本教材分为上、下两篇。上篇重点介绍方剂与治法、方剂组成、方剂配伍、方剂剂型以及煎服法等基本知识；下篇根据方剂的治法、功用，分别介绍解表剂、泻下剂、和解剂、清热剂、祛暑剂、温里剂、补益剂、固涩剂、安神剂、开窍剂、理气剂、理血剂、治风剂、治燥剂、祛湿剂、祛痰剂、消食剂、驱虫剂、涌吐剂共19类方剂。正方内容包括方名、方源、组成、用法、功用、主治、病机简析、方解、运用、附方、医案等项。本教材共收入基础方、代表方以及临床常用方328首，其中正方173首，附方155首。书后附方名索引。

Part 1 General Discussion
Chapter 1 Treatment Methods and Formulas
Section 1 Overview of Treatment Methods
Section 2 Commonly Used Treatment Methods
Chapter 2 The Composition and Change of Formulas
Section 1 The Conception of Medicinal Combination in Chinese Formulation
Section 2 Goals and Meanings of Medicinal Combination in Chinese Formulation
Section 3 Basic Structures and Changes of Formula Composition
Basic Structures of Formula Composition
The Changes of Formulas
Chapter 3 Types of Formula Preparation
Chapter 4 Methods of Decoction and Administration
Section 1 Methods of Decoction
The Instruments of Decoction
The Water of Decoction
Optimal Fire
The Method of Decoction
Section 2 Methods of Administration
Timing of Medication
Methods of Medication
Nursing after Medication
Food Taboo in Drug Application
Part 2 Specific Discussion
Chapter 5 Exterior-Releasing Formulas
Section 1 Acrid-Warm Exterior-Releasing Formulas
Ma Huang Tang
Gui Zhi Tang
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Zhi Sou San
Xiang Su San
Section 2 Acrid-Cool Exterior-Releasing Formulas
Yin Qiao San
Sang Ju Yin
Ma Huang Xing Ren Gan Cao Shi Gao Tang
Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang
Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang
Section 3 Zheng-Enhancing and Exterior-Releasing Formulas
Bai Du San
Shen Su Yin
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang
Chapter 6 Downward-Draining Formulas
Section 1 Cold Purgative Formulas
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Da Huang Mu Dan Tang
Da Xian Xiong Tang
Section 2 Warm Purgative Formulas
Da Huang Fu Zi Tang
Wen Pi Tang
Section 3 Moistening Purgative FormulasMa Zi Ren Wan
Ji Chuan Jian
……
Index by Formula Names