Library

*Senzei Iwa* (Conversations of Ancient Physicians), in two volumes, upper and lower, was written by Asada Sohaku (Asada Souetsu), a native of Shinano, Japan. According to the records of the Wenyuan Pavilion, there are ninety-seven medical works comprising one thousand five hundred and thirty-nine volumes. Additionally, ninety-four works comprising six hundred and eighty-one volumes are listed in the "Catalogue of Retained Titles" (books recorded but not fully included). These texts cover the qi and nature of internal and external medicines, as well as the auxiliary and guiding agents in prescriptions, leaving nothing out. However, none had compiled medical discussions into the genre of "Iwa" (conversations/remarks). The existence of medical "Iwa" actually began with Sohaku.

Medicine relies on mental perception and insight. Diseases manifest in myriad ways, and there is no fixed method for physicians. Since the *Heji Jufang* (Prescriptions of the Bureau of Harmony and Relief) exclusively advocated the use of drying, acrid, aromatic, and hot substances, Liu Shouzhen (Liu Wansu) countered this with cold and cool remedies. Later, Zhang Zihe (Zhang Congzheng) advocated treating all diseases through sweating, vomiting, and purgation methods. When Li Dongyuan rose to prominence, he emphasized consolidating the Spleen and Stomach. When Danxi (Zhu Zhenheng) emerged, he emphasized nourishing Yin. When Jingyue (Zhang Jiebin) wrote his works, he emphasized tonifying Yang.

The ancient masters devoted their minds to profound research, exhausting their lifelong efforts in their profession. When they followed their intuition and explored independently, they carefully examined the cold and heat of heavenly timing, the dryness and moisture of earthly conditions, the order or chaos of societal trends, and the strength or weakness of the human body. Once achieving sudden enlightenment, whether applying tonification or reduction, it was like a wise minister governing the state or a famous general commanding troops; every administration of treatment met with success. Their seemingly biased theories were all secrets uniquely obtained by them.

If one does not investigate the origins of these theories, but merely respectfully and rigidly adheres to the teachings of a single master, remaining inflexible and unable to adapt, what difference is there from carving a mark on the boat to find the sword? One would foolishly believe the sword is still there? Upon realizing ineffectiveness, one might then turn around and claim that ancient formulas are sufficient to mislead people. Figures such as Chen Qilong and Huang Yuanqing slandered the ancient sages without sparing any effort, which is perhaps overly cautious (or extreme). It is because the ancient physicians accumulated truth and power over long periods, thereby gaining unique insights. Even single words and short phrases contained subtle meanings flowing within them. Although involving certain biases, if scholars could leisurely absorb them, become thoroughly familiar with them, and then divinely comprehend them, their application would invariably be effective. How much more so for those discourses that are pure and refined?

This volume collects famous sayings, occasionally attaching comments, all of which are balanced and precise. It traces its origins back to Goto Kyozan. Kyozan was likely a proponent of the revivalist theory, while the final volume mostly records the discussions of Yoshitoyo Dodo (Kiyoshi Tōdō). Regarding the careful study of classics and the subtleties of application, particular attention is paid. This serves not only to display the methods of the ancients to others but also to show how to emulate them. Mr. Asada derived great benefit and exerted considerable effort here.

Japan's knowledge of Han medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine) came from Silla and Baekje, flourishing during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Later, the theories of Li Dongyuan and Zhu Danxi became widely prevalent. Danson Tomatsu claimed to advocate a return to antiquity, leading to the prosperity of medicine up to the present day. The works recorded in this book span from the Kōgen to Bunsei eras, covering thirteen individuals, selecting only those who were particularly renowned. Mr. Asada's personal name was Itsune, his pseudonym was Shishi, and another was Kurien. He served as a physician for the former Shogunate government but now lives in seclusion without holding office, famous for his medical skills across the five continents. He authored more than thirty medical books; this is one of them. Recently, while treating my illness, I had the opportunity to read his book. Upon my return, I intend to present it to the hospital to supplement the collection of precious texts in the Golden Casket and Stone Chamber (imperial library/archive).

Postscript and calligraphy by Huang Zunxian (Gongdu) of Lingnan, Leap Month of the First Year of Guangxu, Great Qing Dynasty.