Library

I have never understood medicine; whenever I read medical texts, I often cannot finish a volume. This is not out of disregard, but because the Way of Medicine is profound, subtle, and intricate, beyond the grasp of superficial individuals to fathom by intuition, nor can it be attempted by an impetuous mind. Furthermore, I assess my own intelligence and capacity as insufficient to handle such matters. My only plan is to exercise restraint in daily routines and diet, to be cautious in distinguishing the Six Qi (Six Climate Factors) of the four seasons, thereby curbing desires, nurturing emotions, and following nature and destiny, entrusting my life to Heaven. As for discussing medicine, I dare not speak, truly respecting its difficulty and acknowledging its complexity.

Recalling my time in the capital, Mr. Chen Xiuyuan from Wuhang, a distinguished *Xiaolian* (Filial and Incorrupt Candidate), served as a magistrate in the Jifu region, where his medical reputation shook the capital. He once received orders to inspect disaster relief at Hengshan. Following severe flooding, epidemics broke out on a large scale. Mr. Chen collected over one hundred contemporary effective prescriptions, had them printed, and distributed them to physicians, instructing them to hire doctors according to these methods. Countless lives were saved through this benevolent heart and skillful practice; his beneficence was indeed extensive!

More than thirty years later, upon returning from the capital to participate in compiling the *Complete Gazetteer of Fujian*, I extensively collected writings from various authors. By then, Mr. Chen had passed away for several years. I obtained more than ten types of his published medical formula books. I listed their titles in the compilation. The unpublished manuscripts remaining in his family were successively printed and disseminated by his son, Linshi. His grandson, Hui'an, inherited his learning and mastered his profession. He took the remaining eight volumes of *Yixue Congzhong Lu* (Record of Medicine Following the Masses), proofread them, and submitted them for printing. Additionally, Mr. Lin Jimen requested me to write a preface. Having already lamented the difficulty of mastering medicine, how could I dare claim that practicing medicine is easy?

Nevertheless, as Mr. Chen stated in his own preface: "First, treat the incurable diseases of the physician himself." He also wrote: "This record is simple, convenient, and easy to understand, closely fitting practical needs. It is said that 'treating the healer' (correcting medical errors), proper governance is less effective than compliant governance." This implies that treating physicians must not use incorrect formulas, so that patients undergoing treatment do not harm their constitutions. This is precisely the benevolent practice of distributing prescriptions to guide physicians during his tenure as a magistrate. Although his words are stern, his intentions are sincere and arduous. The book is named *Congzhong* (Following the Masses/Popular Practice), not to pandering to the crowd, but to guide people toward what is appropriate, thereby preventing what is inappropriate. If one comprehends this principle, those who casually discuss medicine might deeply realize its difficulties and find the correct path, potentially seeing ease through difficulty. I wish readers will accept this book and read it thoroughly.

Preface by Wei Jingzhong of Dongyang Hezhai, in the ninth month of autumn, in the year Yisi (1845).