Library

*Baoyou Daquan* (Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Infants and Children) is a work printed by my colleague, Mr. Zhu Shizuo, for the benefit of the world. Its discussion of medical principles is extremely subtle and rigorous; its formulation of prescriptions is extremely detailed and comprehensive. It covers, from the initial formation of human life until childhood, all minute pathological manifestations without exception. It is a pity that the author's name has been lost. It is said that it was obtained from an ancient tomb; although this may not be entirely certain, its use in treating diseases has proven universally effective. Indeed, it is a rare book in the world.

Mr. Zhu brought it to Xuancheng and discussed with Magistrate Li Zongren the printing of woodblocks to disseminate it throughout the four corners of the land. He also requested me to write a preface for it. I recall the saying: "To protect [the people] as one protects an infant." Infants are indeed difficult to protect, and this book is likewise hard to obtain. The person who obtains it does not keep it private to one family or locality but wishes to disseminate it widely, thereby benefiting future generations. This allows all infants to acquire the methods of protection, enabling them to grow up safely and live long lives. Are not the intentions of these two gentlemen both just and extensive? To protect infants is to protect the people. If those who govern the people could truly care for them as they would care for infants, and yet the people remained unsettled, I should not believe it. Thus, I write this preface.

Written on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month in the autumn of Jiyou Year, Hongzhi Era, by Fan Ji, courtesy name Yizhen, of Tiantai, who received the Jin degree through imperial examination, held the rank of Zhongshu Dafu (Middle Gentleman), and served as Prefect of Ningguo Prefecture, Zhili.

*Baoyou Daquan* is another name for *Xiao'er Weisheng Zongwei Lunfang* (General Treatise on Infant Hygiene). Because its prescriptions and discussions are detailed, prudent, precise, and rigorous, it is again named *Baoyou Daquan*. I have long harbored the ambition to aid beings. Whenever I encountered medical texts, I delighted in collecting them. Commander Zheng He was a physician specializing in pediatrics and a close friend of mine. When I asked him how he attained his proficiency in medicine, he presented this book to me. Upon reading it, I found it differed significantly from ordinary medical texts, so I inquired further about how he came by it. He replied that it was traditionally said to have been found by a farmer in an ancient tomb. Consequently, I requested a copy. Mr. Zheng showed no reluctance and thus handed over the complete collection to me. I transcribed it and treasured it in my cabinets for many years. Occasionally encountering cases of pediatric illness, I applied the formulas from this book and often achieved remarkable results. One day, while accompanying Magistrate Li Zongren of Xuancheng to inquire into the hardships of the people, we met at the government office. Discussing this book, Mr. Li, who was also eager to benefit others, took the initiative to print it, thereby broadening its dissemination. Within a few months, the task was completed. Alas! For a long time, I have drawn a salary in this enlightened era without contributing sufficiently to my people. If even a few young children could receive a fraction of help in times of crisis due to this book, would not my lifelong aspiration find some comfort? As for the high or low quality of the medical art, the discerning will understand it naturally; there is no need for my words. I merely record its origin here.

Written on the morning of the Mid-Autumn Festival in the year Jiyou of Hongzhi, by Zhu Chen, courtesy name Shizuo, of Jinan, a member of a prominent clan, who passed the provincial examination (Jiangxi) in the Wuzi year and served as Vice Prefect of Ningguo Prefecture.