Library

Mr. Chen Hui'an's family has practiced medicine for generations. This summer, I suffered from a severe illness, and Hui'an cured me with just a few doses of herbal medicine. This further convinced me that his learning had profound origins. One day, he showed me a book titled *Yixue Congzhong Lu* (Record of Following the Masses in Medicine) written by his grandfather, Mr. Xiu Yuan, saying, "This is my grandfather's collection of the essence of various schools of thought in his later years, reconciled to reach the most appropriate conclusions, which can serve as a guide for beginners. We intend to have it printed and published for the public. Would you be so kind as to write a few words of introduction?" I accepted and read the book. Its discussion of symptoms (Zheng, 症) explores their root causes; its pulse diagnosis (Mai Zhen, 脉诊) analyzes indications and contraindications; its prescription of herbs (Xia Yao, 下药) involves careful adjustment and modification; it adopts established methods from ancient masters while applying one's own judgment. Those who correct deviations do not go beyond its scope, and those who are narrow-minded gain enlightenment through it. Although named "Following the Masses," it actually serves as a bridge for the general public to cross over [to medical knowledge]. Mr. Xiu Yuan was originally a renowned scholar in our prefecture, famous for his eight-legged essays when he was a Xiucai (Xiao Lian, 孝廉), famous for his integrity when he served as an official, but ultimately famous for his medical skills. He saved countless lives during his lifetime and left books to benefit the world after his death. Hui'an inherited his grandfather's scholarly tradition and did not keep it as a secret treasure, which is worthy of admiration. Therefore, I respectfully wrote this preface.

Written in bow and respect by Lin Zhen of Jimen on the Double Ninth Festival of the Yisi Year of Daoguang.

"Not becoming a Grand Secretary but becoming a doctor" is the view that considers doctors noble. "A scholar studying medicine is like vegetables being chopped into mince" is the view that considers doctors base. The foundation of a doctor's study lies in the *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Su Wen* (Basic Questions), understanding the principles of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, using them to preserve oneself and protect others; it is inherently not a technique to be despised. However, those who specialize in medicine nowadays are mostly not well-rounded scholars; they merely memorize standard prescriptions, hoping for accidental success, catering to human sentiments, and using it as a means to make a living. This is self-debasement. I previously authored various medical books on the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet) and *Shang Han Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage), totaling hundreds of thousands of characters. Earlier, to treat deep-seated diseases among practitioners, I cited either the *Ling Shu*, *Su Wen*, or Zhang Zhongjing (Nanyang). Although I had the ambition to follow the classics, these were not practical methods for beginners, causing those afraid of difficulty to give up halfway. Meanwhile, charlatans skilled in deception established their own sects and schools, propagating their views widely. My earnest efforts to compile useful medical texts ultimately fell short. I observe that contemporary physicians, let alone those who do not study, even those who can read the works of the Eight Masters—Xue Lizhai, Wang Jin Tan, Zhao Yangkui, Zhang Jingyue, Zhang Shiwang, Li Shizhen, Li Shicai, and Yu Jiayan—are considered outstanding individuals worth conversing with. Although these eight masters may not fully align with the tenets of the *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon) and the methods of Master Zhang, their unique insights within their works are considerable. Here, I take what is commonly revered by the secular world, extract their famous quotes, record their formulas and treatments, condensing hundreds of thousands of characters into one or two formulas, and summarizing hundreds of words into one or two sentences. Even where there are occasional errors passed down or excessive assertions, I cross-reference other schools' views to reconcile them to the most appropriate conclusion. I titled it *Congzhong Lu* (Record of Following the Masses), making it simple, easy to understand, and highly applicable to current needs. This corresponds to the previously mentioned principle of "Concordant Treatment" (Cong Zhi, 从治): knowing that the patient's condition is deeply entrenched, direct treatment may be rejected by the body; thus, concordant treatment is more effective.

Inscribed by Chen Nianzu (Xiu Yuan) of Wuhang, Fujian, at Songshan Studio.