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(Wang) wrote. Master Sun of Jixian obtained the original manuscript of this book and esteemed it highly. In his leisure time from handling state financial affairs, he ordered officials to collate and correct it, recruited craftsmen to carve printing blocks, in order to widely disseminate this work. This is likely the intention of a benevolent person. Illnesses do not necessarily kill people, but medicines kill many. Yet doctors of the world no longer investigate the warming or cooling nature of drugs, nor the gradual or urgent efficacy, but arbitrarily add or subtract ingredients to treat diseases. Unfortunately, cases where patients become critically endangered occur frequently. Is this not different from holding a spear and stabbing someone while they are sitting or lying down? If one could study and reflect on this, writing books to explore its theories, using illustrations to verify medicinal substances, and examining prescriptions to seek their effects, then one would not need to taste seventy kinds of poisonous herbs to understand medicine, nor break one's arm three times to become a doctor. Thus, the dissemination of this book, its benefit to the world, is indeed extensive. Tang Shenwei surnamed Tang, was unknown as to where he was from. His book was transmitted, but his native place and clan lineage were lost, so they are not recorded here. On the first day of the tenth month of the second year of Daguang (1108 AD), Ai Sheng, Tongshi Lang, Acting County Magistrate of Renhe County, Hangzhou, and Manager of Educational Affairs, wrote the preface.

Zhao Yu Shi said: Tang Shenwei was from Jinyuan, Shuzhou. His family practiced medicine for generations. He was deeply versed in classical formulas and was well-known at the time. During the Yuanyou era, Li Duanbo invited him to reside in Chengdu. He once compiled *Jingshi Zhenglei Beiji Bencao* (Classified Materia Medica Based on Classics and Histories for Emergency Use) in thirty-two volumes, which circulated widely in the world. However, Ai Sheng's preface to his book stated that he did not know where Tang Shenwei was from; therefore, I have specially clarified his background. (From *Bin Tui Lu*)

Zhao Xibian said: *Zhenglei Bencao* (Classified Materia Medica) in thirty-two volumes was compiled by Tang Shenwei of the former dynasty. He combined two materia medica texts into one book and attached single prescriptions recorded in various books and histories to the end of their respective entries, making it extremely detailed and comprehensive.

Chen Zhen Sun said: *Daguang Bencao* (Daguang Materia Medica) in thirty-one volumes was written by Tang Shenwei, whose identity is unknown. The County Magistrate of Renhe County, Ai Sheng, wrote in the preface: The term "Bencao" (Materia Medica) first appeared in the *Book of Han*, specifically in the *Annals of Emperor Ping* and the *Biography of Lou Hu*. The original classic consisted of only one volume containing 365 types of drugs. Tao Hongjing added the *Bie Lu* (Supplementary Records) of Famous Doctors, also comprising 365 types, and annotated them into seven volumes. During the Xianqing era of the Tang Dynasty, 114 more types were added, expanding it to twenty volumes, known as *Tang Bencao* (Tang Materia Medica). During the Kaibao era, another 133 types were added. Meng Chang of Shu also made additions, known as *Shu Bencao* (Shu Materia Medica). During the Jiayou era, Zhang Yuxi, Lin Yi, and others re-collated and supplemented the annotations, distinguishing new and old drugs with red and black ink respectively. There were 1,082 types of new and old drugs in total, which was quite complete. Now, Tang Shenwei's classification has further additions, marking names and objects with black ink, though not excessively. Li Shizhen said: In the second year of Daguang under Emperor Huizong of Song, the Shu physician Tang Shenwei combined the Jiayou supplemented materia medica and the *Tu Jing Bencao* (Illustrated Materia Medica) into one book. He retrieved over 500 types of drugs omitted from the old editions of *Tang Bencao*, *Chen Cangqi Bencao*, and *Meng Xian Shiliao Bencao* (Meng Xian's Dietary Therapy Materia Medica), attaching them to their respective sections, and added five more. He also collected Lei Gong's processing methods, as well as theories from Tang dietary therapy and Chen Cangqi, appending incomplete records to each entry. He gathered ancient and modern single prescriptions and books from classics, histories, and various schools of thought, presenting them to the court, renaming it *Daguang Bencao*. Tang Shenwei had an unattractive appearance but possessed profound and broad learning. His merit lies in ensuring that various families of materia medica and single prescriptions for each drug would not be lost to history.

Note: My father once said: In the third year of Huangtong (Jin Dynasty), Yuwen Xuzhong wrote a postscript stating: During the Yuanyou era, when Yuwen Xuzhong was a child, his father suffered from a wind-toxin disease, which Tang Shenwei treated. Thus, it is clear that Tang Shenwei was a person during the reign of Emperor Zhezong. Li Dongbi (Li Shizhen) believed it was authored in the second year of Daguang, which is incorrect. Ai Sheng's preface claims ignorance of Tang Shenwei's origin; if they were contemporaries, how could he say such things? Currently, the first volume of *Zhenglei* contains a preface by Lin Xi, which was appended by Ai Sheng and is not part of Tang Shenwei's original work. *Benshi Fang* (Prescriptions from Personal Experience) records a prescription for treating hematemesis and consumption using a cutting herb, stating: A fellow townsman, Ai Fuxian, once narrated this story. He later compiled *Daguang Bencao* and included it in the collection. Ai Fuxian was likely the courtesy name of Ai Sheng.

*[Revised Zhenghe Jingshi Zhenglei Beiyong Bencao]* Thirty Volumes. Extant.

Cao Xiaozhong wrote the preface: The Six Canons of Zhou established the position of Physician within the Ministry of Heaven, gathering toxic drugs to serve medical affairs. Although this is a remnant of governance, it embodies the intent to love the people and cherish all living things. Sages cannot lag behind in this regard. Our dynasty promoted the writings of Shennong to healthily relieve the people. During the Jiayou era, Confucian scholars were twice ordered to illustrate and annotate the classics, explaining meanings and analyzing treatments in detail. However, with continuous prosperity and flourishing culture, scholars' knowledge expanded. Viewing previous books, there was still room for continuation and improvement. Tang Shenwei from Shu recently gained fame for his medical skills. Relying on old materia medica classics, he extended them with classified evidence. Beyond medical formulas, he drew extensively from classics, histories, Daoist scriptures, and even diverse scholarly opinions, collecting them comprehensively. Its principles are clear, and its reasoning is broad; readers can gain deep understanding. Due to my leisure service, I personally received the Imperial Decree stating that this book is indeed suitable for preservation and public benefit. I was then ordered by the Emperor to oversee the carving and writing, led by Chancellor Yang Jian, and subsequently tasked with correcting and polishing it. I admire Your Majesty's wisdom and benevolence, promoting longevity for the people, establishing schools to reform customs, and inviting rare prescriptions and skills from across the realm to compile the *Shengji Jing* for the benefit of future generations. Though unworthy, I hold this office with trepidation. *Zhenglei Bencao* is truly the summary of treating diseases, and being able to clarify and correct it is a great honor. Respecting the bright decree, I diligently studied day and night, removing redundancy and organizing chaos, striving to reach the truth. Errors in citations were corrected according to classics; vulgar characters were standardized using *Zishuo*; other transcription errors were corrected on the spot. Thousands of corrections were made, resulting in a complete work of over 600,000 words. I respectfully request the title *Zhenghe Newly Revised Jingshi Zhenglei Beiyong Bencao*. On the first day of the ninth month of the sixth year of Zhenghe (1116 AD), Cao Xiaozhong, Minister of Central Guard, Defender of Kangzhou, Director of Longde Palace, Supervisor of Medical Affairs for the Mingtang Construction Institute, Inner Physician, Supervisor of Compiling *Shengji Jing*, and Head of the Great Medical Academy, respectfully wrote the preface.

Yuwen Xuzhong wrote the postscript: Tang Shenwei, courtesy name Shen Yuan, was from Huayang, Chengdu. He had an unattractive appearance and spoke plainly, but his mind was extremely sharp. He cured diseases with near-perfect accuracy, diagnosing symptoms in just a few sentences; if questioned further, he would become angry and refuse to answer. He treated people regardless of status, going wherever summoned, regardless of weather. He treated scholars for free, asking only for famous prescriptions and secret records in return, which endeared him to scholars. Whenever he found a drug name or prescription theory in classics or histories, he recorded it for them, leading to the compilation of this book. Pu Zhuanzheng, Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, wanted to petition for an official rank for him based on executive privileges, but Tang refused. His two sons, aged five and eleven (names forgotten), and his son-in-law Zhang Zongshuo, courtesy name Yanlao, all inherited his art and became famous physicians in Chengdu. During the Yuanyou era, when Yuwen Xuzhong was a child, his father contracted a wind-toxin illness. Shen Yuan treated him miraculously. He also sealed a letter, instructing to open it on a specific date. When the illness recurred on that date, the letter contained three prescriptions: the first for recurrent wind-toxin, the second for wind-toxin attacking upward causing shortness of breath and wheezing. Following these prescriptions sequentially, he recovered in half a month. Such was his miraculous skill. Written on the fifteenth day of the ninth month of the third year of Huangtong (1143 AD) by Yuwen Xuzhong of Chengdu.

Ma Ge wrote the preface: Since ancient times, the methods of acupuncture and moxibustion regarding acupoints have not been widely transmitted, and few in later generations have mastered their subtleties. Thus, decoctions and pills became the primary means of treatment. Miraculous feats like intestinal surgery or bone knitting were considered separate arts, not belonging to the Shennong tradition. Only sages examine syndromes to formulate prescriptions, revealing drugs through prescriptions. Hence, the school of prescriptions flourished, yet the Shennong classics cannot be abandoned for a day. This book largely originates from Shennong. Since Shennong, various authors have written materia medica, including the *Tang Bencao* and *Shu Bencao*. By the Zhenghe era of Song, the Emperor cared for the people's lives, ordering renowned scholars and physicians to review various theories, create illustrations to verify the minute details of plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and animal/mineral forms, to distinguish genuine from fake drugs easily. Classification systems were established to differentiate regional characteristics, sovereign-minister-assistant-courier roles, flavors, thermal natures, and toxicity, making them easy to understand. The book became comprehensive and rigorous. The version circulating in the Central Plains was the Pang Family edition, which survived barely after wars, making it rare. Now, Mr. Zhang Weiqing of Pingyang, fearing its extinction, commissioned woodblock printing, based on the Pang edition and adding Kou Zongshi's *Yanyi* (Expanded Meaning). It is more complete than the old version. Upon completion, he asked me to write a preface. I believe life is precious, and medicine is urgent for health. Verifying drugs prevents confusion and misuse, which is the duty of Shennong's literature. Opening the book reveals everything clearly, like water reflecting shape or a bell responding to sound. Elderly care and child-rearing households should own a copy, let alone medical practitioners. Its discussions are profound, and works by Tao Hongjing and others since Tang and Song are complete. Are my words redundant? There are useless studies and books in the world. I commend Mr. Zhang's diligence and care for all beings, creating a beneficial book for posterity, unlike merchants seeking immediate profit. Therefore, I happily promote it. Mr. Zhang's given name is Cuihui, courtesy name Weiqing. On the full moon day of Mid-Autumn Festival in the Jiyou year (1249 AD), Ma Ge Xin zhi from Tie Xi wrote the preface.

Liu Qi wrote the postscript: Reading Shen Mingyuan's *Yujian*, I read that Fan Zhongyan, when humble, generously told friends: "I study books and the Way to become a prime minister, acting in accordance with the times to save the world's lives. If fate denies me this opportunity, I will read the Yellow Emperor's books and deeply investigate medical mysteries, which can also save people." I often repeated these words, admiring his ambition to benefit the world. Reading Su Shi's inscription on *Donggaozi Zhuan*: "The greatest joy is having no illness and no worries. I lack both. But seeing others enjoy this, how can I keep my joy? So I store good medicine everywhere and give it to those who ask, and especially enjoy brewing wine for guests." Someone asked: "You are healthy, why stock medicine? You don't drink, why brew wine? Why tire yourself for others?" I laughed and said: "When patients get medicine, I feel light; when drinkers get wine, I feel satisfied. Is it only for myself?" I often repeated these words, praising his benevolence. Alas! How vast was the mindset of ancient gentlemen! Scholars should dedicate themselves to benefiting others. In success, this means governing, promoting the virtuous, eliminating evil, and blessing the world. In failure, it means teaching locally, helping the needy, and healing illnesses. Ultimately, it must benefit society and people. Should one abandon the world because of lack of position? Medicine is a crucial personal matter with public benefit. As the saying goes: "One without constancy cannot practice witchcraft or medicine." Also: "Confucius was cautious about fasting, war, and illness. When Kang Zi gave him medicine, Confucius said, 'I do not understand it, so I dare not taste it.'" I argue that although medicine is considered a minor art in our tradition, not specialized by sages, abandoning it lacks benevolence and loyalty. Xu Shizi failed to taste medicine first, recorded in *Spring and Autumn Annals* as regicide. Thus, children must know medicine to avoid neglecting parents' illnesses. Our bodies receive qi from heaven and earth and form from parents. From youth to old age, we cultivate our nature. If we achieve our goals and bring harmony to the world, but fall ill and ignore treatment, leaving our fate to mediocre doctors, we cannot be called wise. Since Shennong, Yellow Emperor, Lei Gong, and Qibo, eminent ministers and talented doctors have studied medicine, such as Chunyu Yi and Zhang Zhongjing of Han, Ge Hong and Yin Hao of Jin, Chu Cheng of Qi, and Tao Hongjing of Liang. Lu Zhi of Tang compiled prescriptions in Zhongzhou, and the *Liangfang* of Su and Shen are still passed down. For us, studying this in spare time from orthodox learning is not useless. I was sickly since childhood and talked with doctors, so I have read medical books. In Huaichun, I copied a section of *Bencao*, identifying major drug properties, believing that understanding the nature and flavor of all things is essential for Confucians, as are dietary taboos, which is part of investigating principles. Later in Daliang, I read a fine copy of *Suwen* owned by Mr. Zhao, with his annotations, gaining much insight. After the turmoil, my old studies were neglected, and these books were lost. I used to say that in peaceful times, besides writing, I should focus on health preservation. This year, traveling to Pingshui, I met local Zhang Cunhui (Weiqing) and my friend Ge Lü Tangzuo, who said their family had republished *Zhenglei Bencao*, adding Kou Zongshi's *Yanyi*, forming a complete new book, and requested a preface. Thus, I wrote this postscript. On the full moon day of Mid-Autumn Festival in the Jiyou year, Liu Qi from Yunzhong. Printed in the winter of Bingwu year (1246 AD) at the Xu residence in Pingshui. Haiming Xuan Record states: This book has circulated for a long time, with variations among editions. Now, taking the best *Zhenglei* version as the base, adding more prescriptions from Kou's *Yanyi*. Previously attached *Benjing* and *Bielu* entries had numerical discrepancies, now corrected. Aliases are noted in common terms under directory entries for ease of recognition, e.g., Zaoxiu as Zihache, Jasu as Jingjie. Distorted images are redrawn based on observation, e.g., bamboo divided into Dan, Ku, Jin; salt methods ancient and modern. Character errors affecting meaning, such as Sheng/Dou/Ju/Dan/Shang/Xia/Qian/Shi/Wei/Mo, numbering thousands, are verified against other editions and books and corrected. Doubts are left blank for future scholars. The spine is widened for binding durability. Efforts and designs are too numerous to list, avoiding any negligence, differing significantly from the old version, hence titled "Revised". Wise men of the world will know the difference between old and new. Recorded carefully at Haiming Xuan on the Winter Solstice, Jiyou day of summer in the Jiazi year (1204 AD).

Tianlu Linlang Shumu states: *Revised Zhenghe Jingshi Zhenglei Beiyong Bencao*, two boxes, twenty-four volumes. The beginning of this book has a Jin Taihe Jiazi printing record, but no other preface. All prefaces from before Jiayou are contained in Volume One, titled "Preface Examples". The memorial presented by Yuxi et al. during Jiayou is listed at the end of the book, not in the volumes. The format is inconsistent, likely due to successive revisions in Song, Jin, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. According to Ma Duanlin's *Wenxian Tongkao*, *Zhenglei Bencao* is thirty-two volumes. Citing Chao Gongwu's *Dushu Zhi*, Tang Shenwei combined two materia medica into one book, attaching single prescriptions from various sources to the end of relevant entries. The "two materia medica" refer to *Buzhu Shennong Bencao* and *Tu Jing Bencao*, compiled by Zhang Yuxi et al. under imperial edict. *Buzhu* was presented early in Jiayou, *Tu Jing* late in Jiayou. This book records these two imperial orders at the back, revealing Tang Shenwei's source material. Mao Kun notes that the titles of Tang Shenwei's book vary. Chen Zhen Sun's *Shulu Jieti* records *Daguang Bencao* in thirty-one volumes, attributed to Tang Shenwei, with a preface by Ai Sheng of Renhe County, titled *Jingshi Zhenglei Bencao*, combining *Daguang Bencao* and *Zhenglei Bencao*. Ma Duanlin's *Wenxian Tongkao* lists *Daguang Bencao* (31 vols) first, then *Zhenglei Bencao* (32 vols), citing Ai Sheng's preface under *Daguang*, blurring the distinction. Only *Song Shi Yiwenzhi* directly lists *Daguang Jingshi Zhenglei Beij Bencao* (32 vols), merging the names. Most books mention only *Daguang*, never *Zhenghe*, citing either 32 or 31 volumes. This unique copy has 30 volumes, titled *Revised Zhenghe*, and uses "Beiyong" instead of "Beiji" found in *Song Shi*. Proven by the Jin Taihe Jiazi woodblock record, it was reprinted in Ming based on the Taihe edition, not the Song original, explaining volume and title differences. Furthermore, Yuwen Xuzhong's postscript explicitly states Tang Shenwei's name, courtesy name, hometown, medical skill, refusal of payment, and exchange for prescriptions, endearing him to scholars. Yet *Wenxian Tongkao* citing *Shulu Jieti* claims Tang Shenwei is unknown. Checking *Song Shi*, Yuwen Xuzhong (courtesy name Shutong) was from Huayang, Chengdu, passed jinshi in Daguang 3, served as Envoy to Jin in Jianyan 2, refused to return, held high offices in Jin, and was called "National Teacher" by Jin. Being from the same hometown, Yuwen knew Tang's details well. The book was revised under Zhenghe edict; the Daguang version was not final, hence retitled Zhenghe with 30 volumes. Yuwen went to Jin, cut off from Song, and his postscript was printed in Jin. Song people initially didn't see it, hence claiming Tang's origin was unknown.

Siku Quanshu Tiya states: *Zhenglei Bencao*, thirty volumes, written by Tang Shenwei of Song. Chen Zhen Sun's *Shulu Jieti* records this book in thirty volumes, named *Daguang Bencao*. Chao Gongwu's *Dushu Zhi* records *Zhenglei Bencao* in thirty-two volumes, also attributed to Tang Shenwei. Thus, two versions existed in Song. *Yuhai* records that on August 15, the 27th year of Shaoxing (1157 AD), Wang Jixian submitted a collated *Daguang Bencao* (32 vols) with pronunciation guide (1 vol), ordered by the Secretariat to be polished and printed by the Imperial Academy. Thus, an official edition existed in Southern Song, though original prints are lost. Two versions circulate today. One is a Ming Wanli Dingchou reprint of the Yuan Dade Renyin Zongwen Shuyuan edition, featuring Ai Sheng's preface from Daguang 2, calling it 31 volumes plus 1 volume of directory. This is likely what Chen saw, hence titled *Daguang Bencao*. The other is a Ming Chenghua Wuzi reprint of the Jin Taihe Jiazi Haiming Xuan edition, featuring Cao Xiaozhong's preface from Zhenghe 6, mentioning Emperor's decree, Yang Jian's supervision, and Cao's correction. The change to *Zhenghe Bencao* stems from this. They are essentially the same book. The end features Yuwen Xuzhong's postscript from Huangtong 3, detailing Tang Shenwei's life clearly. Likely after Jingkang, imperial libraries fell to Jin, so Chen Zhen Sun did not see this