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The formulas for treating smallpox and chickenpox are listed in detail at the end of this book, and should be read carefully.

This condition known as *dou chuang* (smallpox), commonly referred to as "Heaven's Sore" (*Tian Chuang*), originates from latent fetal toxins within the body that are triggered by external seasonal pathogens, causing the toxins to erupt. Consequently, it is contagious with similar symptoms, classifying it also as a type of epidemic pestilence (*Tian Xing Yi Li*). However, an examination of the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) mentions only "yang zhen" (skin sores and rashes), which corresponds to modern macules and rashes. Thus, renowned physicians such as Bian Que (Yue Ren), Zhang Zhongjing, Hua Tuo (Yuanhua), and Wang Shuhe never mentioned smallpox in their writings. This indicates that such a disease did not exist in ancient times. Why does it exist now? I believe that the toxicity prevalent in recent times stems largely from excessive indulgence in alcohol and the five flavors (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty) through improper dietary preparation, which differs significantly from the simple and tranquil lifestyle of ancients. If one doubts my words, observe the differences between those who consume coarse food and those who eat rich, fatty foods; furthermore, people in the northern regions do not typically contract smallpox. Tracing the cause, it is indeed due to these factors. Could it truly be that they lack fetal toxins? Therefore, those frequently afflicted by this malady should ponder my words carefully.

First, the variations of smallpox are numerous, with deficiency patterns containing excess elements and excess patterns containing deficiency elements. These cannot be fully understood by scholars with narrow or biased views. If one's observation or mental comprehension lacks precision, the resulting harm can be significant. If one knows how to differentiate the syndrome but fails to examine the physical manifestations, one cannot penetrate the exterior condition; if one examines the manifestations but fails to palpate the pulse, one cannot infer the interior state; if one palpates the pulse but fails to seek the root cause, one cannot explore the origin of the disease; if one seeks the root but fails to understand the constraints imposed by time and environment ("Qiu"), one cannot exhaustively comprehend the disease's transformations; if one understands the etiology but fails to know the appropriate medicinal treatment, one cannot achieve miraculous therapeutic effects. Can contemporary physicians master all these aspects? If one attempts to pretend competence where there is none, thereby harming others and inviting heavenly reprimand, should one not be fearful? Having studied the category of smallpox and chickenpox for a long time and accumulated many verified cases, I have collected the most refined insights from past sages, such as Chen Shi (mentioned in the text), Qian Yi (Zhongyang), Xue Ji (Lizhai), Wan Shi of Luotian, Cheng Congzhou (Chenfeng), Xu Chunpu (Donggao), Gai Zhai You Shi, and other miscellaneous records. Some narrate established theories, some elucidate previously unexplored principles, some analyze ambiguous cases, and some share personal insights gained through experience. With utmost sincerity, I have compiled these into a volume. The profound secrets of smallpox and chickenpox seem to be contained herein without exception.