Library

[Anonymous Compilation of *Emergency Formulas for Various Conditions*] *Record of Book Titles and Solutions*, one volume. Lost.
Chen Zhen-sun stated: The compiler is unknown. It contains medicines and miscellaneous techniques required in sudden emergencies.

[*Taiyi Xiju Jishi Fang*] Recorded in Song Dynasty catalogs, eight volumes. Lost.

[*Wang Shi (Su) Jingyan Fang*] Recorded in Song Dynasty catalogs, three volumes. Lost.

[*Hu Shi (Anonymous) Fang*] *Record of Book Titles and Solutions*, one volume. Lost.
Chen Zhen-sun stated: The author's name is not recorded.

[*Zhang Shi (Gao) Yishuo*] *Record of Book Titles and Solutions*, ten volumes. Extant.
Chen Zhen-sun stated: Written by Zhang Gao of Xin'an, courtesy name Jiming.

Luo Xu wrote the preface: Treating disease is like a general attacking an enemy. Those who seek victory in battle always possess this mindset. However, when placed in a desperate situation akin to fighting with one's back to the river, onlookers are often astonished. Without someone like Han Xin to analyze the strategy, how would one know it derives from military tactics? This is why armies require theory. If armies cannot exist without theory, can medicine exist without it?
In my locality, Zhang Gao, courtesy name Jiming, had his great-uncle Zhang Kuo, who became renowned for his medical skills in the Jing-Luo region and was appreciated by Fan Zhongxuan. His grandfather, Zhang Yufa, studied under his great-uncle and gained profound insights. Thus, his father, Zhang Yanren, inherited Zhang Yufa’s skills, surpassing even Zhang Kuo in subtlety and depth. This represents three generations of medical lineage. Jiming wished to broaden his horizons and propagate this tradition. He recorded all medical content found in books, naming the compilation *Yishuo* (Discourses on Medicine). Initially, he noted, "I have acquired several cases." Upon further review, he said, "Recently I have acquired more." His intention was to compile a thousand cases before publishing. I consider that medical texts are rooted in the *Suwen* and *Lingshu*, expanded by works like the *Nanjing* and *Maijue*, and the principles of herb sovereignty, assistance, and adjuncts (*Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi*) are gathered in the *Bencao*. Worldly physicians generally do not stray beyond these foundations. Now, if one produces a miraculous cure to revive the dead, people will be amazed, believing it exceeds previous achievements. From my perspective, this resembles a desperate battle strategy. Therefore, I recognize the benefit of this book. In the winter of the Jiyou year, Jiming brought the manuscript to visit me, saying, "Although the book is unfinished, please allow me to print it first, to encourage my own shortcomings." Coinciding with my urgent mission to Yan-Ying, I was too busy to write a detailed introduction. Yet, moved by Jiming’s sincerity and dedication, knowing his selection must be precise, I merely sighed at his willingness to share his work during his prime years. His intent is commendable. Is it not because he served his grandfather and heard many extraordinary tales, that he does not keep what he learns from texts as private property? This is why I value him even more. Thus, I wrote this to precede *Yishuo*. On the sixth day of the tenth month of the Jiyou year, Luo Xu, Court Gentleman and Acting Prefect of Yingzhou, wrote the preface.

Li Yizhi wrote the postscript: The character "Yi" (medicine) implies "Yi" (intent/mind). Can it truly be sought only from paper? To say "I do not know books, but I know intent" – I do not believe this. Knowing books but lacking breadth is still like not knowing them. Master Zhang Jiming showed me a compilation recording ancient and modern cases in meticulous detail. It seems he has recorded everything he has seen and heard related to medicine, categorized by type. Now old, he continues searching, aiming to complete a definitive work for posterity. The Zhang family has been famous for medicine for generations; given Jiming’s diligence, his ability to continue this legacy is evident. Jiming has a son, named Jiwan, studying at the Yejun academy, intelligent and literate. If he applies Jiming’s diligence in medicine to his studies, he will surely expand the Zhang family’s prominence. Alas! Given Jiming’s dedication, it is certain he will have a son to carry forward the family legacy. This explains the section on retribution at the end of Jiming’s work. Written by Li Yizhi in the late days of early summer in the Jiashen year of the Jiading era.

The *Siku Quanshu* (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries) Abstract states: *Yishuo*, ten volumes, written by Zhang Gao of the Song Dynasty. Zhang Gao, courtesy name Jiming, was from Xin'an. His great-uncle Zhang Kuo studied under Pang Anshi and became famous for medicine in the Jing-Luo region. Luo Yuan’s *Ezhou Xiaoji* contains Zhang Kuo’s biography, detailing his clinical successes. This book includes a preface by Luo Xu from the Youxi year of the Chunxi era, stating that Zhang Kuo taught his disciple Zhang Yufa, who taught his son Zhang Yanren. Zhang Gao is Yanren’s son, inheriting the family learning and enjoying discussions on medicine. He once intended to collect ancient medical cases into one book, initially aiming for a thousand items, but finding it difficult to finalize quickly, he instead excerpted various sources based on his knowledge, creating this compilation. It is divided into forty-seven categories: the first seven summarize ancient famous doctors, medical books, acupuncture, and diagnosis; followed by twenty-eight categories of miscellaneous diseases; six categories of miscellaneous discussions; two categories for women and children; three categories for sores, five fatal conditions, and bi/hernia syndromes; ending with medical merit and retribution. It incorporates notes and essays, touching on supernatural elements. Although it records that the calvarium (*Tianlinggai*) should not be used, it also includes Chen Cangqi’s *Bencao* entry on human flesh, making it somewhat inconsistent. However, its rich sourcing provides inspiration for rare and critical conditions, and contains many exclusive family prescriptions. Being a three-generation medical lineage with clear origins, it differs significantly from hearsay.

[*Zhou Shi (Gong) Xuyishuo Huibian*] *Yicang Mulu*, eighteen volumes. Extant.
Autobiographical preface: Song Dynasty’s Zhang Jiming wrote *Yishuo* in ten volumes. The first volume covers the Three Sovereigns and subsequent famous doctors; another volume covers medical books, *Bencao*, acupuncture, and divine healers. Other sections cover miraculous formulas, diagnostic methods, hundreds of disease categories, and medical merit/retribution warnings, following this structure. Among the narrated content, seeking profundity and setting examples for future generations, elucidating the Dao since the Three Sovereigns, there had been no prior comprehensive account. I searched for these gaps and filled them. Medical books: 23 entries; Acupuncture: 19 pulse/technique types; Pulse method entries: 15; Methods of discussing medicine: 37; Medication: 38; Herb prohibitions: 21; Health preservation and dietary taboos: over 80 total. Categories distinguishing medical competence: 14. Remaining sections list what Jiming omitted, including treatment methods for hundreds of diseases differentiated by condition, adding over a thousand entries. Over 260 formulas follow. Totaling eighteen volumes, named *Xuyishuo Huibian* (Compilation of Extended Discourses on Medicine), allowing students to consult Jiming’s book alongside my additions, tracing back through the *Suwen* and *Nanjing* schools to master medical arts. I once said: Following the Way of the Sages to seek their hearts is nothing less than benefiting the world. When prominent and high-ranking, one benefits all things. When obscure and low-ranking, though possessing the ambition to support the world and enrich the people, how can one manifest this? Hence, former sages said: Prominent, one becomes a good minister; obscure, one becomes a good physician. A minister cannot be achieved by chance, nor can a physician. It is about sharing the same heart to benefit all. I shall abandon mere loyalty and trust, keeping benevolence in mind, focusing on benefiting others, so that my skills will surely surpass others. If one’s mind chases profit, one’s skills become obscured, and few escape the charge of killing patients. How is this different from rulers who publicly preach righteousness but privately harbor corruption, yet seek fame and position? Is this not as difficult as a physician demanding payment while hoping for perfect cures and worldly success? Can such a person be called a good minister or physician? Fortunately, if *Yishuo* falls into the hands of gentlemen, the benefit to humanity for ten thousand generations will be vast. Written by Zhou Gong of Kunshan in the latter half of the ninth month of the Gui Chou year, Hongzhi Era, Year 6.

Gui Youguang wrote the preface: Mr. Zhou Yinzhour was a fellow townsman and close friend of my grandfather, a poetry society companion, visiting daily. My uncle and father both studied under him in their youth. At age seven, I studied the main ideas of *Xiaojing* under him. I saw Mr. Zhou burning incense and sitting upright all day; those called "hidden gentlemen" invariably referred to him. Mr. Zhou composed eight poems, prefaced by Duke Wuwending, and postscripted by Minister of Justice Zhou Chongzhi for printing. Mr. Zhou’s son-in-law, Vice Governor of Henan Right Province, Zhu [Name], printed his poetry collection as *Shenliu Ji*. Mr. Zhou particularly loved medical texts. He took Song Dynasty’s Zhang Jiming’s *Yishuo*, expanded its deficiencies, creating fifty volumes. His autobiographical note suggests that students consulting Jiming’s book alongside his additions, tracing back through *Suwen* and *Nanjing*, could nearly master medical arts. He criticized Jiming’s book for lacking profundity and failing to elucidate the Dao since the Three Sovereigns. Thus, Mr. Zhou’s self-confidence lay in his ability to innovate and grasp the subtle essence. Cao Bubu Yonghui of Dongcang praised its benefit to the world and arranged for its printing to spread its transmission. Mr. Zhou’s grandson, Imperial Student Shichang, requested a preface from me. Observing the book, I saw it was handwritten by Mr. Zhou himself, with neat regular script, no careless strokes. I admired his seriousness in writing. In the Heping era of Emperor Cheng of Han, the imperial physician Li Zhuguo was ordered to collate seven schools of medical classics and eleven families of prescriptions. Since then, medical literature has expanded to hundreds of works. Today, from Shennong and Huangdi’s classics, Bianque’s *Eighty-One Nanjing*, to *Lingshu* and *Jiayi*, most survive. The Six Channels have never ceased to circulate, yet it remains difficult for students to grasp their essence. From Mr. Zhou’s self-narrative, we see his personal insights surpass Jiming’s work, undoubtedly worthy of transmission. That Minister Cao arranged for its printing reflects the heart of a benevolent person, worthy of admiration. Written by Gui Youguang, student and former Jinshi, at Anping by boat, on the Yi Hai day of the fourth month of the summer of Longqing Era, Year 3.

[*Yu Shi (Bian) Xuyishuo*] Ming Dynasty catalogs record ten volumes. Extant.
Autobiographical preface: People of Qi and Liang said, "One who does not understand medical skills cannot be called a filial son." This is an extreme view. Neo-Confucians stated, "Entrusting treatment to incompetent physicians is comparable to being unfilial and unkind." Those serving parents must know medicine. This statement is profound. Famous physicians of that time, such as Zhen Quan, Xu Zhicang, Li Mingzhi, and Zhu Yanxiu, all learned medicine due to their mothers' illnesses, researching deeply to uncover mysteries. Indeed, the gentleman’s intent leaves nothing undone. Although Bian is not gifted, he has a passion for discussing medicine. Whether hearing friends discuss or reading historical texts, whenever he grasped an idea, he copied it to prevent forgetting. Accumulating over time, it formed ten volumes, named *Xuyishuo* (Extended Discourses on Medicine). Not daring to rival ancients, but to share with future enthusiasts. Written on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Renwu year.

Hao En wrote the preface: Yu Kou said: Medicine is Principle (*Li*). Principle is Intent (*Yi*). What is the basis? Principle speaks of treatment; Intent speaks of insight. Grasping Principle and Intent allows one to manage what is unseen, which is called Medicine. Few transcend mere observation and listening. Lower down, without Principle or Insight, there is neither understanding nor clarity. These two, if unspoken, remain obscure. Thus, Sages valued discourse, beginning with figures like Xuanyuan, Qibo, Huan, and Que, recognizing their Intent. After Zhang Zhongjing, generations produced scholars with formulas, discourses, origins, distinctions, and methods, shining like stars, enduring and un磨灭. Sages benevolently governed the world, rescuing the perilous and nurturing peace, stopping there. Yet they established words to correct and support a hundred generations, their concern broad and diligent. Divine illumination depends on individuals. Zi Rong has long held this intent. Through arduous exploration, gathering knowledge through study, discerning through questioning, strengthening through deep thought. Dongsheng said: Diligent study broadens knowledge and refines insight. But integrating breadth into simplicity is what gentlemen value in detailed explanation. This book describes ancient methods and current events, accumulated over years, comprehensively recording those who grasp Principle and Intent. Zi Rong’s diligence is evident. Finding it too voluminous, I selected excerpts for teaching in the family school, intending to approach the Way. Because human life is entrusted to physicians, one dare not act lightly. Examining his words: some begin with Classics to initiate matters, others conclude with Classics to finalize meaning, labeled "Classic," showing no partiality. Some differentiate syndromes via pulses, others differentiate formulas via syndromes, labeled "Remainder," showing no selfishness. Those derived from predecessors or contemporaries are labeled "Someone Said," showing no concealment. Essentially, Intent manifests in words. Clarifying the source distinguishes the flow. Adapting to circumstances clarifies appropriateness and facilitates change. Arranging elements emphasizes flexibility. Discussing without prescribing highlights mysterious application. Ancestral to Emperors continues their will. Referencing the present values timeliness. Writing fixes intent and expresses meaning. Compiling into chapters aims at Principle. Broad yet concise, distinct yet refined, simple yet rigorous, tracing his achievements, truly applicable to practice. It rivals *Yi’an* and *Yiyuan*. Perhaps spirits reveal secrets here. Can you keep it secret in your school without spreading it for a hundred generations? Alas! Who knows if such a heart exists? Waiting for it to endure and shine through generations, later successors will likely understand. Zi Rong’s surname is Yu, given name Bian, styled Weng Yuezhai, hence calling himself Shouyue (Guarding Simplicity). Preface by Wu En, Provincial Graduate, Baihai, in the Jiawu year of the Jiajing era.

[*Cui Shi (Jiayan) Zi Xu Zhenren Siyuan Lun*] *Dushu Minqiu Ji*, one volume. Not seen.
Qian Zeng stated: The "Four Origins" refer to Origin of Pulse, Origin of Disease, Origin of Syndrome, and Origin of Treatment.

[Anonymous *Zhayaofang*] *Record of Book Titles and Solutions*, one volume. Lost.
Chen Zhen-sun stated: Contains "Ten Admonitions for Cold Damage" and "Ten Critical Syndromes," ending with the formula *Tuoli Shibu San*.

[*Wang Shi (KT) Baiyi Xuanfang*] Recorded in Song Dynasty catalogs, twenty-eight volumes. Extant.
Chen Zao wrote the preface: I suffered from frequent illness in my youth, deliberately studying medical formulas and seeking advice widely. Results obtained outside standard texts were often effective. In the Ding Si year, taking office in Jingxi, on the eighteenth day of the first month, I visited Wang Gong KT of Hanyang. We felt like old acquaintances upon meeting. He asked about my governance, did not demand much, and gifted me a copy of *Baiyi Xuanfang* in four fascicles. Everything I had previously sought and found effective was contained within. I sighed that obtaining the book and meeting the gentleman were both untimely. The gentleman said: "It took me nineteen years to compile this book. Such diligence. How can we merely enjoy it?" Gentlemen preserve benevolence in their hearts. Whatever helps the world and benefits people, if unimplemented, causes inner dissatisfaction. This book fulfills his aspirations. Moreover, his political skill treats the people as parents, leaving indelible merits. I cannot forget these. Hence, I record them. (Collected Works)

Zhang Ji wrote the preface: Medical formulas circulating in the world are numerous, but few effectively cure diseases. Ancient formulas matched one herb to one disease, not casually. Later physicians, not deeply understanding the harmony of hundred herbs, rashly claimed "medicine is merely intent," often relying on personal views and experimentation. Consequently, treatments failed, sometimes worsening the disease or causing death. No wonder givers of medicine hesitate to try it themselves, and patients prefer not to be treated rather than receive improper care. Alas! Medical formulas aim to remove disease and preserve life; how did it come to this? Perhaps due to imprecise selection and careless prescription? Scholar Wang KT of Shizhai is a cultivated gentleman. Born into a distinguished family, he amassed many excellent formulas, verified by his own experience. He lamented that people had curable diseases but lacked appropriate medicine, ultimately dying incurably. Desiring to save them, how could he keep them secret? While governing Guomian, he compiled them in his spare time, printing them in the prefecture hall, naming it *Baiyi Xuanfang*. His careful selection and prescription were thus. His benevolent intent deserves the book’s wide dissemination. Printed on the first auspicious day of the first month of the Bingchen year, Zhang Ji, County Scholar from Tiantai, wrote the preface.

Chen Zhen-sun stated: *Shizhai Baiyi Xuanfang*, thirty volumes, compiled by Wang Mengyu of Shanyin. "Baiyi" (One Hundred One) signifies extreme precision in selection.

Zhu Yizun wrote the postscript: *Baiyi Xuanfang* does not list the author’s name, titled "Shizhai." According to Chen’s *Record of Book Titles and Solutions*: Compiled by Wang Mengyu of Shanyin. Thirty volumes. Song Dynasty *Yiwenzhi* lists twenty-eight volumes. My family’s collection is a Yuan dynasty woodblock edition, containing only twenty volumes. Likely edited by later generations.
According to records from the Kansei Jiwei year, Chida Shokei borrowed the Yuan edition collected by Okiden Yakushi Motokoto (Motokai) in Kyoto to reprint for his family school. His father’s preface stated: Examining historical medical biographies, no Wang is recorded. Based on Chen Zao’s inscription and Zhang Ji’s preface, this person was not a physician, imitating Lu Zhongxuan’s compilation in Zhongzhou. *Gujin Yitong* erroneously lists his style as Mengyu. Zhu Yizun’s *Pohuating Ji* postscript mentions his Yuan edition had only twenty volumes, suspecting later editing. This edition also has twenty volumes, matching Zhu’s claim. However, it is divided into thirty-one categories with over two thousand formulas, well-organized. Thus, we cannot hastily dismiss it as non-original based on volume counts in *Jieti* and Song catalogs.

[*Guo Shi (Tan) Beiquan Gjin Shibian Liangfang*] Forty volumes. Extant.
Song Dezhi wrote the preface: I, from Qin, liked Immortal Liu Juanzi’s method of consuming Atractylodes (*Zhu*), wary of peach and pigeon taboos, without success. Obtaining Physician Li Kangfu’s formula from Chengdu, combined with Schisandra (*Wuweizi*), proved effective without restriction. I told my roommate, Guo Jun Lüdao. He exclaimed: "Such a formula exists?" I knew he favored formulas but hadn’t met Li. After prolonged use, his eye turned half-red, a boil appeared in the redness. The physician removed it with a large iron needle. Later, I asked Guo Jun. He said: *Zhu* is warm-tonic but very drying. Those taking *Zhu* must mitigate its dryness to preserve its warmth for tonification. Also, Schisandra is sour; sour astringes dryness and enters the Liver. Eye disease was inevitable. I realized he was proficient in formulas, unlike common practitioners. When I went to the mountains, he advised me to use formulas for self-nourishment. Reviewing *Suwen*, *Bencao*, and ancient/modern formulas, I worried about their volume. I wanted to compile a concise book but lacked direction. One day, he visited and said: "Tan has been disabled for twenty years. Testing herbs and verifying formulas, I know excellent formulas can cure diseases. It’s just that scholar-officials rarely understand medicine. Those who know formulas fear many diseases less than patients who dislike formulas. If people obtain good formulas and store good medicines at home, even traveling far or living in remote areas, they need not fear disease." He showed me his forty-volume compilation. He said: Shennong’s *Bencao* lists 360 herbs corresponding to Heaven, Earth, and Man. Later physicians added unused names, creating redundancy. Commonly used herbs by worldly physicians number only 64. Using 64 herbs to treat 404 diseases is like the changing lines of the *I Ching*, infinite in application. Brief *Bencao* commentaries on these 64 herbs are listed first, covering health preservation, disease prevention, material selection, and preparation methods. Intermittent compilations made other formulas obsolete. I rejoiced and urged him to expand it. Over a year later, the book arrived, requesting a preface. I praised his focused effort and broadening mind, resembling ancients striving for goodness. Thus, I recorded the details for informed readers. He is from Fenyang; Tan is his given name, Lüdao his courtesy name. Preface by Song Dezhi of Qingshan, on the Jiaxu day of the twelfth month of the second year of Qingyuan.

[*Fang Shi (Dao) Jiacang Jiyao Fang*] Recorded in Song Dynasty catalogs, two volumes. Missing.
Autobiographical preface: In my youth, I accompanied Vice Minister □□ Gong, serving in Jianghuai, Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, and Zhejiang. I understood geographical hazards, military/civilian pros and cons, and economic sources. Due to attachment to my parents, I forgot ambitions for officialdom. Over forty, before my parents passed away consecutively, I completed mourning. With heavy family responsibilities, I closed myself off...