Library

Wang Bo of the Tang Dynasty compiled one volume of "Preface to Medical Conversations" (Yihua Xu), which can be regarded as the originator of the genre of medical conversations. Zhang Gao of the Song Dynasty authored ten volumes of "Medical Discourses" (Yishuo), and Yu Bian of the Ming Dynasty authored ten volumes of "Continued Medical Discourses" (Xu Yishuo); these two works serve as the mentors (i.e., pioneers or models) for this genre. By the late Qing Dynasty, authors were numerous. Shi Dian wrote "Yuanti Medical Conversations" (Yuan Ti Yihua), Huang Kaijun wrote "Youyu Zhai Medical Conversations" (You Yu Zhai Yihua), Wang Shixiong edited "Liuzhou Medical Conversations" (Liuzhou Yihua) and authored "Qianzhai Medical Conversations" (Qian Zhai Yihua), Mao Xianglin wrote "Duishan Medical Conversations" (Dui Shan Yihua), Lu Yi authored "Lenglu Medical Conversations" (Leng Lu Yihua), Ji Nan wrote "Kechen Medical Conversations" (Ke Chen Yihua), Liu Baoyi wrote "Xiyu Medical Conversations" (Xi Yu Yihua), Ding Fubao wrote "Collected Medical Conversations" (Yihua Congcun), and my ancestor, Mr. Xiushan, compiled "Ancient Medical Maxims" (Gu Yi Ge Yan). All these works are based on personal experience; some recount what was heard, some what was seen, some personal insights, some the experiences of teachers and friends, some pointing out the pros and cons of practitioners, and some emulating the famous sayings of ancient sages. Although each recounts past events, their remarks are often precise and substantial. Compared to browsing general medical books, they are more interesting and sufficient to broaden knowledge and enhance wisdom.

The former renowned physician, Mr. Zhao Qingchu, deeply understood the subtleties of medicine (Sanmei, referring to the profound mysteries of a craft). In his seventies, he still wrote tirelessly, copying manuscripts by hand in small regular script (Xingkai). In his middle age, he loved seeking Dao (here referring to exploring medical truths or advanced skills). He had a deep friendship with Mr. Ling Jialiú in Shanghai from an early age and a particularly close bond with Mr. Ma Peizhi in Jiangsu, for whom he wrote a postscript to "Ji En Lu". In his later years, residing in Shaoxing, he formed a friendship across generations with me, and we were very close. When discussing medicine with him, he spoke without reservation, leaving nothing unsaid, showing no fatigue even in the deep night. He once said to me: "Medicine cannot be mastered without broad learning; it cannot be refined without mastery; it cannot be specialized without refinement. Only when one is both refined and specialized can one return from breadth to simplicity. Our predecessors in Shaoxing, Jin Shio and Chen Nianyi, treasured 'Complete Works of Jingyue' (Jingyue Quanshu) as a secret treasure kept under the pillow; Ren HT [Note: Original text likely contains a typo for a name] had only one copy of 'Guide to Clinical Practice' (Linzheng Zhinan) on his desk; Yu Genchu had only one copy of 'Shanghan Lun by Zhang Zhongjing' (Zhongjing Shanghan Lun) on his desk. This shows that insight does not depend on the quantity of books. However, those without genuine insight cannot use this as an excuse. To gain insight, one must indeed read many ancient and modern medical books. For without breadth, one certainly cannot achieve simplicity." Such were his words, truly a fine tale in the medical world.

I often witnessed this when consulting with him. In clinical diagnosis and syndrome differentiation, he would repeatedly analyze and detail; in selecting herbs and formulating prescriptions, his thoughts were thorough. Often, for just one adjuvant herb, he would spend considerable time pondering before arriving at a decision. Once he found the right approach, the entire prescription became灵动 (agile and penetrating), proving effective as if by divine intervention. He once compiled "Selection of Odd and Even Formulas" (Qi Ou Fang Xuan), containing about a thousand formulas, with explanations that were very concise. He also left behind a volume of medical cases where diagnoses were accurate and treatment plans were clear and logical, serving as models for future students. Unfortunately, no printed edition exists. Even the five volumes of "Cuncun Zhai Medical Conversations Draft" (Cuncun Zhai Yihua Gao) only have the first two volumes, prefaced by Mr. Sun Yingjie and Mr. Chen Zhouqing, and published by Mr. Yao Jing'an. Soon after, the printing blocks were lost. To this day, they cannot be found in any bookstore. If this is the case locally, it is understandable elsewhere. Mr. Qiu Jisheng, a fellow society member, fearing the book would be lost forever, searched extensively for the original blocks. Although he luckily acquired them, many pages were missing. He hurriedly arranged for a new woodblock printing. Now, as it is about to be published, he asked me to briefly narrate its history at the beginning. This reflects Mr. Qiu's heartfelt intention to honor the preceding scholars.

On the 15th day of the 11th month, 4th Year of the Republic of China, He Lianchen (Ziyin) recorded at Xuanhua Fang, foot of Wolong Mountain, Licity.