Library

Xu Banlong: After graduating from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialized School, I packed my bags and returned to Luxu. In the spring of the Yichou year, Master Ding sent a letter summoning me to provide free medical consultations at Guangyi Shan Tang (Guangyi Benevolent Hall). Feeling my knowledge and learning were shallow and inadequate, I was filled with trepidation, fearing I could not bear the responsibility. Shortly thereafter, the Qianxingtang Bookstore requested my "Outline of External Medicine" for publication. Lacking confidence in my own work, I sought guidance from Master Ding. He generously stated, "Since residing in Shanghai, I have had hundreds of students, yet few have delved deeply into surgery. The publication of this volume will not only bring glory to our school but also greatly benefit patients, which is no small matter." The next day, Master Ding wrote a preface for me, his words sincere and affectionate, offering much encouragement and praise. In June of the following year, while I temporarily returned to my hometown to escape the summer heat, Master Ding passed away at the end of the month. Alas, how sorrowful! This winter, his grandson, Mr. Jiwan, entrusted me with reviewing Master Ding's surgical medical cases. Being naturally lazy, I rarely visited him for advice, yet Master Ding never considered it disrespect; instead, he tolerated me kindly and offered further praise. Only a few days have passed since then, yet his deep affection and kind countenance remain vivid before my eyes, while the grass on Master Ding's grave has already grown and withered several times. Thus, I cannot help but speak; this is not merely out of the grief for the collapse of Mount Tai and the rotting of the beam (metaphors for the loss of a revered elder), but also to preserve the feeling of having a confidant.
Written respectfully by disciple Xu Banlong in November of the Dingmao year at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialized School.

In ancient times, Chunyu Yi recorded his treatment cases and submitted them to the historians to demonstrate the essentials of treating diseases, marking the beginning of medical case records for later generations. Since the Yuan and Ming dynasties, this trend became widespread, yet works worthy of transmission were as rare as morning stars. In recent times, they are even more elusive and scarce. This is because many texts are mixed and impure, with little regard for whether the treatments were effective or not. However, in the Shanghai region, we were fortunate to encounter Master Ding Ganren. Master looked up to the profound principles of Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo, elucidated the theories of Zhang Zhongjing, and in his later years, adopted the therapeutic methods of Ye Tianshi and Wang Mengying. He was truly a candle in the dark night and an echo in an empty valley (a guiding light). Regrettably, due to the complexity of his clinical duties, he rarely had time to sit still, leaving few written works; what remained were only a few volumes of medical cases. Mr. Jiwan, inheriting his ancestor's virtue, could not bear to see these handwritings buried in oblivion, so he proofread and published them, benefiting future scholars. His merit is indeed significant, and through this, my master's works will be transmitted. I, Tao Kezhen, being dull and unskilled in writing, dare not add a word, but respectfully append a few lines to express my admiration.
Respectfully prefaced by disciple Tao Kezhen in the late autumn of the Dingmao year.