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Luo Yangzhai (Hao) of Xin'an, in his *Yijing Yulun* (Supplementary Discussions on Medical Classics), stated: The theory of the "Four Great Masters of Medicine" originated in the Ming Dynasty, referring to Zhang, Liu, Li, and Zhu.
Later scholars identified "Zhang" as Zhang Zhongjing, not realizing that Zhang Zhongjing is the Sage among physicians, beyond the reach of later sages; moreover, since the eras were different, how could they be listed equally?
The so-called "Zhang" likely refers to Zhang Zihe (Zhang Congzheng).
Observing Danxi's (Zhu Zhenheng) *Maiyin Zhengzhi* (Diagnosis and Treatment Based on Pulse and Etiology), when encountering a specific syndrome, he invariably first lists the theories of Hejian (Liu Wansu), Dairen (Zhang Zihe), and Dongyuan (Li Gao), omitting others; his diagnosis and prescription formulation also did not exceed these three schools. This indicates that Danxi specifically regarded these three masters as paramount.
*Gezhi Yulun* (Supplementary Discussions on Investigating Things) expounds the principles of nourishing Yin, precisely elaborating upon what the previous three masters had not fully developed. Thus, for attacking pathogenic factors, Liu and Zhang can be revered; for nurturing vital energy, Li and Zhu have been exhaustive. All four were able to not blindly follow predecessors, but rather express their own insights. As they all belonged to the Jin and Yuan dynasties, the title of "Four Great Masters" arose from this.
This view is sufficient to correct errors transmitted for centuries.
(Bingzhang) Note: Regarding the Four Great Masters of the Jin and Yuan dynasties, it is correct to identify them as Liu Hejian, Zhang Zihe, Li Dongyuan, and Zhu Danxi.
Zhang Zhongjing is the ancestor who initiated the use of formulas to treat diseases and is the Sage of medicine; the Four Great Masters succeeded him in elucidating and developing his teachings, deserving the title of medical sages.
Furthermore, Zhang Zhongjing's theories embody the orthodox Way, without bias towards cold or heat.

He Shutian (Courtesy name Maocai, personal name Qiwei) of Qingpu resided at the foot of Beigan Mountain. He was skilled in poetry, and his family had a tradition of medical practice. He Shutian further refined his profession, gaining fame throughout the regions north and south of the Yangtze River.
When Lin Wenzhong Gong (Lin Zexu) served as Governor-General of Jiangsu, he suffered from *ruanjiao bing* (a disease characterized by weakness and softness of the legs/feet). He Shutian treated him successfully. In gratitude, Lin presented a couplet: "The true longevity guest who saves lives with Chrysanthemum Well water; the old poetic hero who compiles collections at Gan Mountain."
From then on, they became close friends. However, He maintained high moral integrity and never sought private favors. People respected him greatly.
(Bingzhang) Note: Master He followed the school of Ye Tianshi, demonstrating skillful adaptability. He authored *Yiyao Miaodi* (Wonderful Truths of Medicine and Pharmacy), three volumes. His prescriptions were derived from practical experience. His descriptions of disease origins and manifestations were based on reality. His methods for treating *xulao* (deficiency consumption) closely adhered to the core methods of Master Ye. His writing was concise yet profound, highly practical. (Bing) intends to publish it in the *Xubian Yixue Dacheng* (Continued Compilation of Comprehensive Medical Works).