Library

During the Qin Dynasty, books were burned, and ancient texts turned to ashes; only medical books and the *I Ching* (Book of Changes) escaped this disaster. This is primarily because the profound principles of medicine resonate with Heaven and Earth and penetrate Yin and Yang; they are intrinsically linked to the *I Ching*, transcending the scope of mere technical practitioners, and cannot be grasped by those with shallow learning through a tube or measured against a stalk. Since the time of Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo, generations have transmitted medical texts, so numerous that they fill ox-carts and block paths. Only scholars with profound insight can truly read them. Even if one reads them, straying into divergent theories without grasping the core tenets is futile. Relying rigidly on ancient prescriptions to diagnose the evolving nature of hundreds of diseases is like trying to go north to Yan and Zhao while driving the chariot south—acting contrary to one's goal. Thus, the difficulty of practicing medicine and reading medical texts is such. Would it not be a joy to find someone who thoroughly investigates medical principles, establishes their own school, collects various works, extracts key points, and reveals hidden truths? Mr. Ye Tianshi (Ye Xiangyan) of our Wu region once compiled ancient and modern medical books, simplifying the complex and synthesizing them into a unified standard, producing *Yi Heng* (Medical Balance) in several volumes. Although brief, its selection follows strict methods and adheres to sound principles, making it as precious as the "Red Treasure" from the pillow of the King of Huainan. However, copies of this book were rare. During the Gengshen turmoil (1860), the printing blocks were destroyed by war, causing regret among scholars. My family has been devoted to medical studies since my great-grandfather and grandfather, possessing many books, all of which were lost to fire. In my youth, following my grandfather's orders, I studied medicine without interruption. For twenty years, collecting old texts has yielded less than one percent of what was sought. With little free time for clinical practice, every moment spent studying evokes deep emotion. Elder Miao Shaochu of Changshu, who served long in the Central Plains with distinguished reputation, now returned home on leave, showed me this manuscript and said: "You come from a medical lineage and intend to reprint this to benefit society; you must provide a preface." I privately believe this book is concise yet methodical, pure yet unadulterated. Expanded, it reveals the origins and evolution of medicine; even strictly followed, it serves as a reliable compass. The Way of Medicine has remained obscure for a long time. Vulgar individuals chase profit and are unworthy of mention; learned scholars are rigid and biased, focusing on extremes. They seek depth for superficial illnesses and complexity for simple conditions. As stated in the *Treatise on Literature* of the *Book of Han*, understanding blood vessels, meridians, bones, marrow, Yin, Yang, exterior, and interior is essential to determine the root of diseases and distinguish life from death, thereby harmonizing the use of herbs. Yet such insights are often met with difficulty. Now, Elder Miao reprints this work to guide future students, demonstrating true benevolence. I know that upon its release, it will be appreciated by all and spread rapidly without need for advertisement. He will undoubtedly produce more life-saving works, becoming a "living Buddha" for thousands of families, leaving a fragrance like orchids like the virtuous officials Zhao and Du. I shall look up to him endlessly. Therefore, I presume to state the reasons for this publication.
Preface by Cao Yuanheng of Wu County, in the eighth month of the year Gengyin (1890).