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The first principle is that this book aims to popularize common knowledge of pediatric medicine. As long as a copy is kept at home and read and memorized, one can grasp the essential way to protect infants' health and seek medical help.

Pediatric diseases and syndromes are divided into thirty-six categories. Each category begins with a detailed explanation, followed by a classification of each syndrome and an investigation into the causes of each disease. Medication should be prescribed according to the syndrome without resorting to other methods. Although ancient prescriptions are invaluable, those treatments that have proven effective like "a drumstick striking a drum" (immediate effect) based on decades of clinical experience must not fail to be recorded in this book.

The theories regarding fetal protection and the formation of Zang-Fu organs in the general discussion are indispensable for parents. Do not doubt the signs indicating longevity or shortness of life, nor should you believe in the authenticity of the "Bianzheng" (periodic physiological changes in infant growth and development). These are insights that child-rearers should comprehend.

If an infant receives proper care after birth, they will be easier to raise and naturally avoid dangerous situations while entering a smooth path of growth. The syndromes listed in this section are quite detailed and sufficient for reference.

While various physical ailments in children are obvious, the color patterns of the five Zang organs reflected in facial features and orifices, the method of listening to the five sounds, the technique of examining finger veins (infant pulse diagnosis via the radial vein), how to palpate the pulse at one year old, and how to assess symptoms are all described in detail in the first few sections of this chapter, accompanied by diagrams and explanations for reference.

The six pathogenic factors—Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire—are most easily contracted by children. Each category has its distinctions; carefully reading the treatment protocols in each section will provide confidence.

When children catch Wind-Cold, it may be complicated by Food Stagnation, Heat, or Convulsion. It is not merely a simple contraction of the six pathogenic factors, and the treatment methods vary accordingly. Therefore, a separate category is established to clarify these points.

Children are particularly susceptible to epidemic diseases. Slight delays can lead to numerous complications. Since the etiology varies with time, this section lists epidemic fevers, plague-like illnesses, sand-rashes, Wind-Warmth, Summer-Warmth, Autumn epidemics, and Winter-Warmth, which are relatively easy to identify.

Convulsion is a critical syndrome in children. Although the name has been misused for a long time and is difficult to change, we retain the old name despite recognizing its inaccuracy. Specifically, Tian Gou (Heavenly Hook) and Nei Gou (Internal Hook) should not be called convulsions, nor should Slow Pi Wind (Chronic Spleen Wind). The key moment of syndrome differentiation allows no ambiguity.

It is trivial to say that laypeople often mistake epilepsy for convulsion. However, discussing epilepsy, apart from the syndrome of Epilepsy due to Convulsion, there are also syndromes of Yin-Epilepsy, Yang-Epilepsy, Wind-Phlegm, Food-Epilepsy, and the Five Zang organ epilepsies (Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney), all of which are detailed in this section.

Smallpox vaccination is simple and avoids the dangers of natural smallpox. The method is excellent, but there are specific precautions before and after vaccination. This section lists them item by item in an orderly manner. Even for natural smallpox cases where vaccination was not performed, the treatment cannot be neglected; thus, a special clause is added to cover the entire scope.

Measles has no vaccine and is a major unavoidable disease for children. The treatment protocols in this section are clear and detailed. Understanding this prevents panic and negligence. Rashes such as Saizhen (itchy rash) and Yinzhen (urticaria) differ significantly from typical exanthematous diseases like smallpox and measles; they are highlighted separately to show the distinction.

Infantile cholera differs significantly from ordinary occasional vomiting and diarrhea. It is not only different between dry cholera and wet cholera but also between diarrhea preceding vomiting and vomiting preceding diarrhea. Careful reading of this section will clarify these distinctions.

Infantile malnutrition (Gan Syndrome) is diverse and easily developed. Not only do the Five Zang organs and sensory orifices have names associated with Gan, but conditions like Gan-Heat, Gan-Thirst, Gan-Diarrhea, and Gan-Dysentery also possess the nature of Gan. Other types such as Wugu Gan, Dingxi Gan, and Bulu Gan require early prevention and preparation.

It is well known that malaria is milder than dysentery, and dysentery is more severe than malaria. However, malaria can be caused by Wind-Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, or Food, while dysentery can be Cold, Heat, Bloody, Jin Kou (closed mouth/difficulty swallowing), or Resting Dysentery. There are also seasonal dysentery and prolapse of the rectum due to dysentery, as well as sequences of dysentery followed by diarrhea or vice versa. All these are listed in their respective sections for readers to examine.

Pediatric hernia syndromes may be due to Cold, Damp-Heat combined with Cold, or congenital factors, including conditions like Yin Swelling and Intestinal Qi Hernia. This section details them one by one for study.

Pediatric strangury (Lin Syndrome) is common. This section divides it into Cold, Heat, Stone, and Blood types, providing treatment pathways based on these classifications.

Jaundice in children has Yin and Yang distinctions, which are self-evident. However, a slight difference requires observing not only external signs but also internal causes. This section explains these thoroughly.

Excessive loss of Phlegm, Blood, and Sweat is inadvisable in children. Phlegm can be Dry or Damp; blood loss can occur via nosebleed, vomiting, or urination/defecation; sweat can be spontaneous or night sweat. These are fully elaborated in their respective sections. Additionally, the Sweat section includes an external treatment method.

Cough is very common in children. If differentiated correctly as Lung-Cold, Lung-Heat, Food Stagnation, or Wind-Cold, it is relatively easy to treat. However, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) tends to be persistent and damages the Lungs. This section offers a simple treatment method for this condition, which is highly effective.

Asthma in children may result from Fire-Heat, Lung Deficiency, Wind-Cold, or Phlegm-Fluid Retention. If treated appropriately, these are not worrying. However, Ma Pi Feng (Horse Spleen Wind, a severe form of asthma) is acute and critical; delay can be fatal. Following the treatment methods in this section can turn danger into safety.

Occasional vomiting and diarrhea are common in children. Vomiting may stem from Food Injury, Milk Injury, Convulsion, Phlegm-Fluid, Deficiency, Excess, Cold, Heat, or Parasites. Diarrhea may stem from Milk Injury, Middle Jiao Cold, Spleen Deficiency, Umbilical Cold, Convulsion, or Water/Fire imbalance. All syndromes and treatments are detailed in their respective sections.

Food stagnation is mild, whereas mass accumulation (Pi Ji) is severe. They must not be treated indiscriminately, as this could lead to bodily deficiency without resolving the accumulation, causing danger. Referring to the treatment protocols in each section will ensure confidence.

Edema in children may affect the upper body, lower body, or the whole body, and is classified as Yang Edema or Yin Edema. Careful identification is necessary to avoid errors. Additionally, Qi Deficiency Edema should not be mistaken for regular edema; it is appended to the end of this section for emphasis.

Abdominal distension in children should not be taken for granted. It must be differentiated into Deficiency, Excess, Cold, and Heat. Deficiency may combine with Cold, Excess with Heat, and True Cold may mimic Heat, while True Heat may mimic Cold. Clear recognition is crucial. Reading this section will make the syndrome differentiation clear at a glance.

The Three Xiao (Consumption) syndromes in children are: Upper Xiao (Thirst/Polydipsia), Middle Xiao (Hunger/Polyphagia), and Lower Xiao (Turbidity/Polyuria). Early treatment prevents progression from Upper Xiao to Middle and Lower Xiao, ensuring recovery.

Pediatric headache differs from adults, primarily involving Wind-Cold and Internal Heat. Although other syndromes are rare in children, they are described in this section for research purposes in the introductory paragraph.

Abdominal pain in children is generally caused by Food Injury, Cold Invasion, Parasites, or a combination of Internal Food Stagnation and External Cold. Parasite accumulation is the most critical. Treatment should not only stop pain and eliminate parasites but also strengthen the Spleen Earth to prevent recurrence.

The Miscellaneous Syndromes section is comprehensive, collecting cases not belonging to other specialized categories to fill gaps. Nine external treatment methods are included to assist internal medication. These are simple, quick, beneficial, and harmless, so they are appended after the Miscellaneous Syndromes section for convenience.

In cases of accidental ingestion of incompatible herbs (Anti-drugs), rescue methods are provided to ensure safety, appended after the external treatment methods.

All prescriptions listed in this book are derived from years of experience. For any disease, appropriate medicines can be selected, aiming for precise efficacy without excess. Pediatric diseases are complex; as long as the syndrome and medication are correct, illness can be resolved. With sincere intentions, I hope experts will correct any shortcomings. Readers are asked to understand.