Library

The "Siku Quanshu" (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries) Abstract states: *Yi Guan Bian* (Critique of Medical Canon), two volumes, was written by Xu Dachun of the Qing Dynasty. Initially, Zhao Xianke of the Ming Dynasty authored *Yi Guan* (Medical Canon), expounding upon Xue Ji's views on medical cases. He centered his theory on the True Fire and True Water of the Gate of Life (Mingmen, the source of vital essence and fire in the kidneys). He advocated using two formulas, Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) and Liuwei Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill), to treat various diseases generally. Xu Dachun considered these views biased and erroneous, thus writing this book to refute them. It is recorded that Bawei Wan is identical to Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) from *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), originally a formula by Zhang Ji (Zhang Zhongjing) of the Later Han Dynasty. Later, Qian Yi of the Northern Song Dynasty, believing that children possess pure Yang constitution, removed Cinnamon Twig (Rougui) and Aconite Root (Fuzi) from it, creating it as a pediatric tonic named Liuwei Wan. By the time of Xue Ji, Grand Director of the Imperial Hospital during the Ming Dynasty, these two formulas were exclusively used as essential medicines for tonifying Yang and Yin, respectively. With modifications, they were applied to treat various ailments. In regulating and tonifying deficiency and damage, there was indeed efficacy. Zhao Xianke inherited this theoretical lineage but adhered too rigidly, thereby discarding ancient classical formulas entirely. This is akin to using the principles of "sincerity of will and rectification of mind" to repel foreign aggression; while the logic may be connected, it is impractical in execution. Xu Dachun's attack on Zhao's book was not without merit, yet his tone was overly aggressive, resorting to insults and nitpicking every word and sentence, which unfortunately compromised scholarly elegance. Moreover, since Zhao Xianke's theories were not widely verified and his books are no longer popular, such harsh contention was unnecessary.

[Cheng Shi (Yunpeng)'s *Yi Guan Bie Cai*] Not seen.

Cheng Yunpeng stated: Zhao's compilation of Li's key points was most direct, but the citations were impure, and the advocacy was excessive. Lazy individuals treated it as a secret manual, intending to discard all other medical practices, causing significant harm. I therefore eliminated superfluous rhetoric and supplemented it with discussions and formulas for miscellaneous syndromes from various schools, instantly refreshing its appearance. (From the Preface to *Ci You Fa*)

[Ao Shi (Xianke)'s *Er Ben Yi Li*] Not seen.

Note: The above appears in *Yin County Gazetteer*.

[Wang Shi (Huazheng)'s *Pu Men Yi Pin*], 48 volumes, extant.

General Rules state: The compilation of this book began with *Ben Cao Gang Mu* (Compendium of Materia Medica); thus, seven or ten out of ten formulas in each category are derived from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*. Where insufficient, formulas from various renowned masters were incorporated to supplement it. For conditions lacking formulas in *Ben Cao Gang Mu*, records from famous physicians and verified effective prescriptions were added to complete the work.

The "Siku Quanshu" Abstract states: *Pu Men Yi Pin* consists of 48 volumes, accompanied by *Yi Pin Bu Yi* (Supplement to Medical Products), 4 volumes, authored by Wang Huazheng of the Ming Dynasty. Wang Huazheng, courtesy name Xiaogan, was from Zhucheng. He passed the imperial examination in the Gui Chou year of the Wanli era, served as Vice Censor-in-Chief, and was Governor-General of Liaodong. He was executed for failing in his duties; his biography is appended to that of Xiong Tingbi. This work extracts and records formulas from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*, interspersed with discussions from various authors, detailing syndromes and compiling them by category. Each section begins with a general discussion, recording only symptoms without diagnostic methods. Its preface claims the book is designed for those unfamiliar with medicine. However, even with observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation, misjudging syndromes can lead to incorrect medication. Furthermore, discussing formulas without pulse diagnosis increases errors when distinguishing between similar excess/deficiency or cold/heat patterns. Clinging to superficial insights while hoping for occasional efficacy leads to mistakes in governance, stemming from such scholarship.

[*Pu Men Yi Pin Bu Yi*], 4 volumes, extant.

[*Xing Ji Yan Fang*], 8 volumes, extant.

Wang Mengji wrote in a biography: The compiler of this book was my teacher, Mr. Wang Huazheng of Chengcheng, courtesy name Xiaogan. He passed the Jia Bang examination in the Gui Chou year and served as Military Governor of Sanhan. In his youth, he suffered from consumption (tuberculosis) near death. On the road, he met a Daoist priest who gave him a secret manuscript. Burning incense, he opened it and found it contained medical prescriptions. His illness healed, and he felt deeply grateful. During his ten years in officialdom, he prioritized charity, donating a thousand taels of silver to print *Pu Men Yi Pin*, totaling over 200 volumes. Those interested in longevity could not afford it. When I was in Chang'an, I often complained it was too verbose. My teacher said, "I have now returned from the vast to the concise." He showed me the book, stating our long association warranted sharing it. I copied it reverently but did not fully master it. Soon after leaving the capital, traveling through Qin, Jin, Ying, and Chu, I fell ill in an inn. Testing the prescription yielded immediate results. People sought my treatment, praising it highly. Approaching fifty, I struggled to conceive, so I made a vow to the Medicine King to save 30,000 people. Over ten years, I exerted myself, saving nearly 10,000. I subsequently had three sons, burning incense day and night to heaven, feeling I had fulfilled my vow. Recently, family finances have tightened, and drug prices have risen, making further efforts difficult. A friend advised, "Vows are finite. Why not publish your private secrets to spread them? Let the world know and verify them. Not only will you fulfill the 30,000 vow, but your merit will be like the sands of the Ganges." Thus, I compiled over 400 pages and submitted them for printing.

[Li Shi (Zhongzi)'s *Yi Sheng Wei Lun*], Ming Zhi edition, 10 volumes, not seen.

[*Shan Bu Yi Sheng Wei Lun*], 4 volumes, extant.

Autobiographical Preface states: Using troops to rescue chaos and using medicine to save lives both rely on responding to critical nuances; only the sage can achieve perfect balance. Both originate from the Yellow Emperor. It is not that the Yellow Emperor alone possessed special insight, but that those who attained the highest Dao understood everything, and those who understood everything also comprehended medicine, entering the realm of the sacred. *San Lueh* says: "All desire strength; few can guard subtlety." If one guards subtlety, life is preserved. Sages preserve this to respond to opportunities. Why does the study of longevity accompany the trigger of killing? It is because understanding everything leads to understanding this. In my youth, I studied Confucian classics. When both parents died due to medical error, and as I aged, I became alert and reflective, combining Confucian studies with Huangdi-Neijing medicine. Recognizing that medical issues mirror societal ailments, I sought to cure the diseases of the living, seeing them as originating from the same source. Since the Wuwu year of the Shenmiao era, I collected and edited this work, printed it, and displayed it in shops, where it quickly spread nationwide. Afterwards, although I explored Heaven and Humanity, Zen, and state affairs, I dared not specialize solely in medicine. Yet, requests for help came daily. In the Sanwu region, people regarded me as a successor to Changsha Shi (Zhang Zhongjing). Did I claim universal understanding? No, I was compelled by circumstances. For twenty-five years, despite slight progress, I wished to revise it to avoid misleading future generations, but I hesitated to discuss it lightly. In autumn of the Gengchen year, Shen Langzhong from Wumen visited. We bonded instantly. He was dignified, profound, generous, and upright, carrying the Dao. Discussing classics like *Ling Shu*, he grasped the main ideas effortlessly. His prescription skills were like Cook Ding carving an ox—precise and free. His influence was immeasurable. We analyzed subtleties, adjusted additions and reductions, reached peaks, broke prejudices, and ascended the Great Dao, awaiting a hundred generations. This standardization might satisfy my reclusive heart and forgive my faults. Alas, my Dao is not lonely; it relies on Langzhong. Thus, I resubmitted it for printing, revising it with colleagues. If blue comes from indigo, the old version can be discarded. April, Renwu Year of Chongzhen. Written by Li Zhongzi of Huating.

The "Siku Quanshu" Abstract states: *Shan Bu Yi Sheng Wei Lun*, 4 volumes, by Li Zhongzi of the Ming Dynasty. Li Zhongzi, courtesy name Shicun, was from Huating. The first draft was finalized in the Wuwu year of the Wanli era and published. In the Renwu year of Chongzhen, he revised it based on the old version into this compilation. It contains 24 chapters: San Qi, Yi Zong, Xian Tian, Hou Tian, Bian Wang, Shen Xiang, Xuan Yao, Yun Qi, Zang Fu, Bie Zheng, Si Yao, Hua Yuan, Zhi Ji, Ming Zhi, Feng Tu, Xu Lao, Xie Suo, Shang Han, Guang Si, Fu Ke, Yao Xing, Yi Fang, Yi Yao, Gan Ying. The categories are somewhat redundant. In the *San Qi Lun*, Daoist cultivation methods like eliminating the Three Corpses and breathing exercises are included, which are not proper medical techniques.

[*Yi Zong Bi Du*], 10 volumes, extant.

Autobiographical Preface states: I believe literati speak with thoughts flowing like springs and words blooming like flowers, capable of commanding thunder and lightning, sculpting tigers and dragons, reaching extremes with talent. However, medicine is different. Changes in breath determine life and death, comparable to military campaigns; timely remedies are like rain. Despite eloquence, it is better to base oneself on nature, examine ancient texts, follow classics to measure formulas, and use spiritual transformation to understand subtleties. Books instruct posterity; correct speech saves the world, incorrect speech harms people. Without studying mechanisms and principles, collecting broadly and summarizing concisely, how can one uncover the mysteries of the sacred and enlighten humanity? Examining ancient medical authors: Han had seven families, Tang had nine times that (64 total), Song added 197, plus modern works filling buildings. Yet *Jin Gui Yu Han* lacks detail on Six Qi outside its scope; *Tian Yuan Yu Ce* is rigid in formulas. Xiao Zhong confused Qian Yi's writings; Wang Haosu claimed transmission from strange beings; Shanggu texts are lost; Sui Shui methods are too harsh. Others are vulgar, shallow, sparse, or overwhelming. After thirty years of study, I understood variation, but students struggled with complexity. Previous works like *Wei Lun* did not fully express profound truths. Thus, disregarding my humble abilities, I compiled this book, titled *Bi Du* (Must Read), as a guide for disciples. Friends Hao Yuesheng and Junru approved, saying it balances addition and subtraction well. Wise readers find no missing pearls; beginners face no overwhelming sighs. Should it remain hidden? They funded its publication to benefit learners. I said: Reading is hard, like Bian Que diagnosing Duke Huan of Qi. Timing is crucial. This book is merely a raft for crossing the river. Extract dregs, grasp spirit, internalize silently. I cannot teach this directly; readers must interpret it themselves. Whether ridiculed by Bian Que is irrelevant. Friends agreed, asking me to write the preface. Spring, second month, Dingchou Year of Chongzhen. Li Zhongzi inscribed.

Xiao Jing stated: Li Shicai, personal name Zhongzi, descended from official ancestors. He passed the Mingjing exam but shunned office, choosing medicine. Broadly learned and insightful. His *Yi Zong Bi Du*, only five fascicles, is concise and clear, precise and detailed, truly the orthodox eye of the age. I desired to visit and discuss doubts, but war blocked the way. I await another day. (From *Xuan Qi Jiu Zheng Lun*)

[* Bing Ji Sha Zhuan*], 2 volumes, extant.

[Shen Shi (Shiyi)'s *Yi Shi Yuan Ji*] Not seen.

*Zhejiang Tongzhi* records: Shen Shiyi, courtesy name Yizhen, from Renhe, was famous for his medical skill. As a youth, he presented a memorial to Governor General Xing, who appreciated him, appointing him as an assistant general to command troops at sea. Promoted to General of Youyang due to merit. Later, his father and grandfather died; his mother was widowed, and his brother young. He abandoned military life to care for his mother, but family wealth declined. He opened chests to read forbidden prescriptions, mastering their secrets. Within years, his fame rose; dozens of families visited daily, saving countless lives. In old age, he built gardens, planted bamboo and trees, grew water chestnuts, and spent days with zither and books. Scholars and officials visited, but he rarely received them unless they were sick, then he drove out immediately regardless of distance. He died of malaria at 66. His works include *Hai Wai Ji Wen*, *Yi Shi Yuan Ji*, *Qing Cheng Jian Yuan Ji*, etc.

[Wang Shi (Dade)'s *Shi Bing Zong Lan Jin Yao Zhen Fang*] (Also titled *Bai Fa Bai Zhong Wan Bing Hui Chun Jin Yao Zhen Fang*), 7 volumes, extant.

[Zhang Shi (Wenjie)'s *Yi Yao Jian Zheng Mi Chuan*], 3 volumes, not seen.

[Anonymous *Xu Shi Bian Yi Shi Er Xian Fang*], 10 volumes, not seen.

[Zang Shi (Zhongxin)'s *Yi Li*] Not seen.

*Changxing County Gazetteer* records: Zang Zhongxin, from Changxing, wrote *Yi Li*, prefaced by Ding Yuanjian.

[Dai Shi (Bangpin)'s *Yi Xue Shan Chuan*] Not seen.

Note: The above appears in *Jiande County Gazetteer*.

[Tang Shi (Shouyuan)'s *Yi Jian*] Not seen.

*Pinghu County Gazetteer* records: Tang Shouyuan, pseudonym Wuchun, from Huangxi, married into the Lu family and inherited their profession. A woman accidentally swallowed a piece of mutton while answering a call. She fell ill a month later, lingering for two years. Tang Shouyuan said, "There must be retained food in the chest." Family replied, "She hasn't eaten in two years." He prescribed medicine, causing her to vomit phlegm containing a chunk of mutton. She recovered. Another case: The Zhu family child had smallpox with blood bursting everywhere. Tang Shouyuan crushed medicine, applied it to the body, mixed it into bedding, rolled the child upside down before the bed. The family cried in horror. He shouted, "Stop crying! This is Snake Shell Smallpox. Qi must move counter-naturally to escape. Then skin will split like a snake shedding." The child recovered. A Gu family boy from Xin Dai had smallpox and went blind. Tang Shouyuan said, "Pity I saw him late. I should have opened one eye first." Three years later, vision returned. *Yi Jian*, *Yi Lin Sheng Mo*, and *Hou Jin Jing Lu* were all compiled by hand.

[*Yi Lin Sheng Mo*] Not seen.

[Zhang Shi (Bo)'s *Yi An*] Not seen.

*Lanxi County Gazetteer* records: Zhang Bo, courtesy name Shimao, originally from She, moved to Lanxi. Studied Doctoral studies initially, but abandoned them when his father suffered from chronic痞 (masses/bloating). He studied *Nei Jing*, *Ben Cao*, and other classics, practicing medicine. Treatments were mostly effective, primarily using Ginseng and Atractylodes tonification, adjusting formulas as needed. His father's life was extended by a year, establishing his reputation. He was elder-like, not demanding high fees. Responding to calls day and night, he was filial and fraternal, distributing property fairly, resembling ancients. Pulse diagnosis and disease prognosis were often accurate. His works include *Yi An*.

[Feng Shi (Ke)'s *Zhong Miao Xian Fang*] Not seen.

Brief Autobiographical Preface states: Previously, residing in my village, Zou Erzhan from Baixia sent me simple prescriptions, wishing to promote benevolent arts. I accepted and stored them. Later, residing in Fuling, Guangdong, Vice Governor Wen gifted emergency easy prescriptions, curing all ailments. That year, plague erupted in Guangdong, mixing turbid qi invading skin, causing internal stagnation and external fever. Deaths were numerous, coffins piled up. Vice Minister Guangling Gong and Governor Nanchang Tu Gong worried, ordering authorities to provide food and medicine. Guangdong customs favored ghosts; patients spent fortunes on rituals rather than seeking doctors. Even if doctors were consulted, they guessed blindly without weighing formulas, ignoring *Nei Jing*, *Ling Shu*, *Yu Han*, *Jin Gui*, Tongjun's records, and Lei Gong's notes, nor knowing recent compilations by Liu and Zhu. Unfortunate people faced either divine uncertainty or incompetent doctors. Few could heal like the three-broken-arm physician. I previously served as a page to my father, the former Vice Minister, finding a volume on his desk for self-defense. Now combining it with the two books, I compiled this collection. Knowing Guangdong lacks good doctors, I dare not keep it secret. I planned to print it widely, naming it *Zhong Miao Xian Fang*, following the previous name. (From *Feng Yuancheng Selected Works*)

[Jiang Shi (Zong)'s *Ci Ji Yi Jian Fang*] Not seen.

Note: The above appears in *Zhejiang Tongzhi*.

[Qin Shi (Changmai)'s *Da Fang Zhe Zhong*] Not seen.

*Songjiang Prefecture Gazetteer* records: Qin Changmai, courtesy name Jingming, from Shanghai, was sharp-minded. Sickly in childhood, he studied medicine. Famous for treating infants. Later mastered pulse and formulas without formal teachers, achieving subtle insights. Walking in villages, he saw a woman winnowing rice and instructed an attendant to provoke her. She cursed angrily. Qin told her family, "This woman's smallpox is about to erupt. Untreated, it will fail. I provoked her anger to drive toxins to the liver area below the ear/mouth. It will appear somewhere this evening. I will stop to save her." Evening came, symptoms appeared as predicted. She begged for medicine and recovered. A Qingpu Lin family son was strong but Qin predicted consumption and death in three years. The prediction held. When others despaired, Qin's prescriptions worked instantly, spreading his fame. He never boasted, saying fatal cases couldn't be saved by Lu Ban or Bian Que, but if hope existed, one shouldn't cause death. He lived freely, predicting his own death, dying in his sixties. His works *Da Fang*, *You Ke*, and *Dou Zhen Zhe Zhong* are circulating.