Library

The practice of medicine relies on mental comprehension and intuitive insight. Where the mind focuses, results often materialize as expected with accuracy. Medical literature is already abundant; since Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs to treat diseases, from Qibo's use of needles and knives (acupuncture and surgery), to Yi Yin's decoctions, through the Han and Tang dynasties, across Song, Yuan, and Ming, up to the present day, medical books have increased to over a thousand varieties. Their spiritual adaptability allows for flexible responses to changing circumstances. However, due to the vast number of volumes, learners are limited by their knowledge base; thus, achieving oral recitation combined with deep mental retention remains difficult, which explains why excellent editions of medical texts are hard to find.

Mr. He Shutian from Qingpu, originally a Confucian scholar, was proficient in the medical arts of Xuanyuan (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo. He authored the book *Yixue Miaodi* (Essential Insights into Medicine). The work is categorized into chapters, totaling seventy-six. Each chapter cites texts such as *Neijing* (Inner Canon), *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot), *Suwen* (Basic Questions), and various prescriptions from renowned masters, aiming to establish arguments based on profound foundations and unshakeable precision. Etiology and treatment methods are compiled into seven-character rhythmic verses, orderly and coherent. Following these are clauses detailing various symptoms, applicable formulas, and herbal medicines, supplemented by analytical discussions, presented with such clarity that they appear "as clear as eyebrows." It serves well as a textbook for family schools.

Chen Mosen, a junior military officer from Jiading, inherited his medical profession and had scholarly roots. He further studied under Mr. He's son, Ping Wengtongyou, mastering *Lingshu*, *Suwen*, and diverse schools of thought, having now acquired extensive experience ("three broken limbs make a good physician"). This book suffered significant loss during the military fires of the Gengshen year in the Xianfeng era. Chen Mosen cross-referenced and verified the text, filling in missing parts to restore the complete volume. For ten years, he has used this compilation to treat patients, consistently hitting the mark with high accuracy, truly making it a precious secret kept at one's pillow. Not wishing to keep it private, he prepared to have it printed by publishers and wrote to me requesting a preface.

I am generally unfamiliar with medical principles, spending my leisure time after official duties reading various prescription books to grasp only the basics. Now, observing this book, I find it concise yet comprehensive, essential yet not verbose. For beginners who study it diligently and think deeply, tracing its origins and exploring its depths will not be difficult, allowing them to grasp the subtle truths of *Linglan* (referring to *Linglan Midian Lun*) and appreciate the grand writings of *Jingui* (referring to *Jingui Yaolue*). Thus, I write this preface.

Preface by Wang Wenshao of Renhe, Zhejiang, Jinshi degree holder, Guanglu Daifu (Grand Master of Ceremonies) conferred by imperial decree, Head-rank First Class Hat, Grand Councilor, Minister of War, Right Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, Governor-General of Yunnan and Guizhou, at the Yunnan Provincial Administration Office, in the mid-autumn month of the Renchen year, the 18th year of Guangxu.