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Zhu Liang-chun, a native of Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, was born in 1917. In his early years, he apprenticed under Ma Huiqing, a royal physician from the Menghe lineage, and later studied with the renowned modern physician Zhang Cigong, from whom he inherited profound medical knowledge. He has been practicing medicine for over sixty years. Professor Zhu Liang-chun is a famous Chinese internal medicine specialist, known for his rigorous scholarship and superb medical skills. He has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating internal diseases and has developed new Chinese medicinals such as "Yishen Juanbi Pill," "Fugan Pill," and "Pain Wind Infusion Granule," which have earned him provincial and ministerial-level science and technology awards. His major academic works include "The Application of Insect Drugs," "Zhang Cigong's Medical Cases," "Medical Insights," "Zhu Liang-chun's Medication Experience Collection," "Zhu Liang-chun: One of China's Top 100 Clinical Experts in Chinese Medicine," and "Modern Clinical Selections in Chinese Medicine" (Japanese edition, co-authored), among more than ten others. He has published over 170 academic papers and has been invited to give academic lectures in Japan, Singapore, France, Malaysia, and other countries. Currently, he serves as the chief technical consultant and chief physician at the Nantong Chinese Medicine Hospital, a lifelong council member of the Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Association, a part-time professor at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, a visiting professor at the Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and Changchun Chinese Medicine Hospital, a technical consultant at the Institute of Basic Theory of the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, a consultant at the Contemporary Chinese Medicine Technology Center of Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and a standing council member of the Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Research Promotion Association.

(The following is a personal account, compiled by Zhang Xiaomin)

In my early years, I had to drop out of middle school due to illness and turned to studying medicine. I apprenticed under Mr. Ma Huiqing from Menghe, Wujin, who first had me recite medical classics day and night. At the time, I found it difficult to understand their profound meanings and felt quite burdened. However, after a year of copying prescriptions under Master Ma, I gained a lot. Many patients sought treatment from him, and his use of medicine was quite unique. He often used paired drugs in clinical practice, which made them easier to remember and apply. That year of copying prescriptions gave me rich practical knowledge and a preliminary grasp of some basic theories, laying a foundation for my study of Chinese medicine. To pursue systematic learning, I enrolled in the Suzhou National Medical College a year later. As I neared graduation, the Anti-Japanese War broke out, and in 1937, I transferred to the Shanghai Chinese Medical College to continue my studies. At that time, I spent half a day interning with Mr. Zhang Cigong and the other half working in the Chinese medicine department of the World Red Cross Hospital. Although I spent only a little over a year with Master Zhang, his tireless teaching and earnest guidance greatly benefited me. I learned the method of identifying the main contradiction in diagnosis, the skill of flexibly selecting prescriptions and medications, and the reading method of returning from breadth to depth and focusing on the main theme. Master Zhang was erudite, with profound theoretical knowledge and unique clinical experience, especially skilled in treating internal diseases, with many remarkable therapeutic results. These experiences created the conditions and laid the foundation for my later advancement. Master Zhang consistently advocated "developing ancient principles and integrating new knowledge," and his ideas deeply influenced me. Later, my ability to embrace both traditional and modern approaches, value folk remedies, and follow the path of integrating Chinese and Western medicine was all a result of Master Zhang's correct guidance.

Another significant influence on me was Mr. Zhang Xichun. Many effective formulas from "Records of Combining Chinese and Western Medicine" have been applied in my clinical practice with good results. For example, I once treated a woman with morning sickness who vomited after eating and did not improve despite various medications. She had been bedridden for over a month. I was invited to treat her and used Zhang's formula to calm stomach fluid retention. She showed improvement after one dose and recovered after two. A colleague once remarked that I benefited from "Zhang in the south and Zhang in the north," which is indeed true. In recent years, while compiling "Zhang Cigong's Medical Cases," I still find new insights from revisiting old knowledge. For instance, Master Zhang once pointed out, "Based on practical experience, some insomnia patients do not respond well to purely nourishing yin, calming the mind, or sedative medications. Adding stimulating herbs like cinnamon and aconite often yields excellent results." This valuable experience has been consistently effective in my clinical practice. Additionally, during my spare time, it has become a habit to frequently read "Records of Combining Chinese and Western Medicine," which I find endlessly fascinating. This has even inspired me to write "The Application of Xichun's Effective Formulas," aiming to share my over forty years of experience using Zhang's formulas with readers. I am currently preparing to start writing.

I believe that the success of learning lies not only in intelligence but also in perseverance. Over the past few decades, in addition to completing my work tasks, I have consistently read various medical works early in the morning and late at night, regardless of the scorching summers or freezing winters. I have learned from the experiences of predecessors and embraced the innovations of contemporaries. I also strive to make the most of my time to collect and categorize materials, which helps me absorb the valuable experiences of both past and present scholars, guiding my own practice and preparing the groundwork for writing books and academic papers.

I place great importance on mastering the key principle of "pattern identification and treatment" in Chinese medicine. This is because "pattern identification and treatment" is the essence of the theoretical system of Chinese medicine. Its advantage lies in the fact that no matter how complex the condition, it can be analyzed based on symptoms, using the fundamental principles of the waning and waxing of yin and yang, and the struggle between healthy and pathogenic factors. By employing the methods of the four examinations and the eight principles, a comprehensive treatment plan can be formulated. This is the excellence of the theoretical system of Chinese medicine. If one can master the principles of "pattern identification and treatment," there are no absolutely "incurable diseases" in the world, only "unknown diseases." Therefore, I always delve deeply into exploring difficult and complex cases, striving to move from the unknown to the gradually known, and transforming the incurable into the curable. For example, a female textile worker suffering from Zigong (EX-CA1) internal membrane ectopic disease (ectopic to the lungs) presented with the main complaints of amenorrhea, hemoptysis for five to six days each month, accompanied by flushed cheeks, hot palms, dry mouth and throat, sore lower back, and weak legs. Despite repeated treatments, there was no improvement. Based on her symptoms, I diagnosed her condition as liver and kidney deficiency, where water fails to nourish wood, leading to the upward rush of qi and fire, resulting in disharmony of the Chong and Ren meridians, causing blood to flow abnormally and scorching the lung collaterals, leading to reverse flow. Therefore, the treatment should focus on nourishing the liver and kidneys, clearing the lungs and cooling the blood, and regulating the Chong and Ren meridians. After taking a ten-ingredient Chinese medicinal formula, her menstruation returned to normal.

Another example is "porphyria," a rare metabolic disorder with an unknown cause. A 26-year-old male patient experienced severe abdominal pain every two to four months, which could only be relieved by injections of Dolantin. His urine was red, and a urine test revealed a large amount of porphyrin, confirming the diagnosis. However, despite various treatments, the episodes could not be controlled. Based on his pale complexion, aversion to cold, anorexia, and loose stools, I diagnosed him with spleen and kidney yang deficiency and prescribed a warming and tonifying formula for the spleen and kidneys. The episodes did not recur, and after three years of follow-up, he was completely cured. Therefore, I believe that the principle of "pattern identification and treatment" in Chinese medicine is a fundamental and powerful method. If it is mastered and applied flexibly, it can be used effectively to achieve significant results.

However, "pattern identification and treatment" also has some shortcomings. It lacks objective indicators for the specific mechanisms and diagnosis of diseases, which may hinder the summarization and improvement of treatments. Additionally, misdiagnoses can occur. Therefore, it is also necessary to "treat based on disease differentiation." For example, the early symptoms of rectal cancer are often easily confused with hemorrhoids or chronic dysentery. If not diagnosed early and treated appropriately, the disease may progress and metastasize. I believe that "syndrome" and "disease" have a causal relationship and are inseparable. Negating or affirming either "disease" or "syndrome" alone is one-sided and incomplete. Therefore, combining "pattern identification" with "disease differentiation" to study the relationship between diseases and symptoms and explore clinical diagnostic and treatment patterns can be mutually beneficial. In my clinical practice, I often combine the two to shorten the treatment course and improve efficacy. For example, patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis often present with the main symptoms of cough and yellow phlegm. Therefore, I developed the "Cough and Wheezing Mixture" (composed of 15 grams each of negundo chastetree fruit and wild buckwheat rhizome, and 10 grams each of auricled hedyotis herb and common nandina, as a daily dose). Patients with this type of bronchitis often achieve good results with this treatment. Another example is my experience in using earthworm solution to cure chronic shank ulcers, which led me to understand its role in repairing ulcer lesions. This inspired me to use it to treat peptic ulcers, achieving good results. In this way, we can not only inherit traditional knowledge but also expand our thinking, draw parallels, and extend the efficacy of medicines, providing clues for the integration of Chinese and Western medicine.

Using good prescriptions to benefit the world is like nourishing a field with spring rain.

When I was in school, I practiced writing short essays and had articles published in "Tomorrow's Medicine." Later, I served as a contributing editor for "The Pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine," edited by Yang Yiya, "Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Journal," edited by Ren Yingqiu, and "Medical Decade," a Guangdong publication. I wrote several articles during this time. In 1942, I founded the "Folk Medicine Monthly," mainly collecting and verifying folk remedies for promotion. This allowed me to absorb many valuable experiences and prescriptions, enriching my treatment methods.

In 1956, a Chinese medicine hospital was established in Nantong City, and I was appointed as the director. I was determined to devote all my energy to the cause of Chinese medicine. Through the joint efforts of my colleagues, we collectively compiled several medical books and unearthed and organized the experiences of two local experts. In 1959, our hospital was awarded the title of National Red Flag Unit. In 1962, I completed the book "Comprehensive Therapy for Pestilence Hepatitis," and in 1963, I compiled the detailed explanation of "Tangtou Gejue" (published by Jiangsu People's Publishing House). In recent years, I have also written two medical works: "Medical Cases of Zhang Cigong" and "The Application of Insect-based Medicines." Among them, "Medical Cases of Zhang Cigong" was published by Jiangsu Science and Technology Publishing House in 1980, became a nationwide bestseller, and received positive reviews. The book "The Application of Insect-based Medicines" will be distributed in Hong Kong and abroad by China International Bookstore and Hong Kong Joint Publishing.

Writing theses and publishing books are part of inheriting and promoting the legacy of Chinese medicine. More importantly, it serves the health of the general population and cures patients of their illnesses. Therefore, in addition to excelling in clinical work, I actively participate in scientific research to better understand the patterns of disease diagnosis and treatment, improve efficacy, and shorten treatment duration. For example, I developed "Yi Shen Juan Bi Pill" (Prepared Rehmannia Root, Chinese Angelica, Epimedium Herb, Pyrola Herb, each 120 grams; roasted scorpion, roasted centipede, each 25 grams; roasted Black-Tail Snake, roasted honeycomb, roasted ground beetle, roasted Stiff Silkworm, roasted dung beetle, each 90 grams; Liquorice Root 30 grams, all finely ground. Additionally, Unprocessed Rehmannia Root, suberect spatholobus stem, Grass of Common Heron's Bill, Xun Gu Feng, Giant Knotweed, each 120 grams, decocted to a thick juice, formed into pills the size of Mung Beans. Take 6 grams each time, twice daily, after meals. Contraindicated during menstruation and pregnancy) for treating rheumatoid arthritis and proliferative spondylitis, with significant efficacy. I believe that Bi disease has its root in the kidney, while wind, cold, dampness, and heat are its manifestations. Therefore, the treatment focuses on strengthening the kidney and the governor vessel to address the root, and relieving obstruction and dredging collaterals to treat the manifestations. The formula was developed based on this principle. I once treated a patient with rheumatoid spondylitis who had a curved spine, forward-leaning head, inability to stand upright, severe hunchback, pain in both legs, difficulty walking, and deformed finger joints. After various treatments with Chinese and Western medicines failed, the patient took "Yi Shen Juan Bi Pill," and gradually, the joint deformities improved, the back straightened, and the patient could engage in general labor. X-rays showed that the bone spurs had disappeared. This pill has been well-received by many patients, and the hospital's production often cannot meet demand. It was recognized as a scientific achievement in 1978 and praised at the city's science conference.

Another example is chronic dysentery and colitis, with long-term diarrhea that fluctuates in severity and is difficult to cure. The syndrome often presents with both spleen deficiency and damp-heat retention, showing a complex pattern of deficiency and excess. The treatment requires both tonifying the spleen and astringing yin, as well as clearing damp-heat. Thus, I created "Xian Ju Tang" (hairyvein agrimonia herb 15-30 grams, Platycodon Root 6 grams, Smoked Plum charcoal 4.5 grams, white hibiscus flower 9 grams, roasted White Atractylodes Rhizome 9 grams, Aucklandia Root 4.5 grams, Peony Root 9 grams, roasted betel nut 1.2 grams, Liquorice Root 4.5 grams. For amoebic dysentery, add 14 shelled java brucea fruits, taken separately) to treat this condition, achieving relatively significant efficacy.

"Saving lives and healing the wounded, practicing revolutionary humanitarianism." This is the sacred duty of every medical worker. As long as it can alleviate the suffering of patients, I am willing to assist in any way. I often collaborate with other institutions to develop prescriptions for clinical use. For example, I collaborated with the Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Section of the City Health and Epidemic Prevention Station to create "Cough-Relieving and Silica-Dissolving Syrup," which, when used with Ke Si 14, achieved good results for silicosis patients.

Additionally, because I frequently share clinical experiences in medical journals, I receive many letters from across the country asking for medical advice and prescriptions. I always read these letters carefully and prescribe treatments, sending them to the patients in hopes of alleviating their suffering. In summary, in my over forty years of medical practice, providing effective prescriptions and medicines to patients has become my greatest joy. The cure of each patient with a difficult and complicated condition is my greatest comfort, and their health is my greatest reward.

To cultivate new talent in Chinese medicine, I overcame numerous obstacles and difficulties from 1945 to 1948, funding the establishment of a Chinese medicine specialty school myself. I trained over twenty young Chinese medicine practitioners, most of whom are now playing key roles in various positions.

Although the field of Chinese medicine has seen tremendous development, the ten-year catastrophe was no exception, leading to a situation where "the field of Chinese medicine lacks successors." I believe that to have successors, it still depends on our careful cultivation. We must have a sense of honor, responsibility, and urgency in nurturing the successors of Chinese medicine. I often tell young and middle-aged doctors: "Our generation must carry on the past and open up the future; we cannot waste time, otherwise we will have no face to meet Huangdi." I not only lead by example in daily work and study, setting a good example for young and middle-aged doctors, but also pour my heart and soul into their growth and improvement. In addition to completing the teaching tasks assigned by the hospital, I have focused on training three young doctors, specifically guiding their clinical practice and extracurricular reading to enhance their writing skills and lay a solid foundation in Chinese medicine. At the same time, I have unreservedly shared my clinical experience with them, allowing them to master my diagnostic methods and the characteristics of pattern identification and medication. Now, if I am away on official business, they can basically take over my clinical work, and the patients are also reassured and satisfied.

I have devoted considerable effort to nurturing students. In addition to those I can teach in person, I often receive letters from students who sincerely seek guidance from afar, across mountains and rivers. I am deeply moved by their strong desire for knowledge, and thus, I have adopted a correspondence-based approach to specifically guide three young individuals in Chinese medicine (two working in Sichuan and one in Taixing County) in their studies, resulting in a significant improvement in their theoretical understanding.

"Heaven does not disappoint those who work hard." Where there is effort, there is reward. One student from Zitong County, Sichuan, was admitted as a graduate student at the Beijing Chinese Medicine Research Institute, while the other two young doctors excelled in the collective-to-state transition exams and were recruited to work at the county hospital. Hearing these news brings me great joy, as I can see that I have contributed to the succession of talents in the field of Chinese medicine. I sincerely hope that these young individuals will "surpass their teachers" and make even greater contributions to the inheritance and development of Chinese medicine heritage.

Having been in the medical field for over forty years, with more days behind me than ahead, my sole wish is to cherish the remaining time and use my limited life to do more work. "Gains and losses are like the old man's horse; my heart is like the ox that serves the child." I find my greatest happiness and joy in serving the people wholeheartedly. "Strive to improve, and remain vigorous in old age," dedicating my entire life to the cause of Chinese medicine and Chinese medicinals in our country.