Library

After the *Heji Jufang* (Standard Formulas of the Bureau of Harmonized Medicines), Hong Mai recorded in his *Rongzhai Suibi* (Random Notes from Rongzhai Pavilion): The books stored in Xuanhe Hall, Daqing Tower, and Longtu Pavilion were all plundered to Yanjing (modern Beijing) after the devastation of the Jingkang Incident. Consulting the *History of Song*, it is recorded that in the second year of Jingkang, while the Young Emperor was at Qingcheng, the Jin people confiscated all book blocks of the Imperial Academy, the four categories of books in the Three Halls and Secret Library, grand ceremonial gifts, the Dacheng music and dance, diagrams of the Mingtang and the Great Palace, as well as imperial carriages, clothing, and precious curiosities, which were transported to the military camp. It is speculated that this book, having just completed its woodblock printing, had not yet been distributed, and was included among them. Subsequently, due to the division between North and South and the lack of communication, scholars of the Southern Song could not view this book, and thus did not even know of its catalog. It was not until the Dading era of Emperor Shizong of Jin that the books obtained from Bianjing were retrieved, reprinted, and promulgated, allowing it to be transmitted to the present day. Alas! This book was compiled in the Northern Song but remained obscure in the Southern Song; it did not circulate in China proper but survived in barbarian lands. That the benevolent intent of Emperor Huizong was not extinguished over a millennium is indeed remarkable.

Cheng Yunlai stated in the *Preface to the Abridged Essential Records*: The *Shengji Zonglu* (Compendium of Holy Relief) re-edited during the Dade era was promulgated by imperial decree of the Yuan Dynasty. It featured large editions and large characters, with the first chapter of each volume bearing the signature "Yelü Chucai of Yuan." Both ancient medical officials and my family's collection possess the Dade re-edition, which also features large editions and large characters, yet lacks Yelü Chucai's signature. The original calligraphy is upright and elegant, likely retaining the style of the Song edition. However, the title page of each volume reads "Dade Re-edited Shengji Zonglu, Volume No.," and the carving quality is poor, undoubtedly indicating a Yuan dynasty reprint. In the Guiyou year of the Bunka era, I discussed with fellow medical officials to produce an movable-type printed edition within the medical institution. The project took four years to complete.

*[Cheng (Lin) Shengji Zonglu Zuanyao]* (Abridged Essential Records of Shengji Zonglu), 26 volumes. Lost.
The Preface states: This book was compiled under the edict of Emperor Huizong of Song during the Zhenghe era. He gathered famous physicians from across the realm and utilized secret prescriptions and theories from the imperial treasury, resulting in a compilation of 200 volumes. These secret prescriptions and theories were unheard of by the public, and treatments based on specific diseases proved miraculously effective. It was subsequently reprinted during the Dading era of Jin and the third time during the Dade era of Yuan. Since Yelü Chucai carefully proofread it and promulgated it nationwide, over four hundred years have passed without any new printing, and this book was nearly lost. I previously studied a printed edition with my great-uncle, Master Jingtong. Thirty years later, I viewed a manuscript copy again through my friend Jiang Yingshang. Reflecting on the past and present, I felt immense joy. Mr. Yingshang requested me to abridge the text for publication to benefit the world. I stayed in Weiyang for a year, extracting the essence and removing the superfluous, resulting in 26 volumes. This is truly a jade scroll of medical classics and red-script green-text of formulas. For the knowledgeable, the Dade re-edited *Shengji Zonglu* promulgated by the Yuan court featured large editions and large characters, with the first chapter signed "Yelü Chucai of Yuan." The Ming dynasty manuscript owned by Gao Xiang of Wulin used mulberry paper with red grid lines and exquisite handwriting, following the Bingfu style with large editions and large characters. The current edition uses small editions and dense characters for portability and ease of reference.

Furthermore, the methods in this book are profound and require deep study to comprehend. For example, the Zi Xue Fang (Purple Snow Formula) for consumptive disorders embodies the principle of "pursuing and capturing"; the Qing Jin San (Green Gold Powder) for cholera embodies the principle of "snatching and seizing"; and the Huang Lian Tang (Coptis Decoction) for hot dysentery embodies the principle of "counter-assistance." All yield miraculous results. Regarding regulating the Seven Injuries, calming the Five Emotions, attacking the Six Qi, and clarifying the Three Causes, some formulas contain Shen and Fu (Ginseng and Aconite) combined with Xiao and Huang (Mirabilite and Rhubarb), or Gui and Fu (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite) combined with Qin and Lian (Scutellaria and Coptis). One must diligently study ancient formula classics to grasp their subtleties.

In the Women's section, formulas for prenatal/postnatal care, leukorrhea, metrorrhagia, and uterine bleeding are selected. In the Children's section, formulas for acute/chronic wind disorders, five types of malnutrition, vomiting, and diarrhea are selected. For miscellaneous conditions similar to adult treatments, one should extrapolate from adult formulas. The section on Climate and Qi (Yunqi) covers sixty years and can be cross-referenced with the *Suwen*; this is not printed here. The three volumes on acupuncture and moxibustion, three volumes on talismans and prohibitions, two volumes on mineral drug reactions, and three volumes on dietary therapy are omitted because ancient methods are difficult to apply, mineral reactions are rare today, and food-drug combinations are often unsuitable. Rare herbs such as Jin Ya, Yin Ya, Fan Shi, and Mang Cao are excluded. Difficult-to-combine formulas that waste time and cannot meet urgent needs are also excluded. Herb names follow the original texts (e.g., Tian Ma as Chi Jian, Niu Bang as E Shi/Shu Nian, Tian Jie Geng as Ji Ni, Shan Zhi as Yue Tao, Chai Hu as Zi Hu, Tu Fu Ling as KT, Xiang Fu as Sha Cao Gen, Bo He as Ji Su, Sha Ren as Suo Sha, Tian Hua Fen as Gua Lou Gen, Qing Fen as Ni Fen). These cannot be changed. Ancient dosage units are difficult to use directly; therefore, one liang is approximated as one qian, one fen as two qian, and five fen as one zi (two qian and half). One bi ranges from half a qian to five qian, adjusted according to clinical judgment.

This book was compiled in the Northern Song, before the Four Great Masters (Liu Wan-han, Li Dong-yuan, Zhang Zi-he, Zhu Dan-xi) established their distinct schools and common formulas (such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Xiao Yao San, Gui Pi Tang, Er Chen Tang, Si Wu Tang, Si Jun Zi Tang). When physicians encounter chronic, difficult, or unusual cases where contemporary formulas fail and even skilled practitioners are at a loss, this book offers divine formulas.

It is further noted that the book is composed of three parts, still missing five volumes of pediatric formulas (volumes 173–177). Despite extensive searches in imperial libraries and private collections in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Qi, and Liang, no complete copy was found. My classmate Xiang Shi'an searched for ancient and modern pediatric formulas and supplemented these five volumes. His commentary is concise, and his methods are detailed, completing the work. The sections on various childhood malnourishments and below are his contributions.

The three volumes on Immortal Ingestion are omitted as they involve alchemy (smelting cinnabar and stones), chewing pine/cypress, breathing exercises, or exorcising corpse demons, which are recorded in Daoist scriptures but are impractical. Instead, over ten formulas for longevity and facial rejuvenation, along with over twenty tonifying formulas, are selected for health preservation. Scholars seeking the complete work may consult the original, while this abridged version aims to broaden knowledge and serve the world with compassion.

*Summary of the Siku Quanshu*: *Shengji Zonglu Zuanyao*, 26 volumes, compiled under imperial edict during the Zhenghe era of Song, edited by Cheng Lin of the Qing Dynasty. Cheng Lin, courtesy name Yunlai, was from Xiuning. Initially, Emperor Huizong authored the *Shengji Jing* (Classic of Holy Relief), 10 volumes, 42 chapters. He then ordered the gathering of renowned physicians and imperial secret prescriptions to compile a 200-volume work. Over time, the text became fragmented. Cheng Lin acquired three incomplete copies, supplementing them, but volumes 173–177 remained missing. Due to the unwieldy nature of the original, he extracted the essentials and recompiled it, maintaining the original categories. The missing pediatric volumes were supplemented by his friend Xiang Rui. The preface by Emperor Huizong and the postface by Jiao Hui (Academician of Jixian Academy, Dade 4th year) are retained. Checking the bibliographies of Chao Gongwu and Chen Zhen-sun reveals only the *Shengji Jing*, not this compendium. Jiao Hui’s preface suggests it was completed in Zhenghe and reprinted in Dading, likely taken north after the fall of Bianjing, unseen by those who crossed south. Although the original is unavailable, the Song dynasty's rich medical resources allow us to glimpse ancient specialized formulas. Each category begins with a clear theoretical discussion, aiding research. The original ended with three volumes on Immortal Ingestion involving alchemy or dietary asceticism, reflecting the rise of Daoism. Cheng Lin deemed these absurd and removed them, keeping only about thirty common nourishing formulas. His selective approach makes the recorded formulas practical, differing from those rigidly adhering to ancient methods.

*[Wang (Kuang) Jishi Quansheng Zhimi Fang]* (Also known as *Zhimi Ji* in *Dushu Fuzhi*), 3 volumes. Recorded in Song Bibliographies. Not seen.

Zhao Xibian states: This was written by Wang Kuang, courtesy name Shiheng, of Shangkao City. Chancellor Wu Min wrote the preface, noting that Shiheng served without rigidity and, amidst worldly changes, once sighed and volunteered for a diplomatic mission to distant lands.

Wang Mingqing records: Wang Kuang, courtesy name Ziheng, was originally a scholar and the son-in-law of Song Yishu, a famous physician from Nanjing. After Song Yishu gained fame north and south, Wang Kuang initially lacked proficiency. While wandering in the capital, he was destitute. When salt laws suddenly changed, a wealthy merchant saw a notice, was startled, stuck out his tongue, and could not swallow for ten days, becoming increasingly emaciated. Imperial physicians could not cure him. His family posted a reward of ten million coins for a cure. Wang Kuang, tempted by the reward, approached the merchant. Seeing the man's condition, he laughed uncontrollably, thinking it difficult to treat. When questioned, he lied, saying he laughed because such a major city had no one to treat such a minor ailment. He asked for the *Neijing* (Classic of Internal Medicine), randomly selected an acupoint resembling the symptoms, and demanded a guarantee from the family before proceeding. He needled the base of the tongue. Upon withdrawing the needle, the patient appeared weak, but soon his tongue moved normally again. The family was overjoyed, paid the reward, and promoted his reputation, making him famous in the capital. With newfound wealth, he studied the *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* (Emergency Prescriptions Worth a Golden Chest) thoroughly and gained renown. Such coincidences occur. Later favored for his medical skills, he became a Chaoqing Dafu during the Xuanhe era and authored the *Quansheng Zhimi Lun*, widely used by physicians (*Huiyu Yuhua*).

Chen Zhen-sun notes: *Zhimi Fang*, 3 volumes, written by Wang Kuang (Ziheng) of Kaocheng. Prefaced by Chancellor Wu Min. Wang Kuang was the son-in-law of Song Yishu, a famous physician of Nanjing, and attained the rank of Chaoqing Dafu through medicine during the Xuanhe era.

*Summary of the Siku Quanshu*: *Quansheng Zhimi Fang*, 4 volumes, by Wang Kuang of Song. The *Song Shi Yiwenzhi* lists it as 3 volumes, but the transmission was long lost, rarely cited by physicians. Examining the collected entries in *Yongle Dadian*, although not fully matching the original, the main outline is preserved. Most medical texts list formulas by name and indication, detailing ingredients and weights. Wang Kuang’s work, however, details symptoms and discusses etiology before each syndrome, aiding application. His discussions on pulse diagnosis and differentiation are clear, analyzing the forms of the Three Regions and Nine Holdings, changes in disease manifestations, and correspondences between pulses and diseases. These are essential for diagnostic practice. Carefully corrected and organized into 21 categories, with pulse theory placed first, the text is divided into 4 volumes due to length, differing from the original count.

*[Li (Chongqing) Yantai Ji]*, 5 volumes. Lost.
*[Lei (Jihui) Shensheng Ji]*, 3 volumes. Lost.
*[Hua (Anonymous) Ji]*, 10 volumes. Lost.
*[Liu (Anonymous) Wazang Pangtong Zunyang Fang]* (Note: Zun is sometimes written as Dao), 1 volume. Lost.
*[Chenhun Ningdai Fang]*, 2 volumes. Lost.
*[Dabao Shenyao Yaofang]*, 1 volume. Lost.
*[Wuxuanzi Anshen Yangxing Fang]*, 1 volume. Lost.
*[Anonymous Zayong Yaofang]*, 55 volumes. Lost.
*[Du (Anonymous) Jiyan]*, 1 volume. Lost.
*[Guo (Renpu) Shiyi Houyong Shenling Xuanlu]*, 5 volumes. Lost.
*[Dai (Rong) Yijian]*, 1 volume. Lost.
*[Chen (Zongqing) Jingyan Fang]*. Lost.
Note: Chen Zongqing, courtesy name Huafu, is mentioned above in Shi’s *Xu Jianyi Fang*.
*[Liang (Anonymous) Zongyao Fang]*. Lost.
*[He (Yuanbi) Shenxiao Fang]*. Lost.
*[Liang (Guozuo) Jianxiao Fang]*. Lost.
Note: The above are mentioned in Zhu’s *Jiyan Fang*.