“金曰纵横”探析

Analysis of“metal can be extended in length and breadth”

古今围绕《尚书·洪范》"金曰从革"之说多有争议。从文字、构词、医理、思维习惯角度,结合理校法对此进行考证,认为"金曰从革"当为"金曰纵横"之误,并从医理上结合肺的功能加以阐释。如此,无论以之概括"金"的特性,还是解释肺的宣发、肃降、主气、主治节、肺朝百脉、肺合皮毛、其味辛等,都毫无滞碍,一以贯之,顺理成章。

There has been much controversy since the ancient until the modern times over the term"金曰从革"(meaning metal characterized by change)originating in the chapter Hongfan(lieterally,Great Plan)of the book Shangshu(Book of Documents).This article examines the controversy from the perspectives of the form of Chinese characters,syntax,medical theory,and ways of thinking based on reasonable inferences,and arrives at the conclusion that"金曰从革"is probably a typo of"金曰纵横"(meaning metal can be extended in length and breadth when forged),which is justifiable in view of the function of the lungs in TCM theory.If"金曰纵横"is indeed the right term,then all the related concepts can be explained systematically with ease such as the characteristics of"metal",lung’s functions of governing dispersion,depuration,descent,qi,management and regulation,all meridians and vessels converging in the lung,lung being closely related to the skin and hair,and lung corresponding to the pungent flavor.