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Classic formulas (Jingfang, classic prescriptions from ancient texts) have a long history. After the Tang and Song dynasties, contemporary formulas (Shifang, prescriptions created by later physicians) began to circulate widely. Their principles are roughly summarized into the "Ten Categories" (Shi Ji), namely: Xuān (Ventilating), Tōng (Unblocking), Bǔ (Tonifying), Xiè (Purging), Qīng (Light), Zhòng (Heavy), Huá (Slippery), Sè (Astringent), Zào (Drying), and Shī (Moistening).

Former sages added Cold (Hán) and Heat (Rè), totaling twelve categories. Although these descriptions are relatively plain and shallow, they are also rooted in the Classic Formulas.
"Lightness can disperse excess" (Qīng kě sàn shí), modeled after formulas such as Máhuáng Tāng (Ephedra Decoction) and Gégēn Tāng (Kudzu Root Decoction);
"Ventilation can resolve obstruction" (Xuān kě jué yōng), modeled after Zhīzǐ Chìtǎo Tāng (Gardenia and Soybean Mung Bean Decoction) and Guādì Sǎn (Melon Seed Powder);
"Unblocking can move stagnation" (Tōng kě xíng zhì), modeled after Wǔlíng Sǎn (Five-Ling Powder) and Shízǎo Tāng (Ten-Date Decoction);
"Purging can remove closure" (Xiè kě qù bì), modeled after Xiàxiōng Tāng (Chest-Sinking Decoction), Chéngqì Tāng (Assisting Qi Decoction), and Dǐdāng Tāng (Ground-Assaulting Decoction);
The gallbladder suppository method and honey suppository method are agents for "Slipperiness can remove adherence" (Huá kě qù zhuó);
Chíshízhī Yúyúliáng Tāng (Red Halloysite and Hematite Decoction) and Táohuā Tāng (Peach Blossom Decoction) are agents for "Astringency can secure collapse" (Sè kě gù tuō);
Fùzǐ Tāng (Aconite Decoction) and Lǐzhōng Wán (Regulate the Middle Pill) are agents for "Tonification can support weakness" (Bǔ kě fú ruò);
Chìxiǎodòu Tāng (Red Adzuki Bean Decoction) is an agent for "Dryness can remove dampness" (Zào kě qù shī);
Báihǔ Tāng (White Tiger Decoction), Huánglián Tāng (Coptis Decoction), and Xièxīn Tāng (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) are agents for "Coldness can overcome heat" (Hán kě shèng rè);
Báitōng Tāng (White Connective Decoction) and Sìní Tāng (Four-Cold Decoction) are agents for "Heatness can control cold" (Rè kě zhì hán).

Previously, I compiled the Classic Formulas and annotated them with rhymed verses, naming it *Zhēnfāng Gēkuò* (Rhymed Verses on True Formulas). However, limited by financial resources, I could not have it printed. Although many copies existed, practitioners often kept them secret and did not transmit them, which was a great regret.

In the Xin You year (1861), I went to Zhili to take up my post. It happened that heavy rains fell in summer, and I was ordered to inspect disaster areas. Due to overwork, I fell ill, presenting with pulselessness and cold extremities (Jué). None of the various physicians could accurately diagnose the condition. By midnight, when Yang energy slightly recovered and consciousness became somewhat clear, I formulated a prescription myself and recovered. At that time, warm malaria was prevalent. Because of my illness, those who knew they had been harmed by incorrect medication were truly pitiable.

Physicianship is essentially the art of giving life. A single error can lead to death. I am but one among many, and many have aspirations but fail to achieve mastery. Regarding the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage), even Zhang Zhongjing's formulations are precise and pure.

I collected discussions from Luo Dongyi and Ke Yunbo, along with my own unique insights gained from twenty years of study and clinical practice, detailing them all after the verses. I titled this work *Shífāng Gēkuò* (Rhymed Verses on Contemporary Formulas) to establish standards for physicians of average ability, allowing them to gradually ascend to higher understanding. As for Zhang Jingyue's New Formulas Eight Arrays, which merely compile herbs to treat diseases, it does not sufficiently discuss formula theory. Because it was popular at the time, my friend Lin Yu Cang adapted it into a rhymed collection. We discussed annotations together, and it has already been printed. It is not immediately discarded, but given another title: *Súfāng Gēkuò* (Rhymed Verses on Common Formulas).

These three works vary in depth.

Written by Chen Nianzu (Xiu Yuan) in the early autumn of the Xin You year of the Jiaqing reign, at the official residence in Baoding.