这件事，是在医林传得比较普遍的一个案例。但是具体的细节，人们却往往知 道得不是十分清楚，这就是祝味菊先生给徐小圃儿子治病的事。
《伤寒质难·厥阴上篇》里面，陈苏生与祝味菊有段对话：陈问到伤寒坏病的治法 ，“医者不识”――有些病医生认不出来，虽然他想救病人，但书中没有前例，不 知道该怎么办？希望祝味菊给他举一个例子。祝味菊就说到徐小圃了。问他认识不 认识？陈苏生说知道，徐小圃精治婴儿，儿科医生，非常出名。他本人也曾在徐旁 边见过其处方，他发现徐的处方和祝味菊的处方很象。但是不知道为什么这样。祝 味菊于是就给他说，这是徐亲身体会而来的。陈苏生不知道这件事，希望祝味菊仔 细给他讲一下。
祝未菊就给他讲了：民国十五年的时候，祝味菊从成都来到上海。那时正在办 景和医科大学。有个朱少坡把徐小圃的儿子徐伯远介绍来了，跟祝先生学医。第二 年，伯远病了，来告假来了。祝先生一看，正伤寒也。实际上就是个太阳经证，也 就是相当于麻黄汤证吧，理应辛温解表，开的是麻黄汤之类，这实际上是正解。肯 定是个典型的麻黄汤证，所以应该开这个方子。但是徐小圃惧其峻，认为麻黄汤太 峻猛了，就假装说药已经服了，骗祝味菊。过几天之后，病没什么变化，祝先生心 里就觉得可疑，每天看这个情况一天比一天加重，百思不得其解：明明是个麻黄汤 证，用上去为什么不见效呢？
一天，祝味菊又去看病人，正好徐小圃外出没在家，他就在那屋里来回转，心 里没想明白：这药怎么不见效呢？突然，他看到案头放着一个药方，泻心汤之类， 估计是三黄之类的东西，连半夏泻心汤有温药的都不是。当时他就明白了，原来他 根本就没给伯远吃这药，没吃还假装说吃了。当时一看不行，就告辞，不给他治了 。其实，徐小圃这是犯了医家大忌，欺骗医生，明明没吃药，还假装说吃了，很大 的不信任，不但不信任，还有些不尊重。晚上徐小圃来电话道歉，祝先生就问他： 你这个方子是不是给伯远吃的？徐小圃没办法，只好说了，众道友评议之方也。大 伙研究出来的，众道友――这能给徐小圃当道友的，自然也是当时的名医，海上名 医嘛，也可以说是个专家会诊了，就研究出这么一个结果，泻心汤。祝味菊当时说 ：此方不妥啊，阁下其谨慎之。一定要谨慎从事，这方子不对。徐小圃当时还很硬 ，假装谢谢，说已喝了，还没有什么不妥的迹象，心中不服。祝味菊又告诫说：慎 之，郁极必扬，今宵或有猝变欤。阳郁之极，必然要发，估计在今天晚上就会有突 然的变化。
第二天早上没有消息，过了午后祝味菊又去看去了，诸医皆在，济济一堂。众 道友满满一屋子，在商量。书童和主人都忙忙碌碌的，在伺候他们。客有愁容，医 生们脸上都有愁容，也是感觉到很棘手，西医也在这。徐小圃是神色沮丧，惘然若 失，这会儿没招了。看祝味菊来了，皱着眉头就迎进去了，对祝味菊说，果然伯远 昨晚发厥，厥逆了，一直到现在还没醒过来，刚才又抽搐。他这种厥就相当抽搐， 就是现在这些小孩家长比较害怕的那种抽风。西医说的脑膜炎什么什么的。徐小圃 说：这现在该怎么办呢？一边说一边唏嘘不止，这时候他着急了。过一会儿看护来 了，看护小孩的人来了，告诉徐小圃，刚才给病人吃了紫雪丹（大寒之物），吃了 几次,没吃进去。这些在座的医家听了同声嗟叹，认为紫雪丹下去都不行了。既然 用了这样大寒之药，可见当时都认为这病是热——热入心包。这是温病派经常说的 。徐小圃当时是悲从中来，潸然泪下，这时已没有办法，这小孩要与世长辞了。祝 味菊一听，说道：药未入口，如此亦佳。没喝下去，挺好。大伙一听都愣了，吃不 下去药还好！一会儿，朱少坡走了，祝味菊起来送他。徐小圃以为祝味菊也要走， 祝味菊说，不是，我不走，等一会儿我再回来。大伙这时都告辞了，徐小圃把祝味 菊领到一个小屋子里。这时他看到自己的这些办法都没用了，不禁愀然而悲，对祝 味菊说：伯远尚有望乎？祝味菊说，如果不怕我的药呢，也不是一点希望没有。徐 小圃当时很激动，马上长揖到地，说：伯远是我儿子，也是阁下徒弟，为师的怎能 坐视不救徒弟呢？即使用毒药也不敢推辞，希望阁下想想办法。这时候祝先生就处 以强心扶阳之药，所谓的强心扶阳呢首先就要用附子，倍增其量而用之。速为配就 ，吾将督煎也。煮完之后，就告诉看护的人服法，然后吃晚饭。吃晚饭过了一阵， 就问小圃：药吃没吃呢？吃完后有什么反应呢？徐小圃说：没有，还没吃呢。刚才 这些众医又商量去了，大伙儿研究了一下，都说用药太猛，安危存乎一线啊。再稍 微等一等吧，明天早上再商量怎么样？还推辞，现在。祝味菊急了，这什么时候了 ！病到这种程度了，怎么还能耽搁呢？徐小圃这是因为家人害怕，不敢吃。这会祝 味菊有点不高兴了，当时就质问：你这么大一个家，一定有主，你家里的主是谁呢 ？谁能做这个主呢？你现在自己方寸已乱，但我不能看我徒弟枉死于病。这个病并 不是治不了，而是治得不对。如果伯远服我的这个药，服他师傅的药死了，我以后 再不行医了，再不提行医这个事。可见他决心之大，也是非常自信，于是命看护灌 药。这回是亲自看给喝下去，不能让他们随便搞了。刚开始喝的时候喝不下去，再 服下去喝了一点，三次服没吐出来。祝味菊说现在还不够，再煎一服。连服二剂， 还没动静。怕药力还不够，人力先溃散了。于是请西医用强心药给他注射。强心药 这种东西，既然能强心，肯定是有些偏于阳性的意思，也是救急药。这个医生不敢 用，说：高热如此，昏聩如此，恐非所宜。从他理论上讲，怕是热。祝味菊说，小 量注射，我负责任。于是就给注射上了。祝味菊中西医都很精通，西药他也用。然 后就把杂人都给退下去了，就连伯远母亲也让退下去了。这时候戚党哗然，家里的 那些家属喧哗，窃窃私语，骂祝味菊：哪里来的野郎中，不尽人情如此。徐小圃这 时要备车把祝味菊送回去。祝味菊说，今天晚了，就不回去了。徐小圃说，那就准 备个床吧。祝味菊说，不着急，我就在这坐一会儿。这时徐小圃说要休息，假寐。 祝味菊也就在边上陪着他。半夜的时候，看护来了，匆忙地把徐小圃找去了，徐小 圃当时马上起来就去了。祝味菊在边上看到，假装没看到，也不吱声。过了一会儿 ，徐小圃回来了，看祝味菊没醒，就在边上坐着。过了一会儿祝味菊假装打个哈欠 ，醒过来了。问徐小圃：怎么样了？徐小圃抱拳而谢，说：刚才伯远已经醒了，跟 看护说要见他父亲，他马上就去了。伯远当时就哭了，哽咽悲诉：儿苦甚，许多褴 褛无赖，强行曳我，要把我扔到井里面去，我使劲挣扎，打不过他们。正在这时来 了一个大胖子，把这些无赖打跑了，把我从井里面拽出来了。现在是遍身疼痛，如 受鞭笞。这实际上不是很显然嘛，又变成麻黄汤证了。体痛呕逆，脉阴阳俱紧者， 麻黄汤主之。身体痛，发热恶寒无汗，这就是个麻黄汤证。身体疼痛如被杖责，被 打的这种感觉，这实际上又是回到太阳了。开始已被引到里面去了，后来用热药， 用强心的热药，四逆之类。寒邪进不去，又返表来了，于是就醒过来了。祝味菊一 听就笑了：何物群丑，困人若斯，这哪里来的一群小丑，怎么会把人给弄到这种程 度呢？大胖子就是大附子吧。邪气出表，怎么能不痛呢？因再处方而归。这回开方 子就走了，就放心了。第二天一天也没有发生厥逆，这种抽搐的现象。抽搐停止了 ，汗也没再出。但是热没退，汗未出，热未降，这不又是一个无汗发热的麻黄汤证 嘛。又用前法出入进服，汗出热退，这里面肯定要有麻黄，汗出了，热退了，身痛 也就好了。又过了三天，神志完全恢复了。自言左肋下作痛，这什么意思呢？左肋 下是肝木升发之地，金来克木，木气不得升发，郁于胁下，实际上这是个当归四逆 汤证。用现在咱们这个当归四逆理中冲剂，用上去马上就得开。这时徐小圃家人又 把西医给找来了，说是肋膜炎，已经成脓了，所以得开刀。祝味菊跟徐小圃说：这 人说得恐怕不对。他就对先前的那个打针的西医说了，这个肋痛，是汗出局部受寒 所致。实际上是金克木了，木气升发不畅。即使有炎症的话呢，也未必就是化脓。 等那个医生来了我当面问一问他，不行的话，可以抽水化验。第二天再找那个西医 ，已经走了，割开皮看到里面也没有什么脓。其实这个西医是在敷衍，实际上不是 那么回事。这是中间一个插曲。祝味菊这时对徐小圃说：伯远今已厥回神清，渡过 危机，今而后余不复问讯矣。伯远已经转危为安了，以后我也就不再来了。为什么 这么说呢？因为开始不信任，不吃他药还假装说吃，自己搞一套。徐小圃这时惶惶 相谢，非常惊惶了。这时候大骂开方的这个人，决定用凉药的这个人。这时候徐小 圃就要东宅的夫人担任监护之责，让祝味菊信任，然后继续服药。七天之后，热退 痛消。调理月余始痊，病情也是很严重的。调理了一个月，完全好了。
徐小圃以前也是时方派。经过这次再认识。一反过往作风，得心应手，遂有祝 派之称。经过这次事件，尽弃以前所学，改学祝味菊了，成了祝派的弟子，徐小圃 拜祝味菊为师了。后来他的次子仲才也从祝味菊学医了，也是因为自身体认有得。 一代名医，行医数十年了，还能从善如流，不固执已见，这样也算是很难得了。就 是这样一个过程。
从中能看出什么问题呢？实际上这个病并不难，是个很简单的证，一个麻黄汤 证，如果学伤寒的人，一看就应该知道。但是这些名医者流，为什么就不知道呢? 一定说成是热，要用凉药呢？这就是温病派的影响。理论先入为主了，见到什么都 是热，很简单的病他就是治错。治错了这必然就会深入，深入了就加重，病决不会 对你客气。都是当时的名流，高朋满座，盛友如云，大伙一商量就出来了个泻心汤 。也用的经方，但用了之后就厥，厥逆了，所以可见这种错误认识的影响多么的坏 。其实这样的事件都应写入教材，让人们都读一读，但是现在真正知道这件事情的 学中医的并不多。说到徐小圃拜祝味菊为师这件事，也是很不细致，不了了之。不 知道就是个麻黄汤证的误治。麻黄汤证现在误治，给治死的人有多少呢？不计其数 。无论是中医西医，治错了都会引邪深入。深入之后随着邪气所停留的部位就会变 成各种类证。这个病深浅不一，如果入得深了，最深可以进入骨髓，可以变成血液 病。最浅呢？停留在肺，变成咳和喘。入肝呢？就象刚才说的那个胁痛，左胁下痛 ，升发不畅。造成种种的后遗症。这都是认病不准，判断病机正好与实际情况相反 。该抵抗的时候不抵抗，他投降，所谓攘外必先安内，割地赔款，求和。所谓的求 和实际上就是投降，出卖主权，最后变成亡国奴。
所以寒温之间这种性质。是两个性质，并不是可以相提并论，一左一右什么的 ，不是那么回事。实际上是一黑一白，一正一反，一对一错。在这个病，正伤寒证 ，对于这个病来说，就是这个情况。这件事就先讲到这里，给大家当个故事，但是 都是真事。《伤寒质难》上还有一些这样的事件，基本上也是差不多，就是指鹿为 马，张冠李戴，颠倒黑白，而且犯错的是众人。坚持对的只是一个人。但是，如果 没有这一个人的话，那么大家只好一起错下去了。现在中医界正好也是这个情况， 象昨天那位先生说的，到中医院去看，开出来的方子全是凉药。咱们先不说他这个 证是不是热证，为什么都是凉药呢？这里头就一定有问题，这种错误理论的影响， 还是在继续，并没有改正错误的迹象。所以现在中医每况愈下，影响越来越差，口 碑越来越差，治疗效果越来越差。一个很简单的病就是治不好，越治越重。这是医 将不医啊，也不是什么中医了。所以这个情况也正是民间中医的使命：正本清源， 拨乱反正。理论上一定要先把它给正过来。所以这些讲正理的书就很重要，所以向 大家推荐《伤寒质难》，大家有时间可以细看。看看他们师徒之间是如何问答的， 虽然是几十年前的问答，在今天看，还是有现实意义，基本上现在大家所争论的一 些问题，里面早就争论过了，而且这里面都有答案。现在还在重复这些老问题，就 没有什么意义了。大家可以先看一看，就不必要再提这些话题了。要拨乱反正，这 是一本好书。
这是一个在医学界流传较广的案例，但具体细节人们往往知之不详，即祝味菊先生治疗徐小圃儿子一事。
《伤寒质难·厥阴上篇》中记载了陈苏生与祝味菊的一段对话：陈苏生询问关于伤寒坏病（伤寒误治后病情恶化）的治疗方法，“医者不识”——有些病症医生无法识别，虽然他们想救治病人，但书中没有先例，不知该如何处理？希望祝味菊能举一个例子。祝味菊便提到了徐小圃。他问陈苏生是否认识徐小圃？陈苏生说知道，徐小圃擅长治疗婴儿，是一位非常有名的儿科医生。陈苏生曾在徐小圃旁边见过他的处方，发现徐的处方与祝味菊的处方非常相似，但不知道为什么这样。祝味菊于是解释说，这是徐小圃亲身实践体会而来的。陈苏生不了解这件事，希望祝味菊详细讲讲。
祝味菊便讲述了此事：民国十五年（1926年），祝味菊从成都来到上海。当时正在创办景和医科大学。有一位叫朱少坡的人将徐小圃的儿子徐伯远介绍来跟随祝先生学医。第二年，伯远病了，来请假。祝先生一看，这是典型的伤寒证。实际上就是太阳经证，也就是相当于麻黄汤证（以恶寒发热、无汗、脉浮紧为主要表现的表实证），理应使用辛温解表法，开具麻黄汤之类的方剂，这实际上是正确的诊断。肯定是个典型的麻黄汤证，所以应该开这个方子。但是徐小圃担心药性太峻猛，认为麻黄汤过于猛烈，就假装说药已经服下，欺骗祝味菊。几天之后，病情没有变化，祝先生心里觉得可疑，每天观察情况，发现一天比一天加重，百思不得其解：明明是个麻黄汤证，用上去为什么不见效呢？
一天，祝味菊又去探望病人，正好徐小圃外出不在家，他就在那屋里来回走动，心里想不明白：这药怎么不见效呢？突然，他看到案头放着一个药方，像是泻心汤类，估计是三黄（黄连、黄芩、大黄等苦寒药）之类的东西，连半夏泻心汤中还有温药，而这个方子显然不是。当时他就明白了，原来徐小圃根本没给伯远吃这药，没吃还假装说吃了。当时一看情况不对，就告辞，不再给他治病了。其实，徐小圃犯了医家大忌，欺骗医生，明明没吃药，还假装说吃了，这是极大的不信任，不仅是不信任，还有些不尊重。晚上徐小圃打电话道歉，祝先生就问：“你这个方子是不是给伯远吃的？”徐小圃没办法，只好说了，说是众道友评议之方也。大伙研究出来的，众道友——能给徐小圃当道友的，自然也是当时的名医，海上名医嘛，也可以说是个专家会诊了，就研究出这么一个结果，泻心汤。祝味菊当时说：“此方不妥啊，阁下其谨慎之。”一定要谨慎从事，这方子不对。徐小圃当时还很强硬，假装道谢，说已喝了，还没有什么不妥的迹象，心中不服。祝味菊又告诫说：“慎之，郁极必扬，今宵或有猝变欤。”阳郁之极，必然要发，估计在今天晚上就会有突然的变化。
第二天早上没有消息，过了午后祝味菊又去看望，诸医皆在，济济一堂。众道友满满一屋子，在商量。书童和主人都忙忙碌碌地伺候他们。客人有愁容，医生们脸上都有愁容，也感觉到很棘手，西医也在这。徐小圃神色沮丧，惘然若失，这会儿没招了。看祝味菊来了，皱着眉头迎进去，对祝味菊说，果然伯远昨晚发厥（四肢逆冷或神志昏迷），厥逆了，一直到现在还没醒过来，刚才又抽搐。他这种厥就相当于抽搐，就是现在这些小孩家长比较害怕的那种抽风。西医说的脑膜炎什么的。徐小圃说：“这现在该怎么办呢？”一边说一边唏嘘不止，这时候他着急了。过一会儿看护来了，照顾小孩的人来了，告诉徐小圃，刚才给病人吃了紫雪丹（大寒之物），吃了几次，没吃进去。这些在座的医家听了同声嗟叹，认为紫雪丹下去都不行了。既然用了这样大寒之药，可见当时都认为这病是热——热入心包（温热病邪内陷心包，出现神昏谵语等症）。这是温病派经常说的。徐小圃当时悲从中来，潸然泪下，这时已没有办法，这小孩要与世长辞了。祝味菊一听，说道：“药未入口，如此亦佳。”没喝下去，挺好。大伙一听都愣了，吃不下去药还好！一会儿，朱少坡走了，祝味菊起来送他。徐小圃以为祝味菊也要走，祝味菊说，不是，我不走，等一会儿我再回来。大伙这时都告辞了，徐小圃把祝味菊领到一个小屋子里。这时他看到自己的这些办法都没用了，不禁愀然而悲，对祝味菊说：“伯远尚有望乎？”祝味菊说，如果不怕我的药呢，也不是一点希望没有。徐小圃当时很激动，马上长揖到地，说：“伯远是我儿子，也是阁下徒弟，为师的怎能坐视不救徒弟呢？即使用毒药也不敢推辞，希望阁下想想办法。”这时候祝先生就处以强心扶阳之药，所谓的强心扶阳呢首先就要用附子，倍增其量而用之。速为配就，吾将督煎也。煮完之后，就告诉看护的人服法，然后吃晚饭。吃晚饭过了一阵，就问小圃：“药吃没吃呢？吃完后有什么反应呢？”徐小圃说：“没有，还没吃呢。”刚才这些众医又商量去了，大伙儿研究了一下，都说用药太猛，安危存乎一线啊。再稍微等一等吧，明天早上再商量怎么样？还推辞，现在。祝味菊急了，这什么时候了！病到这种程度了，怎么还能耽搁呢？徐小圃这是因为家人害怕，不敢吃。这会祝味菊有点不高兴了，当时就质问：“你这么大一个家，一定有主，你家里的主是谁呢？谁能做这个主呢？你现在自己方寸已乱，但我不能看我徒弟枉死于病。这个病并不是治不了，而是治得不对。如果伯远服我的这个药，服他师傅的药死了，我以后再也不行医了，再不提行医这个事。”可见他决心之大，也是非常自信，于是命看护灌药。这回是亲自看给喝下去，不能让他们随便搞了。刚开始喝的时候喝不下去，再服下去喝了一点，三次服没吐出来。祝味菊说现在还不够，再煎一服。连服二剂，还没动静。怕药力还不够，人力先溃散了。于是请西医用强心药给他注射。强心药这种东西，既然能强心，肯定是有些偏于阳性的意思，也是救急药。这个医生不敢用，说：“高热如此，昏聩如此，恐非所宜。”从他理论上讲，怕是热。祝味菊说，小量注射，我负责任。于是就给注射上了。祝味菊中西医都很精通，西药他也用。然后把杂人都给退下去了，就连伯远母亲也让退下去了。这时候戚党哗然，家里的家属喧哗，窃窃私语，骂祝味菊：“哪里来的野郎中，不尽人情如此。”徐小圃这时要备车把祝味菊送回去。祝味菊说，今天晚了，就不回去了。徐小圃说，那就准备个床吧。祝味菊说，不着急，我就在这坐一会儿。这时徐小圃说要休息，假寐。祝味菊也就在边上陪着他。半夜的时候，看护来了，匆忙地把徐小圃找去了，徐小圃当时马上起来就去了。祝味菊在边上看到，假装没看到，也不吱声。过了一会儿，徐小圃回来了，看祝味菊没醒，就在边上坐着。过了一会儿祝味菊假装打个哈欠，醒过来了。问徐小圃：“怎么样了？”徐小圃抱拳而谢，说：“刚才伯远已经醒了，跟看护说要见他父亲，他马上就去了。伯远当时就哭了，哽咽悲诉：‘儿苦甚，许多褴褛无赖，强行曳我，要把我扔到井里面去，我使劲挣扎，打不过他们。正在这时来了一个大胖子，把这些无赖打跑了，把我从井里面拽出来了。现在是遍身疼痛，如受鞭笞。’”这实际上不是很显然嘛，又变成麻黄汤证了。体痛呕逆，脉阴阳俱紧者，麻黄汤主之。身体痛，发热恶寒无汗，这就是个麻黄汤证。身体疼痛如被杖责，被打的这种感党，这实际上又是回到太阳了。开始已被引到里面去了，后来用热药，用强心的热药，四逆之类（回阳救逆的代表方剂）。寒邪进不去，又返表来了，于是就醒过来了。祝味菊一听就笑了：“何物群丑，困人若斯，这哪里来的一群小丑，怎么会把人给弄到这种程度呢？大胖子就是大附子吧。”邪气出表，怎么能不痛呢？因再处方而归。这回开方子就走了，就放心了。第二天一天也没有发生厥逆，这种抽搐的现象。抽搐停止了，汗也没再出。但是热没退，汗未出，热未降，这不又是一个无汗发热的麻黄汤证嘛。又用前法出入进服，汗出热退，这里面肯定要有麻黄，汗出了，热退了，身痛也就好了。又过了三天，神志完全恢复了。自言左肋下作痛，这什么意思呢？左肋下是肝木升发之地，金来克木，木气不得升发，郁于胁下，实际上这是个当归四逆汤证（血虚寒凝经脉所致的手足厥寒、腰腿疼痛等症）。用现在咱们这个当归四逆理中冲剂，用上去马上就得开。这时徐小圃家人又把西医给找来了，说是肋膜炎，已经成脓了，所以得开刀。祝味菊跟徐小圃说：“这人说得恐怕不对。”他就对先前的那个打针的西医说了，这个肋痛，是汗出局部受寒所致。实际上是金克木了，木气升发不畅。即使有炎症的话呢，也未必就是化脓。等那个医生来了我当面问一问他，不行的话，可以抽水化验。第二天再找那个西医，已经走了，割开皮看到里面也没有什么脓。其实这个西医是在敷衍，实际上不是那么回事。这是中间一个插曲。祝味菊这时对徐小圃说：“伯远今已厥回神清，渡过危机，今而后余不复问讯矣。”伯远已经转危为安了，以后我也就不再来了。为什么这么说呢？因为开始不信任，不吃他药还假装说吃，自己搞一套。徐小圃这时惶惶相谢，非常惊惶了。这时候大骂开方的这个人，决定用凉药的这个人。这时候徐小圃就要东宅的夫人担任监护之责，让祝味菊信任，然后继续服药。七天之后，热退痛消。调理月余始痊，病情也是很严重的。调理了一个月，完全好了。
徐小圃以前也是时方派（指清代以来流行的一般方剂流派，相对经方而言）。经过这次再认识，一反过往作风，得心应手，遂有“祝派”之称。经过这次事件，尽弃以前所学，改学祝味菊了，成了祝派的弟子，徐小圃拜祝味菊为师了。后来他的次子仲才也从祝味菊学医了，也是因为自身体认有得。一代名医，行医数十年了，还能从善如流，不固执己见，这样也算是很难得了。就是这样一个过程。
从中能看出什么问题呢？实际上这个病并不难，是个很简单的证，一个麻黄汤证，如果学伤寒的人，一看就应该知道。但是这些名医者流，为什么就不知道呢？一定说成是热，要用凉药呢？这就是温病派的影响。理论先入为主了，见到什么都 是热，很简单的病他就是治错。治错了这必然就会深入，深入了就加重，病决不会对你客气。都是当时的名流，高朋满座，盛友如云，大伙一商量就出来了个泻心汤。也用的经方，但用了之后就厥，厥逆了，所以可见这种错误认识的影响多么的坏。其实这样的事件都应写入教材，让人们都读一读，但是现在真正知道这件事情的学中医的并不多。说到徐小圃拜祝味菊为师这件事，也是很不细致，不了了之。不知道就是个麻黄汤证的误治。麻黄汤证现在误治，给治死的人有多少呢？不计其数。无论是中医西医，治错了都会引邪深入。深入之后随着邪气所停留的部位就会变成各种类证。这个病深浅不一，如果入得深了，最深可以进入骨髓，可以变成血液病。最浅呢？停留在肺，变成咳和喘。入肝呢？就象刚才说的那个胁痛，左胁下痛，升发不畅。造成种种的后遗症。这都是认病不准，判断病机正好与实际情况相反。该抵抗的时候不抵抗，他投降，所谓攘外必先安内，割地赔款，求和。所谓的求和实际上就是投降，出卖主权，最后变成亡国奴。
所以寒温之间这种性质。是两个性质，并不是可以相提并论，一左一右什么的，不是那么回事。实际上是一黑一白，一正一反，一对一错。在这个病，正伤寒证，对于这个病来说，就是这个情况。这件事就先讲到这里，给大家当个故事，但是都是真事。《伤寒质难》上还有一些这样的事件，基本上也是差不多，就是指鹿为马，张冠李戴，颠倒黑白，而且犯错的是众人。坚持对的只是一个人。但是，如果没有这一个人的话，那么大家只好一起错下去了。现在中医界正好也是这个情况，象昨天那位先生说的，到中医院去看，开出来的方子全是凉药。咱们先不说他这个证是不是热证，为什么都是凉药呢？这里头就一定有问题，这种错误理论的影响，还是在继续，并没有改正错误的迹象。所以现在中医每况愈下，影响越来越差，口碑越来越差，治疗效果越来越差。一个很简单的病就是治不好，越治越重。这是医将不医啊，也不是什么中医了。所以这个情况也正是民间中医的使命：正本清源，拨乱反正。理论上一定要先把它给正过来。所以这些讲正理的书就很重要，所以向大家推荐《伤寒质难》，大家有时间可以细看。看看他们师徒之间是如何问答的，虽然是几十年前的问答，在今天看，还是有现实意义，基本上现在大家所争论的一些问题，里面早就争论过了，而且这里面都有答案。现在还在重复这些老问题，就没有什么意义了。大家可以先看一看，就不必要再提这些话题了。要拨乱反正，这是一本好书。
This is a case widely circulated in the medical community, yet specific details are often not fully known. This refers to the incident where Mr. Zhu Weiju treated the son of Xu Xiaopu.
In *Shanghan Zhinan* (Difficult Questions on Cold Damage) · Yinjiao Upper Chapter, there is a dialogue between Chen Susong and Zhu Weiju: Chen asked about the treatment method for "badly damaged diseases" (complications resulting from misdiagnosis or mistreatment of cold damage). He mentioned that "physicians do not recognize" certain conditions; although they wish to save patients, if there are no precedents in books, they do not know what to do. He hoped Zhu Weiju would provide an example. Zhu Weiju then mentioned Xu Xiaopu. He asked if Chen Susong knew him. Chen Susong said he did, noting that Xu Xiaopu was famous as a pediatrician specializing in infant care. Chen had seen Xu's prescriptions beside him and found them very similar to Zhu Weiju's, but did not understand why. Zhu Weiju explained that this was derived from Xu Xiaopu's personal clinical experience. Unaware of the story, Chen Susong asked Zhu Weiju to explain it in detail.
Zhu Weiju recounted the event: In the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926), Zhu Weiju came to Shanghai from Chengdu. Jinghe Medical University was being established at the time. A man named Zhu Shaopo introduced Xu Xiaopu’s son, Xu Boyuan, to study under Mr. Zhu. The following year, Boyuan fell ill and took leave. Upon examination, Mr. Zhu diagnosed it as a typical Shanghan (Cold Damage) syndrome. Specifically, it was a Taiyang Meridian syndrome (disease affecting the Taiyang meridian), equivalent to Mahuang Tang Syndrome (a exterior excess pattern characterized by aversion to cold, fever, absence of sweating, and floating-tight pulse). The appropriate treatment should have been acrid-warm release of the exterior, prescribing something like Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction). This was indeed the correct diagnosis. It was a typical Mahuang Tang Syndrome, so this formula should have been used. However, Xu Xiaopu feared the harshness of the medicine, believing Mahuang Tang was too potent. He pretended that the medicine had already been administered, deceiving Zhu Weiju. After a few days, the condition showed no change. Mr. Zhu became suspicious; observing daily, he saw the condition worsening day by day, leaving him puzzled: Why was there no effect when a clear Mahuang Tang Syndrome was treated with the corresponding formula?
One day, Zhu Weiju visited again, but Xu Xiaopu was out. Walking around the room, still puzzled why the medicine wasn't working, he suddenly noticed a prescription on the desk. It appeared to be a Xiexin Tang-type formula (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction), likely containing Sanhuang (Three Yellows: Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae, and Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, all bitter-cold herbs). Even Banxia Xiexin Tang contains warm herbs, whereas this one clearly lacked them. At that moment, he realized: Xu Xiaopu had not given Boyuan the medicine at all, yet claimed he had. Realizing the situation was untenable, Zhu Weiju took his leave and ceased treatment. Xu Xiaopu had committed a major taboo in medicine: deceiving the physician. By claiming the medicine was taken when it was not, he showed profound distrust and disrespect. That evening, Xu called to apologize. Mr. Zhu asked, "Was this prescription given to Boyuan?" Unable to lie further, Xu admitted it was a formula discussed and agreed upon by fellow doctors ("Zhong Daoyou"). These peers were renowned physicians in Shanghai, effectively a consultation, which resulted in the recommendation of Xiexin Tang. Zhu Weiju stated, "This formula is inappropriate; you must exercise caution." He insisted the formula was wrong. Xu remained stubborn, feigning thanks, claiming he had drunk it and showing no adverse signs, harboring inner dissatisfaction. Zhu Weiju warned again, "Be cautious. When Yang stagnation reaches its extreme, it must erupt. There may be a sudden change tonight." Extreme Yang stagnation inevitably leads to eruption; a sudden crisis was anticipated that night.
The next morning brought no news. Afternoon arrived, and Zhu Weiju visited again. All the other physicians were present, filling the room. They were discussing the case. Servants and masters bustled about attending to them. Guests looked worried, and the physicians wore troubled expressions, finding the case difficult. Western doctors were also present. Xu Xiaopu looked dejected and lost, having run out of ideas. Seeing Zhu Weiju arrive, he frowned and welcomed him in, saying, "As expected, Boyuan developed Jue (cold extremities or loss of consciousness) last night. He has not regained consciousness since and recently convulsed." His type of Jue corresponds to convulsions, a phenomenon modern parents fear greatly, akin to what Western medicine calls meningitis. Xu asked, "What should we do now?" Speaking while sobbing, he was anxious. Soon, the nurse arrived and informed Xu that Zixue Dan (Purple Snow Pill, a very cold-natured emergency medicine) had been attempted several times but could not be swallowed. The assembled physicians sighed in unison, feeling helpless even after using such a strongly cold medicine. Since such a cold medicine was used, it indicated they believed the disease was Heat—specifically, Heat entering the Pericardium (a Warm Disease pattern involving heat pathogen invading the heart pericardium, causing coma and delirium). This is a common view among the Warm Disease school. Overcome with grief, Xu shed tears; there seemed to be no hope left, and the child was near death. Upon hearing this, Zhu Weiju said, "It is fortunate the medicine did not enter the mouth." The others were stunned; it was good the medicine wasn't consumed? Shortly after, Zhu Shaopo left, and Zhu Weiju rose to see him off. Thinking Zhu Weiju would also leave, Zhu said, "No, I will not go. I will return shortly." The others took their leave. Xu led Zhu Weiju to a small room. Seeing his own methods had failed, Xu felt sorrowful and asked, "Is there still hope for Boyuan?" Zhu replied, "If you are not afraid of my medicine, there is still some hope." Xu was moved, bowed deeply to the ground, and said, "Boyuan is my son and also your disciple. How can I, as his teacher, sit idly by and let my disciple die? Even if I must use toxic medicines, I dare not decline. Please find a way." Mr. Zhu then prescribed strong-heart and Yang-supporting medicines. To support Yang strongly, Fuzi (Prepared Root of Aconite) must be used first, in doubled dosage. "Prepare it quickly; I will supervise the decoction." After boiling, he instructed the nurse on administration and went to dinner. After dinner, he asked Xu, "Has the medicine been taken? What is the reaction?" Xu said, "No, not yet." The other physicians had reconvened to discuss, agreeing the medication was too potent, with life hanging by a thread. They suggested waiting until morning. Still hesitating, Zhu Weiju grew impatient. "What time is this! The illness is at this stage; how can we delay?" Xu hesitated because his family was afraid. Zhu Weiju became displeased and questioned, "In such a large household, there must be a decision-maker. Who holds authority? You are confused, but I cannot watch my disciple die in vain. This disease is curable, but it was treated incorrectly. If Boyuan dies after taking my medicine, I will never practice medicine again." Showing great resolve and confidence, he ordered the nurse to administer the medicine. He watched personally to ensure proper administration. Initially difficult to swallow, a small amount was taken. After three doses without vomiting, Zhu said it was insufficient and ordered another dose. Two consecutive doses yielded no response. Fearing the medicinal power was insufficient before the patient's vitality collapsed, he invited the Western doctor to inject a cardiac stimulant. Cardiac stimulants, capable of strengthening the heart, possess a Yang-like nature and serve as emergency rescue drugs. The Western doctor refused, stating, "With such high fever and coma, it seems unsuitable." Theoretically, he feared it was Heat. Zhu Weiju said, "I will take responsibility for a small injection." Thus, the injection was administered. Zhu Weiju was proficient in both Chinese and Western medicine and utilized Western drugs. He dismissed all bystanders, including Boyuan’s mother. Relatives erupted in noise, whispering and cursing Zhu Weiju as a "quack who disregards human feelings." Xu prepared a carriage to send Zhu home. Zhu declined, saying it was too late. Xu offered a bed. Zhu said he would just sit for a while. Xu claimed he needed rest and closed his eyes. Zhu sat beside him. At midnight, the nurse hurriedly summoned Xu, who immediately got up. Zhu pretended not to notice. Later, Xu returned, seeing Zhu asleep, and sat nearby. Zhu feigned a yawn and woke up, asking, "How is it?" Xu bowed in gratitude, reporting, "Boyuan has awakened and asked to see his father. I went to him immediately. Boyuan cried, choking with sobs: 'I suffer greatly. Many ragged ruffians forcibly dragged me, trying to throw me into a well. I struggled hard but couldn't overpower them. Just then, a big fat man arrived, drove away the ruffians, and pulled me out. Now my whole body hurts, as if whipped.'" Clearly, this indicated a recurrence of Mahuang Tang Syndrome. Body pain, vomiting, and tight pulses in both Cun and Chi positions indicate Mahuang Tang as the primary formula. Body pain, fever, aversion to cold, and absence of sweating constitute a Mahuang Tang Syndrome. The sensation of body pain as if beaten indicates a return to the Taiyang level. Initially, the pathogen had penetrated inward; later, hot medicines (strong-heart Yang-tonifying formulas like Sini Tang [Frigid Extremities Decoction]) were used. The Cold pathogen could not penetrate further and retreated to the exterior, leading to awakening. Hearing this, Zhu laughed, "What villains trapped the person so badly? Where did this group of clowns come from? The 'big fat man' must be the large dose of Fuzi." When pathogens exit the exterior, pain is inevitable. He then wrote a new prescription and departed, relieved. The next day, no Jue or convulsions occurred. Convulsions stopped, and sweating ceased. However, fever persisted, sweat had not emerged, and heat had not subsided—another Mahuang Tang Syndrome of no-sweat fever. Using the previous method with modifications, sweating emerged, heat receded. Mahuang (Ephedra) must have been included; with sweating and heat reduction, body pain resolved. Three days later, mental clarity fully returned. Boyuan reported pain in the left hypochondrium. This signifies the left hypochondrium, the site of Liver Wood ascending. Metal overcoming Wood prevents Wood Qi from ascending, causing stagnation in the hypochondrium. This is actually a Danggui Sini Tang Syndrome (Angelica Decoction for Cold Congealing in the Channels, treating blood deficiency and cold congealing). Using modern Danggui Sini Lizhong Granules would open the blockage immediately. Xu’s family summoned the Western doctor again, diagnosing pleurisy with pus formation, requiring surgery. Zhu told Xu, "This assessment is likely incorrect." He spoke to the Western doctor who had administered the injection, explaining that the hypochondriac pain was caused by local cold exposure after sweating. Essentially, Metal overcomes Wood, hindering Wood Qi ascent. Even if inflammation existed, suppuration was not certain. "When that doctor arrives, I will question him face-to-face. If necessary, we can aspirate fluid for testing." The next day, the Western doctor had left. Incision revealed no pus. The doctor was merely placating; the reality was different. This was an interlude. Zhu then told Xu, "Boyuan’s Jue has reversed, and spirit is clear. The crisis is passed. From now on, I will no longer inquire." Boyuan had turned danger into safety, and Zhu would not visit again. Why? Because initially, there was distrust; refusing medicine while pretending to take it, and pursuing independent agendas. Xu responded with panic and gratitude, cursing the physician who prescribed cooling medicines. Xu appointed the wife of the East Residence to supervise medication, gaining Zhu’s trust, allowing continued treatment. Seven days later, fever subsided and pain disappeared. After more than a month of regulation, full recovery was achieved, despite the severity of the initial condition.
Xu Xiaopu previously belonged to the Shifang School (contemporary/formula-based school). Through this re-evaluation, he abandoned his past style, becoming adept, thus earning the name "Zhu School." Following this event, he discarded previous learning, adopted Zhu Weiju’s methods, became a disciple of the Zhu School, and formally studied under Zhu. Later, his second son, Zhongcai, also studied under Zhu, due to personal clinical insights. A renowned physician practicing for decades, able to follow good advice and not be obstinate, is rare. Such is the process.
What problems does this reveal? Actually, the disease was not difficult; it was a simple syndrome, a Mahuang Tang Syndrome. Anyone studying Shanghan should recognize it immediately. Why did these renowned physicians fail to recognize it? Why insist it was Heat requiring cold medicines? This is the influence of the Warm Disease School. Theory entered the mind first; everything appeared as Heat, leading to misdiagnosis of simple diseases. Misdiagnosis inevitably leads to deeper penetration, worsening the condition. Disease shows no mercy. All were celebrities of the time, surrounded by friends and experts. A consultation produced Xiexin Tang. Although it used a Jingfang (Classic Formula), after administration, Jue occurred. This demonstrates the severe impact of erroneous understanding. Such events should be included in textbooks for everyone to read, yet few TCM students truly know this story. The matter of Xu Xiaopu becoming Zhu’s disciple was handled loosely and left unresolved. The core issue was the misdiagnosis of a Mahuang Tang Syndrome. How many people today die from mistreating Mahuang Tang Syndromes? Countless. Whether TCM or Western medicine, misdiagnosis leads pathogens deep inside. Depending on where pathogens lodge, various complex syndromes arise. Disease depth varies; deeply, it can enter bone marrow, becoming blood diseases. Superficially, it stays in the Lungs, causing cough and asthma. Entering the Liver causes hypochondriac pain, as described, with impaired ascending movement. These cause various sequelae. All result from inaccurate disease identification and pathogenesis judgment opposite to reality. When resistance is needed, surrender occurs—"pacify the interior before resisting the exterior," ceding territory and paying indemnities, seeking peace. Seeking peace is essentially surrender, selling sovereignty, ultimately becoming slaves.
Thus, the nature of Cold vs. Warm is distinct. They are two different natures, not comparable as left and right. They are black and white, positive and negative, right and wrong. In this disease, a true Shanghan Syndrome represents this situation. I will stop here, sharing this as a story, though it is true. *Shanghan Zhinan* contains similar events, mostly involving confusing right with wrong, swapping identities, reversing black and white, with the majority erring. Only one person persists in correctness. Without this one person, everyone would continue in error. The current TCM community faces a similar situation. As mentioned yesterday, visiting TCM hospitals yields prescriptions full of cold medicines. Regardless of whether the syndrome is Heat, why are all prescriptions cold? There is definitely a problem here. The influence of erroneous theories continues, with no sign of correction. Hence, TCM is declining, reputation worsening, efficacy diminishing. Simple diseases remain untreatable, getting worse with treatment. This is not proper medical practice, nor true TCM. Therefore, the mission of folk TCM practitioners is to restore purity and rectify chaos. Theoretical foundations must be corrected first. Thus, books presenting correct principles are vital. I recommend *Shanghan Zhinan*. Take time to read it carefully. Observe the Q&A between master and disciple. Though decades old, it remains relevant today. Most issues currently debated were addressed long ago within its pages, providing answers. Repeating old questions is meaningless. Read it first; there is no need to raise these topics again. To rectify chaos, this is an excellent book.