contrary treatment. If sweating is applied first, the treatment is not contrary. Originally indicated for purgation, yet sweating was applied; this is contrary. If purgation is applied first, the treatment is not contrary.' The former statement refers to the treatment method for Cold Damage; the latter refers to the treatment method for Warm Diseases." I have frequently verified this when treating febrile diseases during the transition between summer and autumn. Now that Mr. Ding has passed away, I regret our short acquaintance and the limited number of discourses I heard. Thus, I have recorded what I had heard in the past in this article, so that younger generations may know how precious even fragments of his wisdom are.

Written respectfully by your humble brother Cao Jiada, in the twelfth month of winter, Dingmao year.