医，仁道也。盖始于神农黄帝，其后扁鹊、华佗之流皆神于其术。然世之君子，欲博施
济众者，未尝不用心焉。故以伊芳尹之圣而论汤液，陆宣公、许学士皆着方书以传。若此者非
一也，其仁之及于人可以数计哉！天地之生人，仁也，然不能使之全其生，故圣贤为医药，
以济其夭死，所以成天地之仁，而为人司命也。此其心盖与天地流通矣，而可以艺小之耶。
礼部尚书毗陵胡公，初使于四方，公事之暇，辑诸医方之有验者，凡十二卷，名之曰《卫生
易简方》。既表献于太宗皇帝，将复锓梓，以惠天下。公之心盖尹、陆宣公、许学士之心
也。昔之君子有自明其志者，曰∶达则为良相，不达则为良医。盖二者皆得，以施其博济之
仁。今公有是书传于人，人之受惠者多矣。而又佐天子，任礼乐之事，推以节民心，和民声，
充而至于赞天地，育万物，然后为功之成。此仁者之所能，而达者之所为也。岂特医乎哉！
故因观是书而识于后云。
奉议大夫右春坊右庶子兼翰林侍读学士泰和王直题
Medicine is the Way of Benevolence (Ren). It originated with Shennong and the Yellow Emperor, and later figures such as Bian Que and Hua Tuo achieved divine proficiency in their arts. Yet, gentlemen of the world who wish to bestow benefits broadly and relieve the masses have never failed to apply themselves diligently to this field. Thus, Yi Yin, possessing sage virtue, discussed decoctions (Tangye, herbal preparations); Lu Xuangong and Academician Xu both authored medical formularies to transmit them. There are many such examples; the number of people benefited by their benevolence cannot be counted! The generation of humans by Heaven and Earth embodies benevolence, yet it cannot ensure that humans fully preserve their lives. Therefore, sages and worthies established medicine to rescue those who die prematurely, thereby completing the benevolence of Heaven and Earth, and acting as guardians of human destiny. Their minds likely flowed in harmony with Heaven and Earth; how could such a thing be considered a trivial skill?
Hu Gong, Minister of Rites from Piling, initially served as an envoy to various regions. In his spare time from official duties, he compiled verified effective prescriptions from various physicians into twelve volumes, naming them *Weisheng Yijian Fang* (Simple and Easy Prescriptions for Health Preservation). Having presented them to Emperor Taizong, he prepared to have them woodblock printed again to benefit all under heaven. Hu Gong's mind was likely the same as that of Yi Yin, Lu Xuangong, and Academician Xu. In ancient times, some gentlemen expressed their aspirations, saying: "If successful, one becomes a good prime minister; if not, one becomes a good physician." Both roles allow one to exert broad, relieving benevolence. Now, with Hu Gong's book being transmitted to people, many will receive its benefits. Furthermore, he assists the Son of Heaven in managing rituals and music, promoting measures to regulate the hearts of the people and harmonize their voices, expanding these virtues until they assist Heaven and Earth and nurture all things, thus achieving complete merit. This is what a benevolent person can accomplish, and what a successful person does. Is it merely about medicine? Therefore, having observed this book, I record these words at the end.
Wang Zhi of Taihe, holding the rank of Fenyi Dafu, Right Shuzi of the Right Spring Mansion, and concurrently Hanlin Shidu Xueshi, inscribed this.