禽也。由虫鱼部而移焉。橘柚附于果实。食盐附于光盐。生姜干姜。同归一说。至于鸡肠蘩蒌陆英蒴 。以类相
似从而附之。仍采陈藏器拾遗。李含光音义。或讨源于别本。或传效于医家。参而较之。辨其臧否。至如突屈白
旧说灰类。今是木根。天麻根解似赤箭。今又全异。去非取是。特立新条。自余刊正。不可悉数。下采众议。定
为印板。乃以白字为神农所说。黑字为名医所传。唐附今附。各加显注。详其解释。审其形性。证谬误而辨之
者。署为今注。考文记而述之者。又为今按。义既刊定。理亦详明。今以新旧药合九百八十三种。并目录二十一
卷。广
颁天下。传而行焉。
掌禹锡曰。开宝重定本草。开宝七年。诏以新定本草所释药类成有未允。又命刘翰马志等重详定。颇有增损。
仍命翰林学士李 知制诰王 扈蒙等重看详。凡神农所说。以白字别之。名医所传。即以黑字。并目录共二十一
卷。
〔掌氏（禹锡）等补注神农本草〕（旧脱神农二字。今据读书后志订补。）宋志二十卷目录一卷 佚
序曰。旧说本草经神农所作。而不经见。汉书艺文志亦无录焉。平帝纪云。元始五年。举天下通知方术本草
者。在所为驾轺传遣诣京师。楼护传称护少诵医经本草方术数十万言。本草之名。盖见于此。而英公李 等注引
班固叙黄帝内外经云。本草石之寒温。原疾病之深浅。此乃论经方之语。而无本草之名。惟梁七录载神农本草三
卷。推以为始。斯为失矣。或疑其间所载生出郡县。有后汉地名者。以为似张仲景华佗辈所为。是又不然也。淮
南子神农尝百草之滋味。一日而七十毒。由是医方兴焉。盖上世未有文本。师学相传。谓之本草。两汉以来。名
医益众。张机华佗辈始因古学。附以新说。通为编述。本草由是见于经录。然旧经才三卷。药止三百六十五种。
至梁陶隐居又进名医别录亦三百六十五种。因而注释。分为七卷。唐显庆中。监守卫长史苏恭又摭其差谬。表请
刊定。乃命司空英国公李世 等与恭参考得失。又增一百一十四种。分门部类。广为二十卷。世谓之唐本草。国
朝开宝中两诏医工刘翰道士马志等相与撰集。又取医家尝用有效者一百三十三种而附益之。仍命翰林学士卢多
逊李 王 扈蒙等重为刊定。乃有详定重定之目。并录板摹行。由此医者用药。遂知适从。而伪蜀孟昶。亦尝命
其学士
韩保升等以唐本图经参比为书。稍或增广。世谓之蜀本草。今亦用。行。是书自汉迄今甫千岁。其间三经撰着。
所增药六百余种。收采弥广。可谓大备。而知医者犹以为传行既久，后来讲求。浸多参校。近之所传颇亦漏略。
宜有纂录以备颐生殴疾之用。嘉 二年八月。有诏臣禹锡臣亿臣颂臣洞等再加校正。臣等亦既被命。遂更研核。
窃谓前世医工。原诊用药。随效辄记。遂至增多。概见诸书。浩博难究。虽屡加删定。而去取非一。或本经已载
而所述粗略。或俚俗尝用而大医未闻。向非因事详着。则遗散多矣。乃请因其疏牾。更为补注。应诸家医书药谱
所载物品功用。并从采掇。惟名近迂僻。类乎怪诞。则所不取。自饰经史百家。虽非方饵之急。其间或有参说药
验较然可据者。亦兼收载。务从该洽。以副诏意。凡名本草者。非一家。今以开宝重定本为正。其分布卷类。经
注杂糅。间以朱墨并从旧例。不复厘改。凡补注并据诸书所说其意义与旧文相参者。则从删削。以避重复。其旧
已着见而意有未完。后书复书亦具存之。欲详而易晓。仍每条并以朱书其端云。臣等谨按某书云某事。其别立
条者。解于其末云见某书。凡所引书。以唐蜀二本草为先。他书则以所着先后为次第。凡书旧名本草者。今所引
用。但着其所作人名曰某人。惟唐蜀本则曰唐本云蜀本云。凡字朱墨之别。所谓神农本经者。以朱字。名医因神
农旧条而有增补者。以墨字间于朱字。余所增者。皆别立条。并以墨字。凡陶隐居所进者。谓之名医别录。并以
其注附于末。凡显庆所增者。亦注其末。曰唐本先附。凡开宝所增者。亦注其末曰今附。凡今所增补旧经未有者。
于逐条后开列云新补。凡药旧分上中下三品。今之新补。难于详辨。但以类附见。如
绿矾次于矾石。山姜花次于豆蔻。 次于水杨之类是也。凡药有功用。本经未见。而旧注已曾引据。今之所增。
但涉相类。更不立条。并附本注之末。曰续注。如地衣附于垣衣。燕覆附于通草。马藻附于海藻之类是也。凡旧
注出于陶氏者。曰陶隐居云。出于显庆者。曰唐本注。出于开宝者。曰今注。其开宝考据传记者。别曰今按。
今详。又按。皆以朱字别于其端。凡药石本经已见而功用未备。今有所益者。亦附于本注之末。凡药有今世已尝
用而诸书未见。无所辨证者。如葫芦巴海带之类。则请从太医众论参议。别立为条。曰新定。旧药九百八十三种。
新补八十二种。附于注者不预焉。新定一十七种。总新旧一千八十二条。皆随类粗释。推以十五凡则补注之意可
见矣。旧着开宝英公陶氏三序。皆有义例所不可去。仍载于首篇云。
赵希弁曰。补注神农本草二十卷。上皇朝掌禹锡等补注。旧说本草经神农所作。而艺文志所不载。平帝纪诏
天下举通知方术本草者。本草之名。盖起于此。梁七录载神农本草三卷。书中有后汉郡县名。盖上世未着文本。
师学相传。至张机华佗。始为编述。嘉 初诏禹锡与林亿苏颂张洞等为之补注。以开宝本草及诸家参校。采拾遗
逸。判定新旧。药合一千八十二种。总二十卷。
〔苏氏（颂）图经本草〕读书后志二十卷目录一卷 佚
序曰。昔神农尝百草之滋味。以拯万民之疾苦。后世师祖。由是本草之学兴焉。汉魏以来。名医相继。传其
书者。则有吴普李当之药录。陶隐居苏恭等注解。国初两诏近臣总领上医兼集诸家之说。则有开宝重定本草。其
言药之良毒。性之寒温。味之甘苦。可谓备且详矣。然而五方物产。风气
异宜。名类既多。赝伪难别。以虺床当蘼无。以荠 乱人参。古人犹且患之。况今医师所用。皆出于市贾。市贾
所得。盖自山野之人随时采获。无复究其所从来。以此为疗。欲具中病。不亦远乎。昔唐永徽中删定本草之外。
复有图经相辅而行。图以载其形色。经以释其同异。而明皇御制又有天宝单方药图。皆所以叙物真滥。使人易知
原诊处方有所根据。二书失传且久。散落殆尽。虽鸿都秘府。亦无其本。天宝方书。但存一卷。类例粗见。本末
可寻。宜乎圣君哲辅。留意于搜辑也。先是诏命儒臣重校神农本草等凡八书。光禄卿直秘阁臣禹锡尚书祠部郎中
秘阁校理臣亿太常博士集贤校理臣颂殿中丞臣检光禄寺丞臣保衡相次被选。仍领医官秦宗古。朱有章等编绎累年。
既而补注本草成书奏御。又诏天下郡县图上所产药本。用永徽故事。重命编述。臣禹锡以谓考正群书。资众见则
其功易就。论著文本。出异手则其体不一。今天下绘事千名。其解说物类。皆据世医之所闻见。事有详略。言多
鄙陋。向非专一整比。缘饰以文。则前后不伦。披寻难晓。乃以臣颂向尝刻意此书。于是建言奏请。俾专撰述。
臣颂既被旨。则裒集众说。类聚诠次。粗有条目。其间玉石金土之名。草木虫鱼之别。有一物而杂出诸郡者。
有同名而形类全别者。则参用古今之说。互相发明。其 梗之细大。华实之荣落。虽与旧说相戾。并兼存之。崖
略不称。则稍援旧注以足成文意。注又不足。乃更旁引经史及方书小说。以条悉其本原。若陆英为蒴 花。则据
尔雅之训以言之。诸香本同。则用岭表录异以证之之类是也。生出郡县。则以本经为先。今时所宜次之。若菟丝
生朝鲜。今则出于冤句。奚犹生于少室。今乃来自三蜀之类是也。收采时月
有不同者。亦两存其说。若赤箭本经但着采根。今乃并取茎苗之类是也。生于外夷者。则据今传闻。或用书传所载。
若玉屑玉泉。今人但云玉出于于阗。不究所得之因。乃用平居诲行程记为质之类是也。药有上中下品。皆用本经
为次第。其性类相近。而人未的识。或出于远方。莫能形似者。但于前条附之。若溲疏附于枸杞。珀琥附于茯苓
之类是也。又古方书所载简而要者。昔人已述其明验。今世亦常用之。及今诸郡医工。所陈经效之药。皆并载其
方用。天宝一例也。自余书传所无。今医又不能解。则不敢以臆说浅见傅会其文。故但阙而不录。又有今医所用。
而旧经不载者。并以类次系于末卷。曰本经外类。其间功用尤着。与旧名附近者。次于逐条载之。若通脱次于木
通。石蛇次于石蟹之类是也。总二十卷。目录一卷。撰次甫就。将备亲览。恭惟主上以至仁浓德。函养生类。一
物失所。则为之恻然。且谓札瘥荐臻。四时代有。救恤之惠。无先医术。早岁屡敕近臣酬校岐黄内经。重定针艾
俞穴。或范金揭石。或镂板联丝。悯南方蛊惑之妖。于是作庆历普救方以赐之。思下民资用之阙。于是作简要济
众方以示之。今复广药谱之未备。图地产之所宜。物色万殊。指掌斯见。将使合和者得十全之效。饮饵者无未达
之疑。纳斯民于寿康。召和气于穹壤。太平之致。兹有助焉。臣学不该通。职预编述。仰奉宸旨。深愧寡闻。嘉
六年九月日朝奉郎太常博士充集贤校理新差知 州军州兼管内劝农及管勾开治沟洫河道事骑都尉借紫臣苏颂谨
上。
赵希弁曰。图经本草二十卷。目录一卷。上皇朝苏颂等撰。先是诏掌禹锡林亿等六人重校神农本草。累年成
书。奉御又诏郡县图上所产药本。用永徽故事。重命编述。于是颂
再与禹锡等裒集众说。类聚诠次。各有条目云。嘉 六年上。
李时珍曰。图经本草凡二十一卷。考证详明。颇有发挥。但图与说异。两不相应。或有图无说。或有物失图。
或说是图非。如江州菝 乃仙遗粮。滁州青木香乃兜铃根。俱混列图。棠球子即赤瓜木。天花粉即栝蒌根乃重出
条之类。亦其小小疏漏耳。颂字子容。同安人。举进士。哲宗朝位至丞相。封魏国公。
〔陈氏（承）重广补注神农本草〕二十三卷 佚
林希序曰。世所传云神农氏本草三卷。梁陶隐居离以为七。唐苏恭李 之徒又附益为二十卷。别图药形以为
经。其书略备矣。开宝中太祖皇帝命卢多逊等考验得失，增药尤多。号为开宝本草。仁宗皇帝嘉 初又使掌禹锡
林亿苏颂张洞为之补注。因唐图经别为绘画。复增药至千有余种。于是收拾遗逸。订正讹谬。刊在有司。布之天
下。其为寿养生人之术。无一不具。然世之医者。习故守陋。妄意穿凿。操数汤剂。幸而数中。自谓足以应无穷
之病。诘其论说。则漠然不知。顾本草与图经殆虚文耳。况偏州下邑。虽有愿见者。何所售之。阆中陈氏子承。
少好学。尤喜于医。该通诸家之说。尝患二书传者不博。而学人不兼有也。乃合为一。又附以古今论说。与己所
见闻。列为二十三卷。名曰重广补注神农本草。并图经书着其说。图见其形。一启帙而两得之。不待至乎殊方绝
域。山巅水涯。而品类万殊者。森在目前。譬夫谈舆地者观于职方。阅战具者之入武库也。承之先世为将相。欧
阳子所谓四世六公者。承其曾孙。少孤。奉其母江淮间。闭门蔬食以为养。君子称其孝。间有奇疾。众医HT 眙。
不知所出，承徐察其脉。曰当投某剂。某刻良愈。无不然者。然则承之学虽出于图书。而精识超绝。兹二者又安
能域之者。鬼臾区岐伯远矣。吾不得而知也。其视秦越人淳于仓公华佗辈为何如。识者当知之。元 七年四月朔。
左朝请大夫充天章阁待制知杭州军州事兼管内劝农事充南浙西路兵马钤辖兼提举本路兵马巡检公事上轻车都尉赐
紫金鱼袋长乐林希序。
李时珍曰。宋哲宗元 中。阆中医士陈承。合本草及图经二书为一。间缀数语。谓之别说。
〔唐氏（慎微）大观经史证类备急本草。〕（艺文略作证类本草。读书附志同书录作大观本草。）宋志三十
二卷 存
艾晟序曰。昔人有云天地间物。无非天地间用。信哉其言也。观本草所载。自玉石草木虫鱼果蔬。以至残衣
破革。飞尘聚垢。皆有可用以愈疾者。而神农旧经。止于三卷。药数百种而已。梁陶隐居因而倍之。唐苏恭李 之
徒又从而广焉。其书为稍备。逮及本朝开宝嘉 之间。尝诏儒臣论撰。收拾采摭。至于前人之所弃。与夫有名而
未用。已用而未载者。悉取而着于篇。其药之增多。遂至千有余种。庶乎无遗也。而世之医师方家。下至田父里
妪。犹时有以单方异品效见奇捷。而前书不载。世所未知者。类盖非一。故慎微因其见闻之所逮。博采而备载之。
于本草图经之外。又得药数百种。益以诸家方书。与夫经子传记。佛书道藏。凡该明乎物品功用者。各附于本药
之下。其为书三十一卷。目录一卷。六十余万言。名曰经史证类备急本草。察其为力亦勤矣。而其书不传。世罕
Bird-related medicinal materials. Transferred from the Insects and Fish section. Oranges and pomelos are attached to the Fruit category; salt is attached to the Light Salt category. Fresh ginger and dried ginger are classified under the same explanation. As for Ji Chang (Chicken Intestine), Fan Lou, Lu Ying, and Shuo Luo, they are appended due to categorical similarity. The *Shi Yi* (Supplementary Prescriptions) by Chen Cangqi and the *Yin Yi* (Phonetic Glosses) by Li Hanguang are still adopted. Some trace their origins to other editions, while others transmit efficacy through medical practitioners. By cross-referencing and comparing, their merits and faults are distinguished. For instance, Tu Qu Bai was traditionally considered a type of ash, but is now identified as a tree root; Tian Ma Gen (Caulis Gastrodiae) resembles Chi Jian (Rhizoma Gastrodiae) in some explanations, yet is now entirely different. Errors are discarded, correctness is selected, and new entries are specially established. The remaining corrections cannot be enumerated individually. Drawing upon various opinions, it is finalized for printing. White characters denote statements attributed to Shennong, while black characters denote transmissions by renowned physicians. Additions from the Tang Dynasty and contemporary additions are distinctly annotated. Explanations are detailed, and morphological and property characteristics are scrutinized. Those who verify errors and clarify them are marked as "Jin Zhu" (Contemporary Annotation); those who examine texts and records and elaborate on them are termed "Jin An" (Contemporary Commentary). With principles established and logic clarified, the old and new medicines are combined into 983 types, totaling twenty-one volumes including the table of contents. They are widely distributed throughout the realm for transmission and practice.
Zhang Yuxi stated: During the Kaibao era, the *Ben Cao* (Materia Medica) was re-evaluated. In the seventh year of Kaibao, an edict declared that the classification of medicines in the newly determined *Ben Cao* was not entirely appropriate. Liu Han and Ma Zhi were ordered to re-examine and revise it, resulting in significant additions and deletions. Linhan Academician Li Fang, Zhizhigao Wang You, and Humeng were also ordered to review it carefully. Statements attributed to Shennong are distinguished by white characters, while those transmitted by renowned physicians are in black characters. Including the table of contents, there are twenty-one volumes.
[Zhang (Yuxi) et al., Supplementary Annotations to the *Shennong Ben Cao*] (The original text omitted "Shennong"; corrected here based on *Dushu Houzhi*). Recorded in Song historical catalogs as twenty volumes with one volume of directory; extant status: lost.
Preface states: Old theories claim the *Ben Cao Jing* was authored by Shennong, but this is not found in canonical texts, nor is it recorded in the *Bibliography* of the *Book of Han*. The *Annals of Emperor Ping* records: In the fifth year of Yuanshi, individuals nationwide proficient in formulas and *Ben Cao* were summoned via light carriages to the capital. The *Biography of Lou Hu* mentions that Lou Hu recited hundreds of thousands of words regarding medical classics, *Ben Cao*, and formulas when young; the term "Ben Cao" likely appears here. However, annotations by Duke Yingguo Li Ji cite Ban Gu's preface to the *Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon*: "The cold and warm nature of herbs and minerals traces the depth of diseases." This discusses classical prescriptions but does not use the name "Ben Cao." Only the Liang Dynasty's *Qilu* records three volumes of *Shennong Ben Cao*, which is incorrectly regarded as the beginning. Some suspect that because place names from the Later Han appear in the text, it might have been composed by figures like Zhang Zhongjing or Hua Tuo; this is incorrect. The *Huainanzi* records that Shennong tasted the flavors of a hundred herbs, suffering seventy poisonings in one day, thus giving rise to medical formulas. Likely, in ancient times without written texts, knowledge was passed down orally among masters and disciples, called "Ben Cao." Since the Two Han dynasties, the number of renowned physicians increased. Figures like Zhang Ji and Hua Tuo began compiling ancient learning with new theories, leading to the inclusion of *Ben Cao* in bibliographic records. However, the old canon had only three volumes and 365 medicinal items. During the Liang Dynasty, Tao Hongjing added the *Bielu* (Separate Records) of renowned physicians, also containing 365 items, and provided annotations, dividing it into seven volumes. In the Xianqing era of the Tang Dynasty, Su Gong, Vice Director of the Imperial Guard, pointed out errors and requested revisions. Duke Yingguo Li Ji was ordered to collaborate with Su Gong to evaluate gains and losses, adding 114 items. Categorized and expanded into twenty volumes, known as the *Tang Ben Cao*. In the Kaibao era of our dynasty, two edicts commanded medical workers Liu Han and Daoist Ma Zhi to compile works, adding 133 effective items used by practitioners. Academicians Lu Duoxun, Li Fang, Wang You, and Humeng were ordered to finalize revisions. Thus, titles such as "Detailed Revision" and "Revised Edition" emerged, and woodblocks were cast for circulation. Physicians then knew which sources to follow. Meng Chang of Former Shu also ordered his scholars, including Han Baosheng, to compare the *Tang Ben Tu Jing* and create a book, slightly expanding it. Known as the *Shu Ben Cao*, it is currently in use. From the Han to the present, barely a millennium has passed. Three major compilations have occurred, adding over 600 medicinal items, making collection extensive and comprehensive. Yet, knowledgeable physicians still feel that after long circulation, subsequent research has led to many comparisons, and recent versions are somewhat incomplete. Compilation is needed for health preservation and disease treatment. In the second month of Jiayou, an edict commanded Ministers Yuxi, Yi, Song, and Dong to re-correct. Having received the order, we further studied and verified. We believe that past medical practitioners recorded treatments as they proved effective, leading to accumulation found in various books, which are vast and difficult to investigate. Although repeatedly revised, criteria varied. Some items in the classic were briefly described; some folk remedies were unknown to great physicians. Without detailed recording, much would be lost. Therefore, we request to supplement annotations based on existing omissions and contradictions. Functions of items recorded in various medical books and pharmacopoeias are collected. Names that are obscure or bizarre are excluded. Although quoting classics, history, and百家 schools is not urgent for prescriptions, if medicinal verification is clear, they are included to ensure comprehensiveness, fulfilling the imperial will. Various books titled *Ben Cao* exist; we take the Kaibao Revised Edition as the standard. Volume distribution follows old examples where text and notes are mixed, using red and black ink without changing the layout. Supplementary annotations are based on other books; if meanings overlap with old texts, they are deleted to avoid repetition. If old texts are incomplete but later books preserve them fully, both are kept for clarity. Each entry begins with red ink: "We respectfully note that Book X says..." Entries established separately explain references at the end. Citations prioritize Tang and Shu *Ben Caos*; others are ordered chronologically. For books formerly titled *Ben Cao*, authors are cited by name. For Tang and Shu editions, "Tang Ben says" or "Shu Ben says" is used. Red characters denote Shennong's original text; black characters interspersed indicate additions by renowned physicians to Shennong's old entries. Newly added items are separate entries in black. Tao Hongjing's contributions are named *Mingyi Biegu* (Separate Records of Renowned Physicians) with notes attached at the end. Xianqing additions are noted as "Tang Ben Xian Fu" (Previously Attached in Tang Ben). Kaibao additions are noted as "Jin Fu" (Currently Attached). Items newly supplemented not in the old canon are listed as "Xin Bu" (Newly Supplemented) after each entry. Old classifications into Upper, Middle, and Lower grades are difficult to apply to new supplements, so they are attached by category (e.g., Lv Fan below Fan Shi, Shan Jiang Hua below Dou Kou). If an item has functions not in the original but cited in old notes, and current additions are similar, no new entry is made; instead, it is attached to the old note as "Xu Zhu" (Continued Note) (e.g., Di Yi attached to Yuan Yi, Yan Fu attached to Tong Cao, Ma Zao attached to Hai Zao). Notes from Tao are cited as "Tao Yinju says"; from Xianqing as "Tang Ben Zhu"; from Kaibao as "Jin Zhu". Kaibao textual research is cited as "Jin An". Current detailed examinations start with red ink. If original functions are incomplete but current additions help, they are attached to the end of the original note. If modern usage exists but lacks textual evidence (e.g., Hulu Ba, Hai Dai), discussions among imperial physicians determine new entries called "Xin Ding" (Newly Determined). Totaling 983 old items, 82 newly supplemented (excluding those attached to notes), and 17 newly determined, the total is 1,082 entries. Brief explanations follow categories, illustrating the intent of supplementation through fifteen general rules. Prefaces by Kaibao, Yingguo, and Tao are preserved for their methodological value at the beginning.
Zhao Xibian stated: *Supplementary Annotations to Shennong Ben Cao*, twenty volumes. Compiled by Zhang Yuxi et al. during the reign of the former emperor. Old theory held *Ben Cao Jing* was by Shennong, unrecorded in *Yiwenzhi*. Emperor Ping's edict summoned experts, marking the origin of the name. Liang's *Qilu* recorded three volumes. Place names from Later Han suggest oral tradition before Zhang Zhongjing and Hua Tuo compiled them. Early Jiayou, an edict ordered Yuxi, Lin Yi, Su Song, and Zhang Dong to annotate, cross-referencing Kaibao *Ben Cao* and other works, collecting lost items, distinguishing old and new, totaling 1,082 medicinal types in twenty volumes.
[Su (Song) *Tu Jing Ben Cao*] Recorded in *Dushu Houzhi* as twenty volumes with one volume of directory; extant status: lost.
Preface states: Anciently, Shennong tasted a hundred herbs to save people from suffering. Descendants followed this ancestor, establishing the study of *Ben Cao*. Since Han and Wei, renowned physicians succeeded each other. Works transmitted include Wu Pu and Li Dang's *Yaolu*, and annotations by Tao Hongjing and Su Gong. Early in our dynasty, two edicts ordered close ministers and chief physicians to synthesize various schools' views, resulting in the *Kaibao Revised Ben Cao*. It detailed drug toxicity, thermal nature, and flavor thoroughly. However, products vary by region and climate. Many names and types make counterfeits hard to distinguish. Using Hui Chuang for Mi Wu, or Jini for Renshen, caused confusion even for ancients. Now, physicians use drugs from merchants, whose sources are wild gatherers without investigation. Treating with such drugs aims for accuracy but often misses the mark. In the Yonghui era of Tang, besides revising *Ben Cao*, *Tu Jing* (Illustrated Classics) accompanied it. Images showed shapes and colors; texts explained similarities and differences. Emperor Xuanzong also commissioned the *Tianbao Single Formula Medicine Map*. These helped identify authentic vs. fake substances, aiding diagnosis and prescription. Both books were lost long ago, scattered completely. Even imperial libraries lack originals. Only one volume of *Tianbao Fangshu* remains, showing rough categories. Sages should attend to collection. Previously, an edict ordered儒臣 (Confucian scholars) to reproof eight books including *Shennong Ben Cao*. Zhang Yuxi, Lin Yi, Su Song, Chen Jian, and Chen Baoheng were selected, along with medical officers Qin Zonggu and Zhu Youzhang, editing for years. Upon completion of the supplementary *Ben Cao*, an edict ordered all prefectures and counties to submit maps of local medicinal plants, following Yonghui precedents. Zhang Yuxi argued that correcting books requires collective wisdom, but writing requires individual style. With thousands of painters explaining species based on medical knowledge, descriptions varied in detail and quality. Special organization and literary refinement were needed. Su Song, having focused on this work, proposed to lead the writing. He collected views, categorized them, and established items. For items appearing in multiple commanderies or sharing names but differing in form, ancient and modern theories were compared. Branch sizes and flower/fruit changes conflicting with old theories were retained. Insufficient details were supplemented by old notes, classics, history, and novels. For example, Lu Ying as Shuo Luo flower relied on *Erya*; aromatic similarities used *Lingbiao Luyi*. Origins prioritized *Ben Cao*, then current suitability (e.g., Tusizi from Chaoxian now from Yuanju). Harvest times with variations were recorded doubly. Foreign items used current reports or texts (e.g., Jade from Khotan cited Pingjuhui's travelogue). Grading followed *Ben Cao*. Similar unidentified or distant items were attached to previous entries (e.g., Soushu attached to Gouqi, Pohu attached to Fuling). Concise ancient prescriptions with proven efficacy and current common use were recorded with formulas. Unverifiable modern uses absent from old texts were omitted. New items used today but missing from old canons were placed in the last volume as "Ben Cao Wai Lei" (External Category of Ben Cao), near related old names (e.g., Tongtuo near Mutong, Shishe near Shixie). Total twenty volumes, one directory. Just completed for imperial review. The Sovereign, with benevolent virtue, cares for all living things. Epidemics occur seasonally; medicine is the best relief. Early on, he ordered校勘 (collation) of *Huangdi Neijing* and acupuncture points. Pitying southern sorcery, he issued *Qingli Puji Fang*. Concerning people's lack of resources, he issued *Jianyao Jizhong Fang*. Now, expanding pharmacopoeia and mapping local products, diverse items are visible at a glance. This ensures perfect healing effects and removes doubts for consumers, bringing longevity and harmony, contributing to peace. I, lacking broad learning, participated in compilation. Receiving imperial decree, I fear my ignorance. Jiayou 6th Year, 9th Month, Day, Chaofeng Lang, Taichang Boshi, Jixian Xiaoli, newly appointed Prefect of [Place], etc., Su Song respectfully submits.
Zhao Xibian stated: *Tu Jing Ben Cao*, twenty volumes, one directory. Compiled by Su Song et al. during the reign of the former emperor. Previously, Zhang Yuxi and Lin Yi reproofed *Shennong Ben Cao* over years. Then, an edict ordered counties to map local drugs. Song collaborated with Yuxi to collect and categorize views, establishing items. Submitted in Jiayou 6th Year.
Li Shizhen stated: *Tu Jing Ben Cao* consists of twenty-one volumes. Textual research is detailed and insightful. However, images and descriptions do not match. Some images lack descriptions, some items lack images, or descriptions mismatch images. E.g., Babia from Jiangzhou is Xian Yiliang; Qingmuxiang from Chuzhou is Doulgingen. Both are confused in images. Tangqiuzi is Chiguamu; Tianhuafen is Gualougen, appearing as duplicate entries. These are minor omissions. Su Song, courtesy name Zirong, from Tong'an. Passed jinshi exams, reached Chancellor rank under Emperor Zhezong, ennobled as Duke of Wei.
[Chen (Cheng) *Zhong Guang Zhu Shi Shen Nong Ben Cao*] Twenty-three volumes; extant status: lost.
Lin Xi Preface states: World-transmitted versions say Shennong's *Ben Cao* had three volumes. Liang's Tao Hongjing separated it into seven. Tang's Su Gong and Li Ji added to twenty volumes. Separate images of drug forms served as classics. The book was roughly complete. In Kaibao, Emperor Taizu ordered Lu Duoxun et al. to verify gains and losses, adding many drugs, known as *Kaibao Ben Cao*. In early Jiayou, Emperor Renzong ordered Zhang Yuxi, Lin Yi, Su Song, and Zhang Dong to annotate. Based on Tang *Tu Jing*, paintings were added, increasing drugs to over a thousand. Lost items were collected, errors corrected, published by authorities, and distributed. It covers longevity and life-saving techniques comprehensively. However, modern doctors cling to old habits, making arbitrary deductions. Using a few decoctions that occasionally work, they claim sufficiency for infinite diseases. When questioned, they know nothing, considering *Ben Cao* and *Tu Jing* mere formalities. In remote areas, even those eager to see them cannot access them. Chen Cheng of Langzhong, young and studious, loved medicine, mastering various schools. Worried that the two books were not widely transmitted and scholars didn't possess both, he combined them, adding ancient and modern discussions and personal observations, into twenty-three volumes, titled *Zhong Guang Zhu Shi Shen Nong Ben Cao*. Combining *Tu Jing* text and images, one opens the book to gain both. No need to travel to remote mountains or rivers; myriad species are vividly present. Like reading geography from *Zhifang* or weapons from an armory. Chen's ancestors were generals and chancellors; he is the great-grandson of the "Six Dukes of Four Generations" praised by Ouyang Xiu. Orphaned young, he cared for his mother in Jianghuai, living frugally. Gentlemen praised his filial piety. Once, facing strange diseases baffling other doctors, Chen calmly examined pulses, prescribed specific formulas, and patients recovered promptly. His learning, though from books, shows exceptional insight. How could such skills be limited? He surpasses Guiyuqu and Qibo, whom I cannot know. How does he compare to Qin Yueren, Chunyu Cangong, and Hua Tuo? Those who understand will know. First day of the fourth month, Yuanyou 7th Year. Zuochaoqing Dafu, Tianzhangge Daizhi, Prefect of Hangzhou, etc., Lin Xi of Changle respectfully writes the preface.
Li Shizhen stated: During Emperor Zhezong's Yuanyou era, Chen Cheng, a medical practitioner from Langzhong, combined *Ben Cao* and *Tu Jing* into one book, adding brief comments called "Bieshuo".
[Tang (Shenwei) *Daguan Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao*] (Recorded as *Zheng Lei Ben Cao* in *Yiwelue* and *Dushu Fuzhi*; as *Daguan Ben Cao* in *Shulu Tiejing*). Recorded in Song catalogs as thirty-two volumes; extant status: extant.
Ai Sheng Preface states: It is said that everything in heaven and earth serves a purpose in heaven and earth. Indeed. *Ben Cao* records that from stones, woods, insects, fish, fruits, vegetables, to rags, dust, and dirt, all can cure diseases. Shennong's old canon had only three volumes and hundreds of items. Tao Hongjing doubled it. Tang's Su Gong and Li Ji expanded it further. The book became somewhat complete. During Kaibao and Jiayou eras of our dynasty,儒臣 were ordered to compile, collecting discarded items, unused named items, and used unrecorded items. Drug count rose to over a thousand, leaving little omission. Yet, physicians, farmers, and villagers still discover single formulas and rare items with miraculous effects not in previous books. Shenwei, based on his observations, collected extensively. Beyond *Ben Cao* and *Tu Jing*, he added hundreds of items. Supplementing with family prescriptions, classics, sub-classes, Buddhist and Daoist texts, detailing item functions, attaching each to its base drug. The book comprises thirty-one volumes, one directory, over 600,000 words, titled *Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao*. His effort was diligent. But the book did not survive, rarely seen in the world.