典藏书目

Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) [1] (Single herb, ground into a fine powder like flour. Each evening, take one *cunfang bi* [2] with freshly drawn well water. Stop when the body temperature returns to normal.)

For *Rela* [3] presenting as deep-seated steaming bone fever, slight emaciation of the four limbs, sweating, and a long pulse, this formula is indicated.

Regarding the syndrome of *Rela*, can it be said that it entirely belongs to Yin deficiency? There are also cases where Yang pathogenic factors invade from the exterior, penetrate into the bones, fail to vent and disperse, and internally generate steaming bone fever, causing the patient to first feel cold and then hot. Over time, this gradually leads to emaciation. The presence of sweating indicates excess heat in the Stomach organ system [4]. A long pulse indicates a Yang pathogenic factor syndrome. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is cold and possesses clearing and purifying properties; it can treat interior heat syndromes. Therefore, *Waitai Mi Yao* [5] collected this formula. It was used effectively by physicians in Chuzhou, verified by the wife of Zheng Digong in Mozhou, and recorded in *Mingyi Lu* [6]. This serves to enlighten later students of medicine profoundly. One might ask: Li Dongyuan stated that body heat due to Blood deficiency resembles the Baihu Tang [7] syndrome, and those who mistakenly take Baihu Tang will surely die; does this not refer to Shigao? I reply: If the patient suffers from *Laozai* [8], with a rapid pulse, dryness, thirst, and daily emaciation, they are suitable for taking Shigao. As "Heaven generates Water at One," Water nourishes all things. If Fire is excessive and extinguishes Water, causing the fluids of the Five Zang organs to dry up, sweet pear juice can serve as an emergency rescue. This substance is not only useful for emergencies but has also been known to restore life from death. The Master said: Using it raw can cool the Five Fires; using it cooked can nourish the Five Zang organs.

Hemoptysis [9] is treated primarily with Tongbian [10] (Child's urine).

Hemoptysis occurs because there are openings in the Lung. The Lung is a clear and empty organ that tolerates no impurities whatsoever. Once such openings exist, blood seeps into the Lung. The more it seeps, the more the coughing; the more the coughing, the more it seeps. This is difficult to treat. Chu Cheng stated: "If treated with cold and cooling herbs, fewer than one in a hundred survives. If treated with urine, fewer than one in a hundred dies." Thus, I specifically highlight and elucidate this point. Furthermore, he said: Although Blood belongs to the Yin category, what moves it must be harmonious Yang Qi! The implication here is profound.

The act of cutting flesh from the thigh exists since ancient times. It stems from virtuous wives being anxious about the illnesses of their parents-in-law and husband, hoping that a single sincere thought could move Heaven. During the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, Chen Cangqi compiled *Bencao Shiyi* [11], stating: "Human flesh treats *Zhaiji* [12]." Since then, the practice of cutting thigh flesh among the common people increased significantly, with some even doing so under false pretenses to seek fame. Alas! Flesh of the same kind should certainly not be eaten; how can damaging one's body be considered serving one's parents? Moreover, Yu Fu, Bian Que, Chunyu Yi, and Hua Tuo were divine and excellent physicians of antiquity; it is unheard of that they used human flesh to treat diseases. Similarly, the filial piety of Min Sun and Zeng Shen did not involve cutting flesh. Those who perform such acts to solicit reputation, Chen Cangqi initiated this trend.

[1] Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum): A mineral drug used to clear heat and purge fire.
[2] *Cunfang bi*: An ancient measuring spoon, roughly equivalent to a tablespoon.
[3] *Rela*: A chronic wasting disease characterized by fever, often associated with tuberculosis or severe chronic infections.
[4] Stomach organ system: Refers to the Stomach channel and its functional system in TCM.
[5] *Waitai Mi Yao*: "Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies," a famous medical compendium by Wang Tao.
[6] *Mingyi Lu*: "Records of Famous Physicians," a historical text on medical practitioners.
[7] Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction): A classic formula for clearing intense heat.
[8] *Laozai*: Tuberculosis or chronic consumptive disease.
[9] Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood.
[10] Tongbian: Urine from a healthy prepubertal boy, used in traditional medicine for cooling blood and stopping bleeding.
[11] *Bencao Shiyi*: "Supplement to Materia Medica" by Chen Cangqi.
[12] *Zhaiji*: Another term for *Laozai* or tuberculosis.