Library

Heaven and Earth generate humanity, yet the longevity and premature death of people in ancient and modern times are uneven. What is the reason for this? The transformation from simplicity to superficiality has led to different paths for long and short lives. Those who speak of benevolent arts compile medical books to save those who die prematurely or unjustly, invariably first praising the *Suwen* (Plain Questions, a foundational text of Traditional Chinese Medicine) and the *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), then describing Han and Tang dynasties, and subsequently collecting the theories of famous sages of past generations into volumes, serving as a bridge for later learners. Is their merit not great? However, prescriptions vary by region; the young and old differ in constitution; treatment for mountain dwellers differs from that for city residents; those consuming rich foods (*gaoliang*) and those consuming coarse foods (*lihuo*) follow different therapeutic paths. Changes in Qi dynamics (Wu Yun Liu Qi), the rise and fall of eras, the thick or thin endowment of individuals within the interaction of Heaven and Earth Qi, the depth of diseases, and their flow with Qi mechanisms are not easily clarified. Take Zhang Zihe, who specialized in emetic and purgative methods; he was certainly a master. Liu Shouzhen established theories on summer-heat and fire, frequently using Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin, 黄芩) and Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian, 黄连). Li Gao emerged to elucidate Spleen and Stomach theories, relying heavily on Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 人参). Zhu Danxi focused solely on cooling therapies, adhering to Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu, 知母) and Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai, 黄柏). These four sages were all capable of curing critical illnesses and restoring patients to health. Did they intend to stand out as unique or high-minded? No, they adapted to the times due to an urgent desire to benefit the world, acting naturally. Today's practitioners rigidly apply ancient methods, potentially killing rather than saving people in the blink of an eye, and suspiciously doubt whether ancients are worthy of imitation. Is this really so? There is an analogy: "using old materials to build a new house." While the rules and measurements do not exceed traditional standards, the pavilions and railings present a different view. Application lies in the mind; clinical practice is like facing an enemy; selecting herbs is like choosing generals. One must seek the most appropriate method before stopping. Luo Dongyi of Xin'an compiled the *Mingyi Huicui* (Gathering of Famous Doctors' Wisdom), a highly appropriate book. It extracts the essence of recent times; although it does not explicitly mention Xuanyuan (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo, the principles of the classics are fully contained. Although the chapters of the *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) and *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) are not listed, the therapeutic methods are not omitted. It can truly be called the golden needle of medicine and the life raft for those lost. As there was no printed edition, copies circulated with many textual errors (such as 'Hai Shi' and 'Lu Yu', referring to misprints), causing readers to frown. A friend from Tiaoxi produced a good copy from his collection, carefully proofread and corrected, and urgently had it engraved and published to spread its influence. This may well be a help to benefiting the world.
The first month of the year Guwei, the third year of Daoguang
Written by Sheng Xinfu of Jiaxing