Library

My ancestors' library was extremely extensive. Books beneficial to the people's livelihood were purchased with particular urgency. Consequently, there were many rare editions of texts on Qihuang (Traditional Chinese Medicine) that were seldom seen inside or outside the country. Since my childhood, while studying for the imperial examinations, I had already read these works extensively. Whenever I encountered passages that resonated with me, I felt my spirit become clear and my mind purified. Thus, I brought out all my collections and studied them meticulously. It has been forty years since then. The essence of medicine lies first in understanding principles, secondly in syndrome differentiation, and thirdly in medication. If principles are not understood, how can syndromes be differentiated? If syndromes are not differentiated, how can medications be applied? Therefore, in my humble work "Ten Medical Treatises," the first is titled "Thoroughly Understanding the Source" (insisting on thoroughly comprehending the fundamental origins of medical theory), and the second is titled "Detailed Four Diagnostic Methods" (requiring detailed application of inspection, auscultation/olfaction, inquiry, and palpation). Regarding classical meanings and clinical conditions, one must deliberate among various opinions to achieve the most appropriate conclusion. Furthermore, I reflect that Heaven produces herbs to relieve human suffering. For every disease, there corresponds a specific herb. If used incorrectly (misapplied or confused), even ordinary herbs can harm people, let alone those with the most extreme and unbalanced properties. Since ancient times, commentators on Materia Medica have added revisions generation after generation from the classic texts onward. Li Shizhen's *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) represents the culmination of this effort. Its evidence is comprehensive and thorough, sufficiently supplementing the deficiencies of *Erya* and the commentaries on the *Classic of Poetry*, thereby serving medical needs. Some found it slightly too voluminous; subsequent abridgers included Mu Xi-yong's *Bencao Jing Shu* (Abridged Classic of Materia Medica), which not only describes the functions of herbs but also discusses their shortcomings, offering many insights. Yu Jia-yan from Xichang raised considerable objections to this. Finally, Wang Ang from Xin'an followed these two books and compiled *Bencao Beiyao* (Essential Reference for Materia Medica). Though concise in volume, its compilation was extensive, making it a widely appreciated book in recent times. Unfortunately, he was not from a Qihuang family lineage, relied solely on predecessors without clinical experience, indiscriminately collected various theories without critical synthesis, and inevitably inherited errors. Presuming upon my own limited knowledge, I selected this book for revision. Half remained as originally written, and half was increased or modified. I drew upon old texts and incorporated my own clinical experiences to expand upon incomplete points. Upon completion, the book was named *Bencao Congxin* (New Compendium of Materia Medica) and submitted for printing, hoping it would be practical for contemporary use and serve as a wing to assist the ancients. The remaining several treatises will be published sequentially for discussion with knowledgeable individuals.
Written by Wu Yiluo of Ganshui at Liji Hall in Xiachuan on the Third Shangri Day (the third day of the third lunar month) of the Ding-Chou year of the Qianlong reign.