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Translation of the text into modern vernacular Chinese, then into academic English based on WHO standards.

Medical practice comprises thirteen specialties, among which pediatrics is the most difficult. This is because children's bones and sinews are not yet firm, their pulse patterns are not fully developed, and their spirit (Shen) is not yet complete. They cannot verbalize their symptoms when asked, making diagnosis challenging; hence, it is called the "Mute Specialty" (Ya Ke). The *Book of Documents* states, "As if protecting a newborn infant," highlighting the difficulty of care. Laozi said, "The sage treats all people as children," emphasizing the complexity of nurturing. The Yellow Emperor remarked, "I cannot perceive the subtle changes in the young," acknowledging the difficulty in examining infants.

Since the loss of the *Crane Head Classic* (*Lunxi Jing*), the mortality rate among children has increased. Renowned pediatricians include Qian Yi (courtesy name Zhongyang), Chen Wenzhong, Li Cheng, Dong Ji, Qizhenzi, and Wang Shi of Handong, who all gained fame in their respective eras. However, these practitioners were often confined to rigid rules and scales, lacking independent and flexible insights. Among those capable of adapting methods to changing conditions while adhering to principles—like a pearl rolling within a dish without escaping it—only Qian Yi excelled.

Qian Yi served as Vice Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song. He thoroughly understood profound medical theories and established formulas for the Five Zang organs, tailoring treatments to specific indications. He posited that the Liver contains Ministerial Fire, thus requiring draining rather than tonifying; the Kidney represents True Water, thus requiring tonifying rather than draining. This approach extracted the secrets of the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* and *Yu Han Jing*, capturing the essence of the *Nei Jing*. Regrettably, his original works were lost; the extant texts were compiled by his disciple Yan Xiaozhong and do not fully reflect Qian Yi's original intent.

The *Compendium of Pediatric Skills* (*Youke Leicui*) does not list its compiler. Based on the cited sources, it was likely compiled by contemporary physicians. Liu Songshi, Grand Secretary for River Management, recognized the book's value in safeguarding infants and saving children, ordering Nan Gong Baixia, Prefect of Kaifeng, to print and distribute it, with strong support from Vice Commissioner Hu Shanhu. As Cheng Hao (Cheng Bozi) once said, "Even a low-ranking official who cherishes all things will surely benefit humanity." This publication reflects his benevolent intention to aid the people, alongside his duties in river dredging.

Written by Li Lian of Songzhu on the first day of the eleventh month in the winter of the 13th year of Jiawu (1534 AD).

The *Qian Jin Fang* states: During gestation, the fetus receives essence and qi. In the first month, the embryo forms; in the second, the fetal sac develops; in the third, blood vessels form; in the fourth, physical shape is established; in the fifth, movement begins; in the sixth, bones and sinews develop; in the seventh, hair grows; in the eighth, internal organs are complete; in the ninth, the capacity to digest grain enters the stomach; in the tenth, all spiritual faculties are prepared, and birth occurs.

After birth: At 60 days, the pupils mature, enabling smiling, speaking, and recognition of people. At 100 days, the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) develops, allowing turning over. At 180 days, the coccyx ossifies, enabling standing independently. At 210 days, the metacarpal bones develop, enabling crawling. At 300 days, the patella ossifies, enabling leaning independently. At 360 days (one cycle), the tibial/fibular bones develop, enabling walking. Deviations from this norm indicate physical imbalance.

Furthermore: Infants born with body ruptures, white scrotums, non-erectile penises, absent anal openings, or lack of flesh between the thighs will die. A cry resembling a crow's croak indicates imminent death.

Within the first year: If the fontanelle remains open, teeth/hair fail to grow, limbs are contracted, knees resemble crane legs (thin/shriveled), or the child is emaciated, or cannot walk/stand by age 4-5, these result from insufficient prenatal qi.

Conversely: Strong sinews yield strength; strong bones yield steady gait; abundant blood yields lean physique but lush hair; abundant flesh yields resistance to disease; abundant essence yields intelligence, verbosity, laughter, and tolerance to cold/heat; abundant qi yields infrequent illness and robust physique. These indicate sufficient prenatal qi.

Generally, balanced endowment leads to pure Yin-Yang harmony, yielding flexibility, harmonious Qi-Blood, smooth meridians, full essence and spirit, solid organs, and robust health. Before one year of age, signs of balanced prenatal qi include: firm closed fontanelle, clear black eyes, square mouth, thick back, coarse bones, full buttocks, deep umbilicus, soft abdomen, small penis, large testicles, fine teeth, lustrous hair, resonant voice, stable sleep. Observing voice and form allows assessment of deficiency/excess and longevity.