此寇氏衍义之舛谬。谓黄精即钩吻。旋花即山姜。乃陶氏别录之差讹。欧浆若胆草菜重出。掌氏之不审。天花栝
蒌。两处图形。苏氏之欠明。五倍子。耩虫窠也。而认为木实。大 草。田字草也。而指为浮萍。似兹之类。不
可枚陈。略摘一二。以见错误。若不类分品列。何以印定群疑。臣不揣猥愚，僭肆删述。重复者芟之。遗缺者补
之。如磨刀水、潦水。桑柴火、艾火、锁阳、山柰、土伏苓、番木鳖、金枯、樟脑、
蝎虎、狗蝇、白蜡、水蛇、狗宝、秋虫之类。并今方所用。而古本则无。三七、地罗、九师子、蜘蛛香、猪腰子、
勾金皮之类。皆方物土苴。而稗官不载。今增新药凡三百七十四种。类析旧本分为一十六部。虽非集成。实亦粗
备。有数名或散见各部。总标正名为纲。余各附释为目。正始也。次以集解辨疑正误。详其出产形状也。次以气
味主治附方。着其体用也。上自坟典。下至传奇。凡有相关。靡不收采。虽命医书。实该物理。我太祖高皇帝。
首设医院。重置医学。沛仁心仁术于九有之中。世宗肃皇帝既刻医方撰要。又刻卫生易简。蔼仁政仁声于率土之
远。伏愿皇帝陛下。体道守成。遵祖继志。当离明之正位。司考文之大权。留情民瘼。再修司命之书。特诏良臣。
着成昭代之典。治身以治天下。书当与日月争光。寿国以寿万民。臣不与草木同朽。臣不胜冀望屏营之至。臣建
元为此一得之愚。上于九重之览。或准行礼部。转发史馆采择。或行医院重修。父子衔恩。存殁以戴。臣无任瞻
天仰圣之至。万历二十四年十一月进呈。明史稿本传曰。李时珍。字东璧。蕲州人。读书不治经生业。独好医书。
医家本草。自神农所传。止三百六十五种。梁陶弘景所增。数亦如之。唐苏敬增一百一十四种。宋刘翰又增一百
二十种。至掌禹锡唐慎微辈。先后增补。合一千五百五十八种。时称大备。然品数既烦。名称多杂。或一物而析
为二三。或二物而混为一品。时珍病之。乃穷搜博采。芟烦补阙。历时三十年。阅书八百余家。稿三易而成本草
纲目一书。增药三百七十四种。厘为一十六部。合成五十二卷。首标正名为纲。余各附释为目。正始也。次以集
解辨疑正误。详其出产形色也。又次以气味主治附方。着其体用也。书成
将上之朝。而时珍遽卒。未几神宗诏修国史。购四方文籍。其子建元。以父遗表及是书来献。天子嘉之。命刊行
天下。自是士大夫家有其书。本草之学。始称集大成。时珍官楚王府奉祠正。子建中四川蓬溪知县。
四库全书提要曰。本草纲目五十二卷。明李时珍撰。时珍字东璧。蕲州人。官楚王府奉祠正。事迹具明史方
伎传。是编取神农以下诸家本草。荟粹成书。复者芟之。阙者补之。讹者纠之。凡一十六部。六十二类。一千八
百八十二种。每药标正名为纲。附释名为目。次以集解辨疑正误。次以气味主治附方。其分部之例。首水火。次
土。次金石。次草谷菜果木。次器服。次虫鳞介禽兽。终之以人。前有图三卷。又序例二卷。百病主治药二卷。
于阴阳标本。君臣佐使之论。最为详析。考诸家本草。旧有者一千五百一十八种。时珍所补者。又三百七十四种。
搜罗群籍。贯串百氏。自谓岁历三十。书采八百余家。稿凡三易。然后告成者。非虚语也。其书初刻于万历间。
王世贞为之序。其子建元又献之于朝。有进疏一篇。冠于卷首。至国朝顺治间钱塘吴毓昌重订付梓。于是业医者
。无不家有一编。明史方技传极称之。盖集本草之大成者。无过于此矣。
〔徐氏（升泰）本草正讹补遗〕未见
会稽县志曰。徐升泰字世平。理卿初之四世孙也。学醇数奇。屡困棘闱。一旦兴范公不能作相愿为良医之志。
由是博究金匮兰室之秘。及百家活人诸书。而于马莳素问发微。尤相深契。刀圭绪泽。起人所不能起。全越方赖。
视垣有年。升泰乃自谓手拯之及无几。曷若辑书寿世。施济大且远也。遂托言衰迈。坚辞诊视之召。梓逊言遍告。
唯一意着述
不朽业。今正讹补遗一书。补纲目本草所未备。其久大之学术。虽列方技。不愧儒林。
〔吴氏（毓昌）重订本草纲目〕二十卷 未见
杭州府志曰。吴毓昌字玉涵。以太学生。为内阁中书。重然诺。急友人难。兼善岐黄术。
〔何氏（镇）本草纲目必读类纂〕十二卷 存
自序曰。上古圣人。取草木疗民疾苦。辨其品类性味。传及后世。即炎帝尝草遇毒之遗编也。以所采多草根
木皮。故定名曰本草。其编在书契未备之先。而奕祀之立方济世者，实无不准乎此。若是乎本草既具。而详论以
济生者之不可无也。愚每究观本草。凡生植飞走。金石虫鱼。以及水火土灰。品汇万殊。无一不可以疗疾。则前
贤已定之药品。必当按其寒暖刚柔。审夫君臣佐使。斯无不立起沉 。奏效寿世矣。但学人苦其繁多。难以精悉。
兹特宗诸纲目。取主治与本草。删订而发明之。复将品物之殊类。区分而序列之。如草木之益人也多。故列之编
首。余则五谷菜蔬。为人生日用之需。亦可治病。以次及之。再则人为万物之灵。古人惟采剩余。他置勿用。兹
亦凛遵遗意。止列河车乳汁数种。又次及之。若禽兽鳞介。金石鱼虫诸类。各能奏功。又次第及之。既不欲繁。
又不敢略。编订成帙。题曰纲目类纂。后即附以济生邃论。家传效方。阐明圣贤之秘旨。备述前人之验方。体用
具备。纲举目张。简阅良便。僭名必读。不过欲为医学之一助。以共跻斯世于仁寿也云尔。知我罪我。亦乌敢置
喙云。康熙十一年。岁次壬子。嘉平月天腊节前一日。京江何镇培元氏题。
〔浦氏（士贞）夕庵读本草快编〕六卷 存
凡例曰。蕲水李氏父子。搜赜索隐。三易稿而始成。分类别部。皆有微意。首列水火土者。水火乃天地之
先。土为万物之母。次金石者。从土也。次草谷菜果木者。从微及巨也。次服器者。从草木也。次虫鱼介禽。终
以人者。从贱及贵也。予不敢紊。悉遵其旧。题曰读者。明非自撰之书。盖读纲目得其快。而拈出之者也。一诸
家所着。繁简不一。重复舛误。至纲目出。而析条有望洋之叹。难作枕中之宝。予因撮其要搅其华。删繁就约。
使览者若执烛之明。读者无鲁鱼之误矣。 一品类既多。分用不少。若一物别为数条。则愈滋其冗。今以本名。
统其同类。庶一目了然。如阿胶之统于驴。轻粉之统于汞。郁金之统于茂。海马之统于虾。更有同类而气味稍殊。
功用相仿者。则合为总论。如瓜、如蛇、如苔、如饭之类。盖取其简而可考。备而不琐也。
〔赵氏（学敏）本草纲目拾遗〕十卷 未见
（按上见于汇刻书目。）
〔缪氏（希雍）神农本草经疏〕明史二十卷（医藏目录。作十二卷。按明史二字当作三字。）存
自序曰。神农本草经者。古三坟之一也。其成于黄帝之世乎。观其尝药别味。对病主治。施之百世。无可逾
越。其为开天大圣。悯生民疾苦。于饮食衣服之外。复设针石药物。用拯夭札。俾得尽其天年。是已。原夫药之
生也。气禀于天。味成于地。性在其间。气为阳。味为阴。五味四气。各归其类。斯亲上亲下之义也。既述之以
本性。又制之以君臣，合之以佐使。以成其攻邪已疾之能。遂使无情之用。同诸有识。自非生而神灵。冥契万物
者。其孰能与于斯乎。去古滋远。民性滋漓。心识粗浮。莫能研精殚思。深入玄要。
而不察乎。即象即理。物物昭然。弭疾延年。功用自着。正以三坟之书。言大道也。言其然。而不言其所以然。
言亦象也。予因据经以疏义。缘义以致用。参互以尽其长，简误以防其失。而复详列病忌药忌。以别其微。条析
诸药。应病分门。以究其用。刊定七方十剂。以定其法。阐发五脏苦欲补泻。以畅其神。着论三十余首。以通
古今之变。始悉一经之趣。命之曰神农本草经疏。读之者。宜因疏以通经。因经以契往。俾炎黄之旨。晦而复明。
药物之生。利而罔害。乃余述疏意也。余生也晚。亲年已衰。得于禀者固薄。故少善病。长嗜方技，僻耽药妙。
顾念自昔仙人道士。靡不悉由药道。以济群生。加之友生协赞。后先不一。驯届耳顺。良友凋丧。百念灰冷。惟
兹一事。尚用婴怀。手所论著。裒然成帙。倘典则可师。幽隐可显。试用于世。有广来学。固所愿也。不敢必也。
采真同好。其相证诸。苏州府志曰。缪希雍字仲醇。常熟人。精医术。医经方书。靡不讨论。尤精本草之学。谓
古三坟之书。未经秦火者。独此而已。神农本经朱字。譬之六经也。名医增删别录。朱墨错互。譬之注疏也。
本经以经之。别录以纬之。作本草经疏。本草单方等书，抉摘岐轩未发之秘。为人电目戟髯。如遇羽人剑客。好
谈古今事成败。诚奇士也。
顾澄先题词曰。先生殚一生精力。发神圣千古之奥，以利万世。门人李季虬氏几经参录。悉以付新安吴康虞
氏。刻之金陵，未竟而遗焉。流传于知交者。西吴朱氏集而刻之。不及其半。然且序次弗伦。考核未审也。先生
以医为司命。一字有讹。遗祸无极。遂命澄先检其存稿若干卷。按部选类。汇得全帙。细复检阅。以为定本。凡
续序例二卷。药四
百九十味。用识年月。书此凡例云，天启五年。岁在乙丑。六月十有一日。松陵顾澄先谨识。
浦士贞曰。本草经疏。万历时虞山儒医缪希雍字仲淳号慕台撰。以一经附一疏。文本条达。然卓识者少。故
不见重于世。（读本草快编）
四库全书提要曰。神农本草经疏三十卷。明缪希雍撰。明史方技传。载希雍尝谓本草出于神农。譬之五经。
其后又复增补别录。譬之注疏。惜朱墨错互。乃沉研剖析。以本草为经。别录为纬。第本草单方一书行于世。而
不及此书。未审即是书否也。其书分本草为十部。首玉石。次草。次木。次人。次兽。次禽。次虫。次鱼。次果。
次米谷。次菜。皆以神农本经为主。而发明之。附以名家主治。药味禁忌。次序悉根据宋大观证类本草。部分混杂
者。为之移正。首为序例二卷。论三十余首。备列七方十剂。及古人用药之要。自序云。据经以疏义。缘义以致
用。参互以尽其长。简误以防其失。是也。考王懋 白田杂着。有用石膏辨一篇。篇末附记。极论是书多用石膏
之非。其说良是。至云缪仲淳以医名于近世。而其为经疏。议论甚多纰缪。前辈云。经疏出而本草亡。非过论也
。是则已甚之词矣。
〔徐氏（大椿）神农本草百种录〕一卷 存
自序曰。百物与人殊体。而人借以养生却病者。何也。盖天地亦物耳。惟其形体至大。则不能无生。其生人
也得其纯。其生动物也得其杂。其生植物也得其偏。顾人之所谓纯者。其初生之理然耳。及其感风寒暑湿之邪。
喜怒忧思之扰。而纯者遂漓。漓则气伤。气伤则形败。而物之杂者偏者。反能以其所得之性。补之救之。圣人知
其然也。思救人
必先知物。盖气不能违理。形不能违气。视色别味。察声辨臭。权轻重。度长短。审形之事也。测时令。详嗜好。
分盛衰。别土宜。求气之术也。形气得而性以得。往者物所生之理也。由是而立本草。制汤剂。以之治人。有余
泻之。不足补之。寒者热之。热者寒之。温者清之。清者温之。从者反治。逆者正治。或以类从。或以畏忌。各
矫其弊。以复于平。其始则异。其终则同。夫天地生之。圣人保之。造化之能。圣人半之。天地不能专也。汉末
张仲景金匮要略。及伤寒论中诸方，大半皆三代以前遗法。其用药之义。与本经吻合无间。审病施方。应验如响。
自唐以后。药性不明。方多自撰。如千金方外台秘要之属。执药治病。气性虽不相背。而变化已鲜。沿及宋元。
药品日增。性未研极。师心自用。谬误相仍。即用本经诸种。其精微妙义。多所遗漏。是以方不成方。药非其药。
间有效验。亦偶中而非可取必。良由本经之不讲故也。余窃悲焉。欲详为阐述。其如耳目所及无多。古今名实互
异。地土殊产。气味不同。且近世医人所不常用之药。无识别而收采者。更有殊能异性。义在隐微。一时难以
推测。若必尽全经。不免昧心诬圣。是以但择耳目所习见不疑。而理有可测者。共得百种。为之探本溯源。发其
所以然之义。使古圣立方治病之方。灼然可见。而其他则阙焉。后之君子。或可因之而悟其全。虽荒陋可嗤。而
敬慎足矜也。乾隆元年，岁在柔兆执徐。余月上弦。松陵徐大椿题于扬子江舟次。
四库全书提要曰。神农本草经百种录一卷。国朝徐大椿撰。大椿字灵胎。号洄溪。吴江人。世传神农本草经
三卷。载药三百六十五味。分上中下三品。今单行之本不传。惟见
于唐慎微本草所载。其刊本以阴文书者。皆其原文也。大椿以旧注但言其当然。不言其所以然。因于三品之中。
采掇一百种。备列经文。而推阐主治之义。有常用之药。而反不收入者。其凡例谓。辨明药性。使人不致误用。
This is the error in Kou Zongshi's (Kou Zongzhi) *Bencao Yanyi* (Supplement to Materia Medica). He stated that Huangjing (Polygonatum Rhizome) is Gougen (Gelsemium Root), and Xuanhua (Honeysuckle Vine) is Shanjiang (Zingiber Officinale var. Amplexicaule), which are mistakes from Tao Hongjing's (Tao Hongjing) *Bieming BieLu* (Additional Records of Famous Physicians). Oujiang (Ou Grass) and Danshao Cai (Bitter Vegetable) were duplicated, showing Zhang Yuxi's (Zhang Yuxi) lack of scrutiny; Tianhua (Flower of Trichosanthes) and Gualou (Trichosanthes Fruit) appeared with illustrations in two places, indicating Su Song's (Su Song) lack of clarity; Wubeizi (Gallnut) is the nest of the Piao Xiao insect, yet it was mistaken for a woody fruit; Da Cao (Large Grass) is Tian Zi Cao (Marsilea quadrifolia), yet it was identified as Fu Ping (Duckweed). Such examples cannot be listed one by one; I have briefly extracted one or two to reveal these errors. If items are not classified and listed, how can doubts be resolved? This subject, without presuming his own ignorance, rashly undertook editing and narration. Repetitive contents were deleted, and omissions were supplemented. Items such as Mo Dao Shui (Water for sharpening knives), Liao Shui (Rainwater), Sang Chai Huo (Mulberry fire), Ai Huo (Moxa fire), Suoyang (Cynomorium), Shannai (Kaempferia Galanga), Tu Fuling (Smilax Glabra Rhizome), Fan Mubie (Strychnos Nux-vomica), Jin Ku (Golden Withered?), Zhang Nao (Camphor), Xie Hu (Gecko), Gou Ying (Dog Fly), Bai La (White Wax), Shui She (Water Snake), Gou Bao (Dog Gallstone), Qiu Chong (Autumn Insect), etc., are all used in current prescriptions but were absent in ancient texts; Sanqi (Notoginseng), Di Luo (Earth Net?), Jiu Shi Zi (Nine Masters Lion?), Zhizhu Xiang (Spider Fragrance?), Zhu Yaozi (Pig Kidney?), Gou Jin Pi (Hook Gold Bark?), etc., are local specialties not recorded in unofficial histories. Now, three hundred and seventy-four new drugs have been added, and the old text has been classified into sixteen sections. Although not a complete compilation, it is roughly comprehensive. Drugs with multiple names scattered across various sections are summarized under their correct names as the main headings (Gang), with explanations attached as subheadings (Mu), to rectify the origin. Next comes "Jijie" (Collected Explanations) to resolve doubts and correct errors, detailing their place of origin and shape. Next comes "Qiwéi Zhuzhi" (Flavor, Property, and Indications) with attached prescriptions, elucidating their substance and function. From ancient classics to legends, anything related has been collected. Although named a medical book, it actually encompasses the principles of all things. Our founding Emperor Taizu first established hospitals and revived medical studies, spreading benevolence and skill throughout the realm. Emperor Shizong had already printed *Yifang Zhanyao* (Essentials of Medical Prescriptions) and *Weisheng Yijian* (Easy Methods for Health Preservation), extending benevolent governance far and wide. It is hoped that Your Majesty will embody the Way, maintain achievements, follow ancestral traditions, occupy the position of Li Ming (Brightness), wield the power of textual research, care for the people's hardships, and revise the books of life-saving arts. By specially ordering capable ministers to compile canonical works for this enlightened age, governing the world through self-cultivation, this book shall shine with the sun and moon, and prolong the nation to prolong the people's lives, so that this subject shall not rot with grass and trees. The subject expresses utmost hope and trepidation. Subject Li Jianyuan offers this humble insight for imperial consideration. Perhaps it may be submitted to the Ministry of Rites for transmission to the History Bureau for selection, or to the Hospital for revision. Father and son shall bear gratitude, living and deceased shall show devotion. The subject gazes up at Heaven and the Sage with utmost reverence. Presented in the eleventh month of the twenty-fourth year of Wanli.
The *Draft History of Ming* biography states: Li Shizhen (Li Shizhen), courtesy name Dongbi (Dongbi), was from Qizhou (Qizhou). He studied but did not pursue traditional scholarly careers, preferring only medical books. In medical materia medica, since Shennong (Shennong), there were only 365 species. Tao Hongjing (Tao Hongjing) of the Liang Dynasty added a similar number. Su Jing (Su Jing) of the Tang Dynasty added 114 species. Liu Han (Liu Han) of the Song Dynasty added another 120 species. By the time of Zhang Yuxi (Zhang Yuxi) and Tang Shenwei (Tang Shenwei), successive additions totaled 1,558 species, considered very complete at the time. However, the number of categories was cumbersome, and names were mixed. One item was sometimes split into two or three, or two items were confused as one. Li Shizhen was troubled by this, so he searched extensively, deleted redundancies, filled gaps, spent thirty years, read over 800 books, revised drafts three times, and completed the *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica). He added 374 drugs, organized them into 16 parts, totaling 52 volumes. Correct names were listed as main headings (Gang), with explanations as subheadings (Mu), to rectify origins. Collected explanations followed to resolve doubts and correct errors, detailing origins and appearances. Flavor, property, indications, and prescriptions came next, explaining substance and function. Before the book could be presented to court, Li Shizhen suddenly died. Shortly after, Emperor Shenzong ordered the compilation of national history and purchased texts from everywhere. His son, Li Jianyuan (Li Jianyuan), presented his father's memorial and this book. The Emperor appreciated this and ordered its publication nationwide. Thus, scholar-officials possessed this book, and materia medica scholarship began to be called a grand synthesis. Li Shizhen served as Director of Ceremonies in the Prince of Chu's mansion; his son Li Jianzhong (Li Jianzhong) served as Magistrate of Pengxi, Sichuan.
The *Siku Quanshu* (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries) Abstract states: *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica), 52 volumes, written by Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty. Li Shizhen, courtesy name Dongbi, was from Qizhou, serving as Director of Ceremonies in the Prince of Chu's mansion; his deeds are recorded in the *History of Ming: Biographies of Doctors*. This work compiles materia medica from Shennong onwards, deleting repetitions, supplementing omissions, and correcting errors. It comprises 16 parts, 62 categories, and 1,882 species. Each drug has its correct name as the main heading (Gang) and explanatory names as subheadings (Mu). Collected explanations follow to resolve doubts and correct errors, then flavor, property, indications, and prescriptions. The classification order begins with Water and Fire, then Earth, Metals and Stones, Herbs, Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Trees, Utensils and Clothing, Insects, Fish, Scales, Shells, Birds, Beasts, ending with Humans. There are three volumes of illustrations, two volumes of Preface and Examples, and two volumes on Medicines for Hundred Diseases. The discussions on Yin-Yang, Principal-Secondary, Sovereign-Assistant-Courier are particularly detailed. Examining previous materia medicas, 1,518 species existed previously, and Li Shizhen added 374. He gathered numerous sources, spanning hundreds of families, claiming thirty years of work, 800+ books consulted, and three draft revisions, which is not empty talk. First printed during the Wanli era, with a preface by Wang Shizhen (Wang Shizhen). His son Li Jianyuan presented it to court with an introductory memorial at the beginning. During the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, Wu Yuchang (Wu Yuchang) of Hangzhou re-edited and printed it, making it ubiquitous among practitioners. The *History of Ming* praises it highly as the ultimate synthesis of materia medica.
[Xu (Shengtai)'s *Bencao Zheng'e Buyi* (Correction and Supplement to Errors in Materia Medica)] Not seen.
*Huikui County Gazetteer* records: Xu Shengtai (Xu Shengtai), courtesy name Shiping (Shiping), was the fourth-generation descendant of Liqingchu. His learning was pure but fate erratic, failing repeatedly in examinations. Inspired by Fan Zhongyan's (Fan Zhongyan) wish to be a good physician if unable to be a chancellor, he studied secrets of *Jinkui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) and *Lan Shi Mi Fang* (Secret Formulas of the Orchid Chamber), and various life-saving books. He deeply resonated with Ma Shi's (Ma Shi) *Suwen Fa Wei* (Unveiling the Mystery of the Basic Questions). His medical skills were profound, saving those others could not, relying on him for the whole Yue region. Observing the wall for years, Xu Shengtai felt personal salvation was limited compared to compiling books to benefit the world. He feigned illness, declined consultations, announced his intent to write immortality, and focused solely on this work. The current *Zheng'e Buyi* supplements what *Gangmu* lacks. Its enduring academic value, though classified under medicine, rivals Confucian scholars.
[Wu (Yuchang)'s Re-edited *Bencao Gangmu*] 20 Volumes Not seen.
*Hangzhou Prefecture Gazetteer* records: Wu Yuchang (Wu Yuchang), courtesy name Yuhan (Yuhan), was a Imperial Student and Grand Secretary Mid-Level Official. He valued promises, helped friends in distress, and mastered Qi-Huang arts.
[He (Zhen)'s *Bencao Gangmu Bidu Leizuan* (Must-Read Compilation of Compendium of Materia Medica)] 12 Volumes Existing.
Preface says: Ancient sages used herbs to treat people's suffering, distinguishing categories and flavors, passed down as remnants of Shennong tasting herbs and encountering poison. Since roots and barks were gathered, it was named Bencao (Herbal Medicine). Compiled before writing was fully developed, generations prescribing based on it found it accurate. With Bencao established, detailed discussions for healing are essential. Studying Bencao, all plants, animals, minerals, insects, fish, water, fire, earth, ash—countless categories—can cure diseases. Previous medicines must be analyzed for cold/warm/hard/soft properties and Sovereign-Assistant-Courier roles to ensure immediate efficacy. However, learners struggle with complexity. Here, following *Gangmu*, extracting main indications and Bencao content, deleting and clarifying. Different categories are sequenced: Plants and Herbs first due to their benefit; then Grains and Vegetables for daily needs and disease treatment; then Humans, as spirits of all things, using only leftovers like Heche (Placenta) and Ru Zhi (Breast Milk); then Birds, Beasts, Fish, Insects, Minerals, each effective. Neither too繁 nor too sparse. Titled *Leizuan* (Compilation). Followed by deep theories on saving lives and family prescriptions, elucidating sage secrets and verifying past formulas. Substance and function complete, outline and details clear, convenient for reading. Named *Bidu* (Must-Read) merely to assist medicine and promote benevolence and longevity. Knowing me or blaming me, I dare not speak. Written on the day before Tianla Festival in the first month of Renzi year, 11th year of Kangxi, by He Zhen (He Zhen) Peiyuan of Jingjiang.
[Pu (Shizhen)'s *Xi'an Du Bencao Kuaibian* (Evening Studio Quick Reading of Materia Medica)] 6 Volumes Existing.
General Rules state: The Li father and son of Qishui searched deeply, revising drafts three times. Classification has subtle meaning. Water, Fire, Earth first as heaven/earth origins and mother of all things. Metals/Stones follow Earth. Herbs/Grains/Vegetables/Fruits/Trees follow from small to large. Clothing/Utensils follow Plants. Insects/Fish/Shells/Birds end with Humans, from low to noble. I dare not disrupt, following old rules. Titled "Reader" to indicate it is not original writing but extracted insights from *Gangmu*. Various authors vary in brevity and errors. *Gangmu* clarified complex items, avoiding overwhelming confusion. I summarized essentials, deleted redundancy, making viewing clear like holding a candle, preventing reading errors. Many categories and uses exist; splitting one item into many entries causes clutter. Now grouping by same name, e.g., Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) under Donkey, Qingfen (Calomel) under Mercury, Yujin (Turmeric) under Mugwort, Haima (Seahorse) under Shrimp. Similar items with slight flavor/function differences are combined in general discussions, e.g., Melon, Snake, Moss, Rice. Aimed at simplicity and comprehensiveness.
[Zhao (Xuemin)'s *Bencao Gangmu Shiyi* (Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica)] 10 Volumes Not seen.
(Note: Appears in compiled bibliography.)
[Miu (Xiyong)'s *Shennong Bencao Jing Shu* (Commentary on Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica)] Ming History 20 Volumes (Medical Catalog lists 12, Ming History 'two' should be 'three'). Existing.
Preface says: *Shennong Bencao Jing* is one of the ancient Three Tombs. Likely formed in Yellow Emperor's era. Tasting herbs, distinguishing flavors, treating diseases, applicable for centuries, unsurpassable. As a great sage pitying people's suffering, beyond food/clothing, setting needles/stones/drugs to save premature deaths, allowing full lifespan. Drugs originate: Qi from Heaven, Flavor from Earth, Nature in between. Qi is Yang, Flavor is Yin. Five Flavors and Four Qi return to their classes, reflecting hierarchy. Stating natural nature, regulating by Sovereign-Assistant-Courier to achieve evil-expelling and disease-curing ability. Making inert substances useful like sentient beings. Only those born spiritual and mysterious can achieve this. As antiquity recedes, people become superficial, unable to delve deep into mysteries. Observing phenomena reveals principles, curing diseases and延aging naturally. These books discuss the Great Way, stating "what" but not "why." Phenomena are also symbols. I use scripture to explain meaning, meaning to apply usage, cross-reference to maximize strengths, simplify errors to prevent losses. Detailed listing of disease/drug taboos to distinguish subtleties, categorizing drugs by disease to explore uses, defining Seven Forms and Ten Categories to set methods, elucidating Five Zang organs' desires/supplements/drainage to express spirit, writing 30+ essays to connect past and present. Understanding one classic's essence, naming it *Shennong Bencao Jing Shu*. Readers should use commentary to understand scripture, scripture to connect with ancients, making Yan-Huang teachings clear again, ensuring drug benefits without harm. This is my intent. Born late, parents aged, innate constitution thin, prone to illness young, loving medicine later. Reflecting on immortals using drugs to save masses, aided by friends, reaching sixty, friends dying, thoughts cooling, only this matter remains. Handwritten essays form a volume. If canonical and hidden revealed, tested in world, benefiting future learning, wished but not guaranteed. Fellow seekers, please verify.
*Suzhou Prefecture Gazetteer* records: Miu Xiyong (Miu Xiyong), courtesy name Zhongchun (Zhongchun), from Changshu. Mastered medicine, studied classics and prescriptions, especially Bencao. Believed *Shennong Bencao Jing* was the only pre-Qin text surviving burning. *Bencao Jing* red characters akin to Six Classics;名医增删别录 (Famous Doctors' Added Records) black/red mix akin to commentaries. Using Jing as warp and Bie Lu as weft, wrote *Bencao Jing Shu*. *Bencao Danfang* etc. uncovered Qi-Xuan secrets. Described as having electric eyes and bristling beard, like immortal swordsmen discussing history, truly a strange scholar.
Gu Chengxian's Inscription says: Mr. devoted his life to revealing sacred mysteries for future generations. Disciple Li Jiqiu recorded and gave to Wu Kangyu of Xin'an for printing in Jinling, unfinished. Circulated copies collected by Zhu of Xiwu, less than half, disordered and unverified. Medicine is life-saving; one error causes infinite disaster. Ordered Chengxian to check remaining manuscripts, select categories, compile complete volume, review carefully as definitive edition. Continued Preface/Examples 2 volumes, 490 drugs. Recorded date: 5th year of Tianqi, Yi Chou year, June 11, by Gu Chengxian of Songling.
Pu Shizhen says: *Bencao Jing Shu* written by Miu Xiyong (Miu Xiyong), courtesy name Zhongchun, pseudonym Mutai, a Confucian doctor from Yushan during Wanli era. Attached commentary to scripture, clear text, but few profound insights, thus not highly regarded. (*Xi'an Du Bencao Kuaibian*)
*Siku Quanshu* Abstract states: *Shennong Bencao Jing Shu* 30 volumes, Ming Miu Xiyong. *History of Ming* records Miu said Bencao from Shennong akin to Five Classics, later additions akin to commentaries, mixed red/black ink, so he analyzed deeply, using Bencao as Warp, Bie Lu as Weft. *Bencao Danfang* exists, but this book unknown if same. Divided Bencao into 10 parts: first Jade/Stones, then Herbs, Trees, Humans, Beasts, Birds, Insects, Fish, Fruits, Grains, Vegetables, all based on *Shennong Bencao Jing* with explanations. Attached famous doctors' indications and taboos, order based on Song Daguang *Zhenglei Bencao*, moving mixed parts. Preface/Examples 2 volumes, 30+ essays, Seven Forms/Ten Categories, ancient usage essentials. Preface: "Use scripture for meaning, meaning for application..." Correct. Wang Mao's *Baitian Za Zhuo* has "Gypsum Debate," criticizing excessive gypsum use in this book, valid point. Claiming "Commentary out, Bencao dies" is extreme.
[Xu (Dachun)'s *Shennong Bencao Baizhong Lu* (Record of Hundred Species from Shennong's Classic)] 1 Volume Existing.
Preface says: Hundred items differ from humans but aid life/disease. Heaven/Earth are also items. Large body implies life. Humans get purity, animals get mixture, plants get bias. Human purity is initial principle. Affected by wind/cold/dampness, emotions, purity becomes turbid. Turbidity injures Qi, Qi injury ruins Form. Impure/biased items compensate/save using their nature. Sages know this. Saving people requires knowing items. Qi follows reason, Form follows Qi. Observing color/flavor, sound/smell, weight/length, shape is examining form. Measuring seasons, preferences, strength/weakness, soil suitability is seeking Qi. Form/Qi obtained, Nature obtained. Past is generation principle. Thus Bencao established, decoctions made to treat humans. Excess drained, deficiency tonified, cold heated, hot cooled, warm cleared, cleared warmed, following/reversing treatment, similarity/fear avoidance, correcting biases to restore balance. Start different, end same. Heaven generates, Sages preserve. Creation's power, Sages half. Heaven cannot monopolize. Late Han Zhang Zhongjing's *Jinkui Yaolue* and *Shanghan Lun* mostly pre-three-dynasty methods. Drug meaning matches Jing perfectly. Diagnosing and prescribing yields immediate results. Post-Tang, drug nature unclear, formulas self-made, e.g., *Qianjin Fang*, *Waitai Miyao*. Holding drugs to treat disease, nature not opposed but changes rare. Song/Yuan, drugs increased, nature not fully studied, subjective errors persisted. Even Jing drugs missed subtle meanings. Formulas incomplete, drugs incorrect. Occasional success accidental. Due to neglect of Jing. I grieve, want to elaborate, but senses limited,古今名实互异 (names/facts differ古今), soil/products vary, flavors differ. Recent doctors don't use common drugs, no identification/collection. Special abilities/natures hidden, hard to predict. Insisting on full Jing insults sages blindly. So I chose 100 familiar, logical items, traced origins, explained reasons, making ancient prescriptions clear, leaving others blank. Future gentlemen may悟 (understand) the whole. Though humble, respect/prudence worthy. 1st Year Qianlong, Rou Zhao Zhi Xu, Moon rising, Xu Dachun (Xu Dachun) at Yangtze River boat.
*Siku Quanshu* Abstract states: *Shennong Bencao Baizhong Lu* 1 volume, Qing Xu Dachun. Xu Dachun, courtesy name Lingtai, pseudonym Huixi, from Wujiang. World-transmitted *Shennong Bencao Jing* 3 volumes, 365 drugs, Upper/Middle/Lower categories. Single text lost, seen in Tang Shenwei's *Bencao*. Printed editions with dark text are original. Xu Dachun noted old notes stated "how" not "why." Selected 100 from three categories, listed scriptures, expanded indication meanings. Common drugs excluded per General Rules: clarify nature to prevent misuse.