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1. Regarding the general discussions of various diseases, the essential principles from the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) are excerpted to serve as the outline. This is followed by quotes from past renowned physicians that are worthy of emulation, occasionally supplemented with my own insights, to form complete sections, which are carefully placed at the head of each disease category.

2. Regarding pulse diagnosis methods, key statements from Wang Shuhe's *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) are excerpted. Where this work lacks content, quotes from the works of renowned physicians of past dynasties that are worthy of emulation are collected and appended.

3. Regarding treatment methods, they are detailed after the pulse diagnosis section. For Shanghan (Cold Damage), the theory of Zhang Zhongjing is strictly followed; for Neishang (Internal Injury), the theory of Li Dongyuan is strictly followed; for pediatrics, the theories of Qian Yi (Qian Zhongyang) are largely based upon; and for other diseases, the key aphorisms and prescribed formulas of Zhu Danxi are placed at the beginning. Subsequently, refined prescriptions from Liu Wansu, Zhang Yuansu, and Li Gao are selected and appended. Additionally, rational and ingenious formulas from other renowned physicians are collected and attached at the end for reference.

4. Methods orally transmitted and mentally instructed by my ancestors, as well as effective methods verified through my own years of experience, are not kept private but are all appended at the end of relevant items to be shared with others. If such content does not apply to a specific disease, it is omitted.

5. Cases of diseases treated over many years through trial and error, or cured by applying flexible modifications to standard treatments, are all appended at the end of relevant items, so that future learners may find them useful for selection and adoption. If none exist, they are omitted.

6. The collection and recording of established formulas from sages are intended merely to provide standards for junior learners. Learners should not rigidly adhere to ancient formulas to treat contemporary diseases. Therefore, Zhu Danxi's flexible approaches are recorded in detail after each item, intending to enable future learners to hold the mean while exercising discretion.

7. All methods of Zhu Danxi found in Lu Shi's *Zuanyao* are recorded without omission, adding rather than subtracting. However, Zhu Danxi's medical cases are not included, not out of aversion to complexity, but with the intention of compiling a book titled *Gujin Zhu Xian Yi An* (Medical Cases of Sages Ancient and Modern) by gathering verified cases from renowned physicians of past dynasties. Due to lack of time despite having the ambition, this is deferred to the future.

8. The dosages and weights in ancient formulas are often too large and difficult to rely upon for preparation. They are now all converted to smaller doses. For instance, if one prescription yields ten decoctions, and the original formula uses one liang of herbs, each decoction corresponds to only one qian. This follows the ratio of one-tenth, emulating Li Dongyuan's principle of combining all ingredients into a single dose, thereby facilitating convenient preparation for junior learners.

9. Where ancient formulas use the term "ju" (chewing/biting), it is now changed to "xi qie" (finely cutting), so that junior learners may understand it easily.

10. The processing and preparation of medicinal materials are not given separate chapters but are annotated in detail under the respective drugs in each item. Although this may seem tedious, it prevents careless individuals from overlooking details and causing harm.

11. When it says "one zhan" (cup) of water, it refers to the current white tea cup, approximately equivalent to half a jin (catty). Other measurements follow this analogy.

12. The fifty-one questions and answers on medicine are rhetorical devices I devised to elucidate the meaning that words cannot fully express the wisdom of the sages. They are written at the beginning of the volume for discussion with scholars. I dare not claim correctness, so I trouble you, esteemed scholars, to criticize and correct me, and do not mock my arrogance. This would be most fortunate.