Library

In the year of Guimao (1903), Dingfen reached the age of fifty, having engaged in medical practice for nearly twenty years. Whenever encountering a clinical case, I preferred to investigate thoroughly the underlying reasons; if these could not be found through personal inquiry, I would consult ancient texts to seek the ultimate principles, finding peace only when my mind was satisfied. Thus, as my son, Douji, grew older, I wished to discuss and refine this art with him. Adopting the format of "Ce" (a Q&A style of examination or dialogue), I answered questions as they arose, aiming to benefit from the mutual enhancement of teaching and learning. I named this work *Yixue Ke'er Ce* (Medical Instruction for Sons via Dialogue). I intend to gradually add content and revise it, daring not to present it as a definitive conclusion for publication. Herein, I record a few initial chapters for the correction of my peers. If I can receive guidance from upright, honest, and well-informed friends on matters beyond my reach, then although Dingfen is not clever, I secretly admire the virtue of the sage Qu Boyu (Spring and Autumn period statesman known for recognizing his errors). The table of contents of the draft is recorded below: Warm Heat 1, Warm Heat 2, Warm Heat 3, Dysentery, Wind Stroke, Deficiency Consumption, Spasm Disease, Summerheat Disease, Dampness Disease, Dryness Disease, Malaria, Throat Plague, Women's Diseases, Prenatal Conditions, Lung Diseases.

For over two hundred years since the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, medical arts have undergone successive changes. The path from treating Cold Damage (Shanghan) to opening the way for treating Warm Diseases (Wenbing) was pioneered by masters such as Zhou Yuzai, Ye Tianshi, Chen Xiuyuan, Chen Shiduo, and Xue Shengbai. In Xiyi (Wuxi), located near Taihu Lake, and Suzhou, a hub of transportation, numerous eminent scholars emerged in the field of medicine. During the Jiaqing and Daoguang reigns, Mr. Gao Jinting possessed profound attainments. He authored *Yangke Xinde Ji* (New Insights into Surgeon Sciences) and compiled *Jingyue Xinfang Gejue* (Songs of Jingyue's New Prescriptions); a biography of him exists in the local gazetteers. Sun Wenqing wrote a preface and oversaw its publication. Wang Xugao was a student under Gao Jinting. Wang Xugao’s son, Shangchi (Zhou Shangchi, courtesy name of the author's son Zhou Douji), was erudite and inherited his family's medical tradition. His research in both internal and surgical treatments was exquisite, earning him praise in the locality. In past years, I met Wang Wensun (Wang Xugao's grandson) while studying together. He showed me a volume of his grandfather's *Yixue Ke'er Ce*, stating that the marginal notes within were added by Mr. Xugao during his leisure time after consultations, through mutual discussion. I transcribed it by hand, imagining the depth of their pedagogical exchange and meticulous deliberation, which far exceeds the superficial understanding of recent times. Today, as Western influences spread eastward and Chinese national studies face decline, distinguished scholars in Zhejiang fear the loss of traditional Chinese medicine. They continued the *Yibao* (Medical Journal) and arranged for the printing of rare editions. Mr. Qi Jisheng from Yuezhou (Shaoxing), possessing high insight and broad learning, effectively coordinated this effort. He sent a letter requesting a preface. I hastily transcribed and mailed the manuscript, hoping for approval to print and publish it, an endeavor of considerable merit. At this time dedicated to preserving national essence, I especially hope that like-minded colleagues will collect and gather materials, ensuring that the works of famous experts do not fall into obscurity.
Winter Month of the Fourth Year of the Republic of China, Bo Hua Zhou Zhen (courtesy name Xiaonong) from Wuxi respectfully records.