Library

Xu Shuwei said, "When studying the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases), if one cannot extensively master various medical texts to elucidate their profound and hidden meanings, but instead rigidly adheres to a single book, I do not see how one can achieve success. In my early years, I followed family instructions to study the *Shanghan Lun*, occasionally receiving instruction from a few elderly sages. However, lacking exceptional talent, I possessed no innovative insights. Thus, I followed conventions and acted perfunctorily, grasping only the general outlines as a basis for clinical prescription. This has been more than twenty years in a rush. My only passion was collecting books; using my surplus income, I accumulated a considerable collection. Regarding the subject of cold damage alone, there were nearly forty families of commentaries. Due to busy affairs, I could not devote myself entirely to systematic analysis, merely browsing them when needed.

In the autumn of the Bingchen year, while lecturing on this text, I reflected on those who have annotated the *Shanghan Lun*. Some argue that one should strictly compare words and sentences within the original text, cross-referencing to clarify its intent, opening new perspectives, and dismissing later commentators' pedantic discussions as useless to medical practice. This approach may suit those with high-minded clarity. As for me, I believe that since the Song and Yuan dynasties, dozens of scholars have interpreted this work, exhausting their minds in deep investigation. Although their opinions varied and merits and faults coexisted, none failed to trace back to Zhang Zhongjing's academic origins. Alas! My talent and knowledge fall short of modern standards, let alone match the ancients. How could an individual's effort compare to leveraging the collective wisdom of dozens of sages over centuries? Therefore, amidst private and public duties, I arranged my stored books, examined each clause meticulously, consulted other texts, searched widely and deeply, and pondered silently. Following Xu's principle, I aimed to elucidate the profound meanings, resolve doubts in clinical practice, and ensure precise prescriptions. Thus, I compiled these notes into a book, primarily for teaching purposes. This is my aspiration; I do not fear criticism from the enlightened. The work consists of seven volumes and is titled *Shanghan Lun Ji Yi* (Collected Meanings of the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases). As the ancients said, revising drafts refines skill, and frequent sharpening improves artistry. Upon completion, I fear the selection may not be refined enough or might remain verbose, awaiting future deletion and refinement. Written at Zhishe on the 15th day of the second lunar month in the spring of the Genghe era, Danbo Yuanjian Lianfu."