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The Way of Medicine is extremely subtle, and indeed difficult to express in words! Heaven has the influence of the Six Excesses (Liu Yin, six pathogenic factors: wind, cold, summer-heat, dampness, dryness, fire), and humans have the disturbance of the Seven Emotions (Qi Qing, seven emotional states: joy, anger, worry, thought, grief, fear, fright). Humans exist within the intersection of Qi between Heaven and Earth; their likes and dislikes are stirred internally, while desires for profit and advantage are seized externally. How can one avoid these? Thus, a hundred diseases arise from this. Diseases may progress from mild to recovery, or from severe to peril; the power over life and death lies with the physician. If one encounters a good physician, the disease can be avoided; if one encounters an mediocre physician, the number of those who die prematurely and unjustly is countless. However, no physician does not prefer to be good and dislike being mediocre. Even mediocres will inevitably boast that they are good; this is human nature. Alas, few understand the principles, while many violate them. One is limited by innate endowment, and the other relies on self-will and subjective judgment, thus flowing into the path of mediocrity without realizing it. If one wishes to understand the principles, it is impossible without extensively examining medical texts and researching pathological conditions. However, since the time of Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo, medical texts have become so numerous that they fill the ox-carts and pile up against the walls. The brilliant ones tend to make forced interpretations, sometimes losing themselves in vagueness. The rigid and narrow-minded ones stick strictly to established rules, sometimes losing themselves in narrowness. Indeed, it is hard to find a single volume that is concise yet comprehensive, clear in reasoning and eloquent in expression, which causes distress to learners. In our dynasty, Mr. Ye Tianshi possessed innate talent and an agile mind, was deeply devoted to learning, and worked tirelessly. Presumably due to his busy clinical practice, he had no leisure to write. However, this book *Yi Heng* (Medical Balance) was compiled by Shensheng, gathering the refined arguments and famous sayings of former sages. Its discussions on pulse diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment are all detailed and complete. I know that once this volume is published, learners will have something to follow and will not feel confused by too many divergent paths. May Jun Weichuan (Jin Wenzhong, courtesy name Weichuan), whose knowledge varies widely and whose learning is uneven, considering the different suitability of northern and southern regions, the branches of meridians and collaterals in the human body, the convergence and divergence of Ying (Nutrient) and Wei (Defensive) Qi circulation, as well as the changes in Zang-Fu organ theory, pulse patterns, and pathological conditions, thoroughly investigate their origins and comprehend their mechanisms. Despite my own dullness, I have humbly accepted your inquiry. Although my contribution is like dust and a small stream, offering little benefit, his superior mindset is beyond what ordinary people can reach. Now, re-publishing *Yi Heng* for the exploration of colleagues, you requested a preface from me. I have therefore organized my usual remarks to present to you, Sir, and dare to ask if you have any instructions for me!
Late November, Second Year of Xuantong [1910], Jin Wenzhong, styled Yisheng, recorded at Jishu Residence in Shanghai.