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I have heard that the greatest virtue of Heaven and Earth is life, distributing yin and yang to propagate all things; for sentient beings, what is preserved is life (ming), relying on nature's nurturing to fulfill one's years. Creatures in burrows and nests, influenced by external objects, see the way of desire flourish. Yet the five flavors may be unbalanced, often failing to observe the moderation of sweet and pungent; the six qi may deviate, easily violating the appropriateness of cold and warmth. Internal and external pathogens invade mutually, causing the form and spirit to war against each other. Dietary indiscretions lead to calamities in the intestines and stomach; wind and dampness exploit weaknesses, bringing disaster to the limbs. When pathogens entangle the skin and interstices, no one knows how to stop them; as they gradually solidify in the膏盲 (gaohuang, deep-seated disease), premature death seems inevitable. When the blazing sun illuminated all things, people recognized the efficacy of herbs and stones; when auspicious clouds named officials, the art of diagnosis was thoroughly explored. Plants and trees acquired their natures, and spirits could not hide their true states. Opening musk and rhino horn drives out evil; refining cinnabar and stones draws in clarity and harmony. Greatly sheltering the common people, universally saving the masses, following heaven's pattern to accomplish things, used daily without awareness, we rely on this today. Qi Bo, Yu Fu, Peng Zu, and Yi Huan surpassed extraordinary paths in the past; Li Dongyuan, Hua Tuo, Zhang Zhongjing, and Wu Pu revived illustrious reputations later. In the past, during Qin Shi Huang's burning of books, this classic was spared; during the Yongjia turmoil, this tradition survived. Tao Hongjing of the Liang Dynasty deeply loved health preservation and studied pharmacology with precision. He believed that the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) was authored by Shennong, an immutable classic. Regrettably, its age has grown distant, bamboo slips are damaged and worm-eaten, and it conflicts with records by Tong Jun and Lei Gong. Thus, he compiled and edited it into a unique work, refining medical formulas and embellishing the medical profession. However, at that time, aristocratic families stood apart, lacking knowledge of remote regions; discussions were not collective, and interpretations were confined to solitary learning. For instance, rebuilding Fangji (Aristolochia fangchi) from Jianping while discarding Banxia (Pinellia ternata) from Huaili; harvesting Yuren (Ulmus pumila seed) in autumn and Yunshi (Sargentodoxa cuneata) in winter; confusing the yellow and white varieties of grain and rice; mixing up the male and female parts of Jingsu seeds; distinguishing Fanlou (Trichosanthes kirilowii) from Jichang (Pilea japonica); combining Youba (Dioscorea nipponica) with Yuanwei (Iris tectorum); claiming Fangkui (Adenophora stricta) and Yelangdu (Aconitum coreanum) share the same root; linking Gouwen (Gelsemium elegans) and Huangjing (Polygonatum sibiricum) as similar; unable to distinguish lead from tin, or orange from pomelo. Such proportional errors were numerous. Since then, until now, although medical arts diverged and famous doctors followed suit, mutually inheriting and expounding, few have been able to correct these errors. They again collected Duheng (Asarum heterotropoides) among Ji (Bupleurum chinense), sought Rendong (Lonicera japonica) among Luoshi (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Abandoning Zhili (Parmotrema perlatum) for Bixi (Ficus tikoua), rejecting Feilian (Saussurea lappa) for Maji (Cirsium setosum). Following doubt and acting recklessly, no one realized it. Diseases became more perilous, causing deep sighs. Subsequently, Su Jing, Court Advisor and Acting Director of the Right Gate Guard, Knight-Commander, identified Tao's deviations and clarified popular misuse. He petitioned for revision, deeply aligning with the Emperor's will. An edict ordered Yang Wujing, Grand Preceptor and Governor of Yangzhou, Supervisor of State History, Duke of Zhao, along with Xu Chongchong, Grand Master of the Palace Medical Bureau, and twenty-one others, to collaborate with Su Jing. I humbly believe that animals and plants, due to different regions, have varying natures; spring and autumn changes bring distinct effects. Removed from their native land, substances may look alike but differ in efficacy; if picking times are wrong, even correct materials become invalid. If names and realities are confused, cold and warm properties are often mistaken. Using such errors on commoners is already deceptive; applying them to rulers and parents is the greatest crime. Therefore, receiving heavenly guidance and consulting public opinion, drugs were sought throughout the empire. Birds, beasts, fish, and insects arrived from afar; roots, stems, flowers, and fruits gathered together. Secrets were investigated, and medical arts comprehensively studied. Although the *Benjing* lacked entries, verified ones were recorded; although the *Bielu* existed, baseless ones were corrected. Differences were examined, selections made. Ink shone clearly, determining the merits and faults of various opinions; paintings displayed vividly, depicting all things. The *Materia Medica*, along with illustrated manuals and catalogs, totaled fifty-four volumes. This aims to encompass ancient and modern knowledge, enlightening the senses. Exhausting the subtleties of medical prescriptions, saving the lives of sentient beings. To be transmitted for ten thousand generations without obscurity, hanging eternally for hundred kings without decay.