余同父之兄姊妹八人，四兄、六姊、八妹均幼殇，殇于何病?未之前闻也。二兄锦煌，号仲芾，乳名延龄，卒于清江旅次，年十五岁。先是咸丰庚申发逆之乱，苏州陷，先父母挈眷避难于豫晋。甲子，官军复苏城。乙丑，眷返里。闻诸先母曰"在太原延龄已病，背腐如碗，卧床不能起，而弗自知其痛，质聪，文字俱秀，先父剧爱之，病后不能文字，戏作女红以自遣，未学也而能。医曰'譬诸器，灵巧者易破。'归时，路次兜以行，抵清江，病经年矣。易箦时，神识清湛，谓母曰'我目不见物'。持灯就之，仍曰'我目不见物'。继曰'我不支矣'，遂殂。经曰'气脱者目不明'。又曰'阴虚者目盲。'此虚证也。使不遭乱在外，有药饵之滋养，无道途之辛劳，安必遽天其天年。"其长兄、三姊、五兄、九妹之殁，则皆余壮年后事。长兄锦娘，号炳甫，肝旺，性卞急，形瘦色苍，火体也，适遇拂意事，肝郁生火，延及于胃：，患中消症，嗜食无餍时，医处以养阴之剂，予曰但存其阴，未撤其热，乌乎可?胃火炽甚，非石膏、知母不为功，顾及本，其景岳玉女煎乎?不听，病日剧而殒。三姊归吴氏，生子三女一，血热而少，不足以养肝，肝气无所附南，遂窜入络，筋拘不舒，气郁不散，而病作焉。某医处以香燥疏肝，加抽搐，易贝赋琴先生，·处以生地、羚角、橘络、叶等，服一剂。有孟河世医费晋卿先生后号XX者，自荐，作外感风寒湿致痉治，用羌活、独活等，连服数剂而日剧。吴族有以善针荐者，既至，不以针而以灸，遂神昏面赤，舌干无液，以至于死。夫香燥疏肝，是治血足而肝郁者也。某医仅知疏肝气，而不知此症之气郁，由于血亏而气不相附使然，香燥足以烁阴，其知之耶?贝医于平肝养血清络中，略佐疏通，方极精当，而仅仅一剂，未竟其功，惜哉!费医则外感内伤之未晰，内风外风之未辨，热症寒症之未分，实医家之门外汉，遑曰世医，吾知九原有知，晋卿先生应痛哭于地下也。仲景曰"微数之脉慎不可灸。"以艾火大能伤阴也。阴虚内热之体，灸之以艾，火气内攻，以火济火，阴何以堪?仲景谓"一逆尚引日，再逆促命期"，矧乎此症之误，一而再再而三哉。五兄锦垣，号叔和，性敏，善文章词赋，年十六即游庠，顾屡试不售，郁郁不得志，从大令游宦于越，亦浮沉未摄一篆，肆志于酒以浇块垒，湿积痰生，中气伤矣。辛亥，武汉革命军起，越亦乱，避难申江，偶早起感风寒，风寒束于外，湿热蒸于内，遂壮热恶寒，舌滑腻，医者初以辛凉解风热者治之，不应，复以苦温消痰饮者继之，复不应，迁延焉而卒不救。九妹归张氏，婉顺有德，孝于姑，姑将寿，自夏徂秋，傍晚必登凉台，勤针黹以备为姑寿，内蕴暑热，外冒凉风，遂患咳，不即医，逾半载而成劳，乃医，无及矣，卒年仅二十有八。语云"伤风不醒便成劳"，伤风非绝症也，治之非皆不醒也，其不醒者，不即治故耳。诸兄姊妹，二哥九妹，误于病而不即医也；长兄三姊五哥，误于医而非其冶也，亦可见误死者之多，蜷念同怀，后先物化，孑身孤处，尽焉心伤矣。
记诸子女病殇情形
余子女二十人，存者半，亡者半。长子培植，为其外祖父母所溺爱，涨其食，食不节，得疳积症，由实而转虚，延鲍竺先生治之愈，元未复，逾数月，秋酷暑，侍者挟以嬉于市，被惊骤厥，未及医，不逾刻而殇。是时余以赴秋试舟泊镇江，夜梦齿落，隐为忧，私以告汪宾谷表兄，翌日，诸同伴以风逆俱登岸，余忽忽若有失，辞不去，卧舟者竟日。家中恐余悲，不使知，返后乃知。殇年四岁。四女长堃，乳妈嗜酒，且时以肉食食之，年才期，患泄，医者或曰虚，或曰实。余时不知医，听之耳。旋殇。五子培荣，随余上杭伍，早起嬉戏，伤于寒化热，医用牛黄清心丸，遂发狂而死，时年十二岁。夫发狂而清心，犹之可也；用清心而乃发狂，其为领邪入心包可知。余不憾医，憾己于医道时未明了，致有此失耳。七女孕时，母病甚，落蓐而即殇。十女长平，先天本不足，尻而行，又伤食，消之，更伤，以弱病卒于上杭县署，年二岁。十二女清溪，体本虚，亦伤于食，医以大黄下之，重虚其虚，以至于脱，时年十二岁。十六子培复，当暑，婢抱之游园中，受风，又受惊，医之不瘳。余素服韩半池大令之术，时在杭，携儿以就诊，登火车，汽笛鸣，儿又惊，抵杭，韩辞不洽，殇于杭之旅舍，时年二岁。十七子培厘，十八子培硅，挛生也，气血分而两不足，一即殇，一越半月余而殇。十九女患痘，时旅沪上，天花时行，偶出，感其气遂病，时余虽知医，而不精于痘，痘出遍身首无隙，如水泡，中有黑点，内有一大者，延他医治之，不愈，殇年二岁。其间长堃、培荣、清溪三人，似皆可治而失治，余由是愈以医药为可惧，亦由是愈以医药为宜究。
记何鸿舫先生疗先母瘘症、先兄痢疾情形
同治戊寅季春，先君仁卿公见背，先慈汪太淑人，以气血素亏之体，骤遭此变，心劳力瘁，遂得痿症，不起床者经年。己卯秋，外叔祖汪安斋公病，迓名医何鸿舫先生于重古[固)，先慈转延其诊治。先生与先大母舅汪子缉本交好，先君亦与稔，至是诊毕，责余昆季曰："余与君家系世交，此病起时何以不早告，致困床褥者经年，幸也今尚可治。"遂索纸出方者二，一先服数剂，一接服数十荆，复屈指计曰："明年仲春可起行矣。屈时侍尔夫人来重固，当为转方。"当时听其言，疑信参半，姑服其方，日有起色，至正月而可扶床以行，二月而不扶亦能行，异哉!于是赴重固转方，且致谢焉。余是以知医之能起废疾矣，己丑秋，五兄叔和应秋试，患湿疮，将入闱，求速愈，用一扫光治之愈，实劫剂也。旋返，在禾郡汪氏寓，疾复作，变为痢，禾医治之匝月，痢已止，口糜呃逆，神倦无力，不思食，有欲脱之状，时先母亦在禾，信至家，告病亟，速余往。余素服何医[指何鸿舫]之神，遣仆持函往邀之，余亦即赴禾，至则医曰病去矣，体虚甚，宜进补，用阿胶等，煎成为猫所倾，再煎再倾，异之。余曰"何先生来否恤有确信"，盍停药以俟之。傍晚何先生至，诊脉良久，忽仰首曰"三焦均未通奈何?"旋检从前所服方，依次阅之，至末页，见阿胶方，忽拍案曰"此方服否?服则不救矣。"因告以为猫所倾者再，未之服。何曰"未服则犹可。"因谓余曰"口糜，湿滞熏蒸也。，呃逆，下不通反乎上也，不思食，湿滞阻塞也。大实若羸，三焦均窒，须导之，仍痢乃佳。"并曰"病不去则终死。余与君家系世交，不作应酬方，余宿舟候信，服余剂，夜仍痢，则有生机，明当再诊。设通之而不通，余剂适更速其毙，期在明日。余亦明早返棹矣。"言之甚决。余因将再痢可愈之说，禀我母，告我嫂，其不复痢则毙之说，不敢言也。忧甚，彻夜无寐，天微明，内室门启，有婢出，亟询之，白昨夜又痢十一次，狂喜，亟登舟告何先生，先生亦喜，登岸再诊，诊毕曰"可以生，但需时日耳。"，又曰"余女病甚危，须急返待余治，故婿同来。"先生之婿，彭君文伯，本余友，彭亦急促其翁返，坚留之不可。余曰"我不知医，先生去，无继其任者，是先生生之而复弃之也，奈之何?"先生寻思良久日"有松江王松亭者，余门下士，在禾行医，盍觅之。"遣仆四出，未几，王医来，询之乃王斗槎之弟，斗槎亦余至交也。何乃疏方二纸，一为痢未净之方，一为痢已清之方，纸背列药几满，见何证，有何脉，则增减何味，盖一方而不啻数十方焉，将方交王医，一一为王预言将来之情状，且谓必依次下五色痢，初青，黑次之，黄次之，赤次之，白又次之，无害。询其故，曰"积应脏色也，肺位最高：白积下则痢清矣。"又屈指计曰"某日晨必神沉欲脱，勿药勿扰，静俟之，无害。"询其故，曰"霜降节令也。气先三日至，常人不觉，而病人则必加剧耳。"继而王医守其方治之，尽如其言，愈。余是以知医之能杀人能生人矣，余之究心于医术，自见何先生愈我母、我兄病而始。
记继室汪氏怯病治愈情形
丙午春，余以忤长官罢职归，寓湖州，子女林立，而宦囊如洗，继室汪氏忧甚，肝郁生火，木火刑金，得咳症，余不敢自医，延医医之，久不愈，且日剧，加经断、吐血，继以白血，大便艰，医咸曰"怯成矣。"辞不治。余乃遍检方书，用《干金方》意，以生粉沙参一味治之，日服五钱。五日后，便中下血块者一，再服，又下血块者二，咳顿止，乃以百合、冬虫夏草两味常服之，元日复，饮食渐如常。又数月，觉腹胀如向来经将至之状，余亦意其可至也，用丹皮之辛以动之，丹参之咸以降之，果通，病全愈。始终未用养阴养血之套药也。盖肺与大肠相表里，脏病而驱之自腑出，则肺不病，肺不病则自能制肝，虽病起于肝，未尝治之而火自平矣。
记侄培勋生时僵、子培治病厥均获救情形
外祖汪星阶公名曜奎，好方书，辑有《续经验方》行世，故先母汪太夫人，窃闻诸论，备知方法，常曰"药性吾不知，但闻方法之有益无害者，默志之，亦足以备缓急。，，长嫂周氏怀孕七月，患疟，寒战剧，胎为之坠，时虽七月，而秋寒特甚，胎下无啼声，面色白，肢冷气绝，母命勿断其脐，以纸捻蘸香油熏之，并徐挤其暖气送入腹，熏至脐枯而断，搦以指，弗使泄气，乃扎束，而儿早呱然醒矣，即今三侄培勋也。案薛己治荆妇孟冬分娩艰难，劳伤元气，产子已死，用油捻燃烧断脐，藉其气以暖之，俄顷忽作声，苟非素知此法，几何不误一命耶?其小儿胎坠七月者可生，八月者反不生，何也?以七月为阳月也。二子培治，骤患厥，手足逆冷，势剧不及延医，母曰"厥逆有寒热之分，药非医来弗误投。有法在，不分寒厥、热厥可用者。"命抱入密室不透风处，以巾多幅绞热水，数人分熨其四肢，稍冷即易，弗暂停，俄而渐温，乃延医诊治之而愈。又先母于诸妇生产时，必预备千年X[疑艾]一盆，早收恶露秽气也；醋、炭两物，曰防血晕也；冬月则火炉，曰御寒气也；夏月则井水，曰收暑气也；以及参汤、洋参汤、白花益母草汤罔弗齐，并曰"宁备焉而不用，勿用焉而不备。"
记三女长钧病热厥、八女佩玢慢脾获愈情形
三女长钧数岁时，在其外家南塘镇张氏，患病手足厥冷，乡医有王姓者，处以肉桂，内弟张君骏八，以乡间药不良，遣人来城购取，并通信告余，余瞿然曰"厥有寒热之殊，肉桂可轻试耶?"遂怀药，邀城医李彤伯先生同赴乡，李诊之曰"热厥也。"治以四逆散而愈。向使乡有佳桂，误一命矣。
八女佩玢，余以断弦无内助，寄养于禾郡叔和五兄处，患惊，日久不效，加剧。余闻信飞棹往，见其面色咣，唇舌色淡，啼如鸦而低，亦无多声，伏乳妇肩，若倦甚者，欲睡而睡不安，不思乳，小便清，大便溏，而神识则甚清，检所服方，皆消痰、清火、散风、止惊之剂，所以治急惊风者也。余时虽喜览方书，不甚了了，疑属《福幼编》所谓慢脾者，然禾医尽延过，无可商酌，姑用庄在田法，以附桂萸术姜五味熬浓汁，令乳妇频频饫之。时余六母舅汪公尔祉亦寓禾郡，开方后，谒母舅，母舅问状，告以故，母舅诧曰"尔知医耶?附桂可乱用耶?"余因之转疑虑，姑察其药后何状，则安睡矣。；睡甚久，醒则索乳矣。疑乃释，遂依据庄氏法以治之，获瘳。时实未能真知灼见也，诡遇耳，略知医理而未能精通者，幸勿效诸。
记侄培本故于肿病情形
侄培本，号心源，患腹肿，医作湿热实症治，用中满分消汤去参萸二姜，余素知其肾亏，曰"此病实中有虚，须兼顾本。"并检示以各方书。不听，既而愈，更以余为谩言矣。余与旁人言，必复发，既而果然。医不知变，仍治以前法，仅加白术、山药等健睥药。余曰"殆矣。"适侄婿曹融甫来?名医曹智涵之子也。余谓侄曰"盍邀诸。"曹诊毕，用金匮肾气丸加减焉，而易以汤。侄辈素惧附桂之热者，不敢饮。病日笃，遂卒。卒时见种种心肾不交象，余曰"药既对病，虽附子、肉桂之大热，石膏、龙胆之大寒，麻黄、细辛之外窜，大黄、芒硝之下夺，俱足以生人；苟不对症，即小小感冒，风温而治以卒温之荆防，风寒而治以辛凉之前蒡，亦足以轻病转重，倘怵于大热大寒而不同，古宋何必有此药哉!
记侄培俊夫妇、再侄成懋均死于伤食情形
我的同父兄妹共有八人，其中四哥、六姐、八妹都在幼年夭折，死于什么病？以前从未听说过。二哥锦煌，字仲芾，乳名延龄，在清江的旅途中去世，年仅十五岁。在此之前，咸丰庚申年（1860年）太平天国起义爆发，苏州陷落，父母带着家人到河南、山西避难。甲子年（1864年），清军收复苏州城。乙丑年（1865年），家眷返回故乡。听母亲说：“在太原时，延龄就已经病了，背部溃烂如碗大，卧床不能起身，但他自己并不觉得痛。他天资聪颖，文章写得清秀，父亲非常喜爱他。病后不能写字作文，便学着做女红来排遣时光，虽未正式学过却也能做到。医生说：‘就像器具一样，灵巧者容易破损。’回家途中，用担架抬着他赶路，到达清江时，病情已经持续一年了。临终前，他神志清醒，对母亲说：‘我看不见东西了。’拿着灯凑近看，他还是说：‘我看不见东西了。’接着说：‘我不行了。’于是去世。《内经》说：‘气脱的人眼睛看不清。’又说：‘阴虚的人会失明。’这是虚证。假使不遭遇战乱流离在外，有药物滋养，没有路途辛劳，怎会突然折损寿命呢？”至于大哥、三姐、五哥、九妹的去世，那都是我壮年以后的事了。
大哥锦娘，字炳甫，肝火旺盛，性情急躁，形体消瘦面色青苍，属于火体。恰逢遇到不顺心的事，肝气郁结化火，蔓延到胃，患上了中消症（多食易饥），嗜吃无厌。当时医生开的是养阴的方剂，我说：“只保存其阴，却没有清除其热，怎么行得通？胃火炽盛，非用石膏、知母不能建功，顾及根本，大概要用景岳的玉女煎吧？”他不听，病情日益加重而死亡。
三姐嫁给吴家，生了三个女儿一个儿子，血热且血少，不足以滋养肝脏，肝气无所依附，于是窜入络脉，筋脉拘挛不舒，气机郁结不散，从而发病。某医生用香燥之品疏肝，导致出现抽搐症状。后来请贝赋琴先生诊治，处以生地、羚羊角、橘络等药，服用一剂。又有孟河世医费晋卿先生（号XX）自荐，按外感风寒湿邪导致的痉病治疗，用羌活、独活等药，连服数剂后病情反而加剧。吴家有推荐擅长针灸的人，到了之后，不用针而用灸法，结果病人神志昏迷、面赤、舌干无津，最终死亡。香燥疏肝，是治疗血足而肝郁的方法。那位医生只知道疏肝气，却不知道此症的气郁是由于血亏导致气无所附所致，香燥之品足以灼伤阴液，他知道吗？贝医生在平肝养血、疏通络脉中，略微辅助疏通，方子极为精当，但仅仅服用一剂，未能完成疗效，可惜啊！费医生则未能分辨外感与内伤，未辨内风与外风，未分热症与寒症，实在是医家的门外汉，还说什么世医，我知道九泉之下若有知，晋卿先生应在地下痛哭。张仲景说：“微数之脉，慎不可灸。”因为艾火能严重损伤阴液。阴虚内热的体质，用艾火灸，火气内攻，以火济火，阴液怎能承受？仲景说：“一逆尚能拖延时日，再逆则加速死亡”，何况这个病症的错误治疗，一次又一次呢。
五哥锦垣，字叔和，性格敏捷，擅长文章词赋，十六岁就进入县学，但屡次考试不中，郁郁不得志。跟随大令在越地游历做官，也浮沉未得一官半职，肆意饮酒以浇愁绪，导致湿气积聚、痰饮内生，中气受损。辛亥年（1911年），武汉革命军起义，越地也发生动乱，逃难到上海。偶然早起感受风寒，风寒束于体表，湿热蒸于体内，于是出现高热恶寒，舌苔滑腻。医生起初用辛凉解表治风热，无效；又用苦温化痰饮，仍无效，拖延下去最终无法救治。
九妹嫁给张家，温婉顺从有德行，孝顺婆婆。婆婆即将过寿，她从夏天到秋天，傍晚必登凉台，勤于针线活以备婆婆寿礼，体内蕴积暑热，外受凉风，于是患咳嗽，不及时医治，过了半年发展成劳损（肺结核类疾病），再去医治，已经来不及了，去世时年仅二十八岁。俗话说“伤风不醒便成劳”，伤风并非绝症，治疗得当并非都不痊愈，那些不愈的，是因为不及时治疗罢了。各位兄姊，二哥和九妹，是误在患病而不及时就医；大哥、三姐、五哥，是误在医生不对症，这也可见误死者之多。思念同胞，先后离世，孤身一人，心中悲伤至极。
记录子女病故夭折的情形
我有子女二十人，存活一半，夭亡一半。长子培植，被外祖父母溺爱，喂养过度，饮食不节制，得了疳积症，由实证转为虚证，经鲍竺先生治愈，元气未恢复。几个月后，正值秋季酷暑，侍者带他在集市玩耍，受到惊吓突然昏厥，来不及医治，不到一刻钟就夭折了。当时我正乘船去镇江参加秋试，夜里梦见牙齿脱落，暗自担忧，私下告诉汪宾谷表哥。第二天，同伴们因风向逆转都上岸了，我恍惚若有所失，辞别不去，整天躺在船上。家里怕我悲伤，不让我知道，回家后才知道。夭折时四岁。
四女长堃，保姆嗜酒，且时常喂她肉食，刚满周岁，患腹泻，医生有的说是虚证，有的说是实证。我当时不懂医，只听凭他们。不久夭折。
五子培荣，随我在杭州任职，早起嬉戏，受寒化热，医生用牛黄清心丸，结果发狂而死，当时十二岁。发狂而用清心法，还可以理解；用清心法反而发狂，可知是引邪入心包。我不怨恨医生，只遗憾自己对医道当时不明瞭，导致有此失误。
七女怀孕时，母亲病重，出生后随即夭折。
十女长平，先天不足，靠臀部爬行，又伤食，消导后更伤正气，因体弱病死在上杭县署，两岁。
十二女清溪，体质本虚，也伤食，医生用大黄攻下，使虚者更虚，以至于脱证，当时十二岁。
十六子培复，正值暑天，婢女抱他游园，受风又受惊，医治不好。我素来信服韩半池大令的医术，当时他在杭州，带儿子去就诊，上火车时汽笛鸣响，孩子又受惊，到达杭州，韩医生推辞不见，孩子在杭州旅馆夭折，两岁。
十七子培厘，十八子培硅，是双胞胎，气血分为两股而均不足，一个随即夭折，另一个半个月后夭折。
十九女患天花，当时旅居上海，天花流行，偶然接触感染其气遂病。当时我虽懂医，但不精通痘科，痘疹遍布全身头部无空隙，如水泡，中有黑点，内有一个较大的，请其他医生医治，未愈，两岁夭折。其间长堃、培荣、清溪三人，似乎都可治而失治，我因此更加认为医药可惧，也更加认为医药应当深入研究。
记录何鸿舫先生治疗先母痿症、先兄痢疾的情形
同治戊寅年（1878年）春季，先父仁卿公去世，先慈汪太淑人，因气血素亏之体，骤然遭受此变故，心力交瘁，于是患上痿症，卧床不起长达一年。己卯年（1879年）秋季，外叔祖汪安斋公生病，邀请名医何鸿舫先生在重固（原文误作古[固]）诊治，先母转而聘请他诊治。先生与先大母舅汪子缉本交好，先父也与他熟悉，至此诊毕，责备我们兄弟说：“我与你们家是世交，这病起时为何不早告知，致使困卧床褥一年，幸好现在还可治。”于是拿出两张方子，一张先服数剂，一张接续服数十剂，又屈指计算说：“明年仲春可以起床行走。届时请你夫人来重固，我将为她调整方子。”当时听他的话，半信半疑，姑且服用他的方子，日渐好转，到正月可以扶床行走，二月不扶也能行走，真奇怪！于是前往重固调整方子并致谢。我因此知道医学能起死回生。己丑年（1889年）秋季，五哥叔和参加秋试，患湿疹，即将入场求速愈，用一扫光治疗而愈，实为劫剂（猛药）。不久返回，在禾郡汪氏寓所，疾病复发，变为痢疾。禾郡医生治疗一个月，痢疾已止，但出现口糜、呃逆、神倦无力、不思饮食，有欲脱之状。当时先母也在禾郡，来信告知病情危急，催促我去。我素来佩服何医生的神奇，派仆人持函邀请他，我也即赴禾郡。到了之后，医生说病已去，身体极虚，宜进补，用阿胶等药，煎好后被猫打翻，再煎再翻，觉得很奇怪。我说：“何先生来不来是否有确切消息？何不停药等他。”傍晚何先生到了，诊脉良久，忽然仰头说：“三焦均未通，怎么办？”随即检查从前所服的方子，依次阅读，看到末页的阿胶方，忽然拍案说：“这方子服了吗？服了就不救了。”于是告诉我被猫打翻了两次，没服。何先生说：“没服还可以。”于是对我说：“口糜，是湿滞熏蒸；呃逆，是下不通反乎上；不思食，是湿滞阻塞。大实若羸，三焦均窒，须导之，仍痢乃佳。”又说：“病不去则终死。我与你们家是世交，不作应酬方，我宿在船上等候消息，服我的药，夜里仍痢，则有生机，明天再诊。如果通了而不通，我的药恰好加速其死亡，希望就在明天。我也明早返舟。”话说得很坚决。我将“再痢可愈”的说法禀告母亲，告知嫂子，将“不复痢则毙”的说法不敢言。非常忧虑，彻夜无眠。天微明，内室门开，有婢女出来，急忙询问，说昨夜又痢十一次，狂喜，急忙登舟告诉何先生，先生也高兴，上岸再诊，诊毕说：“可以生，但需时日。”又说：“我女儿病危，须急返待我治，所以女婿同来。”先生的女婿彭君文伯，本是我的朋友，彭也急促岳父返回，坚留不可。我说：“我不懂医，先生去，无继任者，是先生救了他又抛弃他，怎么办？”先生沉思良久说：“有松江王松亭者，是我的门下士，在禾郡行医，何不找他。”派仆人四处寻找，不久，王医生来了，询问乃是王斗槎之弟，斗槎也是我至交。何于是开出两张方纸，一张为痢未净之方，一张为痢已清之方，纸背列药几乎写满，见何证，有何脉，则增减何味，盖一方而不啻数十方焉。将方交给王医生，一一为王预言将来之情状，且谓必依次下五色痢，初青，黑次之，黄次之，赤次之，白又次之，无害。询问原因，说：“积应脏色也，肺位最高，白积下则痢清矣。”又屈指计算说：“某日晨必神沉欲脱，勿药勿扰，静俟之，无害。”询问原因，说：“霜降节令也。气先三日至，常人不觉，而病人则必加剧耳。”继而王医生守其方治疗，完全如其所言，痊愈。我因此知道医学能杀人也能救人，我钻研医术，自见何先生治好我母亲、兄长之病开始。
记录继室汪氏怯病治愈情形
丙午年（1906年）春季，我因得罪长官罢职回家，寓居湖州，子女众多，而宦囊如洗，继室汪氏非常忧愁，肝郁生火，木火刑金，患上咳症，我不敢自医，请医生医治，久不愈，且日益加重，加上经断、吐血，继以白血，大便艰难，医生都说“怯症已成”，推辞不治。于是我遍检方书，用《千金方》之意，以生粉沙参一味治疗，每日服五钱。五日后，便中下血块一个，再服，又下血块两个，咳嗽顿止，于是用百合、冬虫夏草两味常服，元气恢复，饮食渐如常。又数月，觉腹胀如向来月经将至之状，我也意其可至，用丹皮之辛以动之，丹参之咸以降之，果然通畅，病全愈。始终未用养阴养血之套药。盖肺与大肠相表里，脏病而驱之自腑出，则肺不病，肺不病则自能制肝，虽病起于肝，未尝治之而火自平矣。
记录侄培勋出生时僵、子培治病厥均获救情形
外祖汪星阶公名曜奎，喜好方书，辑有《续经验方》行世，故先母汪太夫人，窃闻诸论，备知方法，常说：“药性吾不知，但闻方法之有益无害者，默记之，亦足以备缓急。”长嫂周氏怀孕七月，患疟，寒战剧烈，胎为之坠，当时虽七月，而秋寒特甚，胎下无啼声，面色白，肢冷气绝，母亲命勿断其脐，以纸捻蘸香油熏之，并徐挤其暖气送入腹，熏至脐枯而断，搦以指，弗使泄气，乃扎束，而儿早呱然醒矣，即今三侄培勋也。案薛己治荆妇孟冬分娩艰难，劳伤元气，产子已死，用油捻燃烧断脐，藉其气以暖之，俄顷忽作声，苟非素知此法，几何不误一命耶？其小儿胎坠七月者可生，八月者反不生，何也？以七月为阳月也。
二子培治，骤患厥，手足逆冷，势剧不及延医，母亲说：“厥逆有寒热之分，药非医来弗误投。有法在，不分寒厥、热厥可用者。”命抱入密室不透风处，以巾多幅绞热水，数人分熨其四肢，稍冷即易，弗暂停，俄而渐温，乃延医诊治之而愈。
又先母于诸妇生产时，必预备千年艾一盆，早收恶露秽气也；醋、炭两物，曰防血晕也；冬月则火炉，曰御寒气也；夏月则井水，曰收暑气也；以及参汤、洋参汤、白花益母草汤罔弗齐，并曰：“宁备焉而不用，勿用焉而不备。”
记录三女长钧病热厥、八女佩玢慢脾获愈情形
三女长钧数岁时，在其外家南塘镇张氏，患病手足厥冷，乡医有王姓者，处以肉桂，内弟张君骏八，以乡间药不良，遣人来城购取，并通信告余，余瞿然曰：“厥有寒热之殊，肉桂可轻试耶？”遂怀药，邀城医李彤伯先生同赴乡，李诊之曰：“热厥也。”治以四逆散而愈。向使乡有佳桂，误一命矣。
八女佩玢，余以断弦无内助，寄养于禾郡叔和五兄处，患惊，日久不效，加剧。余闻信飞棹往，见其面色㿠白，唇舌色淡，啼如鸦而低，亦无多声，伏乳妇肩，若倦甚者，欲睡而睡不安，不思乳，小便清，大便溏，而神识则甚清，检所服方，皆消痰、清火、散风、止惊之剂，所以治急惊风者也。余时虽喜览方书，不甚了了，疑属《福幼编》所谓慢脾者，然禾医尽延过，无可商酌，姑用庄在田法，以附桂萸术姜五味熬浓汁，令乳妇频频饫之。时余六母舅汪公尔祉亦寓禾郡，开方后，谒母舅，母舅问状，告以故，母舅诧曰：“尔知医耶？附桂可乱用耶？”余因之转疑虑，姑察其药后何状，则安睡矣。睡甚久，醒则索乳矣。疑乃释，遂依据庄氏法以治之，获瘳。时实未能真知灼见也，诡遇耳，略知医理而未能精通者，幸勿效诸。
记录侄培本故于肿病情形
侄培本，号心源，患腹肿，医生作湿热实症治，用中满分消汤去参萸二姜，我素知其肾亏，说：“此病实中有虚，须兼顾本。”并检示以各方书。不听，既而愈，更以我为谩言矣。我与旁人言，必复发，既而果然。医生不知变，仍治以前法，仅加白术、山药等健脾药。我说：“殆矣。”适侄婿曹融甫来，名医曹智涵之子也。我对侄子说：“何不邀请他。”曹诊毕，用金匮肾气丸加减焉，而易以汤。侄辈素惧附桂之热者，不敢饮。病日笃，遂卒。卒时见种种心肾不交象，我说：“药既对病，虽附子、肉桂之大热，石膏、龙胆之大寒，麻黄、细辛之外窜，大黄、芒硝之下夺，俱足以生人；苟不对症，即小小感冒，风温而治以卒温之荆防，风寒而治以辛凉之前蒡，亦足以轻病转重，倘怵于大热大寒而不同，古圣何必有此药哉！”
记录侄培俊夫妇、再侄成懋均死于伤食情形
My father's siblings totaled eight: four brothers, six sisters, and eight younger sisters. Four brothers, the sixth sister, and the eighth sister all died in infancy. What disease caused their deaths? I had never heard of it before. My second brother, Jinhuang, courtesy name Zhongfei, nickname Yanling, died during a journey in Qingjiang at the age of fifteen. Prior to this, during the Taiping Rebellion in the Gengshen year of Xianfeng (1860), Suzhou fell. My parents took the family to seek refuge in Henan and Shanxi. In the Jiazi year (1864), government troops recaptured Suzhou. In the Yichou year (1865), the family returned home. I heard from my mother: "While in Taiyuan, Yanling was already ill. His back was ulcerated like a bowl, he could not rise from bed, yet he did not feel pain himself. He was intelligent and his writing was elegant; my father loved him dearly. After falling ill, unable to write, he learned needlework to pass the time, managing to do so despite no formal training. The doctor said, 'Like a vessel, those that are dexterous are prone to breakage.' On the way home, he was carried in a litter. By the time they reached Qingjiang, the illness had persisted for a year. At the moment of death, his consciousness was clear. He told his mother, 'I cannot see.' When a lamp was brought close, he still said, 'I cannot see.' Then he said, 'I can no longer endure,' and passed away. The *Classic* states: 'When Qi departs, vision is unclear.' It also says: 'Yin deficiency leads to blindness.' This is a deficiency syndrome. Had he not suffered displacement due to war, had he received nourishment from herbs, and avoided the toil of travel, how could he have suddenly lost his natural lifespan?" As for the deaths of my eldest brother, third sister, fifth brother, and ninth sister, these occurred after my prime years.
My eldest brother, Jinniang, courtesy name Bingfu, had hyperactive Liver fire, an irritable temperament, a thin physique with a sallow complexion, belonging to the Fire constitution. Encountering frustrating events, his Liver Qi stagnated and transformed into fire, spreading to the Stomach. He developed *Zhong Xiao* syndrome (polyphagia), craving food insatiably. Physicians prescribed Yin-nourishing agents. I remarked, "Preserving Yin without clearing Heat, how can this work? With blazing Stomach fire, only Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) can achieve efficacy. Considering the root, perhaps Jingyue's *Yunü Jian* (Jade Woman Decoction) should be used?" He did not listen. His condition worsened daily until he died.
My third sister married into the Wu family, bearing three daughters and one son. She had Blood heat and Blood deficiency, insufficient to nourish the Liver. Liver Qi, having no attachment, invaded the collaterals, causing tendon spasms and discomfort. Qi stagnation failed to dissipate, leading to illness. A certain physician used aromatic-drying herbs to soothe the Liver, which induced convulsions. Later, Mr. Be Fuqin was consulted. He prescribed Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Lingjiao (Cornus Caprae Cornu), Juluo (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Retinervum), and Ye (Leaf). After one dose... [Text continues describing subsequent misdiagnosis by Fei Jinqing using Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) and Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) for wind-cold-dampness spasm, worsening the condition, followed by moxibustion causing coma and death]. Aromatic-drying herbs soothe the Liver when Blood is sufficient but Qi is stagnant. That physician only knew to soothe Liver Qi but did not understand that this Qi stagnation resulted from Blood deficiency causing Qi to lose its attachment. Aromatic-drying herbs can scorch Yin; did he know this? Dr. Be’s formula, which pacified the Liver, nourished Blood, and cleared collaterals with slight unblocking, was extremely precise, but only one dose was taken, failing to complete the cure. Alas! Dr. Fei failed to distinguish external contraction from internal injury, internal wind from external wind, and heat syndromes from cold syndromes. He was truly a layman among physicians, let alone a hereditary medical family. If the nine springs have consciousness, Mr. Jinqing should weep bitterly underground. Zhang Zhongjing stated, "With a fine and rapid pulse, moxibustion must be avoided." Because mugwort fire severely damages Yin. For constitutions with Yin deficiency and internal heat, applying mugwort fire causes fire Qi to attack internally; adding fire to fire, how can Yin endure? Zhongjing said, "One error may prolong life; a second error accelerates death." How much more so for this case, where errors were repeated again and again?
My fifth brother, Jinyuan, courtesy name Shuhe, was agile and skilled in literature and poetry. At sixteen, he entered the county school but failed examinations repeatedly, feeling depressed and frustrated. He traveled to Yue as an official under a Da Ling but remained unappointed, indulging in wine to drown his sorrows. This led to damp accumulation and phlegm generation, damaging Middle Qi. In the Xinhai year (1911), the Wuchang Revolution began, and Yue also saw unrest. We fled to Shanghai. One morning, upon rising, he contracted wind-cold. Wind-cold bound the exterior, while damp-heat steamed within. He developed high fever and aversion to cold, with a slippery, greasy tongue coating. Initially, physicians treated him with acrid-cool herbs to resolve wind-heat, without effect. Then, bitter-warm herbs were used to transform phlegm-fluids, also without effect. He lingered and ultimately could not be saved.
My ninth sister married into the Zhang family. She was gentle, virtuous, and filial to her mother-in-law. As her mother-in-law’s birthday approached, from summer to autumn, she would climb to the cool terrace every evening, diligently doing needlework to prepare gifts. Internal summer-heat accumulated, while external cool wind invaded. She developed coughing. Not treating it immediately, after half a year it progressed to consumption (Lao disease). Seeking treatment then was too late. She died at twenty-eight. The saying goes, "A cold unresolved becomes consumption." A cold is not a terminal illness; not all cases fail to resolve. Those that do not resolve do so because treatment was delayed. Regarding my siblings: Second Brother and Ninth Sister erred by delaying treatment; Eldest Brother, Third Sister, and Fifth Brother erred due to incorrect medical treatment. This shows how many die due to medical errors. Thinking of my siblings, who passed away one after another, leaving me alone, my heart is broken.
Record of the Illness and Death of My Children
I had twenty children; half survived, half died. My eldest son, Peizhi, was spoiled by his maternal grandparents. Overfeeding led to irregular diet, resulting in *Gan Ji* syndrome (childhood malnutrition/accumulation). It shifted from excess to deficiency. Mr. Bao Zhu cured him, but his Yuan Qi did not recover. Months later, in the intense heat of autumn, an attendant took him to play in the market. He was startled and fainted suddenly. Before medicine could be administered, he died within a quarter-hour. At that time, I was traveling by boat to Zhenjiang for the Autumn Examination. I dreamed of losing my teeth, worrying secretly, and told my cousin Wang Bingu. The next day, companions disembarked due to adverse winds. I felt lost and stayed on the boat all day. Fearing my grief, the family hid the news. Only after returning did I learn of it. He died at four.
My fourth daughter, Changkun, had a wet nurse who drank alcohol and fed her meat frequently. At just one year old, she developed diarrhea. Physicians disagreed on whether it was deficiency or excess. I knew nothing of medicine and listened. She soon died.
My fifth son, Peirong, accompanied me to Hangzhou. Playing early in the morning, he caught cold which transformed into heat. Physicians used Niuhuang Qingxin Wan (Calculus Bovis Heart-Clearing Pill). He went mad and died at twelve. Madness treated with Heart-clearing methods is understandable; but using Heart-clearing methods causing madness indicates guiding pathogenic factors into the Pericardium. I do not blame the physician; I blame myself for not understanding medical principles clearly at the time.
My seventh daughter died shortly after birth because her mother was severely ill during pregnancy.
My tenth daughter, Changping, had congenital insufficiency. She crawled on her buttocks. She also suffered from food stagnation. Further digestion damaged her further. She died of weakness at the Shanghang County Office at age two.
My twelfth daughter, Qingxi, had a deficient constitution and also suffered from food stagnation. Physicians used Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) to purge, making deficiency worse, leading to collapse. She was twelve.
My sixteenth son, Peifu, was carried by a maid in the garden during summer. He contracted wind and was startled. Treatment failed. I trusted the skills of Han Banchi, who was in Hangzhou. I brought my son to consult him. On the train, the whistle startled the child again. Upon reaching Hangzhou, Dr. Han declined to see us. The child died in a Hangzhou inn at age two.
My seventeenth son, Peili, and eighteenth son, Peigui, were twins. Their Qi and Blood were divided and both deficient. One died immediately; the other died over half a month later.
My nineteenth daughter contracted smallpox while living in Shanghai. Smallpox was epidemic. She contracted the qi and became ill. Although I knew medicine, I was not proficient in smallpox treatment. The pustules covered her entire body and head without gap, resembling water blisters with black dots inside, one being large. Other physicians could not cure her. She died at two. Among them, Changkun, Peirong, and Qingxi seemed treatable but were neglected. Thus, I feared medicine even more and resolved to study it deeply.
Record of Mr. He Hongfang Treating My Mother’s Wei Syndrome and My Brother’s Dysentery
In the spring of the Wuyin year of Tongzhi (1878), my father, Renqing Gong, passed away. My mother, Lady Wang, whose Qi and Blood were inherently deficient, suffered sudden shock and exhaustion, developing *Wei* syndrome (atrophy/flaccidity). She remained bedridden for a year. In the autumn of the Jiyi year (1879), my maternal great-uncle, Wang Anzhai, fell ill. A famous physician, Mr. He Hongfang, was invited to Chonggu. My mother engaged him for her own treatment. Mr. He was friends with my great-uncle Wang Zijiben, and my father was also familiar with him. After diagnosis, he rebuked us brothers: "Our families are long-standing friends. Why was I not informed earlier when the illness began, keeping her bedridden for a year? Fortunately, it is still treatable now." He produced two prescriptions: one to take first for several doses, another to follow for dozens of doses. He calculated: "By mid-spring next year, she will be able to walk. Bring your wife to Chonggu then, and I will adjust the prescription." Hearing this, I was half-believing, half-doubting, but took the medicine. Her condition improved daily. By the first lunar month, she could walk holding the bed; by the second month, she could walk without support. Amazing! We went to Chonggu to adjust the prescription and express gratitude. I thus realized medicine could revive the critically ill.
In the autumn of the Jichou year (1889), my fifth brother Shuhe took the Autumn Examination. He suffered from eczema. Seeking a quick cure before entering the examination hall, he used *Yi Sao Guang* (a strong purgative/cleansing agent) and recovered. However, it was a "robbery" method (draining vital energy). Upon return, staying at the Wu residence in Hejun, the disease relapsed and transformed into dysentery. Local physicians treated him for a month. The dysentery stopped, but he developed mouth ulcers (*Kou Mi*), hiccups (*E Ni*), fatigue, loss of appetite, and signs of impending collapse. My mother was also in Hejun. Receiving news of his critical state, she urged me to go. Trusting Dr. He’s skill, I sent a servant with a letter inviting him and went myself. Upon arrival, the local doctor said the pathogen was gone, the body was very weak, and tonics like Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla) should be used. The decoction was spilled by a cat twice. I asked if there was certainty of Dr. He’s arrival and suggested stopping medication to wait. Dr. He arrived in the evening. After a long pulse diagnosis, he looked up and said, "The Triple Burner is blocked. What to do?" He reviewed previous prescriptions. Seeing the Ejiao prescription on the last page, he slapped the table: "Was this taken? If taken, there is no hope." I explained it was spilled twice and not taken. He said, "If not taken, there is still hope." He told me: "Mouth ulcers indicate damp-stagnation steaming; hiccups indicate lower blockage reversing upward; loss of appetite indicates damp-stagnation obstruction. Great excess resembles emaciation. The Triple Burner is obstructed. It must be guided. Returning to dysentery is good." He added, "If the pathogen is not expelled, death is certain. We are old friends; I do not write social prescriptions. I will stay on my boat. If you take my medicine and dysentery returns tonight, there is a chance of survival. I will diagnose again tomorrow. If unblocking fails, my medicine might accelerate death. Hope lies in tomorrow. I leave early tomorrow." His words were decisive. I reported "returning dysentery means recovery" to my mother and sister-in-law, but dared not say "no dysentery means death." I was anxious and sleepless. At dawn, a maid came out. I asked urgently. She said he had dysentery eleven times last night. I was ecstatic, rushed to the boat, and told Dr. He. He was pleased, went ashore, diagnosed again, and said, "He can live, but it takes time." He added, "My daughter is critically ill. I must return urgently. My son-in-law accompanies me." His son-in-law, Peng Wenbo, was my friend. Peng urged his father-in-law to return, but he insisted on staying. I said, "I do not know medicine. If you leave, no one can continue. You save him then abandon him. What shall I do?" He thought for a long time and said, "There is Wang Songting from Songjiang, my student, practicing in Hejun. Find him." Servants searched and soon found Dr. Wang, who turned out to be the brother of Wang Doucha, my close friend. Dr. He wrote two prescriptions: one for incomplete dysentery resolution, one for cleared dysentery. The back of the paper listed almost all herbs, indicating modifications based on symptoms and pulses. One prescription contained dozens of possibilities. He gave the prescription to Dr. Wang, predicting future conditions precisely: "He will pass five-colored dysentery sequentially: green first, then black, yellow, red, white. This is harmless." Asked why, he replied, "Accumulations correspond to organ colors. Lung is highest. When white accumulation passes, dysentery clears." He calculated dates: "On the morning of [Date], he will appear lethargic and near collapse. Do not medicate or disturb. Wait quietly. Harmless." Asked why, he replied, "It is Frost’s Descent solar term. Qi arrives three days early. Ordinary people do not notice, but patients will worsen." Dr. Wang followed the prescription exactly. The patient recovered. I thus knew medicine could kill or save. My dedication to medicine began seeing Dr. He cure my mother and brother.
Record of the Cure of My Second Wife’s Que Disease
In the spring of the Bingwu year (1906), I resigned due to offending superiors and returned to Huzhou. With many children and empty pockets, my second wife, Wang, was deeply worried. Liver Qi stagnation generated fire, Wood-Fire attacking Metal, causing cough. I dared not treat her myself and hired a physician. It did not improve and worsened. Menstruation ceased, hemoptysis occurred, followed by white blood expectoration, and constipation. Doctors said "Que disease (consumption/tuberculosis) has formed" and refused treatment. I consulted medical texts and used the idea from *Qianjin Fang*: single herb Shashen (Glehniae Radix) powdered, five qian daily. After five days, a blood clot passed in stool. After another dose, two more clots passed. Cough stopped. I then used Baihe (Lilii Bulbus) and Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps) regularly. Yuan Qi recovered, and diet normalized. Months later, abdominal distension felt like pre-menstrual bloating. I suspected menstruation would return. Using Danpi (Moutan Cortex) to move and Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix) to descend, flow was restored, and she fully recovered. No standard Yin-nourishing or Blood-tonifying formulas were used. Lung and Large Intestine are exterior-interior related. Disease in the Zang organs driven out through the Fu organs means the Lung is spared. If the Lung is spared, it can control the Liver. Although the disease originated in the Liver, without directly treating it, the fire calmed itself.
Record of Nephew Peixun’s Birth Rigor and Son Peizhi’s Syncope Rescue
My maternal grandfather, Wang Xingjie (name Yao Kui), loved medical texts and compiled *Xu Jingyan Fang*. My mother, Lady Wang, learned methods from discussions, often saying: "I don't know drug properties, but I memorize beneficial and harmless methods for emergencies." My eldest sister-in-law Zhou, pregnant seven months, contracted malaria with severe chills. The fetus descended. Though seven months, autumn cold was severe. The fetus was born without crying, pale, cold limbs, and lifeless. My mother ordered not to cut the umbilical cord. They smoked it with paper twists dipped in sesame oil, gently squeezing warm air into the abdomen. Until the cord dried and broke, they pinched it to prevent Qi leakage, then tied it. The baby cried immediately. This is my third nephew, Peixun. Case: Xue Ji treated a woman delivering in early winter. Labor difficulty injured Yuan Qi. Baby born dead. Used burning oil twist on cut umbilical cord to warm with Qi. Soon the baby made a sound. Without knowing this method, how easily would a life be lost? Fetuses born at seven months can survive; those at eight months often do not. Why? Seven is a Yang month.
My second son, Peizhi, suddenly suffered syncope (*Jue*). Cold extremities. Condition severe, no time to call a doctor. Mother said: "Syncope has cold and heat types. Medicines wrong without a doctor. There is a method applicable to both." Carried to a windowless room. Multiple towels wrung in hot water were used to compress limbs by several people. Changed when slightly cool, without pause. Soon warmed. Then a doctor was called, and he recovered.
Also, my mother always prepared a basin of thousand-year-old Mugwort (*Ai*) for childbirth to absorb lochia; vinegar and charcoal to prevent blood晕 (fainting); stove in winter to ward off cold; well water in summer to absorb summer heat; plus Ginseng soup, American Ginseng soup, and White Flower Motherwort soup. All prepared. She said: "Better to have and not use, than need and not have."
Record of Third Daughter Changjun’s Heat Syncope and Eighth Daughter Peifen’s Slow Spleen Recovery
Third daughter Changjun, at a few years old, stayed at her maternal home in Nantang Town, Zhang family. Ill with cold extremities. A village doctor named Wang prescribed Rougui (Cinnamon Bark). My brother-in-law Zhang Junjunba, thinking village medicine poor, sent someone to buy better quality Rougui from the city and notified me. I exclaimed: "Syncope differs in cold and heat. Can Rougui be lightly tried?" I carried medicine and invited city doctor Li Tongbo to the village. Li diagnosed: "Heat Syncope." Treated with *Sini San* (Four Counterflow Powder). Recovered. If good cinnamon had been used, a life would have been lost.
Eighth daughter Peifen, I had no wife to help, so she was fostered with my fifth brother Shuhe in Hejun. She suffered fright. Long-term treatment ineffective, condition worsened. Hearing this, I rowed quickly. Her face was pale, lips and tongue pale. Cried like a crow, low voice, little sound. Lay on wet nurse’s shoulder, seeming exhausted, wanting to sleep but uneasy, refusing milk. Urine clear, stool loose. Consciousness very clear. Reviewed previous prescriptions: all phlegm-resolving, fire-clearing, wind-dispersing, fright-arresting agents for acute fright wind. I liked reading texts but didn't understand well. Suspected *Man Pi* (Slow Spleen) from *Fu You Bian*. Local doctors had all been consulted, no advice available. Tentatively used Zhuang Zaitian’s method: Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Yuzhu (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) boiled to thick juice, fed frequently to wet nurse. My sixth uncle Wang Erzhi also lived in Hejun. After prescribing, I visited him. He asked condition. I explained. He surprised: "You know medicine? Can Fuzi and Guizhi be used recklessly?" I became doubtful, observing effects. She slept peacefully. Slept long, woke asking for milk. Doubt cleared. Followed Zhuang’s method. Recovered. At that time, I lacked true insight; it was luck. Those knowing some theory but not proficient, beware of imitating this.
Record of Nephew Peiben’s Death from Abdominal Swelling
Nephew Peiben, courtesy name Xinyuan, suffered abdominal swelling. Doctors treated as damp-heat excess, using *Zhongman Fenxiao Tang* removing Renshen (Ginseng), Yuzhu, and two Gingers. I knew his Kidney deficiency. Said: "This disease has excess within deficiency. Must address the root." Showed various texts. He did not listen. He recovered, thinking I spoke falsely. I told others it would recur. It did. Doctors did not change method, adding Baizhu and Shanyao to strengthen Spleen. I said: "Dangerous." Nephew’s son-in-law Cao Rongfu, son of famous doctor Cao Zihan, arrived. I suggested inviting him. Cao diagnosed, used *Jinkui Shenqi Wan* modified, changed to decoction. Relatives feared heat of Fuzi and Guizhi, dared not drink. Condition worsened, he died. At death, signs of Heart-Kidney non-interaction appeared. I said: "If medicine matches disease, even hot Fuzi/Guizhi, cold Shigao/Gentiana, dispersing Mahuang/Xixin, purging Dahuang/Mangxiao can save lives. If mismatch, even minor cold, treating wind-warmth with acrid-warm Jingfang, or wind-cold with acrid-cool Qianbang, can turn mild to severe. If afraid of extreme hot/cold and refuse them, why did ancient sages create these drugs!"
Record of Nephew Peijun Couple and Great-Nephew Chengmao Dying from Food Stagnation