Library

1. There are numerous books on pediatrics, resembling a library that fills ox-carts and fills warehouses with sweat (a metaphor for an immense number of books). Among them, the traditions regarding "Jing Feng" (Convulsive Disease) contain many errors. Yu Jiayan, Chen Yuan Gong, and Cheng Feng Chu have already refuted these, identifying the condition as "Bing Jing" (Spasm/Cramp Disorder). However, they failed to clarify the etiology of Bing Jing and the methods for treating spasms, leaving the matter unresolved and unconvincing. I hereby thoroughly expose the truth, categorizing spasms caused by Shang Han (Cold Damage), convulsions resulting from miscellaneous diseases, and collapse syndromes into three distinct categories, summarized under the term "Chu" (Twitching/Convulsion): namely, Wu Chu (Misguided Convulsion), Lei Chu (Resembling Convulsion), and Fei Chu (Non-Convulsion). The distinctions are clear and detailed; the symptoms and treatments are distinctly different. With correct nomenclature, treatment will no longer be confused. Zhou Xuzhong stated: "Opening these three major gates can save countless children from premature death."

2. Pediatric theories have entirely relied on the doctrine of "Yang Excess and Yin Deficiency," passing down errors and causing calamities for millennia. Later practitioners mistakenly viewed infants as a mass of Yang fire, recklessly using cold and cool herbs, thereby damaging the Spleen and Stomach. In ancient times, people had robust innate endowment, so the harm was relatively shallow. Today, conditions differ from the past; weakness is prevalent. Ancient prescriptions often clash with modern pathologies. Therefore, I have made slight deletions and revisions. This is not out of disrespect for predecessors or stubborn adherence to my own views, but rather an application of adapting to the times and circumstances.

3. Newborns are tender and fragile, having just left the maternal womb. They are like bubbles on water or candles in the wind; if protection is slightly negligent, death ensues immediately. Yet, the toxic and inferior formulas used in pediatrics secretly deplete their True Yuan (Original Qi). Even if they survive by luck, their Yin-Yang, Ying (Nutritive), and Wei (Defensive) Qi are damaged. Their spirit is exhausted, leading to lifelong frailty with no remedy, let alone those who do not survive at all. Herein, I have deleted all formulas that劫夺 (plunder/rob) healthy Qi and all toxic/inferior ingredients, replacing them with treatments based on Zheng (Orthodox) and Ni (Reverse) principles. Perhaps innocent infants can avoid dying unjustly.

4. The *Lun Xin* (Cranial Fontanelle) treatise originated with Wei Shen of the Eastern Han Dynasty and was completed by Qian Zhongyang of the Song Dynasty. His use of Zhang Zhongjing's Dihuang Tang (Rehmannia Decoction) for congenital insufficiency and Qiwei Baizhu San (Seven-Ingredient Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder) for diarrhea with thirst demonstrates profound insight. Later, a certain disciple concealed his name, retained only the potent/pungent formulas, and falsely attributed them to Qian, frequently using domineering formulas that plundered Qi, leading to premature deaths and subsequent ridicule. I now adopt his strengths and discard his weaknesses. This is not arbitrary abridgment, but an effort to fulfill Qian Zhongyang's original intent.

5. Pediatrics has focused solely on imitating "Jing Feng," completely neglecting the category of Shang Han. Consequently, students know only of Jing Feng and ignore Shang Han. A difference of a hair's breadth leads to a thousand miles of error; the harm is incalculable. Only Cheng Feng Chu recognized this issue. I have incorporated his work here for reference. Vaccinia (Smallpox/Chickenpox) is crucial in pediatrics, yet most authors neglect it or create separate categories. Students believe the origins differ and stop discussing it. I have included it here to ensure they recognize Vaccinia as intrinsic to pediatrics and examine it carefully.

6. Books on Vaccinia, such as those by Feng, Chen, Nie, Zhai, and Wan, all possess insights, but their comprehensiveness varies. Wan's work is particularly clear and useful for emergencies. Unfortunately, the original plates were destroyed in the late Ming Dynasty. The reprint in the second year of Kangxi is riddled with textual errors (Lu Yu Hai Shi - misprinted characters), losing poetic rhymes and repeating diagnostic discussions. Scholars despise it, and I deeply regret this. I have therefore meticulously edited and polished it to complete the collection.

7. Fire therapy (Moxibustion/Fire techniques) is the primary emergency measure in pediatrics, offering no quicker alternative. However, previous transmissions violated the principle of "closing the door to chase away thieves" (retaining pathogens while expelling healthy Qi), causing harm rather than benefit. I now present the divinely transmitted divine fire techniques, illustrated and sung in verse, for colleagues. In urgent situations, it can restore life almost instantly.

8. While there are standard orthodox formulas for treatment, I have appended empirical simple formulas and external therapies where necessary. These include secrets for reviving the seemingly dead. If one studies and applies them appropriately, the benefits are infinite.

9. This book is designed not only for medical professionals but also for laypeople. The logic is clear, and the formulas are concise and practical, without obscure or difficult-to-understand theories. Keeping a copy at home allows for symptom-based regulation, benefiting both oneself and others, providing a small but significant aid.

10. Although this book is an compilation, I do not fully trust all traditional pediatric assertions. I have selected content that is logically sound, clearly explained, and practically beneficial, discarding superficial or irrelevant material. Where appropriate, I have added my own opinions and experienced cases to perfect the text. Thus, it is difficult to attribute specific passages to specific authors; this is not to claim credit for others' work. Pediatrics differs from internal medicine pulse diagnosis because infants cannot articulate their pain; a single dose determines life or death. Therefore, caution and detail are essential. The selection and exclusion in this book are well-balanced.

11. The literary quality of this book may seem rough because I lacked formal education in my youth. My motivation was simply the inability to bear seeing innocent children die prematurely. Forgetting my own limitations, I spoke impulsively. Though my language may be unrefined, my reasoning is sincere, not false. Wise readers should not despise me but rather appreciate my loyal and loving heart and offer corrections. This would be my greatest fortune.

Fu Zheng records again.