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Medicine is a seemingly minor art, yet it possesses profound principles and heavy responsibilities, while being regarded as a lowly craft. In ancient times, the learning of great men aimed to govern the world and the state, ensuring that not a single person was left without receiving its benefits; (due to the complexity of affairs) they could not attend to every minute detail. Moreover, regarding diseases that are incurable, medicine cannot bring the dead back to life; does this not make the art appear insignificant? Nevertheless, when the sages of old treated diseases, they understood the laws of heaven and earth, investigated the source of life and nature, and clearly perceived the meridians (Jingluo), zang-fu organs, qi and blood, bones, and vessels. Then, they observed the cause of the disease and used herbs to expel pathogens and regulate the body. Within this process lies profound mystery and intuitive insight, which cannot be fully expressed in words; it seems to be intertwined with creation itself, making its principles indeed extremely refined. If the Dao is considered minor, then those with ambition will disdain to practice it; if the principles are too profound, then the ignorant will be unable to penetrate them. Nothing is more significant to humans than life and death. Princes, ministers, sage rulers, and heroes can turn the tide of history, but they cannot guarantee immunity from illness. Once ill, they must submit to the physician, with life and death at his disposal. The fate of an individual carries the weight of the world, and the lives of those upon whom the world relies hang in the balance of the physician's hands. This applies even more so to those relied upon by a nation or a family; thus, is not the responsibility immense? Yet, the physician himself lacks the noble status conferred by rank and salary, nor does he hold the authority of fathers, brothers, teachers, or guardians. Since he is not esteemed by society, and views his own role merely as a means to secure clothing and food, although humble in status and ready to respond to any call, is not this profession considered lowly? Because the responsibility is heavy, those who entrust their lives must find a great man; because the profession is lowly, those who engage in it are rarely extraordinary talents. Thus, the circumstances contradict each other, and the Dao easily falls into decline. In my youth, I had ambitions to thoroughly study the Classics, but relatives and friends suffered from illnesses for years, and many died. Consequently, I extensively studied medical texts, neglecting sleep and food. After several years, although I possessed no miraculous prescriptions to reverse death, I did acquire the learning of tracing origins and seeking roots. "Nine broken arms make a physician," a saying I still firmly believe. However, I secretly lament that since the Tang and Song dynasties, no Confucian scholars have revitalized this field, viewing it as a subordinate occupation, leading to hesitation and loss of transmission. The profound truths have been lost, and good methods perished together. I am deeply grieved, fearing that henceforth there will be no techniques to save lives. Presuming my mediocrity and presumption, I present these words. If they offer any benefit or preservation, perhaps they will extend beyond just one person or one generation?
Written by Xu Dachun of Dongxi in the Half-Pine Study on Wu Mountain, in the seventh month of autumn, Ding Chou year of Qianlong.