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The rise of Materia Medica began with Shennong (Divine Farmer). He distinguished the flavors of drugs and simultaneously established their names; these contents were recorded in the *Sanfen* (Three Ancient Books). Among them, 365 types of herbs were selected to correspond to the numerical degrees of Heaven. This refers to the "Superior Drugs" (Shangyao) listed in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), numbering 120. They serve as Sovereign drugs (Jun Yao), primarily nourishing life to align with Heaven; they are mostly non-toxic, and long-term consumption does not harm the body, hence the saying that they can lighten the body, benefit Qi, prevent aging, and prolong life.

The "Medium Drugs" (Zhongyao), numbering 120, serve as Minister drugs (Chen Yao), primarily nurturing temperament to align with Humanity; some are non-toxic, while others are toxic, requiring careful judgment for appropriate use, thus offering uses in restraining diseases and tonifying deficiency and damage. The "Inferior Drugs" (Xiayao), numbering 125, serve as Assistant and Envoy drugs (Zuo Shi Yao), primarily treating diseases to align with Earth; they are mostly toxic and should not be taken for long periods, thus possessing the merit of eliminating cold-heat pathogenic factors, breaking accumulations, and curing illnesses. Later classifiers of drugs generally followed this principle.

The rise of Yi Yin's decoctions originated from Shennong; after Zhang Zhongjing's *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage) was published, various decoction formulas developed. During the Liang Dynasty, Tao Hongjing (courtesy name Yinju) began presenting the *Mingyi Bielu* (Record of Famous Physicians), also comprising 365 types. In the Xianqing era of the Tang Dynasty, the court ordered Su Gong and Li Ji to collect errors and fallacies, reference gains and losses, and add 114 new types, known as the *Tang Bencao* (Tang Materia Medica). In the Kaibao era of the Song Dynasty, an edict commanded Liu Han, Ma Zhi, Lu Duoxun, Li Fang, Wang You, and Humeng to select 133 types of herbs that had been effectively used by physicians, edit and supplement them, resulting in the *Song Bencao* (Song Materia Medica). Previously, there was also a version associated with Meng Chang of Shu.

Later, in the Jiayou 2nd year of the Song Dynasty, it was again ordered that Zhang Yuxi and others investigate various Materia Medicas, correct, and annotate them, resulting in the *Zhenghe Jing Shi Zhen Lei Bencao* (Zhenghe Classified Materia Meda through Classics and Histories). This book has been transmitted for a long time, passing through many sages, yet those with insight often criticized its complexity and confusion, making it difficult to rectify finally. Although the *Yanyi* (Expanded Meaning) appeared, because errors and truths coexisted, it was hard to distinguish when using them. When Wang Haogu (Li Mingzhi) and Zhu Zhenheng (Yanxiu) compiled their own Materia Medicas, they all aimed for brevity.

In the 16th year of His Majesty's succession to the great throne, amidst leisure from handling state affairs, [He] personally reviewed these texts. [He] specially ordered us to delete redundancy and fill gaps, compiling a book for easier reading. However, the benevolent heart of loving people and cherishing things is the same as that of Shennong and the Yellow Emperor. Those managing the Imperial Hospital, such as Right Commissioner Shi Qin, Hospital Vice President Liu Wentai, and Imperial Physician Gao Tinghe, along with eunuch Zhang Yu who accepted the mandate, have been vigilant day and night. How dare we not exhaust our mediocre insights and superficial views to verify theories from various schools, edit and supplement, to fulfill the Holy Will?

We reflect that as doctors, we hold primary official duties and should consider this matter beforehand. Without the Emperor's special appointment, we could hardly silence the words of the biased and pass down knowledge for generations. Although predecessors were skilled in rhetoric, they might not have fully understood the principles of medical arts. Our talent and knowledge are shallow, insufficient for this responsibility. Generally, Yin-Yang and Five Elements belong to metaphysics (Xing'er-shang), while flying, diving, moving, and growing belong to physics (Xing'er-xia). The *Huangji Jingshi · Guanwu Pian* states: "The endowment of the Five Elements has mutual combinations; the nature of flying and walking cannot exist without plants." Thus, stones have divisions of water and fire, and water has differences of wood and stone. Such categories must be clearly understood. The origins of classified entities deserve particular identification. Birds, beasts, insects, and fish differ by birth methods (womb, egg, moisture, transformation); herbs, trees, fruits, and vegetables differ by growth habits (clustering, planting, scattering,寄居).

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* is written in vermilion ink at the front, and the *Mingyi Bielu* in black ink behind it; this is based on old editions for collation. Observing old editions, Tao Hongjing commented first, and Rihuazi annotated later. Regarding the *Tujing* (Illustrated Canon), Song editions, Shu editions, and Chen Cangqi's *Bencao Shiyi*, there are cases where one herb has two or three descriptions, or one category has repeated sequences. The *Tang Bencao* already辨析ed its deviations, and the *Yanyi* refuted its statements. Since Tao's words were known to be less accurate, they were ultimately not deleted. Zong Lin had seen previous errors but could not fully resolve them. Such authors remain ignorant of the truth; what basis do users have?

Now, we define twenty-four categories, adopting definitive conclusions from various sources, itemized under each category. We take the essence of old editions and annotate them alongside modern ones. The discussions in the *Tujing*, refined by predecessors, are often pertinent, so they are written at the front. Tao's words are selected for the next day; Rihuazi, *Tang Bencao*, Shu editions detail the sequence; *Yaoxing Lun*, *Yanyi*, and Chen Cangqi highlight essentials. Redundancies are deleted. For unresolved matters, we verify and select, such as words from Wu Pu, Yuxi, Shen Kuo, or prescriptions from *Doumen*, *Boji*, *Zhouhou Fang*. We do not necessarily name everyone, calling them all "Bielu" (Separate Records). If modern usage proves effective and public opinion is clear, we say "Respectfully note."

For items not distinguished in old editions, such as Duhuo vs. Qianghuo, Qingpi vs. Chenpi, Baizhu vs. Canshu, and Qing Guangmuxiang, whose efficacy differs significantly and morphology varies, we establish separate entries. Items omitted in old editions, such as Caoguo, Sanlai, Bajiao Huixiang, Zhangnao, and Luganshi, are added with illustrations. These are commonly used by physicians and indispensable to the world. Their growth, flowers, leaves, morphology, nature, and flavor are first investigated by users and merchants, then verified by locals. Every statement is questioned at its source; we never arbitrarily change names based on personal opinion. Please decree from the Palace: *Bencao Pinhui Jingyao* (Essential Summary of Classified Materia Medica). We bow and accept this order.

This book is now complete. We dare not claim to surpass predecessors, but merely seek to clarify the text of old editions. Scholars and Confucians can judge right and wrong; beginners and ordinary talents can understand immediately without extensive consultation. Generally, books on medical arts need not delve into profound philosophy; the key to treating disease lies in clear and understandable efficacy. My humble and superficial views are listed in order below.