Library

*Shanghan Yijue Chuanjie* (Stringing Together the Secrets of Cold Damage) is a work compiled and edited by Mr. Chen Xiuyuan (Chen Nianzu), a native of Changle, in his later years. Regrettably, among the six chapters, one is still missing. Because it was not yet completed as a book, it was not ready for printing. His nephew and disciple, Chen Daozhe, possessed the demeanor of Lu Bian (referring to Lu Ren and Bian Que, legendary ancient physicians), and was a renowned doctor in Fujian. He was able to learn from his master's scholarship and inherit his master's aspirations. He daily handled and secretly treasured the manuscript. Furthermore, he comprehended the遗意 (left-behind intent) of his master and respectfully composed an additional chapter to fill the gap, thereby completing the six chapters and establishing the volume. Now, Master Xiuyuan has been deceased for some time, and his nephew Daozhe is also advanced in age. Mr. Lin Shouxuan of Fujian, who dedicated himself to preserving medicine for the benefit of the world, found a volume of *Ge Kejiu's Ten Divine Medicines Book* annotated by Master Xiuyuan in a second-hand bookstore, purchased it, and preserved it with care. Fearing that these two works might remain obscure and unappreciated, he carefully collated them and transcribed them rhythmically, wishing to preserve the fame of both masters and transmit their medical knowledge to posterity. At that time, I was appointed as the Governor-General of Fujian. My old illness recurred, and upon learning that Mr. Lin excelled in treatment, I often requested him to examine my condition. When discussing renowned doctors in Fujian, Mr. Lin cited Masters Chen Xiuyuan and Chen Daozhe as representatives. He respectfully showed me the *Ten Medical Books of Nanya Hall* authored by Master Xiuyuan. Moreover, I have always been skilled in caring for patients and had long been familiar with this book through reputation. Just then, Mr. Lin presented a handwritten copy of *Shanghan Yijue Chuanjie* and requested a preface from me. Though I am untalented, I diligently attend to my official duties and fear my abilities are insufficient to govern the world; how could I have leisure to discuss preserving medicine? However, *Chuanjie* indeed supplements what *Shanghan Qianzhu* (Cold Damage Light Notes) left incomplete, and thus should not fail to be transmitted. If combined with the annotations of *Ten Divine Medicines Book* and printed together, they might serve as a secret manual of the Qi-Huang school (Traditional Chinese Medicine). For those currently practicing Qi-Huang arts, if they can silently comprehend and carefully study, cross-referencing each other, the benefits will undoubtedly be substantial. I briefly write these few words at the beginning of the scroll based on the origin story described by Mr. Lin.

On the third day after the full moon in the ninth month of the Bingchen year of the Xianfeng era, Lv Sun, Governor-General of Fujian, wrote.

Previously, when compiling *Shanghan Qianzhu*, I included three hundred and ninety-seven methods. Based on these methods, I provided detailed explanations, aiming for clarity and ease of understanding. Yet, fearing that students might not achieve mastery and grasp the essential principles, I presumptuously synthesized and elaborated upon them, naming this work *Shanghan Yijue Chuanjie*. In distinguishing subtle and ambiguous points, I exerted considerable effort. Although I am old, do I dare claim to have "broken my arm three times" (an idiom meaning extensive experience leads to expertise)? Nevertheless, for those with ambition, if they can trace the threads and grasp the outline from this text, avoiding confusion by apparent similarities, it may well contribute to saving the nation and healing people.

Chen Nianzu (Courtesy name Xiuyuan) of Changle, Fujian, recorded this.