饮食量大幅增加。患者还认为人参、附子起了作用。肆意服用而不加节制。以至于每天吃七八顿猪蹄、鸡肉和鸭子。到了晚上预先准备好熟食，听任自己饱餐两次。这样又过了两个多月。身体形体丰满得超过常人。只是苦于时常感到胃中嘈杂且容易饥饿。经常看见穿青衣的群鬼，围绕在他身边。到处祈祷都不灵验。
又邀请石顽（张璐号石顽老人）延请医生诊治。他的脉象都滑数有力，而且右脉比左脉更甚。观察他的神色形态多有滞涩，并且多言多笑，但说话没有次序。这是肥甘厚味产生的痰浊壅塞在中焦，再加上辛热药物助长了其体内的淫火。起初本是阴虚，后来传变为中消的病患。如果不迅速祛除涤荡，必定会发展为狂痴之病。于是为他配制涌吐的药剂。他迟疑不肯服用。没过多久。
忽然大声叫喊发狂。胡言乱语，产生幻觉。这才相信我的话并非谬误。
Food intake increased significantly. The patient still believed that Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) were effective. He indulged in them without restraint. Consequently, he consumed pig trotters, chicken, and duck seven or eight times a day. At night, he would prepare cooked food in advance, allowing himself to eat two large meals. This continued for another two months. His physique became exceptionally plump, exceeding normal standards. However, he suffered from frequent epigastric discomfort and easy hunger. He often saw groups of ghosts wearing blue clothes surrounding him. Prayers offered everywhere proved ineffective.
He then invited Shiwan (Zhang Lu's pseudonym) to consult a physician. His pulse was slippery, rapid, and forceful in all positions, with the right side being twice as strong as the left. Observation of his demeanor and appearance showed signs of stagnation; he spoke excessively and laughed frequently, but his speech lacked order. This indicated that phlegm turbidity generated from rich flavors was obstructing the middle jiao, compounded by acrid-hot herbs exacerbating his hyperactive fire. Initially, it was yin deficiency, which later progressed to the condition of Middle Xiao (Middle Jiao Diabetes). If not rapidly purged and cleansed, it would inevitably develop into madness and dementia. Therefore, an emetic formula was prepared for him. He hesitated and refused to take it. Shortly thereafter,
he suddenly shouted loudly and went mad, speaking nonsense and experiencing visual hallucinations. Only then did he believe that my words were not false.