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The Way of Medicine, when viewed from a lowly perspective, is akin to a craft; when viewed from an elevated perspective, it connects with Confucianism. It weighs the mechanisms of life and growth between Heaven and Earth, serving as the foundation for cultivating governance in the state. Its responsibility is extremely heavy, and its tasks are extremely difficult. Internal medicine is so, and how could external medicine be any different?

My late father devoted himself to studying formulas and pulse diagnosis through the lens of Confucian principles, and his works were widely circulated. After the suppression of the rebellion in Guangdong (Yue), he instructed me to gain proficiency in medical arts, stating that this would allow me to preserve my own life and save others. At that time, I was eager to advance through the imperial examinations, preferring to study examination literature, and had no time to read medical texts (referred to as "Dao Gui Shu"). Consequently, this did not come to pass.

Until now, I am nearing sixty years old (Jia Lu refers to sixty years), yet my scholarly status remains unchanged (Xi Mao Yi Ran implies failing to pass higher exams). For twenty years, I have wandered through worldly dust without any significant progress. I merely occasionally browse medical books, emulating the mindset of Fan Zhongyan (Fan Wenzheng Gong) to maintain a benevolent heart, refusing to accept payment or boast of merits. Yet, those seeking diagnosis arrive continuously, filling the outdoors.

As for discussing medical theories, I dare not speak freely; I truly revere it and acknowledge its difficulty. Mr. Zhang Zhen'an comes from a family of scholars, inheriting ancestral scholarly traditions, accumulating learning and literary skill. Practicing medicine was not his ambition; rather, because his mother suffered from a carbuncle on her buttocks (an external condition), he turned to studying external medicine. Although he may not possess the skills of "washing intestines and scraping bones" (metaphor for highly advanced surgical capabilities) or the efficacy of "analyzing the brain and solving the skull" (metaphor for treating complex head/face conditions), he clearly understands the Five Elements (Wu Xing) and distinguishes the pathogenic influences of the Six Qi (Liu Qi). His plasters and pills are pure and clean, and diseases often heal upon application.

Immortal Dong's reputation is quite prominent. He sometimes extracts the profound essence of former sages and examines the subtleties of his own insights, forming his own school of thought. Practicing medicine with a Confucian spirit, he analyzes principles as clearly as a mirror. The book is named *Waike Yijing* (External Medicine Medical Mirror). It can be said to mirror one's own gains and losses, or even mirror the life and death of patients.

Those who keep secret techniques hidden exhibit the narrow-mindedness of mediocre physicians; those who write books for public circulation demonstrate the painstaking efforts of good physicians. Mr. Zhang Yu Zi personally compiled this work, passing on golden needle acupuncture techniques subtly. Even from just fragments of scales and claws within, one can glimpse the miracle-working hands that bring back spring (heal the critically ill). Although I am not familiar with Mr. Zhang's medical practice, a bright mirror does not tire of reflecting repeatedly. Merely by observing his filial piety in learning medicine for his mother and his benevolence in saving the world through medicine, we can see his character. Having naturally formed benevolence and filial piety, he must look down upon my failure to fulfill my parents' wishes and my ignorance of medicine despite my old age. How great is the difference between us?

Now that the book is completed and ready for printing, he asked me for a preface. Regarding this specialty, I am indeed, as Su Dongpo said, someone who "knocks on the pot and touches the candle" (metaphor for having a partial and mistaken understanding). Alas! Since Mr. Zhang embraces the Dao while practicing medicine in seclusion, selecting prescriptions according to symptoms, and holding high the Medical Mirror, I believe he will broaden his transmission in the future, acting as a boat of compassion to save the world. We shall surely see the elimination of epidemic rashes and the elevation of the people to benevolence and longevity. He will certainly be known not only for his medical skills. This volume is merely the hornet's nest (the beginning/precursor). I happily take up my pen to write this preface.

Inscribed by Qiu Guangzhao, Candidate Instructor Attendant Scholar (Sheng Shi), Juren degree holder, during the last ten days of the third month of the Guiwei year of the Guangxu reign (Autumn 1883).