Library

I have examined ancient texts: Yan Di (Shennong, the Divine Farmer) recorded substances, setting the precedent in the *Bencao Jing* (Classic of Materia Medica); officials named Yunrui initiated the canon of the *Linglan* (Spiritual Orchid) manuscripts. Passed down through generations, each established their own school of thought; continuing to the present, there is particular skill in collecting and recording.

Jiang of Huangnan compiled the *Lei An* (Classified Cases); Luo Dongyi selected and edited the *Hui Cui* (Collected Essences). Precisely because the origins are distinct, there are many who continue and elaborate upon them. Moreover, our Wu region is a land rich in literature and culture, and a domain where excellent physicians gather. The Han brothers enjoyed the reputation comparable to Lu Bian (Lu Yiqing and Bian Que); the Ge father and son inherited the learning of Zhang Zhongjing and Liu Wansu. The twenty sons and nephews from Xinpu and Qidong had already produced numerous works in previous dynasties; Mr. Shengzhou, Mr. Luyu, and other gentlemen have also made abundant contributions to promoting medicine in the current dynasty. From *Yinji Cao* (Grass of Printing Press), we see Yuan Yi’s caution in clinical practice; from *Dushu Ji*, we understand Zai Jing’s profound scholarship. All these stand as independent books, originating from the insights of various masters.

During the Kangxi reign, Mr. Guo Yizhi collected the treatment cases of many sages and carved them into a book titled *Wu Yi Zhong An* (Cases of Wu Physicians). This work records even minor merits and utilizes every skill, resulting from extensive searching and broad collection.

Compiling effective results broadly serves to record the models of our hometown ancestors, while expressing individual opinions demonstrates the attainments of the gentlemen involved. Furthermore, those who master this profession possess considerable talent, and those who understand its principles naturally have outstanding insights. Those who hide their brilliance do not lack secrets kept in pillows; agile minds and subtle thoughts are not devoid of treasures hidden in bags. All such stored knowledge is worthy of regret if left unused. I carefully followed the format of the old volume *Wu Yi Zhong An* to compile a new edition, *Wu Yi Hui Jiang* (Collected Lectures of Wu Physicians). Profound meanings are expressed in clear language, all submitted for discussion; whether long or short chapters, no constraints are applied. If I can follow in the footsteps of predecessors, I hope to act without hesitation when duty calls. Fortunately, like-minded individuals did not withhold their brilliance, sharing deep reflections and appreciating each other's work. Some elucidated past teachings, uncovering coverings and extracting subtleties; others exercised original creativity, grasping novelty and marking distinctions. Interpreting the secrets of the *Yu Ban* (Jade Tablet), I rejoiced in the omen of mutual benefit (Li Ze); seeking the true words of the *Jin Gui* (Golden Cabinet), all coincided with the joy of communal celebration. Do not say that among thirty secret prescriptions, only Sun Simiao was praised for his uniqueness; know that the four volumes of *Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang* (Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies) do not merely exhaust the depths found in *Baopuzi*. Although turning flowers into honey may invite criticism of bibliomania, gathering armpit fur to make a robe suffices to fill the gaps in the medical forest.

In mid-autumn of the Renzi year of the Qianlong era, Tang Dalié (style name Lizsan) of Changzhou inscribed this at Wenxin Caotang (Hall of Asking the Heart).