Library

Sun Zhenren (Sun Simiao)'s *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), the complete work consists of thirty volumes, divided into three hundred and eighteen categories. Each category contains theoretical discussions, followed by corresponding formulas. The discussions aim to elucidate the causes of disease, which gentlemen and commoners alike should be familiar with. The formulas are intended to treat diseases that have already manifested. However, few people have had the opportunity to see this complete collection. Furthermore, since many of the medicinal materials are numerous and difficult to assemble, impoverished lower-class people are thereby deprived of treatment, leading to unjust loss of life—can this be fully enumerated? Moreover, in any given prefecture or county, how many households can possess the *Qianjin Fang*? Even those who own it find it difficult to show it to others daily. Thus, there are instances where Sun Zhenren’s benevolent medical skills and heart are blocked from being practiced, and where they are suppressed due to lack of widespread dissemination.

I have collected Ge Hong's *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* (Emergency Prescriptions Ke in the Sleeve), legendary prescriptions such as those from the "Dragon Palace at Sea," as well as the formula theories and pharmacological techniques of famous physicians of the time, along with my own written and tested prescriptions. The world knows this book as a treasure among medical classics. I have also generally reviewed various families' medical books; among them, only the *Qianjin Fang* is hailed as a complete work. It has its origins and evidences, includes both theoretical explanations and specific formulas, incorporates both ancient and modern methods, and demonstrates discernment in what to adopt and what to discard. Facing the standards of a hundred sages, it feels no shame; penetrating ten thousand subtleties, it commits no error. If compared to Confucian classics, it might be considered the great synthesis of physician's collections. Lu Zhaolin of the Tang Dynasty said: "When Sun Simiao speaks profoundly on the Unity (Zhengyi), he resembles the ancient Meng Zhuang (Zhuangzi); when he delves deeply into the Non-dual (Budui), he resembles the present-day Mojie (Wang Wei)." This statement captures its profound essence.

For a long time, I have wished to promote this book and spread it throughout the realm, but constrained by official duties, I was ultimately unable to fulfill this desire. Now that I am retired and at leisure, I have selected the various discussions from the *Qianjin Fang*, organizing them item by item to inform the public, so that people may know how to prevent disease before it arises. I have also listed the various single-formula prescriptions from the *Qianjin Fang* item by item to show the public, so that people may know how to treat disease after it has occurred. Those prescriptions that have been used by my family and scholarly circles and proven miraculously effective are also attached herein, each separately described. I purchased large stone slabs to carve and print this book to broaden its transmission. In terms of arrangement, emergency cases are prioritized first; cases that can wait slightly are second; ordinary major diseases are third; and ordinary minor diseases are fourth. Sun Jun's original book placed women and children's diseases first, and mixed diseases of men and women later. I now follow this structure but specifically prioritize diseases that are currently urgent and critical. This reflects my urgency to save lives and my original intention to propagate Sun Jun's wonderful methods. I respectfully name this compilation *Qianjin Baoyao* (Precious Essentials Worth a Thousand Gold) and vow to distribute ten thousand copies. May virtuous elders and benevolent persons share in this goodness.

On the first day of the fourth month of the sixth year of Xuanhe (1124 AD), Guo Si, Honorary Direct Scholar of Huiyou Pavilion, General of Benign Promotion, Retired Official from Heyang, respectfully wrote the preface.