Library

In the past, Qin Shi Huang (the First Emperor of Qin) burned and discarded the *Book of Songs* and other classics, preserving only medical texts. Sima Qian, the historian, then wrote biographies for Bian Que and Lu Yi. From the Han, Wei, Tang, to Song dynasties, the path of medicine became extremely important!

Our dynasty has had medical books printed alongside the *Six Classics* and various histories. The Imperial Court respects and trusts them, using ancient sages as models and later worthies following suit. Embodying the profound intent of the founding emperors, it seems that the source of life is entrusted to the palm; thus, physicians are established in every commandery and county, their status comparable to teachers in ancient schools (*Jiaoxu*), with ranks similar to academic officials (*Guangwen*). This allows their disciples to multiply daily, bringing the world into an era of longevity. This is the benevolence of emperors covering the whole world.

Within the seas, refined individuals are not scarce, yet within a thousand *li*, those who can extensively study and thoroughly master the art number only one or two. How can they save the old and young across the eight directions? Even if medical texts exist, their volumes are vast and numerous; the poor cannot afford to buy them. Their principles are profound and subtle; the ignorant cannot comprehend them. Mediocre men and petty merchants copy prescriptions by hand, boasting in marketplaces, claiming: "I am a physician!" But where lies the true meaning of medicine?

Previously, Master Huangfu of Yunzhou, a third-generation excellent physician, possessed a heart dedicated to benefiting all beings and made great vows. He authored *Mingyi Zhizhang* (Clear Physician's Guide at the Fingertips). The book contains songs, odes, and annotations, supplemented by pulse diagnosis and discussions on physical forms and formulas. It is convenient for recitation upon opening, and syndrome differentiation follows the principles of root and branch. The term "Zhizhang" (Fingertips/Palm) refers to the teaching shown by Confucius to Zisi, saying: "The Dao is right before your eyes; focus your gaze and it is there, but look away and it is gone." It is hard to describe! Although hidden, it is manifest; the supreme truth is contained therein!

Excellent is Mr. Shao Xingfu's revision and supplementation of this book, where he weighs differences in wording and clarifies reasons for detail or brevity. Human life is governed by the Five Elements (*Wuxing*) and transformed by the Six Qi (*Liuqi*). The Six Qi return to manifest in the six pulses. Yin and Yang, rigidity and flexibility, height and depth, dryness and dampness—all are determined by Xingfu at the wrist during pulse taking. No thought is not effective, no situation is not thoroughly understood. In this small book, the vitality of human life and the transformative power of heaven and earth are fully contained. Great scholars possess profound insight, infants possess innate knowledge. Internal difficulties and external attacks, disease conditions and drug properties, are tightly interwoven and comprehensively integrated. Delicate fingers seem ready to fly, and golden needles (acupuncture techniques) are passed on. Xingfu is not yet in his prime, yet how has he become so enlightened in his writing? I once heard that his father, Master Nianshan, inherited family learning in his youth, harboring high ambitions like the blue clouds, but due to ill fortune failed in official career, so he retired to practice medicine. He built a house above Fengxi Creek, visited patients with a cane, raised the critically ill, and saved millions.

His elegant temperament was indifferent and calm, not demanding money from patients. His lifestyle was simple, finding joy in lute and books. Xingfu's specialization in the art naturally has its origins!

I was often sick in my youth and was quite familiar with the words of Yue Ren Shi (Bian Que). Now residing in the capital, I have no time to bring all my old books. Xinpu alone sent me his new compilation. Happily, I inscribed a few words and gave them to the engraver. Thus, I sigh at those in the world who claim to be "Kings of Medicine," saying: "We possess secret manuals, priceless, not shown to others." Life and death are major events; how can one privately decide longevity or premature death based on family secrets? Such people do not even show you the palm (of guidance)! Xingfu's profession is noble, and Xingfu's ambition is broad!

On the first day of the ninth month of the Renxu year of Tianqi, Xu Shirou, a *Tong Jinshi Chushen* (Equivalent to Jinshi Degree) and *Shujishi* (Junior Scholar) of the Hanlin Academy, from Suzhou, wrote this at Shokuan Hall.