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Since the establishment by the sages of old, there must inevitably be successors to elaborate upon it, so that their teachings may become manifest in the world. The Way of Medicine originates from Fuxi, Shennong (Divine Farmer), and Huangdi (Yellow Emperor). Reaching a state of divine subtlety, classical formulas (Jingfang) began to emerge. Subsequently, Yi Yin, endowed with the talent of a primal sage, compiled Tangye (Medicinal Decoctions), thereby enabling the diseases of the common people to be completely eradicated, allowing the living beings of ten thousand generations to universally receive salvation and relief. In the Later Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing further expanded upon Tangye, composing "Shanghan Zabing Lun" (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases) in over ten volumes, after which medical prescriptions were greatly perfected. The wisdom of the former sages and the latter sages coincided as perfectly as matching tally sticks. By the Jin Dynasty, Wang Shuhe, Grand Physician Director, edited and arranged Zhang Zhongjing's manuscripts into an ordered sequence, preserving them as a complete corpus. Ancients regarded Zhang Zhongjing's collection of formulas as the ancestor of all formulas, precisely because he was able to inherit and expound upon the works of the former sages. That these texts have not fallen into obscurity for over a thousand years is also attributable to the elucidating efforts of Mr. Wang. The ten volumes of "Shanghan Lun" feature language that is refined and profound, and methods that are concise yet detailed; they cannot be thoroughly investigated by those with limited knowledge and shallow insight. Although later scholars claimed mastery of their own schools, no significant innovations were observed. I, though unworthy, have engaged in the medical profession from youth to old age, immersing myself in Zhang Zhongjing's writings for over fifty years. While I have roughly grasped the entrance and approached the hall, I have not yet entered the inner chamber, often feeling dissatisfied with this state. Yesterday, I happened to meet Master Cheng of Liaocheng, whose discussions were extensive and profound, whose medical skills were proficient, and who possessed a scholarly family tradition. He had completed his commentary on the ten volumes of "Shanghan Lun" and presented it to me. Within the three hundred and ninety-seven methods, he analyzed similarities and differences, illuminated hidden profundities, explained pulse patterns, distinguished between Yin and Yang, making exterior and interior conditions clear, and rendering the applications of sweating (Han) and purgation (Xia) evident. Following the one hundred and twelve formulas, he clarified the origins of their names, highlighted the primary properties of the herbs, delineated the distinctions in weight among the Ten Categories (Shi Ji), demonstrated the preparations and uses derived from the Seven Processing Methods (Qi Zhi), differentiated appropriate flavors and aromas, and clarified the suitability of tonification (Bu) and draining (Xie). Furthermore, he cited the "Neijing" (Inner Canon) and drew upon various other theories, ensuring that every distinction regarding methods was appropriate. This is indeed what previous sages had not stated and later learners had not recognized; it represents someone who has deeply understood Zhang Zhongjing's profound intent. The dissatisfaction I once felt has now been fully resolved through understanding its profundities. Having personally seen this book, I truly find it difficult to remain silent. Not presuming upon my own humble learning, I briefly compose this preface.
Inscribed by Yan Qizhi of Luoyang on the Mid-Autumn Day of the Jiazi year.