Library

My friend, Master Bao Yushan, possessed outstanding natural endowment and had a fondness for reading, particularly dedicating himself to medicine. He explored all medical texts; regarding the arts of Qibo and Xuanyuan, as well as the collected works of famous physicians from ancient and modern times, he could immerse himself in careful investigation and silently seek their ultimate principles. Such dedication had continued for years. During this period, there were instances where doubt led to enlightenment, and enlightenment led to understanding. Thus, he extracted the main points and composed treatises, naming them *Yiyi Xiaocao* (A Small Grass on Healing Medicine). I have read through it thoroughly and secretly marveled at how this book by Master Bao could expound upon what predecessors had not yet revealed, and supplement what ancients had failed to achieve. If he had not had a profound understanding of the mechanisms of the Five Movements and Six Qi (Wuyun Liuqi), the similarities and differences among the Seven Emotions (Qiqing) and Nine Pulse Diagnoses (Jiuhou), as well as the deficiency and excess of Zang-Fu organs, the origins and courses of meridians, the transformations of Yin and Yang, and the circulation of Qi and Blood, and if his knowledge of formulas and herbs were not second-nature and his clinical experience not extensive, how could he be so precise, rigorous, detailed, and comprehensive without inviting criticism? Alas, through broad learning and detailed explanation, fully revealing the mysteries of medicine, he provides a basis for all future practitioners of medicine throughout the world. The merit of Master Bao is indeed significant. In my youth, I studied with him and was fully aware of his brilliant intellect and ambitious, sharp resolve. Since we parted ways, although I had dabbled somewhat in medical books, desiring to save lives through my skills, I felt my own scholarship was limited and declined the task of writing. Now, having read *Yiyi Xiaocao*, I am deeply gratified that Master Bao can heal both the people and the physicians themselves. It is evident that this book will spread rapidly without legs. Therefore, disregarding the elegance or clumsiness of the language, I joyfully compose this preface.

Written on the auspicious first day of the early summer of the Xin Chou year (1901), by your humble younger brother Chunyun Zhuoqing, bowing in respect.

The difficulty of practicing medicine—Sun Simiao must have known this best. When Sun Simiao wrote the *Qianjin Yaofang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), he stated: "Anyone wishing to become a great physician must be proficient in the *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot), *Suwen* (Basic Questions), *Jiayi Jing* (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), *Mingtang* (Bright Hall), *Liuzhu* (Flowing and Pouring), *Bencao* (Materia Medica), *Yao Dui* (Drug Pairs), as well as the classic prescriptions of Zhang Zhongjing, Wang Shuhe, Ruan, Fan, Zhang, Jin, and others. Furthermore, one must skillfully understand Yin-Yang destiny calculations, various physiognomy methods, tortoise shell divination (the five omens), and Zhouyi Liuren (Six Ren divination). Without these, one is like wandering at night without eyes, inevitably stumbling and falling." Is it not because the Way of medicine connects with creation and interacts with the waxing and waning of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, such that without such knowledge, one cannot fully accomplish the duties of medicine? The present era is far removed from the Tang Dynasty. Many of the arts mentioned by Sun Simiao are no longer transmitted, and many classic prescriptions are hard to find. However, over the thousand years since the Tang Dynasty, dozens of people have gained fame through medicine. These dozens of individuals each produced writings to establish their own schools of thought. Although right and wrong may be mixed within them, they generally represent the fruits of their lifelong hardships, offered up for posterity. Viewing this from today's perspective, the dryness and dampness differ between north and south, and innate constitutions vary across ancient and modern times. Clinging to a single theory might even prove fatal. Therefore, to respond to infinite changes without being constrained in application, it is clear that one must read widely and collect extensively to prepare for future use. Yet, among contemporary practitioners, some merely recognize basic herb properties. When patients visit, they do not even glance at classics such as the *Neijing* (Inner Canon), *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage), or *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), let alone ask about other subjects. Recent social trends favor simplicity and dislike complexity, which is generally true. Some base their teachings on their masters' doctrines or insights gained from daily practice, summarizing them briefly for display. This cannot be said to lack the intention of a benevolent person, nor is it inconvenient for those seeking quick results. Thus, the printing of Master Yushan's book seems inevitable. I met Yushan in a bookstore in Weiyang; we were not previously acquainted. Hearing that I had been unable to obtain Xia's prescription for rare diseases, he generously lent me his family's collection for copying. Consequently, he entrusted me with writing a preface for this book. Seeing how Yushan treats friends in this manner, how much more so must he be when treating illnesses and prescribing formulas? There are two books: *Yiyi Xiaocao* (A Small Grass on Healing Medicine), one volume, and *Youyi Zhilüe* (Brief Records of Wandering Arts), one volume. Yushan is in his prime; as he reads more and delves deeper into principles in the future, I know his writings will surely surpass what they are today.

Bowingly written by He Shenghuan of Wangjiang.