Library

Mr. Han Fuyang of Wu Commandery was proficient in medicine. He once carefully examined and corrected the book *Weisheng Baojian* (Precious Mirror for Health Preservation) written by Luo Qianfu, a disciple of Li Dongyuan, intending to have it carved on woodblocks for publication, but passed away before completion. Mr. Han's youngest son, Han Gongda, inherited the family profession. During the reign of a sage ruler, he served as Pan of the Imperial Medical Bureau. He once showed me this book and said, "I intend to carve it to fulfill my late father's wish. I hope you will write an introduction." I agreed but did not have time to do so. This winter, Han Gongda also passed away. His son, Han Bu, wept and bowed, earnestly requesting without ceasing. I reflect that the sages of antiquity, pitying the people suffering from diseases and premature death, unable to preserve their longevity, established medicines and therapies to aid them. Later, famous doctors emerged one after another, each writing medical texts based on their own insights, filling volumes, not limited to one school. However, practical application showed both successes and failures. Only in recent times, the chapters such as *Differentiation of Internal Injury and External Injury* (Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun) written by Li Dongyuan revealed what predecessors had not discovered. Therefore, his prescribed formulas were all miraculous. Luo Qianfu studied under him and heard profound theories. In compiling this book, he deliberated on additions and deletions, recording everything comprehensively, bringing great benefit to the world. Since Han Gongda was proficient in his art, received imperial favor, and aided the people below, especially dedicating himself to continuing his father's will, this is the mindset of a benevolent person and a filial son. I have always known Han Gongda well; how could I remain silent after his death? For physicians in the world who obtain this book, it is indeed like a mirror illuminating objects, making everything clear at a glance, ensuring no errors. For those with illnesses who read this book, it is sufficient for preserving health, preventing danger. Thus, the dissemination of this book, is its merit not extensive? So I wrote this as a postface.

Written by Yang Rong, Academician of the Hanlin Academy, Official of the Rank of Fengzheng, and Vice Minister of the Right Spring Office of Jian'an, in the twelfth month of Dingyou year, 15th year of Yongle era.

Doctor Luo studied under Master Li of Dongyuan, with origins tracing back to Master Zhang of Yishui. His teachings spread widely. Fearing that the transmission of these two masters would be lost over time, collections, compilations, and carvings for publication have been made more than once. On a leisure day, he brought four fascicles of the completed work to show me, saying he intended to publish it via woodblock printing and asked me not to withhold an introduction. Upon flipping through and reading, I noted: *Yao Wu Yong Jian* (Eternal Warning from Medication Errors) indicates knowing the overturning of the cart ahead, fearing others might tread the same path; *Ming Fang Lei Ji* (Collection of Famous Formulas) selects ancient and modern formulas with precision, recording them in detail so later generations have a basis; *Yao Lei Fa Xiang* (Phenomena of Drug Categories) explains that the thickness of flavors and qi has specific uses, and adjustments in syndrome treatment aim to make later generations believe; *Yi Yan Ji Shu* (Records of Medical Verification) describes encountering such diseases, using such drugs, achieving such effects, urging later generations to be cautious. Generally, these are the intentions of benevolent people. Furthermore, discussing worldly affairs, if not clearly distinguished, there are indeed things that seem correct but are wrong, beneficial to one side but harmful to another. How much more so is the Way of Medicine, with Yin and Yang, deficiency and excess, presenting thousands of states? Divine, sacred, skillful, and clever practices depend on the individual. Combining these four aspects into one, it is named *Weisheng Baojian* (Precious Mirror for Health Preservation). The essence of a mirror is bright; when reflecting objects, it has no subjective preference for beauty or ugliness, yet neither can be hidden. Those who obtain this book, if they study and read it diligently, savor and understand its meaning, keeping it clear in mind without doubt, will, upon clinical use, respond to situations like a mirror—clear and empty. Whether beautiful or ugly, there will be no slightest error. Is its utility not extensive? Otherwise, if kept on high shelves unused, and only consulted hastily in emergencies, there may be unclear distinctions and false appearances, leading to losses greater than the difference between heaven and earth. The *Classic of Poetry* says: "Chopping the handle, chopping the handle, the rule is not far." Holding the handle to chop the handle, looking sideways, still feels it is far. This is likely not the intention of Master Luo in showing this to future generations.

Inscribed at the beginning of the scroll by Yan Jian of Yuncheng on the Winter Solstice day of the Xinsi year of the Zhiyuan era.