Library

The discussions among medical practitioners emerge endlessly. What one considers correct, another deems incorrect, resulting in no fixed standard. In essence, times fluctuate between prosperity and decline, and regions differ between north and south; thus, one cannot adhere to a single viewpoint for judgment.

Historically recorded medical methods suggest that external treatment (Wàizhì) might compensate for the limitations of internal administration of medicine (Fúshí). If this method proves effective, there is nothing more to say; even if it fails, it remains distinct from the risks associated with ingesting drugs. Mr. Wu Shiji from Qiantang, in his work *Li Yue Pian Wen* (Couplet Prose on Reasoning Keys), specifically discusses external treatments, opening a new path for medical practitioners. His essay spans over eight thousand characters, meticulously structured and thorough, leaving no detail unexamined. However, those of average aptitude may not fully understand it. I, Zou Cungan, presumptuously learning from his intent rather than his literary style, have collected and edited various prescriptions, roughly categorized by type, naming it *Shoushi Chubian* (Initial Compilation for Longevity). It is printed for circulation, hoping to broaden the realm of longevity so that all may reach a hundred years of age, ensuring that no condition exists which cannot be treated externally, thereby demonstrating efficacy without the necessity of oral medication. Would this not bring immense benefit?

Dated auspiciously in the leap month of Dingchou, the third year of the Guangxu reign, self-recorded by Zou Cungan (courtesy name Lisheng) of Haining.

1. All prescriptions compiled in this volume are not fabricated but extracted from previous medical books and miscellaneous writings. Due to indirect citation rather than direct reference to original texts, sources are generally not cited.

2. The methods adopted herein are exclusively external treatments. Prescriptions intended for internal ingestion should theoretically be omitted. However, cases involving adjunctive oral administration are retained to avoid neglecting necessary aspects.

3. Recent practitioners often regard Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) as a crucial tonic. Yet, its price is exorbitant. While the wealthy treat it as a common commodity, the poor find it unaffordable.

4. Elderly individuals, having extensive life experience, possess distinct temperaments. When afflicted by disease, they often adhere to the TCM principle of avoiding unnecessary medication, ignoring conventional treatments, thereby allowing external therapies to take precedence.

5. Children have delicate gastrointestinal systems, making harsh purgative or attacking agents difficult to administer safely. As children grow older and gain awareness, they fear medicinal tastes, rarely swallowing them. External treatments... [text cuts off, implying suitability for pediatrics].

6. Smallpox (Dou) is critical in pediatrics, yet often overlooked by various schools. Moreover, toxic and inferior prescriptions used for treatment may secretly damage vital essence (Zhenyuan) and visibly shorten lifespan.

7. Among external treatments, sores and ulcers (Chuangyang) are most prevalent. Although this book focuses on internal medicine, selected prescriptions are few, with surgical cases comprising sixty percent. [Later, one or two were deleted]. Those treating carbuncles... [text cuts off].

8. In major cities and metropolises, where famous doctors gather, seeking medical advice and taking medicine is convenient. Even good prescriptions may be ignored. However, there are also those unable to hire doctors... [text cuts off], waiting... [text cuts off].

9. In remote villages, medical practitioners are scarce. Diseases are often endured in silence. Even when symptoms are revealed, they may be hard to identify, and internal prescriptions... [text cuts off].

10. Ancient texts refer to "Ju" (Jǔ) as biting and chopping herbs into fine pieces. "Fangcunbi" refers to a square inch measure, where powder should not fall out. "Daogui" refers to a measure like a paulownia seed... [text cuts off, explaining ancient measuring tools].

11. Transcription errors inevitably occur through copying. Being unfamiliar with medicine, I dare not alter content arbitrarily. Upon completion, I requested Mr. Hu Qian of Xin'an... [text cuts off] to review before publication.

12. Limited by printing costs, the collection is modest. Symptoms covered may be incomplete. If proven effective, further fundraising will be undertaken to present a Second Edition for correction.