Xǔ Shūwēi:introduction about his biography and legend,main books and academic thoughts.
✵許叔微 (Xǔ Shūwēi):a prominent physician of the Song Dynasty. He prepared graphic illustrations of 36 varieties of the pulse based on Zhang Zhongjing's work and propounded the theory of using herbs with the intensity of the disease. Xu was the author of several medical books, among which the Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Classified Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) has been one of his most widely read books. Xu Shu-Wei was the representative herbalist of the Meng-He School during the Song Dynasty period.
許叔微(Xǔ Shūwēi).
Brief Introduction
漢語名 (Chinese Name):
許叔微 (Xǔ Shūwēi)
Alias:
知可 (Zhī Kě), 近泉 (Jìn Quán)
Popular Name:
許學士 (Xǔ Xuéshì, Scholar Xǔ)
English Name:
Xu Shu-wei, or Shu-wei Xu (Given/Sur Name)
Hometown:
Baisha, Zhenzhou
Dates:
about 1079~1154 A.D.
Main works:
《類證普濟本事方》(Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang, or Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) in 10 volumes,《傷寒百證歌》(Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge) in 5 volumes,《傷寒發微論》(Shang Han Fa Wei Lun) in 2 volumes,《傷寒九十論》(Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun), 《治法八十壹篇》(Zhi Fa, or Zhi Fa Ba Shi Yi Pian, or Eighty One articles on treatment methods),《辯類》(Bian Lei) in 5 volumes,《翼傷寒論》(Yi Shang Han Lun),《仲景脈法三十六圖》(Zhong Jing Mai Fa San Shi Liu Tu), etc.
Representative works:
Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge(the one hundres syndromes poem of the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in 5 volumes,Shang Han Fa Wei Lun(the Elaborations on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in 2 volumes,Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun(the ninety treatises on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases),Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang(the Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) in 10 volumes.
Biography and legends:
許叔微 (Xǔ Shūwēi) (1079~1154 A.D.): a prominent physician of the Song Dynasty. He prepared graphic illustrations of 36 varieties of the pulse based on Zhang Zhongjing's work and propounded the theory of using herbs with the intensity of the disease. Xu was the author of several medical books, among which the Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Classified Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) (1132?) in 10 volumes has been one of his most widely read books. Xu Shu-Wei was a representative herbalist of Meng-He School during the Song Dynasty period (the Meng-He School could be traced back to the Dong Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdom period, originated and was related to herbalist and Taoist Ge Hong.).
Xǔ Shūwēi's alias is 知可 (Zhī Kě), his alternative name is 近泉 (Jìn Quán), he was native to Zhen Zhou BaiSha or Pi Ling of Song, a famous herbalist and ever lived during the years of the North Song and the South Song Dynasty.
Xǔ Shūwēi born at a poor family, at Yuan You Five Year (Yuan You was the reign title of emperor Song Zhezong, or year 1090 A.D.) his father and mother all passed away due to plagues, he was 11 years old at that year, he studied hard with both traditional Confucian classics and medicine, get a Jinshi title in the imperial examination at the Shao Xing 2nd year (year 1132 A.D., Shao Xing was the reign title of the emperor Zhao Gou), then he was assigned a drillmaster of Hui Zhou and Hang Zhou, Xue Shi of Han Lin Ji Xian Yuan (scholar, National Sages Academy), so later he was also called "Xu Xueshi", since young age he learned all medical books available around and studied with ancient medical classics in fine details, he was very good at medical science and was famous in hometown till his middle age. In Jian Yuan 1st year of the South Song Dynasty(Jian Yuan is the first reign title of Song Gaozong Zhao Gou, 1127 A.D.), epidemic disease spread widely in the ZhenZhou area. Herbalist Xǔ Shūwēi tried diagnosis with local people in their home, saving eight to nine of the ten patients. His reputation rose soon, and he became well known as a lot of patients were saved by him.
At the Shao Xing 2nd year or 3rd year (Shao Xing is the second reign title of Song Gaozong Zhao Gou, year l132 or 1133 A.D.), Xǔ Shūwēi passed the imperial examinations and was selected as Jinshi, got assigned as official titles Huizhou HangZhouFu Jiao Shou (drillmaster of Hui Zhou and Hang Zhou) and Xue Shi of Han Lin Ji Xian Yuan (scholar, National Sages Academy), folks called him Xu Xueshi (Scholar Xu), later for unsatisfied with emperor Song Gaozong content with temporary ease and comfort at the south of Yangtze River, and crafty sycophants, he resigned the official position and went back to the countryside, live in Ma Jishan, goes on with studying and practicing medicine and saving people, any patients seek for help, no matter day or night, no matter they are poor or rich, he just goes for treatment and aims at saving lives, his personality and characters are kindhearted, loyal, blunt, bold and forthright, he was praised favorably by local folks.
Main books and academic thoughts:
Herbalist Xǔ Shūwēi was admitted as one of the scholars in the academic field of Shang Han Lun during the Song Dynasty. He proposed many detailed interpretations, supplemented with the syndrome differentiation and treatment theory, he wrote in books that: “the treatment of cold-induced disease, should be clear with interior and exterior, excess or deficiency. As long as we know the meaning of these, the 397 methods of herbalist Zhang Zhongjing, could be used easily.” Herbalist Xu Shuwei often helps to treat strange diseases and difficult cases and says farewell for thanks, ever made an excellent study with the theory of the exogenous febrile disease, emphasized that the importance for the treatment of the exogenous febrile disease is the identification of the deficiency, excessive cold, and heat. And later, he compiled related works include Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, etc., devoted to the development of the exogenous febrile disease study, which not only inherited the thought of ancient herbalist Zhang Zhongjing, also gave further interpretations. His main interpretations on Shang Han Lun and treatment of cold-induced disease are introduced:
⑴.The key to the syndrome differentiation of the cold-induced disease is the differentiation of the exterior and interior, the deficiency and excess. This conclusion was recorded in his book Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge (the hundred syndromes songs of the exogenous febrile diseases), and he summarized and pointed out four types of syndromes with four types of recipes, and pointed out different types of recipes are for different types of syndromes, he summarized the prescriptions of Shang Han Lun with exterior interior and deficiency excess, this is a further development and interpretation of Zhang Zhongjing's differentiation based on six-meridian syndrome differentiation, he also proposed the syndrome differentiation based on exterior interior and deficiency excess, should combine with Yin and Yang, cold and heat; the points for syndrome differentiation of doubtful cold and heat syndrome, should refer to the synthetic analysis of pulse and syndrome; these discussions and interpretations had influences on the later establishment of the differentiation of eight principles.
⑵.The emphasis on the importance of the Primordial Qi in the treatment of cold-induced disease, as herbalist Xu proposed "in cases of the cold-induced disease, whatever Yin syndrome or Yang syndrome, Yin toxin or Yang toxin, the key point is that it is easy to treat for the case with strong Primordial Qi, it is difficult for the case with weak and deficient Primordial Qi." This conclusion came from his practice.
⑶.The development of the "affection from deficiency" pathogenesis theory of Nei Jing (the Inner Canon): "the pathogens accumulated, the Qi is surely deficient." is an important pathogenesis theory from the ancient book Nei Jing (the Inner Canon), herbalist Xu proposed that the endogenous pathogenic reasons are more due to deficiency of the healthy energy, but once affected by the pathogens and the pathogens are detained, the nature of the disease normally develops with changes of excess, thus, herbalist Xu pointed out that treatment should follow the principle "eliminate the pathogens firstly, invigorate secondly", herbalist Xu not only applied the prescriptions of Zhang Zhongjing flexibly, he also created new prescriptions to dispel the pathogens.
⑷.Interpretation on the pulse methods of Zhongjing, herbalist Xu attached great importance to the pulse manifestations, and he proposed that "To treat the cold-induced disease, should be based on the pulse methods of Zhongjing.", and he summarized the complicated pulse manifestations with principles of Yin and Yang, to tell the good or ill luck, and the prognosis, then sum up various pulse manifestations, differentiate the exterior interior deficiency excess with a pulse floating or deep, powerful or weak, differentiate the location in the Zang viscera or the Fu viscera with a rapid pulse or slow pulse, and make it clear and flexible for applications. Herbalist Xu also pointed out the difference in pulse manifestations between cold-induced disease and miscellaneous diseases, summarized common pulse manifestations of the cold-induced disease. For example, floating and slow is the pulse manifestation of Zhongfeng (wind affection), floating, uneven (hesitant) and tight is the pulse manifestation of Shanghan (cold affection), floating and rapid is the Yang pulse of Yang syndrome, string-like, slow pulse, with the coldness of hands and feet is the pulse of Shao Yin syndrome, etc., he pointed out the characters of cold-induced diseases and made it easier for disciples to learn. Herbalist Xu also emphasized the diagnosis of Ren Ying, Cunkou, FuYang, TaiXi, and pointed out that "The Cunkou of the right hand is main for Qi, the RenYing is main for blood. The Cunkou is tight, then it is surely hurt from the diet, the Ren Ying is tight, then it is the severe case of wind affection", "the Fuyang stomach pulse determines life or death, the Taixi kidney pulse is the root and base.", The first conclusion has values for differentiation between exogenous wind affection and endogenous hurt from diet and drink, the second conclusion has special values for the prognosis of diseases. He also pointed out that although diaphoresis, emesis, and purgative methods are big methods for the treatment of the Shanghan (cold affection), they are only suitable for excess type syndromes, should never be used for syndromes of the deficiency type. Thus, he also pointed out that "In case the pulse is weak and big, it should avoid leading to vomiting; To use the purgative method, it should avoid a case of feeble and thready pulse; In case the pulse is deep and weak, weakness of Qi, it is difficult to induce sweating; These three principles should be remembered carefully.", This is really a summarized conclusion from experiences. Besides, he also attached great importance to the varies of pulses, to differentiate the development, transmission or not, and prognosis of the diseases, and he proposed that "the case pulse nine arrives in one breath, it is the case the essence and Qi are collapsing, the chaos of spirit and Qi, should be saved immediately; case pulse nine to ten arrives in one breath, as flowing out of the spring water, the pulse has no Qi flowing inside, it is the case collapse of the Primordial Qi, surely are symptoms of dying.", and he also has many other intensive and profound conclusion of pulse manifestations based on learning of Zhongjing's pulse theory and his own experiences from practice.
⑸.Interpretations and summarization on the applications of the cold-induced syndromes and prescriptions: herbalist Xu not only has an in-depth study of the syndrome differentiation, pulse manifestations of Shang Han Lun but also has many developments and innovations. His related works Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun recorded 61 cases of the cold-induced disease, listed pulse manifestations and syndromes strictly according to the entries and articles of the book Shang Han Lun strictly, and these cases all proved the precise effects of those prescriptions and syndrome differentiations from Zhongjing's theory. He also uses the prescriptions flexibly, for example, his prescription for the heat invading the blood chamber syndrome of women, etc. For those syndromes with no listed prescriptions in Shang Han Lun, he often collected other medical works include Nei Jing, Nan Jing, Qian Jin Yao Fang, Wai Tai Mi Yao, and supplemented the syndrome with a relevant prescription to guide the practice. Except for the flexible applications of Zhongjing's prescriptions, herbalist Xu also summarized Zhongjing's theories: for example, he summarizes the Taiyang-Yangming combined syndrome as (1st). The case of diarrhea is the syndrome of decoction Ge Gen, (2nd). The case of vomiting and throwing up, but no diarrhea, is the syndrome of Ge Gen Jia Ban Xia, (3rd). The case of panting and fullness in the chest is one of the three syndromes of mahuang decoction, he also summarized the Tai Yang Zhong Ye syndrome as having three types, (1st). The case of sweating and aversion to cold, heat of the body, and thirst, is the case of Tai Yang Jing Zhong Ye, (2nd). In the case of fever and aversion to cold, pain of the body, the pulse is string-like, thready gaseous (hollow) and late, (3rd). The case gets hurt by cold water in summer, water flow in the skin, the heat of the body, heavy pain and ache, and the pulse is weak and feeble; His summarization crystallized the theory of Zhongjing, and provide a clear, exact theoretical basis for practice, he also summarized and classified Zhongjing's methods, including diaphoresis, emesis, purgation, fire, water, acupuncture, and moxibustion, analyzed and listed them in orderliness, provided convenience for later generations to study the theory of Shang Han Lun, and these represented his correct and penetrating views of Shang Han Lun.
⑹.Interpretations on the prescriptions and application of Shang Han Lun: herbalist Xu has fine discussions on the prescription applications of Shang Han Lun, he connected and combined the pathogenesis and interpretations from previous herbalist Wang Shuhe and Sun Simiao, and he has his own specific creative opinion on the three main types of the Tai Yang syndromes, as he explained: the pathogenesis of the wind affection (Zhongfeng), the pathogenesis of cold affection(Shanghan), in case observed cold pulse in case of the wind affection (Zhongfeng), or wind pulse in case of the cold affection (Shanghan), is the case wind and cold doublely hurt the Ying and Wei system. His interpretations made the three outlines from herbalist Wang Shuhe and Sun Simiao clear and distinct and had a big influence on later herbalists. Besides, herbalist Xu also has his special opinion on the applications of decoction and pills from Shang Han Lun, and proposed his principle that "the treatment of cold-induced diseases, pills should be used cautiously."; He also pointed out the difference between the white peony root and red peony root in applications, the difference between the Gui Zhi (cassia twig) and Rou Gui (the cinnamon bark). He agrees with herbalist Wang Shuhe's opinion on "the Dachaihu decoction, not using the Dahuang, is a mistake", and emphasizes that "although Dahuang is a general herb, to eliminate the accumulated heat, dispel old retentions, it is a key herb in Shang Han", should be used properly. He also proposed that "the croton seed only dispels food retention but can not eliminate heat toxins", should not be used in the case of endogenous heat toxin accumulation. These theses and discussions are very apt for practice, generated a big influence on the later applications of Zhongjing's prescriptions.
Except for interpretations on Shang Han Lun and treatment of the cold-induced diseases, herbalist Xu also has academic achievements on the treatment of miscellaneous diseases, attaches importance to aspects of life activities and pathological functions of the spleen and stomach, masters ancient prescriptions, and creates new prescriptions. These interpretations are briefly introduced:
⑴.Studies and interpretations on the theory of the spleen and stomach: herbalist Xu attached great importance to the important functions of the spleen and the stomach viscera. As he repeatedly pointed out in his works (Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang, Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge) that the spleen and stomach are closely related to life and death. Thus, in severe cases, one should take a pulse of Taichong to see the state of the stomach Qi, and a pulse of Taixi to see the sufficiency or deficiency of the kidney Qi. If the state is not good for these two pulses, there are mostly cases of syndrome with an unfavorable prognosis, and symptoms of a case in danger. Besides, herbalist Xu also set up proper methods for related syndromes, and with his famous prescriptions, including Ren Cen Pills, etc., they all have good effects for related syndromes. He also has other creative methods and prescriptions for the treatment of kidney deficiency syndromes, and syndromes of spleen and kidney deficiency.
⑵.Creative innovations on syndrome differentiation and treatment of endogenous wind: herbalist Xu has many creative conclusions on the differentiation and treatment of endogenous wind syndrome, which, recorded in his book Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang, had great enlightenment for later generations. He classified the wind affections as 3 major types, known as (a).wind affection the channels, (b).wind affection the Fu viscera, (c).wind affection the Zang viscera. He recorded general and exact symptoms of the wind affection with channels, Zang-viscera and Fu-viscera, and established related principles of treatment. Likewise, he also suggests treating wind affection with moxibustion and lists out 12 acupoints special for it. Furthermore, he also analyzed the pathogenic reasons for palpitation syndrome due to fear, and established a method to treat it.
⑶.Herbalist Xu is also good at treating miscellaneous diseases, for example, accumulation and mass, numbness syndromes, pain and ache syndromes, etc. He often uses a method known as Sou Ti Qu Xie Fa (sourcing and kicking dispelling method), uses prescriptions mostly composed of insects and worms, including scorpions and earthworms, etc., to free the meridians and relieve pains. And he also pointed out the proper applications and proper insect herbs for various accumulation and retention syndromes.
⑷.Herbalist Xu is also good in the application of ancient prescriptions with flexibility and modifications, create new prescriptions, his book Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang recorded over 370 kinds of prescriptions, some of them came from ancient famous medicine books Qian Jin Fang, He Ji Ju Fang, Bi Yong Fang, Huo Ren Shu, Qian Jin Sui, Jing Xiao Chan Bao, Wan Jin Fang, some came from ancient famous herbalists and Taoist (include Pang Anshi, Sun Zhao, Yang Jilao, Shen Kuo, Cai Taishi, Zhang Changshi, Chao Tuiguan, Zheng Kangde, Cui Yuanliang, Tian Zi, Zhenxin taoist, etc.), herbalist Xu classified the effective prescriptions he collected into different entries under title five Zang viscera syndromes, recorded syndromes and listed prescription, supplement with notes of its origin, or records about its efficacy. Thus, herbalist Xu had done a good reservation, inherited valuable experience from previous professionals, and kept precious history literature for later generations. Except for his reservation work, herbalist Xu also attached importance on the modification of ancient prescriptions, and those prescriptions from Shang Han Lun, get good efficacy in practice. He also creates new prescriptions for wide applications, some of them are known to include Qi Zhen San, Qu Mu Yuan, Mi Rong Yuan, Er Shen Yuan, Jing Qi Yuan, Xiong Qiang Tang, etc. These prescriptions have many influences on later generations.
The three major books with topics on Shang Han Lun from herbalist Xu, known as the Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge in 5 volumes, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun in 2 volumes, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, were revised, printed and published widely in the 18th and 19th centuries, these books got known widely and became popular, ever since then, the academic values of these books from herbalist Xu got sufficient confirmation in the fields of TCM, herbalists admitted that he is one representative herbalist of the Song Dynasty with great achievement in the interpretation and application of the theory from Shang Han Lun, he was admitted as one outstanding and prominent herbalist in the development of TCM, his theory and experiences still have important guiding functions and practical values for today's practice.
His major works and books: Herbalist Xu Shuwei compiled many works in his life, his works known include Ben Shi Fang (Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang) in 10 volumes, Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge in 5 volumes, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun in 2 volumes, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, Zhi Fa, Bian Lei, Yi Shang Han Lun, Zhong Jing Mai Fa San Shi Liu Tu, Xu Ben Shi Fang in 10 volumes, etc. Among them, the content of the book Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge is in the form of rhymes style to present the theory of Zhang Zhongjing in 100 syndromes, for the convenience to study, in the case "syndrome without prescriptions", then supplemented with other prescriptions from classics include Qian Jin Yi Fang, etc.; in the case the discussion was not sufficient, supplemented with theory and discussions from Chao Shi Bing Yuan, and quotations from other herbalists include 朱弘 (Zhū Hóng), 孫尚 (Sūn Shang), 孫用和 (Sūn Yònghé), etc. The classics Shang Han Fa Wei Lun recorded a total of 22 discourses on prescriptions, the first discourse listed the 72 syndromes of the exogenous febrile disease, gave detailed interpretations, the second discourse and the following gave records of the author's viewpoints. The content of the book Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun starts with the syndromes and symptoms, treatment procedure, and comments, similar to later medical records. The Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang is an academic work, and it recorded the clinical experience of herbalist Xu himself for passing on. It classified diseases into 23 parts, collected over 300 prescriptions, listed with main indications, prescription names, and doses first, then recorded treatment method, instructions, attached with 1 to 2 cases, and added comments in the end. Many of his specific viewpoints are insightful, for example, the Qi syncope should not be treated as a symptom of apoplexia, to invigorate the kidney, better use nourishing herbs, differentiation with hemorrhoidal hemorrhage, bloody stool, blood hemorrhoids, etc. Later wise herbalists commented very highly on his achievement, for example, later herbalist 叶桂 (Yè Guì) commented on herbalist Xu: "He was a scholar and professional in treatment. He holds a will for universal relief, and interprets secrets from ancient herbalists, to benefit offspring, a great achievement.", His theory and prescriptions showed a big and far influence on herbalists of the Song Dynasty and later.
Herbalist Xu Shuwei ever compiled herbal classics Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief, in 10 volumes) in his late, published, it was known briefly as Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang. The herbal classics Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang recorded herbal recipes in more than 390 pieces, and provided a comparatively reliable identification and differentiation method for many syndromes with similarity. In a specific theory, herbalist Xu proposed his special viewpoint for the relationship between the spleen and kidney in detail. This theory had an important influence on the visceral manifestation theory of later generations. He laid important emphasis on the relationship between the spleen and kidney, his viewpoint showed enlightenment to a later generation for further study of the spleen-kidney relationship and clinical practice.
Among his works, Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge (the one hundres syndromes poem of the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in 5 volumes, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun (the Elaborations on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in 2 volumes, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun (the ninety treatises on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases), Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) survived till today, his other works lost in ancient time, and those books were known as Zhong Jing Mai Fa San Shi Liu Tu (the thirty-six graphs on the pulse formula of Zhongjing), Yi Shang Han Lun (there supplement wings of the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases), Shang Han Lei Lun (the categorized Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases), Zhi Fa Ba Shi Yi Pian (Zhi Fa, or the Eighty-One articles on treatment methods), Bian Lei in 5 volumes, etc. These books were identified by herbalist Xu Shuwei himself. There is an ancient book Xu Ben Shi Fang (Supplement of Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) in 10 volumes, it attributed its authorship to herbalist Xu Shuwei too, yet the contents and academic viewpoints of some applications have some differences from herbalist Xu Shuwei which is presented in his book Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief), so the book Xu Ben Shi Fang is suspected as a doubtful ancient book forged its author to herbalist Xu Shuwei, but not his book.
The book Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge (the one hundres syndromes poem of the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in 5 volumes, is his book mainly about the syndrome differentiation outline of the cold-induced diseases, syndromes, and symptoms, prescriptions. The 1st and 2nd volume are formulas in verses about the general principles of the syndrome differentiation of cold-induced diseases, the 3rd to 5th volume are formulas in verses about the syndromes of cold-induced diseases. It collects over 100 verses in easy and understandable common sentences, based on the author's in-depth study of the ancient works Shang Han Lun, main subjects are about exterior and interior, Yin and Yang, pain in the throat, Huo luan, vomit and throw up, fullness in the abdomen, spontaneous sweating, pulse manifestations, disease involving two or more channels, disease of one channel involving another channel, therapy, etc. With annotations and reference quote from ancient works Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun, and theories from herbalist Zhu Gong, Sun Yonghe, Pang Anshi, Song Di, Wang Shi, gave supplement and elaboration, with his own experience and theories from many years study of the works Shang Han Lun, to benefit later generations. It set the exterior-interior and deficiency-excess as an outline for the syndrome differentiation of the cold-induced diseases, also boost the spread and popularization of the works Shang Han Lun and its syndrome differentiation methods, it stated essential meanings from the works Shang Han Lun.
The book Shang Han Fa Wei Lun (the Elaborations on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) in 2 volumes, collected his 22 academic articles. The first article listed 72 syndromes of the cold-induced diseases, explained and interpreted the pathogenesis, experiences of syndrome differentiation, and prescriptions. The second and later articles collected short articles by the author about their own viewpoints about notes and discussions, for example, the difference between white peony root and red peony root in the Gui Zhi decoction, the differences between the Gui Zhi and Rou Gui, the importance of Primordial Qi in cold-induced diseases, etc. Its contents are mainly from the experiences of the author in the study of cold-induced diseases, and include syndromes and symptoms, the pulse method, treatment, prescriptions, etc., in fine detail.
The book Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun (the ninety treatises on the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) collected 90 cases from the author's practice, among them, there are 61 cases is about the classical cases originated from the works Shang Han Lun, related to 36 types of classical prescriptions. Each case recorded the syndromes and treatment procedure, followed by pathogenesis interpretations according to ancient works Nei Jing (the Inner Canon), Nan Jing (the Difficult Classic), Shang Han Lun (the Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) and other relevant works, combined with the author's viewpoint, is an early consilia, and an important reference book to study the works Shang Han Lun.
There is a legendary story about herbalist Xu Shuwei. When he was young and studied very hard, he developed the habit of drinking wine before rest. Years later, he often felt sounding in the stomach and hypochondriac pain, the diet was reduced, and he vomited out some gastric juice every 10 days or half a month. When summer came, the left side of his body did not sweat, only the right side perspired. He made a careful analysis of his own case and held the viewpoint that the disease is due to a dampness obstacle in the stomach, the spleen and stomach are hurt, the spleen is deficient, and water could not be transformed, causing dampness obstruction in the stomach. Thus, he caught the internal dampness syndrome, which appears with symptoms including sounding in the stomach and sweat on the right body side only, vomiting gastric juice, etc. Thus, herbalist Xu tried to treat himself and followed his academic thought "medication in essence", prepared a special pill for it, took 50 pills daily, and increased to 100 to 200 pills daily gradually in later days. His strange disease was relieved months later, and he finally recovered. Herbalist Xu made a correct syndrome identification himself, selected exact herbs, and got miracle effects. He knew in depth that the characteristics of dampness pathogens are sticky and stagnating, not easy to dispel out in a short time. Hold on to take the herbs and gradually increase the dosage, then the power of the recipe could be accumulated in the body and finally drive the dampness pathogen out.
References:
1.Xǔ Shūwēi:introduction about his biography and legend,main books and academic thoughts.
✵許叔微 (Xǔ Shūwēi):a prominent physician of the Song Dynasty. He prepared graphic illustrations of 36 varieties of the pulse based on Zhang Zhongjing's work and propounded the theory of using herbs with the intensity of the disease. Xu was the author of several medical books, among which the Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Classified Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) has been one of his most widely read books. Xu Shu-Wei was the representative herbalist of the Meng-He School during the Song Dynasty period.
許叔微 (Xǔ Shūwēi) (1079~1154 A.D.): a prominent physician of the Song Dynasty. He prepared graphic illustrations of 36 varieties of the pulse based on Zhang Zhongjing's work and propounded the theory of using herbs with the intensity of the disease. Xu was the author of several medical books, among which the Lei Zheng Pu Ji Ben Shi Fang (the Classified Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) (1132?) in 10 volumes has been one of his most widely read books. Xu Shu-Wei was a representative herbalist of Meng-He School during the Song Dynasty period (the Meng-He School could be traced back to the Dong Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdom period, originated and was related to herbalist and Taoist Ge Hong.).
Xǔ Shūwēi born at a poor family, at Yuan You Five Year (Yuan You was the reign title of emperor Song Zhezong, or year 1090 A.D.) his father and mother all passed away due to plagues, he was 11 years old at that year, he studied hard with both traditional Confucian classics and medicine, get a Jinshi title in the imperial examination at the Shao Xing 2nd year (year 1132 A.D., Shao Xing was the reign title of the emperor Zhao Gou), then he was assigned a drillmaster of Hui Zhou and Hang Zhou, Xue Shi of Han Lin Ji Xian Yuan (scholar, National Sages Academy), so later he was also called "Xu Xueshi", since young age he learned all medical books available around and studied with ancient medical classics in fine details, he was very good at medical science and was famous in hometown till his middle age. In Jian Yuan 1st year of the South Song Dynasty(Jian Yuan is the first reign title of Song Gaozong Zhao Gou, 1127 A.D.), epidemic disease spread widely in the ZhenZhou area. Herbalist Xǔ Shūwēi tried diagnosis with local people in their home, saving eight to nine of the ten patients. His reputation rose soon, and he became well known as a lot of patients were saved by him.
Herbalist Xǔ Shūwēi was admitted as one of the scholars in the academic field of Shang Han Lun during the Song Dynasty. He proposed many detailed interpretations, supplemented with the syndrome differentiation and treatment theory, he wrote in books that: “the treatment of cold-induced disease, should be clear with interior and exterior, excess or deficiency. As long as we know the meaning of these, the 397 methods of herbalist Zhang Zhongjing, could be used easily.” Herbalist Xu Shuwei often helps to treat strange diseases and difficult cases and says farewell for thanks, ever made an excellent study with the theory of the exogenous febrile disease, emphasized that the importance for the treatment of the exogenous febrile disease is the identification of the deficiency, excessive cold, and heat. And later, he compiled related works include Shang Han Bai Zheng Ge, Shang Han Fa Wei Lun, Shang Han Jiu Shi Lun, etc., devoted to the development of the exogenous febrile disease study, which not only inherited the thought of ancient herbalist Zhang Zhongjing, also gave further interpretations. His main interpretations on Shang Han Lun and treatment of cold-induced disease are introduced:
Except for interpretations on Shang Han Lun and treatment of the cold-induced diseases, herbalist Xu also has academic achievements on the treatment of miscellaneous diseases, attaches importance to aspects of life activities and pathological functions of the spleen and stomach, masters ancient prescriptions, and creates new prescriptions. These interpretations are briefly introduced:
There is a legendary story about herbalist Xu Shuwei. When he was young and studied very hard, he developed the habit of drinking wine before rest. Years later, he often felt sounding in the stomach and hypochondriac pain, the diet was reduced, and he vomited out some gastric juice every 10 days or half a month. When summer came, the left side of his body did not sweat, only the right side perspired. He made a careful analysis of his own case and held the viewpoint that the disease is due to a dampness obstacle in the stomach, the spleen and stomach are hurt, the spleen is deficient, and water could not be transformed, causing dampness obstruction in the stomach. Thus, he caught the internal dampness syndrome, which appears with symptoms including sounding in the stomach and sweat on the right body side only, vomiting gastric juice, etc. Thus, herbalist Xu tried to treat himself and followed his academic thought "medication in essence", prepared a special pill for it, took 50 pills daily, and increased to 100 to 200 pills daily gradually in later days. His strange disease was relieved months later, and he finally recovered. Herbalist Xu made a correct syndrome identification himself, selected exact herbs, and got miracle effects. He knew in depth that the characteristics of dampness pathogens are sticky and stagnating, not easy to dispel out in a short time. Hold on to take the herbs and gradually increase the dosage, then the power of the recipe could be accumulated in the body and finally drive the dampness pathogen out.
