Library

In the past, when Fan Wenzheng (Fan Zhongyan) was a common scholar, he always regarded governing the world as his own responsibility. He once said, "If I cannot become an excellent chancellor in the future, I will become an excellent physician." This is because physicians and chancellors, although their practices differ, share the same heart of saving people and benefiting all things.

Mr. Gao Gufeng from Siming, transitioning from Confucianism, became proficient in medicine. His examination of pulses and differentiation of symptoms, along with his prescription and medication, demonstrated a transcendent understanding, far surpassing ordinary practitioners. At that time, he enjoyed great fame, akin to Qin Yueren (Bian Que), who could diagnose by listening to sounds and observing forms, adapting flexibly to customs and changes. Alas, how divine! In his later years, he compiled several volumes of clinical cases treated during his lifetime and drew diagrams such as "The Unity of Heaven, Humanity, Five Elements, and Five Zang Organs," naming the book *Jiren* (Assuming Responsibility). Was this not inheriting the heart of Wenzheng?

Li Shizhen's *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) cites ancient and modern books, being the most extensive and rich, yet extremely precise and rigorous. This compilation had previously incorporated content from it. In my youth, I studied this book thoroughly and explored its depths, grasping its essentials. However, since the fires of war, my library turned to ashes, and this book was completely lost. I searched everywhere for printed editions but could not find any. Sighing, I said, "Mr. Gao's lifeblood is contained in this book; can it truly vanish without transmission?"

It has been thirty years since I last saw this book. Often, when facing critical and dangerous conditions where other physicians would retreat in fear, I relied on Mr. Gao's methods and prescriptions, resulting in survival for eight or nine out of ten patients. Thus, my deep reverence for Mr. Gao, and his guidance to me, were surely not coincidental. One day, two of my disciples accidentally purchased a copy of this book at an old bookstore and hurriedly informed me. Upon reading it, my joy exceeded that of finding a treasure. Unfortunately, the characters were blurred, and some sentences were incomplete. Therefore, disregarding my own shallowness, I analyzed the context and meaning to fill in the gaps. Regarding the marginal notes, I occasionally elaborated on discussions to clarify their profound insights, not daring to overstep. My fellow townsman, Li Xiangchun, said to me, "This book is indeed indispensable in the medical field. Why not have it printed and shared with those who appreciate it?"

I then thought that the works of past sages appear or disappear according to their time. Mr. Gao, with his exquisite skills in pulse and blood regulation, established the framework of Six Gates and Two Methods; his immortality naturally exists between heaven and earth. It is only strange that my connection with this book has been intermittent over many years, as if secretly using me to revive Mr. Gao and inherit Fan Wenzheng's spirit of assuming responsibility for the world, so that future medical practitioners may share this same heart. Ultimately, the sword did not remain hidden in Fengcheng forever, and the pearl returned to Hepu. Is there not destiny at work here?

The book consists of eight volumes. The originally attached *Dongzhuang Medical Cases* and *Xitang Infectious Diseases* feature unique yet orthodox methods and concise yet comprehensive principles, revealing what predecessors had not expressed, sufficient to benefit future generations. After the proofreading and printing were completed, I record these origins thus. Why write a preface?

On the 16th day of the 7th lunar month in Autumn, 17th year of Guangxu, Wang Ruqian of Jingtang, Jingde