Library

The art of medicine is indeed difficult, and the treatment of pediatric diseases is particularly challenging. For children under the age of six, the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) does not record relevant theories; it was only with the emergence of the *Lunxin Jing* (Classic of the Cranium and Fontanelle) that methods for predicting longevity were established. However, infants' pulses are subtle and difficult to perceive. When physicians palpate the pulse, infants often cry out due to fright, making accurate assessment impossible; this constitutes the second difficulty. Since the pulse is unreliable, one must rely on external signs. Yet, infants' bone qi has not yet fully formed, and their physical appearance and voice are not yet standardized. Their expressions of grief, crying, joy, and laughter vary unpredictably; this constitutes the third difficulty. Inquiry through questioning is a mark of a skilled physician. However, most infants cannot speak, and even if they can, their words are not always trustworthy; this constitutes the fourth difficulty. Infants' zang-fu organs are delicate and prone to both deficiency and excess, cold and heat. Furthermore, treatments often involve precious substances such as Rhinoceros Horn (Xijiao), Pearl (Zhenzhu), Dragon Bone (Longgu), and Musk (Shexiang). If physicians cannot accurately distinguish these medicinal properties, how can they cure diseases? This constitutes the fifth difficulty. There are numerous hidden complexities and difficulties. I have pondered this deeply and witnessed common physicians recklessly prescribing medications, resulting in deaths among four or five out of ten cases; this is truly lamentable! Generally, pediatric treatment methods are scattered across various texts, often derived from modern subjective speculations, making them chaotic and unreliable. To seek their essential subtleties is hardly easy! Qian Yi, Grand Medical Attendant, courtesy name Zhongyang, was from Wenshang. His treatment of pediatric diseases encompassed ancient and modern practices and featured many original insights, gaining fame during his time. His methods were simple, precise, and prudent, clear as pointing at one's palm. My father passed the imperial examination during the Zhiping era and was appointed as the Sheriff of Xucheng, where he met him. When I was five or six years old, I suffered from Jing Feng (Convulsions), Gan Ji (Infant Malnutrition), and Pi Jia (Abdominal Masses), repeatedly facing critical danger, all of which were rescued and cured by Zhongyang. At that time, Zhongyang was still young and reluctant to easily transmit his book. The materials transmitted in my family consisted of merely over ten prescriptions! In the early Daguang era, I took office in Ruhai, while Zhongyang had grown old. Among relatives and old friends, I finally obtained dozens of clauses discussing syndromes. Six years later, I acquired miscellaneous prescriptions. It seems the content obtained in his late years was even more exquisite. Upon returning to the capital, I saw other editions. However, manuscripts were circulated immediately after being written, appearing disorganized. Initially lacking systematic order, with mutual gains and losses, I was able to cross-reference them. I arranged them according to chronological sequence, deleted repetitions, corrected errors, and replaced colloquialisms with standard language. The upper volume covers pulse diagnosis, syndromes, and treatment methods; the middle volume records previously treated cases; the lower volume contains various prescriptions, thus completing the book. Consequently, the methods for treating pediatric diseases throughout ancient and modern times could not be improved upon. I reflect that benevolence lies in universal love, the intent of the virtuous; caring for the young is the legacy instruction of sages. Should such kindness not be widely disseminated? I intend to pass this on to enthusiasts, so that the young may be spared the suffering of premature death, and the elderly may be relieved of the sorrow of losing their children. This is my aspiration. Thus, I clarify Zhongyang's medical techniques for endless transmission.

Preface by Yan Jizhong, Official Rank: Xuanyiao Lang, from Daliang