Library

"Bi Lu" (Supplementary Records) was likely slightly expanded by Tao Hongjing based on the "Ben Jing" (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), which is what is meant by "Yan" (extension). Initially, I established drug names based on the "Ben Jing" and gradually grasped the meaning of expounding upon their governance principles; by analogy, I occasionally caught a glimpse of the whole from a part. Upon reading the "Bi Lu", I had already cited and extended it. At this point, I have a preliminary confidence that my insights might allow me to keep pace with the ancients. Since the "Bi Lu" extends the "Ben Jing", how dare I not extend the "Bi Lu"? However, what service can I render to Tao Hongjing? Nevertheless, promoting this aspiration, so that people understand that the "Bi Lu" and the "Ben Jing" are not two separate doctrines, would be my great fortune. Thus, I composed "Bi Lu [Yan]".

Attached Formulas [Duan]
In ancient times, sages and worthies deeply penetrated the profound essence and spiritual mysteries of the "Ben Jing". Therefore, they formulated prescriptions according to diseases, each carrying deep significance. Although patients may present with similar symptoms, the underlying causes or mechanisms of disease may differ. If one applies a prescription to match the disease and it fits, that is fortunate; if it does not fit, the patient becomes a test subject for the prescription. Hence, in the sequence of various formulas, I have presumptuously made cuts and judgments. May those examining syndromes scrutinize the origin of the syndrome more carefully, so as not to leave patients to chance. However, within subtle and shifting variations, the severity and urgency may appear correct yet be incorrect, or incorrect yet appear correct. An error of a thousand miles may stem from a discrepancy of a hair's breadth; thus, deep reflection and detailed discussion are indispensable. Therefore, if one can meticulously study the mysteries of the "Ben Jing", then...
On the eighth day of the last month of the Wuchen year of the Chongzhen reign
Lu Zhiyi, junior scholar of Qiantang, recorded.

1. The establishment of drug names in Materia Medica carries profound meanings intended by sages and worthies. Based on virtue, nature, color, flavor, body, and function, different categories require that later generations, by contemplating the name, may derive the comprehensive picture from a single aspect. This is akin to ideograms and compound ideographs in the Six Scripts, or setting images and understanding changes in the Eight Trigrams, where ultimate principles reside. Ancient masters possessed keen insight and thorough understanding, none failing to deeply probe the mysteries of Materia Medica; thus, they could use one drug to treat multiple diseases. Since the circulation of the *Yao Xing Fu* (Ode to Drug Properties), people have become complacent with simplicity, focusing on one aspect while neglecting the whole. It has taken hundreds of years to find someone who painstakingly explores the rationale behind the naming of drugs, yet such instances remain rare. Consequently, the profound intent of the sages has been obscured for a long time. This compilation dares not force forced associations. It strives to derive the whole from one aspect, embodying the principle of "attaining subtlety through partial effort," which is indeed the sincere but humble intention of a limited scholar.

2. This compilation elaborates and promotes the *Ben Cao Gang Mu* (Compendium of Materia Medica). The *Gang Mu*, compiled and studied extensively by Li Shizhen and his father, remains unsurpassed among modern scholars devoted to Materia Medica. However, even skilled craftsmen worry about omissions, leading to indiscriminate inclusion. Seeking to explore what predecessors left unfinished is naturally easier for successors, but the intent is mutual completion to benefit future generations, driven by a desire to establish oneself by helping others. If one arrogantly seeks to overshadow previous intentions, spirits and gods would reprimand such behavior. Moreover, there are many incomplete aspects in this book; like walking shoulder-to-shoulder over a thousand miles, I earnestly request corrections and critiques.

3. The focus of this book lies in... [Text missing]. Originally, the "Ben Jing" establishes drug names as crucial, and its therapeutic indications serve as the main outline. Later generations failed to grasp these deep principles, which is why Tao Hongjing wrote the "Bi Lu," further elaborating on the outline. Therefore, I privately consider the "Bi Lu" an extension of the "Ben Jing." However, I value... [Text missing] because only by... [Text missing] the true virtues and functions of drugs can one adapt to the ancients' intent in formulating prescriptions, varying according to the severity and urgency of the disease, thereby enabling proper application. Now... [Text missing]

4. The theory of Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Courier (Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi) follows clear strategies set by sages, consistent and unchangeable. Yet, it borrows metaphors from statecraft: just as a ruler governs internally and delegates authority to generals, entrusting responsibilities to ministers, this highlights the ruler's clarity and dignity. Similarly, when a minister acts outside the borders for the benefit of the state, they may act autonomously. This demonstrates the envoy's integrity and the ruler's ability to appoint wisely. All these measures ensure the stability of the state. Likewise, although the "Ben Jing" defines fixed categories for drugs, without precise... [Text missing] to skillfully adapt to timely circumstances, few treatments will succeed.

5. Drug origins differ between ancient and modern times. Taking Ginseng (*Ren Shen*) as an example, it was traditionally said to come from Shangdang. In the past, Ginseng from Qinghe in Liaodong was used, whereas Shangdang sources were extinct. Occasionally, Korean Ginseng was available but often unsuitable; now, most is produced in Korea. Ancients sourced drugs from the Central Plains with ample supply. Today, drugs are mostly gathered from remote frontiers, while local sources are insufficient. Quality varies greatly, requiring careful discrimination. Comparing high-quality with low-quality drugs, prices may differ by multiples or even hundreds of times, implying corresponding differences in efficacy. Most people fear buying high-quality drugs and choose inferior ones; the poor cannot afford them anyway. Regrettably, wealthy families often undervalue health. Physicians also accommodate this trend, attempting to use blunt tools against hard problems, a situation I emphasize repeatedly.

6. The attached formulas reflect the principle of independent decision-making, akin to generals in the field or diplomats abroad. If a formula matches the syndrome, efficacy is rapid. However, after achieving results, careful nurturing is essential, known as "acquiring through reversal and maintaining through conformity." This principle cannot be fully detailed in every formula; it requires precise... [Text missing] and strict analysis, avoiding both rigidity and negligence.

7. My late father dedicated himself to Materia Medica, authoring *Bo Yi* (Broad Discussions), working tirelessly until death. Under each category, items were added or removed, hence the term "Discussion." The discussions varied from one to six or seven entries, not strictly fixed, hence "Broad." These are included here, not claiming to be the source, but merely showing my limited understanding despite lack of wisdom. Family-prescribed formulas are occasionally appended, shared publicly.

8. Some theories cite Buddhist scriptures. Because my late father and Mr. Wang Shaolong studied the *Vijnaptimatra Sutra* (*Wei Shi Lun*) under Master Shaojue, gaining insights, I overheard fragments and realized that Zhang Zhongjing's theoretical methods align secretly with Vijnaptimatra, surpassing even innate principles. Thus, disregarding世俗 ridicule, I briefly cite a few examples, awaiting insightful readers.

9. Regarding drug origins, relying solely on hearsay without personal observation leads to blind faith in books. Even with my decades of observation, I realize my past errors before reaching fifty. I hope learned individuals will provide guidance for correction.

10. My... [Text missing] is confined to knowledge and hearing, like viewing the sky from a well. How can one fully elucidate mysteries unrevealed for millennia? However, pre-Qin exegesis serves as a foundation for later scholars. If triggered by this foundation in the future, the fortune would be immense.

11. The *Er Ya* by Duke of Zhou specialized in explaining names. Later works titled *Yi* (Wings) and *Pi* (Additions) broadened these explanations. While this book focuses on deriving meaning from names, it also employs supplementary and additive methods, borrowing these concepts freely.

12. Although drugs vary in virtue, nature, color, flavor, body, and function, the key lies in skillful application. Understanding their subtle uses allows for appropriate dosage adjustments—large or small—in accordance with ascending, descending, exiting, and entering principles. Therapeutic theories are closely related to the *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon). I frequently cite the *Nei Jing* in... [Text missing] for this reason. Sometimes one disease requires multiple drugs, interchangeable; other times, one disease relies on a single specific drug. One must sharpen tools before working. Without proficiency, mere envy of experts brings ridicule to both patients and physicians. Is this acceptable?
On the eighth day of the first month of the Xinwei year of the Chongzhen reign
Lu Zhiyi, junior scholar of Qiantang, recorded.