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Medicine is fundamentally one, yet it is divided into internal and external specialties because human diseases manifest internally or externally. Since the disciplines are categorized as internal and external, ancient specialists each possessed their own medical texts to transmit to future generations. However, those who specialize in internal medicine excel in internal treatments but may neglect dermatological and surgical conditions; conversely, those who specialize in external medicine excel in external treatments but may be unfamiliar with pulse diagnosis (Pulse Diagnosis). If one possesses both skills, bias cannot be entirely avoided. Only a benevolent person, whose compassion for others is profound, thorough, and meticulous, will strive to master both before ceasing. In the Bingchen year of the Hongzhi era, His Highness the Prince, not considering me ignorant, ordered me to carefully select effective prescriptions from all comprehensive texts on internal medicine, categorize them, and provide commentary below, naming this collection *Yifang Xuanya* (Essential Selections of Medical Prescriptions), comprising ten volumes in total. Among these, there was also one fascicle dedicated to dermatology and surgery. This spring, His Imperial Mind further reasoned that while the compilation of *Xuanya* was sufficient for treating internal ailments, humans inevitably engage in dietary intake and experience emotions such as joy and anger in daily life. Indulgence in diet and emotional instability inevitably damage Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi), thereby generating sores and toxins. Given the numerous varieties of such conditions, how could a single fascicle on dermatology suffice for complete treatment? Consequently, I was ordered to recompile treatises and prescriptions on external medicine, ensuring that comparisons were made with prudence, selections were refined with precision, the origins of diseases were investigated, and the applications of medicines were detailed, so as to complement *Xuanya* and avoid partiality. Through this, I came to appreciate even more deeply the Prince’s benevolent intention to extend kindness to all people, which was indeed profound and meticulous. However, being a commoner, my learning was insufficient to elucidate principles, and my medical skill unworthy of fame; I was mediocre and superficial, focusing on one aspect while neglecting another. How could I possibly meet the imperial expectation? Nevertheless, I dared not disobey the imperial decree, nor could I fail to exert my limited abilities. Thus, setting aside my own limitations, I compiled works on external medicine by renowned ancient physicians, carefully matching herbs to syndromes and selecting methods applied cleverly according to patients' conditions. Following the guidelines of *Xuanya*, I assembled two volumes, titled *Waike Jiyan Fang* (Collected Verified Prescriptions for External Medicine), and presented them for His Majesty's review. The recovery of disease and the excellence of a physician depend on the efficacy of the prescription. Although I presumptuously named my compilation "Collected Verified," it is merely like looking at the sky through a tube or measuring the ocean with a gourd—a reluctant effort to fulfill the mandate. As for making prudent comparisons, precise selections, investigating origins, and detailing applications, how dare I claim such merit?
On an auspicious day in the ninth month of autumn, in the Wuwu year of the Hongzhi era. Zhou Wencai, Vice Physician, bows his head and touches the ground, respectfully writing the preface.