Collection of Effective Remedies

Author: Tian Yuanlai (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The "Compendium of Effective Prescriptions" in four volumes was compiled by Tian Yuanlai of the Qing Dynasty, based on the work of his relative Shen Ming San, with additions and edits. It was completed in the seventh year of the Yongzheng reign (1729). The first volume of the "Compendium of Effective Prescriptions" covers internal medicine, including 37 conditions such as "headache, cough, hoarseness, hiccups, cholera, hemoptysis, dysphagia, heartache, lower back pain, wind pain, and mania," with 218 prescriptions attached for each condition. The second volume focuses on external medicine, covering 28 conditions such as "carbuncle, scrofula, goiter, carbuncle, scrotal carbuncle, buttock carbuncle, leprosy, intestinal carbuncle, carbuncle, and trochanteric carbuncle," with 144 prescriptions. The third volume includes gynecology and pediatrics, featuring 57 common prescriptions for women and 32 for children. It provides a detailed analysis of childhood measles from five aspects: "distinguishing auspicious and inauspicious signs, treatment methods, contraindications, diet, and care." The fourth volume discusses emergency treatments for 35 acute conditions such as "sudden death, strangulation, drowning, cold shock, heatstroke, poisoning, dog bites, venomous snake bites, horse bites, accidental ingestion of copper, iron, or silver, and bamboo splinters in the throat," with 90 accompanying prescriptions. The continuation includes five prescriptions shared by others for treating conditions such as "seniority phlegm-fire, intestinal wind bleeding, and sand in the summer heat." At the end of the book, there is Zhang Changgu's "Essentials of Childbirth" in two volumes. In addition to the general introduction, each condition is discussed before the prescription, or an explanation or medical case is attached after the prescription. The book covers 45 gynecological and pediatric conditions with 115 prescriptions in total. The content is extensive, with concise and effective prescriptions that remain clinically practical today, serving as a reference for traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine practitioners across various disciplines.