典藏书目

Baihou (White Throat) is a perilous condition. Since the *Ling Shu* and *Su Wen*, there has been no detailed record of it. During the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, Chen Yuchun from Hunan began to write *Treatise on White Throat Symptoms* (see *Chang Xu* in *Jie Yao Bai Hou*). His fellow townsman Zhang Shanwu Shaoxiu from Liuyang, based on this intent, compiled *Jie Yao Bai Hou*. The main thesis argues that the disease originates from the three Yin meridians of the foot being affected and transmitting to the Lung, which has already lost the true nature of Baihou. Furthermore, the medication used does not go beyond the scope of Wind-Fire Sore Throat (Feng Huo Hou Bi), having no relation to the Dryness-Heat of the Hand-Taiyin (Lung). Zheng Meijian's *Zhong Lou Yu Qiao* states that this condition may occur due to the prevalence of Dryness Qi, and treatment should focus mainly on Clearing the Lung and Nourishing Yin, which is quite accurate. However, the discussion is not detailed enough, with pros and cons mixed, seemingly failing to thoroughly understand the source and evolution of the disease. (For instance, while stating it may be triggered by Dryness Qi, it also claims heat pathogen hides in the Shaoyin meridian, stealing the Mother Qi of Metal (Lung); while advocating Nourishing Yin and Clearing Lung, it also recommends Zizheng San. Jingjie, Fangfeng, Jingpi, and Xixin in Zizheng San are as incompatible as ice and charcoal compared to Donghua, Dihuang, Baishao, and Danpi in Yangyin Qingfei Tang. How can Zheng list them together?) In the Wuzi year of Guangxu (1888), this disease broke out widely in Beijing. A person calling himself "Naixiu Zi," whose relatives suffered greatly from this illness during visits, studied it meticulously, attributing insights to divine revelation. He adopted views from the previous two authors and wrote *Jie Biao Jue Wei Bai Hou Zhi Fa*, selecting materials concisely. However, this gentleman was not a professional practitioner of Qi-Huang medicine; he lacked true insight into the source, evolution, and meridians of the disease, as well as the color, flavor, aroma, and properties of medicinal substances. Thus, his words were often baseless and insufficient to guide future scholars. In the spring of the Guisi year (1893), I, along with my two daughters and one son, were successively infected within a few days. (In the transition between autumn and winter of the Renshen year, it had not rained for a long time, and Dryness Qi prevailed. After the Winter Solstice, heavy frost and snow occurred, with ice layers on ordinary lakes and streams reaching an inch thick. Oujun (Wenzhou) has very warm local climate conditions, and such weather had not been seen for 60-70 years. After the Start of Spring, sudden rains caused the disease to erupt wildly. It was heard that many doctors in the prefecture treated it with Acrid-Warm exterior-releasing methods, resulting in many pediatric casualties.) My eldest daughter was treated using Zhang's method, nearly dying. Fortunately, by administering large doses of Da Xin Liang combined with Gan Xian Han methods three times daily, she recovered. (Eight of the eleven untreatable symptoms listed by Zhang were present in her case.) My second daughter and youngest son were treated entirely with Nourishing Yin methods. The second daughter recovered, but the youngest son died. The doubts involved were almost insurmountable. In the autumn of the Jiawu year (1894), my youngest daughter (then only one year old) suffered from Fu Shu (Hidden Summerheat) disease, presenting with fever, spasms, convulsions, phlegm-cough, and wheezing. She was given formulas to Clear Heat, Resolve Phlegm, Unblock Collaterals, and Extinguish Wind. Although the spasms and convulsions ceased, other symptoms persisted. By late afternoon, the phlegm and wheezing worsened significantly, resembling the terminal stage of Baihou perfectly. Urgently, I added Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) and Shigao (Gypsum) to the previous formula, applying the Da Xin Liang method. The phlegm and wheezing stopped immediately, and the fever subsided. Only then did I suddenly realize the root and branch transmission changes of Baihou, understanding clearly why previous treatments had varying degrees of success or failure. I deeply realized that although the works of Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zheng, and Mr. Naixiu each had their merits, none had exhausted the source and evolution of the disease. Therefore, I devoted myself to exploration, synthesizing strengths, verifying with classic theories, and referencing clinical experience. After several years, I composed *Baihou Dingzheng Lun* (Corrected Treatise on Baihou), one volume, and submitted it to Principal Zhelu for correction. The Principal said: "Although this treatise is detailed, it has too many threads and is lengthy, making it difficult for readers to grasp fully. Why not imitate Wu Jutong's style in writing *Wenbing Anli* (Cases of Warm Diseases) to create *Baihou Tiaobian*? This way, principles will be clear and details organized, making it easier for the author to expound and for readers to follow." I agreed. Subsequently, I drafted fifteen articles (*Tiaobian*). Upon completion, I wrote this preface to outline the main ideas. While I dare not yield my responsibility and have pointed out flaws in the works of Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zheng, and Mr. Naixiu, without their pioneering efforts, how could I have achieved this synthesis? May future authors elucidate its subtle meanings and correct my deficiencies. This would be not only a blessing for me and the three gentlemen but also a hope for all living beings under heaven.
Summer of the Dingyou Year, 23rd Year of Guangxu