Library

In ancient times, Shennong tasted the flavors of hundreds of herbs to save the people from diseases; in the Zhou Dynasty, the office of "Jiyi" (Physician for Diseases) was established to manage the illnesses of the populace. These records were inscribed on bamboo slips and books, serving as a model for ten thousand generations. When our Song Dynasty rose, sagacious rulers succeeded one another, all employing supreme benevolence and profound virtue to nurture living beings. They held that since plagues and epidemics occur frequently and vary with the four seasons, no method of relief is more urgent than medical formularies. Therefore, since the Kaibao era, imperial edicts had instructed close ministers to collate and correct materia medica texts. Subsequently, *Shenyi Pujiu* (Divine Physician's Universal Relief) was compiled, *Taiping Shenghui Fang* (Prescriptions of Taiping Shenghui) was published, acupuncture and moxibustion acupoints were redefined, and the *Qianjin Yaofang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) and *Waitai Miyao* (Secret Essentials of the Outer Chamber) were corrected. Furthermore, formularies such as *Qingli Shanjiu* (Good Rescue of Qingli) and *Jianyao Jizhong* (Concise Aid for the Masses) were produced and disseminated throughout the realm. Some were cast in bronze or carved on stone, others printed via woodblock printing in continuous volumes. Though these efforts may not surpass the dedication of Shennong or the governance of the Chengzhou era, they were comparable. Heaven bestowed upon Emperor Shenzong the sacred mandate to inherit the throne. His virtue of cherishing life was manifested not only in medical treatises but also through the establishment of the "Taiyi Ju Shuyao Suo" (Imperial Medical Bureau Prepared Medicine Office) in the capital, demonstrating diligent care for the people's suffering. The current Emperor, possessing profound benevolence and filial piety in continuing the ancestors' achievements, expanded the system by adding seven bureaus during the Chongning era, naming them "Heji" (Harmonizing Formulas) and "Huimin" (Benefiting the People). These bureaus regulated the production and sale of medicines under specific jurisdictions. Additionally, the "Shoumai Yaocai Suo" (Herb Purchasing Office) was established to eliminate the弊端 of counterfeit and adulterated drugs. Edicts ordered the establishment of medicine bureaus in all prefectures, fully extending the grace of the imperial ancestors. However, since the inception of these bureaus, the formulas used were often sourced from private merchants or old manuscripts reviewed for reference, inevitably containing errors. Although previously printed and distributed, doubts persisted and mistakes were inherited. There were omissions of herbal ingredients, inaccuracies in dosages (measured in zhu and liang), flaws in preparation methods, occasional fabrications in ancestral lineages of prescriptions, and numerous errors in posted notices, which could hardly be listed individually. Recently, due to various issues being reported to the court, an order was issued to select physicians proficient in medicine to correct these texts. Thus, secret documents from the Imperial Library were consulted, and alternative records by renowned experts were collected. Public and private versions were thoroughly searched without omission, leaving nothing unexamined. Roots were rectified to correct branches, and sources were traced to clarify origins; errors were corrected, and confusions resolved. Missing items were supplemented, and duplicates were deleted. Within less than a year, the book was completed. Upon finishing the transcription, it was respectfully presented to the court. It is anticipated that those who harmonize the formulas will achieve perfect efficacy, and those who consume them will have no doubts. By promulgating this definitive text, benefits will extend across the empire. Thus, the benevolent intentions of the Xifeng era regarding public welfare and the grand standards of the Chongguan era in following ancestral precedents will be preserved in their entirety. This will bring longevity and health to the people and summon harmonious qi throughout heaven and earth, transmitting this legacy endlessly for millions of years. Is this not commendable?

Chen Cheng, Jiangshi Lang (Official Rank: Junior Gentleman of the Palace), in charge of the Medicine Bureau and reviewing formularies
Pei Zongyuan, Fengyi Lang (Official Rank: Official of Grace), Acting Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau and in charge of the Medicine Bureau and reviewing formularies
Chen Shiwen, Chaofeng Lang (Official Rank: Official of Respectful Admonition), Acting Librarian of the Shangshu Department and Controller of the Medicine Bureau, respectfully submitted