Library

The Copper Man Ming Tang (Copper Man Acupoint Atlas), left by the Yellow Emperor, Qibo, and Guiyuzhou to save the world for future generations. Since the wonderful method of penetrating the skin was lost, people believed that acupuncture could sever sinews and vessels and damage flesh and blood, leading them to fear it at the sight. When ill, they willingly submitted to quack doctors and tried all kinds of medicines, not knowing that for diseases located on the vertex, one must moxa Fengchi (GB20) and Fengfu (GV16); this cannot be treated with formulas like Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). For diseases located in the chest and hypochondrium, one must moxa or needle Qimen (LR14); this cannot be purged with herbs like Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus). Consequently, they were left helpless, which is truly lamentable. In recent times, Zhu Gong and Pang Anchang both wrote treatises on acupuncture methods, and Xu Zhike also argued that diseases should be cured by needling. Zou Wohu from Sanqu compiled treatment methods into rhymed verses. The intention of the sages to save lives has thereby been transmitted again. Now, Wang Shuquan from Dongjia has selected 360 acupoints, classified and listed them according to the back, front, vertex, and extremities, matching acupoints to diseases. All theories from various schools that are consistent with reason, as well as his own insights, have been detailed below. Books on acupuncture and moxibustion have thus become roughly complete. The intention of the ancient sages to save lives has thus found no regret. It is said that a son must study medicine. My father is eighty years old yet vigorous; without relying on this book, how could he maintain his health? Therefore, I had the physician Wei Shijie collate and verify eighteen items where errors were found, and had them carved on wood at the Transport Commission to supplement the deficiencies of the Huimin Pharmacy's books.

Preface by Xu Zhengqing in the Gengchen year of Jiading.

When I served as an official in Liyang, someone came to meet me with the "Tu Jing" (Illustrated Canon). During leisure time, I read it and saw in the bibliography an entry for "Jiu Jing" (Moxibustion Canon). I thought it must be the "Ming Tang" or "Tong Ren". Since taking office, relatives, friends, and scholars passing through often entrusted me with printing and distributing this book. Investigating the reason, it was originally compiled by Wang Zhizhong, former Doctor of the Prefecture. Seeking the printing blocks, however, they were lost. Did enthusiasts take them away, or did careless custodians let them scatter? Yet, since this classic has been circulated for a long time, surely some copies remain. I should search for them, but ultimately failed. I recalled that in my chest there was the "Zisheng Jing of Acupuncture and Moxibustion" published by Xu Zhengqing, Eastern Huai Grain Intendant. Taking it out to view, its preface details the merit of Wang Shuquan from Dongjia in innovating and classifying these works, stating that acupuncture books became roughly complete only then, and the sages' intent to save lives found no regret only then. Thus, I know Wang Jun's dedication was extremely benevolent. Is "Shuquan" the courtesy name of Wang Jun? One day, he showed it to Liu, the Medical Instructor. Liu was surprised and delighted upon seeing it, saying, "What Wang Jun printed is exactly this book." The current engravings are exquisite, surpassing the past. Investigating its origin, it seems Xu Jun once presided over the Civil Department here, obtained the printing blocks of this book, and reprinted it after returning. Alas! This classic: Wang Jun first printed it in Liyang, but it no longer exists; Xu Jun subsequently printed it in Hailing, and its existence is unknown. If the blocks are lost, the ambitions of these two gentlemen will eventually fade, which is indeed a pity. I am serving as a deputy here and happened to bring it along; this is likely not accidental. I quickly ordered craftsmen to carve the woodblocks to widely disseminate it, ensuring this book does not perish. Is this not a small benefit to health preservation?

Preface by Zhao Bian in the fourth year of Shaoding.