Library

I once served as the Left Historian (Zuoshi) and encountered a critical illness, nearing death. Wang Kuang (courtesy name Ziheng) from Kaocheng examined the prescriptions of various physicians and thereby saved my life. He then presented me with his compiled work, *Quansheng Fang* (Prescriptions for Preserving Life), which I stored away without having time to read. Later, when I was in charge of external edicts, I fell ill with a strange disease one day. After consulting with physicians who could not reach a consensus, Ziheng smiled and said, "Do not fear; this is recorded in my book. Consult this chapter; this disease should be treated with such-and-such medicine." Following the prescription, after two nights, my illness was completely cured, and I marveled at this. Upon returning to reside in Huainan, whenever I fell ill occasionally, I consulted only the book. When exiled to the Sanba region and relocated to the Baiyue lands, far removed from physicians, I received the book again. I wrote an introduction to elucidate its principles, stating: Its principles are direct yet profound, flexible yet coherent; its sections are clearly arranged while its meridians flow subtly beneath; its forms and colors are manifest, and its therapeutic methods are exquisite. Those who understand formulas can expand their wisdom through reading it; those who do not can still cure diseases by following the diagrams. It is truly a rare treasure for preserving health and a superior method for benefiting all beings. Its truths are not cumbersome, its words not wasteful. Although I am not an expert in medical arts, I find guidance here. Ziheng conducted his official duties with integrity; during times of social upheaval, he generously requested missions to distant frontiers. His writing of this book to benefit society and aid people extends beyond mere utility.
Wu Min, Preface

Those with greater virtue often harbor a heart that cherishes life; those with broader ambitions frequently feel an urgent need to establish teachings through writing. In ancient times, there was Yi Yin; later in the Han Dynasty, Zhang Ji appeared. They inherited and expounded upon the classics of Shennong and elucidated the Dao of Huangdi. Although medical skill reaches the subtlety of divine inspiration, it relies on wisdom and foresight as a prerequisite; although medicines achieve the merit of reviving the dead, they require refined processing to yield effects. Heaven does not discard any material, but humans must know its use; humans possess a constant mind, but only through the Dao can they know their destination. By concentrating the spirit and self-realization, one can discern principles in all encounters, thereby assisting the mechanisms of nature, fully comprehending the changes of Yin and Yang, deeply exploring the origins of creation, and extensively investigating the sources of life and death. Observing complexion and verifying physical signs allows one to naturally align with the logic of the moment; dissecting organs and analyzing internal states reveals essences difficult to transmit to future generations. Regarding decoctions removing pathogens and acupuncture stones reviving the dying, one must thoroughly study the properties and flavors of herbs and carefully consider the depth of treatment. Governance of disease lies in the roles of Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Courier; coordinating attacks relies on the support of Assistants and Guides. The circulation of formula books has a long history. Some people fail to deliberately research and pursue knowledge with single-minded devotion; when afflicted by pathogens and disease, they are helpless; when formulating treatments and prescriptions, they make errors. I privately mourn this situation. Therefore, I collected the remnants of ancient wisdom, categorized diseases and syndromes, distinguished between similar and doubtful cases, and determined their ultimate directions. With Yin and Yang clarified, and Deficiency and Excess verifiable, if one seeks treatment according to the diagrams, it is sufficient to resolve doubts and guide the lost. Although it may not revive the dead, it can surely support the危 and rescue the distressed. Thus, it is named *Quansheng Zhimi* (Preserving Life and Dispelling Confusion), to promote the Way of Great Ethics.
Wang Kuang (Courtesy Name Ziheng) of Kaocheng, Preface