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Among all affairs in the world, diseases are the most complex and variable, yet their manifestation relies on physical signs; medicine is the most subtle and profound, yet its foundation rests upon medical principles. To attain ultimate precision and exhaustively understand variations, one must adhere to the principle of "perceiving the significant from the minute" (inferring the nature and development of things from subtle clues). Seeking principles based on physical forms particularly requires the effort of prudent reflection and clear discrimination. Therefore, when a pathogen resides in the skin and hair follicles (the superficial layer), Bian Que discussed its ease of treatment; when a disease occupies the *gaohuang* (a deep anatomical region between the heart diaphragm, implying a severe and difficult-to-treat condition), Qin Huan knew it would be hard to effect a cure. As for the extraordinary occurrences such as snakes appearing in Henei, otters walking in Hailing, Bo Zong transferring carbuncles to willow trees, and Qiufu needling ghosts in thatch, these are indeed examples of disease variations, but they also reflect the subtlety of medicine. Only by divinely comprehending and illuminating these can one naturally learn and transform them.

The medical path is boundless, beginning with Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo, reaching sainthood with Zhang Zhongjing, passed down through generations, producing numerous famous masters, with thousands of writings elucidating theories without omission. Descending to the present day, this way has declined. Some plagiarize superficial words, others stick rigidly to ancient methods; having casually read the *Bencao* (Materia Medica) and roughly memorized established prescriptions, they are blind in mind and obscure in vision. What was originally an art to save lives has turned into an instrument of killing. Alas, this is both sigh-worthy and fearful.

Chen Shouzhen of Minhou is a renowned physician today. He presented his work, *Erke Cuijing* (Essence Collection of Pediatrics), not disdainful of my shallowness, seeking a preface from me. Though I am untalented, having long served in health administration and holding key responsibilities, seeing the Great Wall daily crumbling, I worry deeply. I intend to lead the masses to follow the correct path, striving to rescue the people's livelihood and ensure everyone enters the realm of longevity. While I am in the midst of organizing these efforts, suddenly encountering this raft for saving the world, I have read it repeatedly, feeling immeasurable joy and comfort. I privately appreciate that naming it "Pediatrics" shows unique insight, and titling it "Cuijing" (Gathering Essence) reveals special understanding. It melts classical sage teachings, absorbing their essence, adopting famous quotes and key instructions, while discarding the dregs. It deeply embodies the true meaning of medicine, akin to truly observing pulse diagnosis. Having selected with precision, the language is also detailed. How is this different from obtaining treasures in the Dragon Palace? Is it not a copy from the Golden Cabinet (ancient repository of important texts)?

It is foreseeable that the stories of Su Dan curing epidemics and Chang Qu's well of orange bark will reappear; it will make Dong Feng's apricot grove more abundant for aiding the poor. Lu Xiangong's (Lu Zhi) righteousness lies in saving people, Fan Wenzheng's (Fan Zhongyan) ambition lies in benefiting the multitude. I know that the publication of this book likely reflects these intentions. Thus, the preface.

On the first day of the twelfth month of the 18th year of the Republic of China, Li Boren, Director of the Health Bureau of Hankou Special Municipality, wrote the preface.