Library

1. The first printing of this book was initiated by Cheng Yunong, a Lianfang (provincial inspector) from my hometown. It has been over thirty years since then, and no other editions have appeared. Future copies will likely become increasingly scarce. Gentlemen colleagues in Shu (Sichuan) pooled funds to reprint it, which is indeed a gratifying undertaking.

2. In discussions of surgical texts in Shu, Wang's *Quansheng Ji* (Complete Collection for Preserving Life) is esteemed as an excellent edition. This book collects and excerpts from *Quansheng Ji* even more comprehensively; where *Quansheng Ji* is lacking, this book provides thorough supplementation. Therefore, this book surpasses or equals *Quansheng Ji*.

3. The initial printing had inconsistent formats and numerous errors. For this reprint, knowledgeable physicians were entrusted with repeated proofreading. Over two hundred items were corrected. Some textual errors remain because there are no reliable sources for verification; thus, doubts are preserved as such.

4. References to various schools of thought in this book do not cite their origins. They were selected opportunistically with the aim of achieving therapeutic efficacy. This reprint also did not allow for exhaustive research; scholars should be aware of this.

5. Medical cases from *Quansheng Ji* are appended because they corroborate this book, making cross-reference convenient.

6. This book does not cover Dan Yao (mineral-based external preparations). We obtained the Dan Yao formulas from *Yangyi Yayin* (Elegant Words on Surgeon Medicine), which are concise and essential. They are recorded and appended here to complete the work; the intent is detailed in the preface.
Written by Yi Chongjie, pseudonym Kongtong Shi, from Jingshan, in the second month of the Dingmao year of the Tongzhi reign.

7. This book details treatments for each syndrome, with clear categorization. Where treatments are identical but anatomical locations differ, simplicity is prioritized at the beginning of each section. By distinguishing red/white and yin/yang in carbuncles and sores (Yong Ju, purulent infections) and following standard treatment methods, reference is facilitated without error.

8. Formulas specific to a single syndrome are listed after that syndrome. Formulas applicable to multiple syndromes are grouped under "General Formulas" and listed sequentially to avoid confusion. Dosages are fully specified to prevent prescription errors during clinical practice.

9. The human body's Zang-Fu organs and Yin-Yang possess distinct forms and meanings; meridians and anatomical regions have specific jurisdictions, akin to strategic terrain in military strategy. One cannot be a strategist without understanding terrain; similarly, one cannot be a physician without understanding Zang-Fu and meridians. Previous meridian rhymes were inconsistent and difficult to memorize and distinguish. Mr. Chen Jianfei’s collected works contain descriptions extending externally from the head and eyes to the feet, and internally from the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney to the Six Fu organs and sinews/vessels, arranged systematically and perfectly. These are adopted and categorized by region for students' convenience in referencing by syndrome.

10. The "Song of Five Goods and Seven Evils" was originally excluded. Initially, carbuncles and sores result merely from stagnation of Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) and obstruction of Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), leading to swelling. Guiding the pathogen according to its nature leads to recovery; what evil is there? Only after prolonged ulceration, due to mismanagement of Yin/Yang or depletion of Qi and Blood, do the "Seven Evils" arise. At this stage, reversing evil to good requires miraculous effort, which is the physician's responsibility. These songs are included to avoid criticism of archaic affectation and to serve as a warning for prognosis. Physicians should not abandon patients exhibiting "evil signs"; if there is any hope, they must intervene, consulting internal medicine pulse diagnostics carefully, truly embodying benevolent art.

11. People mistakenly regard Sheng Jiang Yao (corrosive agents like salt, alum, realgar, mercury processed by fire) as essential for draining pus in surgery. These are harsh, potent drugs. While they may help remove stasis and generate new tissue, they are dangerous for chronic conditions where Qi and Blood are already deficient. Treatment must prioritize tonifying Qi and Blood, avoiding pain and rot, as emphasized in *Quansheng Ji*. Initial external lesions should be resolved; itching/pain stopped; ulcers healed; critical states rescued. For removing stasis, use Ping An Bing (Peaceful Cake) and Zhen Tou San (Needle Head Powder); for generating new tissue, use Xiang Pi San (Elephant Skin Powder) and Liu He San (Six Harmonies Powder). These are effective and safe. Thus, Sheng Jiang Yao is recognized as having both benefits and harms, and these two formulas are excluded from general selection.

12. Descriptions of carbuncles and sores distinguish Yin and Yang, often using verbose language to prevent misdiagnosis, which can be harmful. Students should pay close attention.

13. Rare diseases must be recorded. Cases localized by site are categorized by site; those with wandering locations are grouped together. New categories for "Strange Diseases" and "Monstrous Worms" are added for conditions like blood congestion or parasitic worms, facilitating treatment if encountered.

14. Herbs requiring processing must be refined according to Materia Medica standards. Methods differing from standard texts, such as processing Strychnos nux-vomica (Fan Mu Die), are listed separately.

15. Parasitic syndromes within "Evil Worm Syndromes" stem from Yin-Yang disharmony and damp-heat toxicity. Treatments follow the logic found in the "Wound Injury" category.

16. Poisoning cases seem unrelated to surgery, yet medicine is a benevolent art aimed at saving lives. Even food and herbs can cause poisoning. If one waits to seek remedies after poisoning occurs, life may be lost. Thus, these are appended to warn those seeking health preservation.

17. This book synthesizes literature and verified clinical experience. After five drafts, it was completed. Treatments for carbuncles and sores are personally verified. Following these formulas and accurately diagnosing syndromes ensures survival even in remote areas. Scholars should not dismiss these words as arrogant.