Library

*Preface by Yao Baobai (Chunpu)*

The *Yicaoting Ophthalmology Complete Book* and the *Yishou Ophthalmology*, each in one volume, were printed during the Kangxi reign by Mr. Nian Xiyao (styled Ou Zhai) of Guangning. As years have passed, the original books have become rare, and those circulating are mostly manuscript copies. Recently, the Shenbao Press used movable type for printing, but the output was limited, and without the original blocks, reprints could not be continued. Those who purchased the book slightly later found it unobtainable. The various prescriptions contained in the book have been followed and applied for treatment over generations, achieving remarkable efficacy. I have often considered having it published to broaden its dissemination. In the winter of the Gengzi year, while fleeing war and returning to my hometown, I met my maternal uncle, Mr. Xu Dingweng. During our conversation, we shared the same aspiration. Thus, imitating the example of share certificates, we jointly promoted fundraising. With the collected funds, this book was republished. Not only does this bring the joy of seeing the sun again to the blind, but the book also gains a means of transmission. All who rely on it will have a basis to follow, allowing them to understand and apply its principles divinely, gradually reaching old age. How insignificant would the benefits be otherwise? This is the preface.
Written respectfully by Yao Baobai, styled Chunpu, from Jiaxing, during the early ten days of the second month of the Xin Chou year, the 27th year of the Guangxu reign.

The Classics state: The essence of the five zang organs and six fu organs all ascend and pour into the eyes. The essence of bone manifests as the pupil, belonging to the Kidney. The essence of sinew manifests as the black pearl (iris), belonging to the Liver. The essence of blood manifests as the collaterals, belonging to the Heart. The essence of qi manifests as the white pearl (sclera), belonging to the Lung. The essence of flesh manifests as the constraints (eyelids), belonging to the Spleen. The essence of blood and qi is connected via meridians, ascending to connect with the brain, and exiting posteriorly from the neck. If affected by the external pathogens of wind, cold, summerheat, dampness, dryness, and fire (Liu Yin), or by internal injury from the seven emotions (joy, anger, worry, thought, grief, fear, fright), as well as irregular diet and excessive labor, all can damage the eyes. The eyes communicate with the Liver orifice; the Kidneys store their essence. Once there is stagnation, the Ministerial Fire carries Liver Wood qi upward, leading to diverse transformations, hence the name "Seventy-Two Syndromes." In summary, these do not exceed internal obstructions and external obstructions. Hua Yuanhua said: The eye resembles a pill shape, with the pupil centered and facing forward, like the sun and moon shining in the southeast and being dim in the northwest. There are Divine Paste (Shen Gao), Divine Water (Shen Shui), Divine Light (Shen Guang), True Blood (Zhen Xue), True Qi (Zhen Qi), and True Essence (Zhen Jing); these are the source fluids that nourish the eyes. Divine Paste refers to the paste contained within the eye; if Divine energy declines, it suffers damage. Divine Water originates from the Sanjiao (Triple Burner), transformed from the primordial true qi of congenital origin, serving as the water that moistens the upper part of the eye. If water declines, fire prevails causing dryness and agitation; if water dries up, diseases of abnormal size of the eye wheel occur; if consumed and dry, there is danger of dimness and blurred vision. Since loss exceeds gain, there are no perfectly refined eyes in the world. Divine Light originates from the Mingmen (Gate of Life), connects with the Gallbladder, issues from the Heart, and functions as Fire. If fire declines, there is danger of dimness; if fire flares, there is disaster of burning and dryness. The Heart is the Sovereign Ruler, connecting with the outer canthus (Da Chi); thus, redness at the outer canthus indicates Excess Fire. The Mingmen is the Small Heart, which is the Ministerial Fire of the Small Heart, acting on behalf of the Sovereign to execute orders, connecting with the inner canthus (Xiao Chi); thus, redness at the inner canthus indicates Deficient Fire. If the Sovereign remains still and silent, the Ministerial Fire naturally becomes clear and tranquil. True Blood is the blood rising and transporting from the Liver to nourish the eyes and inject into the collaterals. This blood is not like the easily flowing blood between muscles; it is generated from the Water of Tian Yi (One Heaven), hence called True. True Qi is the qi moving and generating within the meridians of the eyes, which is the Yuan Yang (Original Yang) born from the primordial true qi of congenital origin. True Essence is the essence fluid transformed from the yuan qi of both congenital and acquired origins, originating in the Kidney, applying to the Gallbladder, and then reaching the pupil. If any of these several substances suffer damage, the eyes will become diseased. Wu Luanzi said: The eyes are generated by congenital qi and formed by acquired qi, containing the subtleties of Yin and Yang, and the essence of Water and Fire. Blood nourishes Water, Water nourishes Paste, Paste protects the Pupil, Qi governs operation, and Spirit maintains. Using the Sun and Moon as an analogy, the principle is indeed the same. They are the supreme treasures of the human body and should be valued.