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My fellow townsman, Mr. Qingyunge, was renowned as a distinguished Confucian scholar and an eminent official. In his leisure time from official duties, he practiced the arts of medicine inherited from Qi Bo and Huang Di (the Yellow Emperor). When he served in the central government ministries, people from the capital city came to his door one after another to inquire about prescriptions and seek diagnosis. He administered treatments with his medical skills, and all were cured immediately. In the Jiawu year of the Guangxu reign of the late Qing Dynasty, I went to the capital to attend the autumn imperial examination. Because a friend fell ill, I visited him. Mr. Qingyunge prescribed medication and diagnosed his pulse for my friend, curing the severe illness promptly. Alas, at that time I did not understand medicine; I only knew the efficacy of his treatments but did not comprehend the miraculous nature of his medical art.

This spring, when we initiated the establishment of the Chinese Medical Research Institute, it happened that Mr. Qingyunge had just returned from retirement. He was elected as the Honorary Director. All students of the institute were fortunate enough to receive his instruction, which was as beneficial as drinking the "water from the upper pool" (a metaphor for receiving guidance from a master physician or drinking miraculous water that restores life). Later, he showed me this book. Observing his elucidation of the *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Su Wen* (Basic Questions), and his emulation of Zhang Zhongjing (who served as Governor of Changsha), I realized how deeply he immersed himself in the works of ancient sages. Furthermore, by tracing back to previous dynasties and integrating contemporary practices, he devised plans suitable for both ancient and modern contexts. I understood that he read all books and was indeed a master who had gained profound experience through repeated practice (three broken limbs make a good physician). His heart to save the world was arduous, his desire to improve the skills of other physicians was urgent, and his dedication to transmitting the Dao was sincere. Regarding his vision for governing the state and treating individuals, who else could be his peer? Therefore, calling him a distinguished Confucian scholar is appropriate, calling him an eminent official is appropriate, and even calling him a famous doctor is equally fitting. Now, because the students of our institute requested the printing of the original book to serve as a bridge for future learners, I have added a few words to express my admiration and reverence.

Preface by Zhang Kuibin (Zeshan), Junior Scholar from Fushun County, Fengtian
The 15th day of the 9th lunar month, Autumn, Gui Chou Year (October 15, Republic of China Year 2)

I have been intoxicated with medicine for a long time. I observed that among human concerns, nothing is more important than life and property. However, if life does not exist, where can property attach itself? Thus, life is more important than property. Consider those who wished to preserve their lives at that time: without reading medical books, from where could they find the art of longevity? Since the Han and Tang dynasties, medical texts numbered no less than tens of thousands of volumes, complex and chaotic. Without guidance, who could identify the path to aspire to? Like crossing the sea and losing the ferry, one could only sigh at the vast ocean; like climbing a mountain and losing the trail, one desired to reach the peak but had no way to do so. Just as I was hesitating at a crossroads, I met Mr. Qingyunge. Discussing ancient and modern medical theories with him was like clouds parting to reveal the moon, or a rock splitting with a thunderous sound. He personally presented the book *Yixue Zaicui* (Essentials of Medicine). After reverently browsing it for a week, I changed my demeanor and bowed in admiration, wishing to enter his hall to study under him. From then on, I personally attended his lectures and carefully read his works. Regarding his writings on Cold Damage Diseases (*Shanghan*), lost paths were suddenly opened, and barren trails were newly cleared. He uncovered the secret insights of predecessors and obtained the true transmission of this Dao. It is truly a unique compilation never seen before in history. Regarding his writings on miscellaneous diseases, his arguments are concise and clear, and his selection of formulas is pure. He explores the origins of ancient learning and sets the direction for later generations, serving as a precious raft to ferry others across difficulties in the current era. As for books on drug properties, syndrome differentiation, and the four diagnostic methods, they are all analyzed in detail, showing people an easy path. Having obtained these books, I studied them morning and night, hoping to find the ultimate goal of entering the Dao and fulfilling my ambition to study medicine. What happiness in this life could surpass this? Now, coinciding with the reprinting of this book by the Medical Research Institute, I venture to add a few words to the beginning, hoping it will last for a long time. Thus, I write this preface.

Respectfully written by Student Shu Ming
July, Republic of China Year 4