Library

In ancient times, Shennong tasted the flavors of hundreds of herbs to save the people from their illnesses. Later generations emulated this ancestor, and thus the study of Materia Medica (Bencao) arose. Since the Han and Wei dynasties, famous physicians have appeared successively. Those who transmitted their works include Wu Pu and Li Dangzhi's *Yao Lu* (Record of Medicinals), as well as annotations by Tao Hongjing and Su Gong. At the beginning of our dynasty, two imperial edicts ordered close ministers to lead chief physicians and compile theories from various schools, resulting in the *Kaibao Revised and Collated Materia Medica*. Its discussions on the efficacy and toxicity of drugs, their cold and warm natures, and sweet and bitter tastes were indeed comprehensive and detailed. However, products vary across five regions, and climatic conditions differ; with numerous names and categories, distinguishing authentic items from counterfeits is difficult. For instance, using *Hui Chuang* (likely a local herb) to substitute for *Mi Wu* (Angelica pubescens var. biserrata), or confusing *Qi Cai* (Shepherd's purse) with *Ren Shen* (Ginseng), has been a concern since ancient times. Moreover, the medicines used by physicians today are purchased from markets, generally harvested at will by mountain dwellers without tracing their origins. Using such materials for treatment makes it unlikely to hit the disease accurately, does it not?

Previously, during the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty, besides revising the *Materia Medica*, a *Tu Jing* (Illustrated Canon) was produced to assist it. The illustrations recorded shapes and colors, while the text explained similarities and differences. Emperor Xuanzong also personally authored the *Tianbao Single Prescription Medicine Illustrations*. All these served to clarify the authenticity of substances, making them easy to understand, so that diagnosis and prescription had a basis. These two books have been lost for a long time, scattered almost completely; even the imperial library lacks copies. Only one volume of the *Tianbao Formulas* remains, showing rough categories and traceable origins. It is fitting for the sage ruler and wise ministers to pay attention to collecting and compiling them. Previously, an edict ordered scholar-officials to re-collate eight books including the *Shennong Bencao*. Guanglu Qing and Direct Scholar of the Secret Pavilion (Minister) Yuxi, Shangshu Cibu Langzhong and Scholar of the Secret Pavilion (Minister) Yi, Taichang Boshi and Scholar of the Jixian Academy (Minister) Song, Dianzhong Cheng (Minister) Jian, and Guanglu Si Cheng (Minister) Baoheng were selected in succession. They were led by medical officials Qin Zonggu and Zhu Youzhang, etc., to compile over several years. Subsequently, the *Supplemented and Annotated Materia Medica* was completed and presented to the throne. Another edict commanded all prefectures and counties to submit illustrated maps of locally produced medicinal plants, following the Yonghui precedent, and ordering new compilation. Minister Yuxi argued that correcting books benefits from collective insight for easier achievement, but texts written by different hands lack uniform style. The thousand submissions currently received contain explanations based on what contemporary physicians have heard or seen; details vary, and language is often vulgar. Without specialized organization and literary embellishment, they would be inconsistent and hard to read. Therefore, it was proposed that Minister Song, who had previously devoted himself to this subject, should be appointed to write it exclusively. Upon receiving the decree, Minister Song collected various statements, classified and arranged them, establishing a basic framework. Regarding names of stones, jade, metals, and earth, and distinctions among plants, trees, insects, and fish, some substances appear mixed across groups, while others share names but differ entirely in form. Thus, ancient and modern theories were consulted to illuminate each other. Details of stems and leaves, flowers and fruits, though sometimes contradicting old records, were included together. Where outlines were incomplete, old annotations were cited to complete the meaning. If annotations were insufficient, references were extended to classics, histories, medical formulas, and novels to thoroughly investigate origins. For example, if Luying is the flower of Shuoyu, the explanation follows the definition in *Erya*. If various aromatics share the same origin, *Lingbiao Luyi* is used for verification. Places of production prioritize the original classic, followed by current sources. For instance, Tusizi (Cuscuta) originally grew in Chaoxian but now comes from Yuanju; Xidu originally grew on Mount Shaoshi but now comes from San Shu. Differences in harvesting months are preserved in both accounts. For example, Chijian (Astragalus membranaceus root) originally specified only roots, but now stems and leaves are also taken. Substances from foreign lands rely on current reports or textual records. For instance, regarding Yuxie and Yuquan, although people say jade comes from Khotan without investigating the cause, Pingjuhui's travelogue is used as evidence. Medicines are categorized into Upper, Middle, and Lower grades, following the order of the original classic. Items with similar properties but indistinguishable to people, or those from distant places with no clear resemblance, are attached to previous entries. For example, Susu is attached to Gouqi, and Hupo is attached to Fuling. Additionally, concise and important formulas from older texts, whose efficacy was proven by ancients and still used today, along with effective medicines recommended by local physicians, are recorded with their prescriptions, following the Tianbao example. Anything not found in texts and unknown to current physicians is not speculated upon or forced into the text, but left blank. New medicines used by current physicians but absent from old classics are added to the final volume under the title "External Categories of the Original Classic." Among these, those with notable efficacy and similar names to old ones are listed after relevant entries. For example, Tongtuomu is listed after Mutong, and Shishe after Shixie. The work totals twenty volumes, plus one volume of contents, just completed for imperial review. We respectfully acknowledge that Your Majesty, possessing supreme benevolence and virtue, embraces all things related to life preservation. If even one thing is misplaced, you feel sorrow. You recognize that epidemics occur frequently across seasons, and no relief is greater than medical art. In your early years, you repeatedly ordered close ministers to collate the *Neijing* of Qibo and Huangdi, redefine acupuncture points, casting bronze statues or carving stone steles, or printing woodblocks. Pitying the demonic bewitchment in the south, you issued the *Qingli Pujiu Fang* (Universal Prescriptions for Relief in the Qingli Era). Concerned about the lack of resources for the common people, you issued the *Jianyao Jizhong Fang* (Essential Prescriptions for Helping the Masses). Now, you further expand the incomplete pharmacopoeia and illustrate suitable local products. With myriad variations in nature, everything can be seen at a glance. This will allow compounders to achieve perfect cures and drinkers to avoid confusion. It brings longevity and health to the people and harmony to remote lands. This contributes to the attainment of peace and prosperity. I, [Minister] Song, whose learning is inadequate and whose duty involves compilation, humbly receive the imperial mandate and deeply regret my limited knowledge. On the day of the ninth month in the sixth year of Jiayou, Chao Feng Lang, Taichang Boshi, Scholar of the Jixian Academy, newly appointed Prefect of Yingzhou, responsible for agriculture and water conservancy, Knight Commander, wearing purple silk, [Minister] Su Song respectfully submits.