Library

The healing of people by physicians is vast. The ancients established theories and formulated prescriptions; although their perspectives differed, their intention to benefit humanity was one and the same. Minister Hu, during his leisure from official duties, compiled the *Weisheng Yijian Fang* (Hygiene and Simplicity Prescriptions). Upon reviewing it, I found three merits: prescribing medicines according to symptoms without omission, which facilitates access for the people—this is the first convenience. Treating diseases often requires only one or two herbs that are not difficult to obtain, which facilitates access for the people—this is the second convenience. The contents are categorized clearly. Even those who are not specialized physicians can rely on it for use, which facilitates access for the people—this is the third convenience. In metropolises and major commanderies, where good physicians and quality medicines gather, help is certainly not lacking. However, in remote prefectures and small counties where medical supplies are hard to procure, sudden emergencies may arise. With this book, such emergencies can be addressed; the number of lives saved would be incalculable! Observing the Minister's dedication, one understands the extent of his benevolence. Alas, how profound it is!

Written by Yang Pu, a Gentleman of the Secretariat and Grand Secretary of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, from Nanjun, on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month of summer in the Dingwei year of Xuande.

Within heaven and earth, there are only the Five Movements (Wu Yun) and Six Qi (Liu Qi). The Five Movements govern diseases, and the Six Qi induce illnesses. When they deviate and attack each other, various diseases arise. The sages and divine beings of ancient times, pitying the common people suffering from premature death and plagues, tasted herbs and wrote books to benefit all living beings. However, the language was concise and the meaning profound, so later readers might feel as if gazing at the ocean, overwhelmed. Medicine has evolved over time, leading to the school of fixed formulas (Ju Fang); although the methods were complex, their efficacy in curing diseases was rarely verified. Consequently, the Way of Medicine became obscure. Thus, the former worthies said, "Medical texts cannot be read unless transmitted by our own lineage." This statement is indeed true!

Minister Hu of Piling, Minister of Rites, had inherited family medical traditions and was also a contemporary erudite scholar. He entered officialdom through the imperial examinations and rose step by step to the position of Minister of Rites (Zongbo), gaining the favor of Emperor Wen of Taizong. He was ordered to travel to various regions to observe customs and inquire about the hardships and joys of the people, serving abroad for nearly twenty years. His footsteps covered the entire realm. During his spare time for consultation, he paid particular attention to medical prescriptions. He extensively collected and searched, carefully discussing and analyzing, selecting simple and empirically effective prescriptions, totaling 3,963 formulas, divided into twelve volumes. There are twenty-two articles on contraindications for taking medicine, and forty-seven formulas for livestock are appended. After the book was completed, it was presented to the throne. The Emperor appreciated and accepted it, ordering a copy to be carved on woodblocks and published, named *Weisheng Yijian Fang* (Hygiene and Simplicity Prescriptions).

Occasionally showing it to me, I respectfully read it. I saw that its statements were not superficial, its differentiation of syndromes (Bian Zheng) was accurate, and its application of medicines was appropriate. Soon after, I traveled to Wanling, went south to Nanxu, and arrived at Jianye, seeking teachers but meeting none. I then returned to Hangzhou and respectfully sought out Luo Zhithe (courtesy name Taiwu). Through my sincerity, I was able to inherit the principles of the Liu, Zhang, and Li schools and return home. His learning shocked the generation, and his treatises contained many insights not previously expressed by predecessors. Moreover, Minister Hu had visited famous mountains and great rivers, mighty fortresses and large towns, as well as distant lands and remote counties, leaving no place unvisited. The knowledge he received through heart-to-heart transmission and hand-to-hand instruction from extraordinary persons and high scholars was largely unrecorded in other books. This truly suffices to assist the sage-like enlightenment and nurture the people. As the classics say, "The benevolent are loved by others." Possessing a heart of compassion, wisdom, and empathy to sustain life, this description fits Minister Hu perfectly. This compilation should circulate alongside ancient texts. I dare not forget this kindness, so I append these words.

Written by Bei Tai, Chancellor of the National Academy (Guozijiu), from Jinhua.