Library

Shen Deqian stated: You Yi, courtesy name Jingzai, was a commoner from Changzhou, Jiangnan. In the past, Pi Ximei (Pi Rixiu) resided in Lindun Li, and Lu Luwang (Lu Guimeng) came from Fuli to meet him, establishing friendship and exchanging poems. This place became known as "Pi Market." You Yi lived there, and Zhou Cun also arrived from Fuli, and they composed poetry together, fittingly echoing the Tang dynasty poets Pi and Lu. You Yi studied medicine under Han Boxiu, wishing to conceal his name, and his poetry sought no recognition. However, those who valued his poetry believed he had grasped the essence of Tang literati, with no dissenting voices from near or far. (From *Guochao Shie Cai*)

[ Xu Dachun's *Shanghan Leifang* (Classification of Formulas for Cold Damage)] One volume. Extant.
Preface by the author states: Wang Shuhe, in the *Shanghan Li* (Examples of Cold Damage), said, "Now I have collected and selected Zhang Zhongjing's old treatises, recording their symptoms, pulse diagnoses, voice and color observations corresponding to diseases, and true formulas, to guard against emergencies in the world." From this, we know that *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage) was not a complete book at that time, but rather something collected and compiled by Wang Shuhe. Although it divided and established the Six Channels (Liu Jing), the language lacked logical order; the Yang channels contained treatment methods for Yin channels, and vice versa, resulting in a disordered mix. Later scholars generated various discussions; each new book inevitably altered several clauses, criticizing each other, each asserting their own views, leading to increasing confusion without a definitive conclusion. They did not realize that this book was not a work where Zhang Zhongjing created formulas based on meridian theory, but rather a book for correcting errors caused by mis-treatment. Its own preface states, "Facing untimely death and sudden disasters that cannot be saved, I sought ancient teachings and widely collected various formulas." This is likely because after mis-treatment, the transformed syndromes become complex and mixed, making it impossible to follow the standard presentation of syndromes according to meridians. The original writing was simply creating formulas according to symptoms, without a fixed sequence. I initially also suspected disorder, but after thirty years of exploration, I understood the reason. Thus, I classified by formula rather than by meridian. Because formulas have fixed therapeutic effects for diseases, while disease changes are variable. Knowing the fixed treatment allows for application amidst the myriad changes of disease without error. This is the method of tracing the source from the stream, leaving no room for diseases to hide their forms. Regarding medication, there are clear principles: releasing the muscle layer and inducing sweating, attacking pathogens and dissipating masses, draining water and driving out cold, warming the middle and clearing heat—all have principal formulas. Their additions, subtractions, and dosage adjustments follow specific rules and cannot be borrowed arbitrarily. Divided finely, there are twelve categories. Each category first establishes a principal formula, followed by similar formulas. The profound thoughts and ingenious uses of these formulas are noted one by one, analyzed in detail. Subsequently, the syndromes in *Shanghan Lun* using these formulas are listed after the formulas, further explaining the rationale, so that readers can clearly understand the disease conditions and drug properties at a glance. Regardless of which channel the disease comes from or goes to, treating based on observed syndromes aligns perfectly with Zhang Zhongjing's intent. Is this not the most convenient method? After compiling this work, I researched deeply for seven years, revising the manuscript five times, until I felt no regrets. Zhu Gong's *Huo Ren Shu* (Book of Living People) from the Song Dynasty also gathered treatment methods after formulas, but did not classify the formulas nor provide much insight, so reading it never revealed the key points. With the completion of this book, future readers of *Shanghan Lun* may use it as a bridge. Preface by Xu Dachun of Huixi, in the first ten days of the tenth month (Yang Month) of the year Ji Xu (1759).

Abstract from the *Siku Quanshu* (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries): *Shanghan Leifang*, one volume, written by Xu Dachun of the Qing Dynasty. The *Shanghan Lun* attributed to Zhang Ji (Zhang Zhongjing) of the Later Han Dynasty, which circulates in the world, was compiled by Wang Shuhe of the Jin Dynasty and was not originally arranged by Zhang Ji himself. Cheng Wuji of Liaocheng during the Jin Dynasty was the first to annotate it, rearranging chapters according to his own ideas. Since then, physicians have repeatedly revised it, such as debates over the *Hongfan* and *Wucheng* chapters of the *Shangshu*, or the ancient versus modern editions of the *Daxue*. Until the Ming Dynasty, no consensus was reached. Xu Dachun believed it was not a book where Zhang Ji created formulas based on meridians, but a book for correcting errors. At that time, formulas were created according to symptoms, without a fixed order. Thus, he removed the headings of Yin/Yang and Six Channels, letting formulas follow their categories and syndromes follow the formulas, allowing people to seek formulas based on syndromes rather than seeking syndromes based on meridians. Although this may not strictly match the original intent of the ancients, it is a method of pruning vines and branches amidst chaotic disputes. For example, under the Green Dragon Decoction (Da Qinglong Tang), the annotation says, "Pulse floating and slow, body does not ache but feels heavy, occasionally lighter, without Shaoyin syndrome, this decoction governs." Xu Dachun argued that the condition is very mild and should not receive Mahuang, Guizhi, and Shigao, suggesting this clause must contain an error. Under the Gancao Fuling Tang (Licorice and Poria Decoction - note: text implies comparison with Wuling San), it notes, "For cold damage with sweating and thirst, Wuling San governs; without thirst, this decoction governs." Xu Dachun argued that this sweating refers to continuous sweating after inducing diaphoresis, not spontaneous sweating from cold damage. His diagnostic insights are often precise. It divides into twelve categories, totaling 113 formulas. At the end, it attaches the pulse methods of the six channels, discusses special and transformed syndromes beyond standard ones, and includes acupuncture methods, all traceable to origins. He claimed it took seven years and five drafts to complete.

[Huang Yuanyu's *Shanghan Xuanjie* (Unraveling the Mystery of Shanghan)] Fifteen volumes. Not seen.
Abstract from the *Siku Quanshu*: *Shanghan Xuanjie*, fifteen volumes, written by Huang Yuanyu of the Qing Dynasty. The main idea of this book is that Zhang Ji of the Han Dynasty, because acupuncture techniques had been lost, wrote *Shanghan Lun* to treat external contraction diseases. Its principles follow those of Qibo, Huangdi, and Bian Que (Yueren); its methods adapt their acupuncture techniques. Establishing the Six Channels to treat cold damage follows the Six Qi. Creating decoctions and pills to treat contractions adheres to the Five Flavors. There are 83 chapters on pulse methods, 368 chapters on Six Channel manifestations, interior syndromes entering fu organs and zang organs, and mishandled diseases due to improper sweating, vomiting, or purging, 80 chapters on similar syndromes of external contractions and indications/contraindications for sweating, vomiting, and purging, totaling 537 chapters and 113 formulas. Since Wang Shuhe of the Jin Dynasty conflated warm diseases with cold damage, later printed editions introduced theories of transmission generating heat or interior cold, causing the true meaning of cold damage to be lost. Moreover, the text was often disordered. Therefore, he explained the pulse methods, detailed the meridians, examined constancy and variation, and distinguished indications and contraindications. All erroneous and chaotic old texts were corrected. At the end, he included a volume refuting Wang Shuhe's preface to correct its errors. His arguments were high-minded. Examining old versions of *Shanghan Lun*, Wang Shuhe's compilation had already disrupted the original order. Huang Yuanyu considered them erroneous texts, which is more grounded than his arbitrary revisions of *Suwen*, *Lingshu*, and *Nanjing*. However, whether he truly restored Zhang Ji's original text remains unverified.

[Dai Zhen's *Shanghan Lun Zhu* (Annotation of Shanghan Lun)] Not seen.
Note: Mentioned in *Yangzhou Huafang Lu*.

[Tang Qianqing's *Han Changsha Yuanben Shanghan Lun Zhushu* (Commentary and Sub-commentary on the Original Shanghan Lun of Han Changsha)] Not seen.
Note: Mentioned in *Wenfang Sikao*.

[Shen Jinao's *Shanghan Lun Gangmu* (Outline of Shanghan Lun)] Sixteen volumes. Extant.
General Rules state: This book follows the Six Channels of Three Yang and Three Yin, analyzing the clauses arising from each channel. Syndromes do not follow meridians but are analyzed by clauses; otherwise, similarities like headache across channels would be hard to distinguish. Conversely, merely following meridians without analyzing clauses makes it difficult for experts to understand at a glance. Thus, following meridians to analyze clauses is how this book was formed.
1. Zhang Zhongjing's *Shanghan* book, after being tampered with by Wang Shuhe, had its Six Channel clauses arranged arbitrarily by commentators, lacking consistency. Only Ke Qin's (*Ke Shi*) *Shanghan Lun Zhu* provided reasonable basis for assigning clauses to the Six Channels. The *Gangmu* relies on Ke's version.
2. "Lun" refers to Zhang Zhongjing's *Shanghan Lun*. Those speaking after Zhongjing are also discussing *Shanghan Lun*.
3. "Gang" means the main thread. Since Zhongjing initiated the discourse on cold damage, he is the sole authority, and his treatise serves as the main thread.
4. "Mu" means elaboration. After Zhongjing's treatise, thousands of commentators existed, many biased, flawed, shallow, or mediocre. Thus, only selected excerpts from Wang Shuhe onwards are chosen for their precision and appropriateness as the sub-themes.
5. For each channel and clause, citing Zhongjing as the main thread is essential. If omissions occur, they are excluded if irrelevant or too similar to existing records. Overly lengthy clauses are summarized; readers should infer context and not blame for omissions.
6. Identical clauses across channels need not be repeated. Readers should cross-reference and not be rigid.
7. Preceding scholars' opinions are cited based on logical relevance or textual proximity, regardless of chronological distance.
8. Formula discussions from various schools are selected for their excellence, akin to selecting pearls and jade.

[Wu Yiluo's *Shanghan Fenjing* (Differentiating Channels in Shanghan)] Ten volumes. Extent.
General Rules state: Zhang Zhongjing's original text is profound, with inherent layers and transitions. I imitated Cheng Zi's method of interpreting poetry, arranging words and sentences meticulously, adding detailed notes to connect and clarify. The goal is clarity without forced interpretation.
1. Wang Shuhe's compilation mixed the general outline with details, making it hard to trace. Yu Jiayan first highlighted the outline, then detailed the sections, distributing 397 methods under the outline, excellently differentiating channels. Hence the title *Fenjing*.
2. Wang Shuhe's disordered compilation, erroneous prefaces, and mistakes in Lin Yi and Cheng Wuji's annotations are detailed in *Shanglun Pian*. This collection does not repeat them.

Abstract from the *Siku Quanshu*: *Shanghan Fenjing*, ten volumes, written by Wu Yiluo of the Qing Dynasty. This is the fifth of his medical works, revising Yu Jiayan's *Shanglun Pian*. It includes three chapters on Taiyang, three on Yangming, one on Taiyin, two on Shaoyin, one on Jueyin, three on Spring Warmth, one on Summer Heat, two on Pulse Methods, one on Various Formulas, one supplementing the *Zubing Lun*, and one on Autumn Dryness, totaling nineteen chapters.

[Zheng Zhongguang's *Shanghan Lun Tiaobian Xuzhu* (Continued Annotation of Clause-by-Clause Analysis of Shanghan Lun)] Twelve volumes. Not seen.
Abstract from the *Siku Quanshu*: *Shanghan Lun Tiaobian Xuzhu*, twelve volumes, written by Zheng Zhongguang of the Qing Dynasty. Zheng, courtesy name Zaixin, was from Shexian. During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, Fang Youzhi wrote *Shanghan Lun Tiaobian*, praised for its precision. Later, Yu Chang (Yu Jiayan) wrote *Shanglun Pian* based on it, Zhang Lu wrote *Shanghan Zuanchun*, and Cheng Jiaoqian wrote *Hou Tiaobian*. They developed each other's ideas but also differed. These books caused Fang's original version to fade. Zheng, a fellow townsman of Fang, took the original *Tiaobian*, deleted superfluous words, consulted Yu Chang and others, added his own insights, and named it *Xuzhu*. The title page retains Fang's name to honor the source.

[Shu Zhao's *Zai Chongding Shanghan Jizhu* (Re-revised Collected Annotations on Shanghan Lun)] Ten volumes. Extant.
Preface by the author states: Alas, medicine is difficult to discuss. Without understanding Zhang Zhongjing's book, one cannot speak of medicine. Yet this book is hard to comprehend. From the Han Dynasty to now, dozens of commentators have offered interpretations, mostly mixed in quality and none entirely adequate. Only Yu Jiayan of Xichang rose centuries later, clarifying and debating extensively, making the core meaning clear to the world. Yet shallow scholars often criticize it. Few truly understand Yu's work. I loved medical formulas in my youth but struggled to understand them. I met Master Luo Zishang in Nanchang, who received oral transmission directly from Yu Jiayan. He said, "I have kept the master's secrets for decades but have no disciple. Approaching eighty, time is short. I fear the transmission will be lost. I seek a worthy successor. You are sharp and determined, fitting my wish." He thus transmitted what he learned from Jiayan to me. I was startled, humbly accepted, and read the book. It was like opening eyes to the blind or removing shackles. Treatments proved effective wherever I went. However, although *Shanghan Lun* became clear through *Shanglun Pian*, many hidden meanings remained. Without oral transmission, few could fully grasp it. I dared not remain ignorant and cause harm. So, disregarding my inadequacy, I consulted hundreds of sources, verified with clinical cases, offered my partial understanding, supplemented and detailed them, exhausting my spirit for over ten years to compile this annotated edition. It was indeed difficult. Colleagues urged publication. Years passed, yet few pointed out my flaws. I remained unsatisfied. Knowing the difficulty, I refused to stop just because no one criticized me. I worked tirelessly, walking as if forgetting, sitting as if losing things, for ten years. My experience grew, my vision broadened, and my learning advanced with age. I revised the original print, deleting and adding, re-engraving it for the world. Another ten years passed. My experiences and validations became more accurate, leading to further revisions. Perhaps I now slightly grasp the essence and can face my colleagues without shame? Or am I like other commentators, failing to hit the mark? Thus, I reprint again to seek guidance from the wise, hoping for criticism to improve. I welcome it, fearing no further revisions or engraving costs. On the fifth day after New Year's Day of the first lunar month, Gengyin year (1770), Shu Zhao, student of Shenzhai, respectfully recorded.

General Rules state: Zhang Zhongjing's *Shanghan Lun* is indeed the essential classic of medicine. Due to war and fire, volumes were scattered and lost. What remains comes from oral transmission of contemporary readers, causing disordered chapters and incompleteness. Wang Shuhe, when materials were still available, failed to verify deeply, mixing forged texts into the compilation, causing Yin-Yang confusion and disorder. Generations followed without scrutiny. Yu Jiayan of Xichang began removing forgeries, restoring original texts, keeping only 360 clauses, and writing *Shanglun Pian*, clarifying methods, raising the net by its head绳, correcting the Six Channels orderly. Its principles are unsurpassed. Thus, this book follows its chapter structure strictly.
1. Yu Jiayan's *Shanglun* covers 397 methods but lacks the 113 formulas, leaving a regret. His disciple Xu Zhongke wrote *Yuanfang Faming* to address this, but it was not precise or detailed enough, and separating formulas made reading inconvenient. This book places original formulas under relevant clauses, expanding Xu's intent, collecting various commentaries to explain the rationale and naming of formulas, and detailing drug properties. It explains why certain drugs treat certain diseases and their suitability, aiding students to study treatments and formulas simultaneously without flipping pages.
2. This book is for beginners, avoiding flowery language. Superfluous essays by sages are omitted. Verbose texts are condensed; obscure meanings are clarified. Erroneous characters or jumbled sentences from later generations are corrected by reason. Though I am incompetent, compelled to assist sages and guide newcomers, saving lives requires this. Benevolent healers will understand.
3. Key points are marked with large circles. Pulse-syndrome correlations and comparisons have pointed circles. Profound insights have dense dots. Important points have connected circles. This facilitates quick review.
4. The manuscript was completed in Jiwu year, engraved in Gengwu year, re-engraved in Gengchen year, and now another decade has passed. With greater experience and certainty, I exerted full effort to revise again, adding details, deleting redundancy, and removing obsolete parts. Compared to previous editions, it is焕然一新 (brand new). Reprinting now, I hope for guidance from the wise.