Library

In the past, Tao Yuanliang (Tao Qian) said of himself that he loved reading but did not seek overly profound interpretations; whenever he had a moment of insight, he was so delighted that he forgot to eat. Han Yu, in his "Jiexue Jie" (Explanation on Advancing Learning), stated: "For recording events, grasp the essentials; accumulate sincerity to generate enlightenment." The people of ancient and modern times are not far apart from each other; how could medicine be any different? Mr. You Zaijing (You Yi) of our prefecture was a gentleman who loved reading and revered antiquity. He secluded himself for quiet cultivation, showing no desire for glory or profit, immersing himself in classic texts and delving even deeper into medicine. His works, such as *Shanghan Guanzhu Ji* (Compendium of Pearl Beads on Cold Damage), *Jingui Xindian* (Classic of the Heart's Canon on the Golden Cabinet), and *Jingui Yi* (Wings of the Golden Cabinet), all elucidate the secrets of the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, referred to as Linglan) and connect with the source of Zhang Zhongjing's (the Prefect of Changsha) scholarship. Absorbing brilliance and exhaling splendor, tempering years and refining months, he produced the remaining essence of his learning to compose the *Yixue Dujishu* (Records of Medical Reading). It is concise yet refined, subtle yet clear; it extends and expands, allowing one to comprehend by analogy. It is sufficient to benefit future students; its methodological nourishment remains worthy of veneration to this day. Comparing him to ancient figures like Ge Hong (Zhi Chuan), who discussed famous physicians, and Ban Gu (Liang Shi), who compiled the *Bencao Jing Ji Zhu* (Collected Annotations on the Materia Medica) to assist the original canon, he hardly falls short. No wonder the fragmented bamboo slips surviving from fires remain fresh despite the passage of time, and the small volume brings joy to those who read it first. My friend, Mr. Xie Guisheng, is widely learned and proficient in medical principles. Among Mr. You's various books, these are the ones he holds in highest esteem and has deeply understood. Lamenting that the printing blocks of this book were lost and that borrowed copies were prone to errors, he carefully corrected them and entrusted them to the printers, so that scholars who examine ancient texts may, upon reading this record, also read Mr. You's complete works, and upon reading the complete works, further integrate the writings of ancients. This is indeed a delightful matter. As for Mr. You's literary attainments and moral prestige, they are preserved in the prefaces of his various books and his family biography. The biography once quoted his lines: "When illness comes, I resemble Xi Shi, spring has no distinction; growing old like Yuanming, I have given up wine. Coconut gourd and pine dust, I wave my sleeves freely." This suggests that only with an otherworldly mindset can one possess divine skills to save the world. How can those clutching at fame and profit be mentioned in the same breath? Furthermore, I have heard that Ge Hong (Baopuzi), when reading the 5,000 words of the *Daodejing*, said one should bow before every character. I especially hope that those who read this book will ponder every word deeply and savor it constantly, happily finding moments of insight, and joyfully experiencing boundless pleasure. Clear and bright as autumn water, this is the profound truth of nurturing life; gentle and amiable as spring breeze, this is the true meaning of reviving people. Alas! Without Mr. You, whom shall I follow? In the winter month of the 14th year of the Guangxu reign, your humble student Bao Sheng respectfully recorded this.