Selected Rare Manuscripts of Traditional Chinese Medicine Ancient Classics (Twelve): Infant and Child Medical Experiences, The Precious Science of Pulse Diagnosis for Children by Doctor Ma, The Reconciled Secrets of Infant and Child Medicine, The Collection of Sincere Pursuits

Author: Yang Heding
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-03-01
Features: "Yuke Yixian" (also known as Yuke Yican), divided into upper and lower volumes, compiled by his grandson Qin Hong (styled Zaiming). It is a collection of medical cases for pediatric diseases, encompassing over 30 conditions. The content is rich, the theory and methods are comprehensive, and it has distinctive features. Qin believed that neonatal were often caused by fetal heat and fetal toxicity, and the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions primarily involved clearing heat, detoxifying, and cooling blood. He was skilled in using herbs such as Chuanlian (Huanglian), Lianqiao (Forsythia), Yinhua (Honeysuckle), Danpi (Moutan), Chispao (Red Peony Root), and Xuanshen (Scrophularia). His methods were highly effective. In treating pediatric kangji (malnutrition), he often prescribed herbs like Chuanhuanglian (Huanglian), Yincha (Goji Berry), Dibupi (Bone Set), and Hu Huanglian (Coptis) to clear heat and resolve food stagnation.
Da Yi Ma Shi Xiao Er Mai Zhen Ke was written by the late Qing Dynasty physician Ma Shi, whose name and life are unknown. The book provides an overview of the physiological and pathological characteristics of children, clarifies the key principles of pediatric diagnosis, and elaborates on the common methods of syndrome differentiation and medication for pediatric diseases. It offers a comprehensive view of pediatric pulse and symptom diagnosis. The book is divided into two volumes. The upper volume is more detailed, discussing the general principles of neonatal longevity, postnatal care, convulsions caused by phlegm and food stagnation, and the main diseases of the five zang organs, outlining the physiological and pathological characteristics of children. It includes diagrams and songs on observing the complexion, feeling the pulse, and examining fingerprints to highlight the key principles of pediatric diagnosis. It briefly describes treatments for neonatal care, reviving the breath, pricking blisters, and promoting bowel movements, demonstrating the effectiveness of external treatments like bathing and topical applications. It also discusses the diagnosis and treatment of 60 conditions such as fetal cold, fetal heat, and qifeng suoku (sucking the mouth), clarifying the principles of syndrome differentiation and medication selection. The lower volume continues with the diagnosis and treatment of 27 conditions such as various fevers, sweating disorders, cold damage, and malaria.
Yuke Zheng Zhong Mi Zhen Zhuan Ben was corrected and compiled by Yang Heding from the Ming Dynasty work Yuke Zheng Zhong by Qin Changyu. It was copied, annotated, and published by Meng Zuolin. Meng Zuolin was a pediatric physician, and his birth and death dates are unknown. According to his preface: "When I was in my early twenties, I heard my ancestors say: 'If you want to study pediatric medicine, it is fortunate to seek the Zheng Zhong method.' Later, after more than ten years, I met a friend with a compassionate heart for children, who was troubled by external constraints. Knowing that I had been practicing pediatric medicine for many years, he borrowed this book from me." It can be inferred that Meng was over 30 years old in the 18th year of the Guangxu reign (1892), suggesting his birth was roughly in the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty, latest in the first year of the Tongzhi reign (1862). Each disease in this book is discussed in detail, with a treatment method for each condition, and the prescriptions are mostly moderate. For each disease, the prescribed formulas are listed at the end of the section, making it convenient for reference. If a single formula is used for multiple diseases, the formula is listed again after the first disease is mentioned, saving readers from repeated searches. Of course, as a copied manuscript, it contains errors, such as incomplete listings of herbs in some prescriptions, discrepancies between formula names and herbs, or inaccuracies in cited classical texts, etc. However, the correctors have already amended the obvious errors.
Cheng Qiu Ji, authored by Zhu Shiyang (styled Qizhan), was a mid-Qing Dynasty physician from Wuxi. His birth and death dates are unknown. The 25th volume of the Jin Gui County Annals of Wuxi from the 18th year of the Jiaqing reign records: "A little later than Ke Qin, there was Zhu Shiyang, styled Qizhan, skilled in the art of medicine, and he wrote Cheng Qiu Ji. His hometown compatriot Hua Yuxun studied under him and also gained fame. From this, it can be inferred that the author may have lived in the 16th or 17th century. This book collects 34 pediatric diseases and conditions, some of which are common and frequently occurring in children, such as acute and chronic convulsions, external heat diseases, dysentery, and cholera. Others are common pediatric symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, edema, and restlessness. Some are often overlooked pediatric conditions, such as urinary and defecation difficulties, insomnia, excessive sleepiness, laughter, crying, night sweats, anal itching, and teeth grinding. These differ from common pediatric medical books and reflect the author's rich clinical experience in pediatric syndromes. In summary, despite minor flaws, this book remains an excellent work on pediatric clinical treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, offering valuable insights and assistance for contemporary clinical practice.