Library

In the past, when Lu Xiangong (Lu Zhi) was dismissed from his post as Chancellor, he collected medical prescriptions with a benevolent heart to benefit people. One can imagine that during his time in power and governance, the grace he bestowed upon others was immeasurable. This is why the Way of Medicine has been valued by great men and gentlemen of all ages; is it not because its principles align with the transformations of nature, possessing the power to turn the tide? *Yuji Wei Yi* [Jade Machine Subtle Meanings] is an indispensable work; the efforts of these two gentlemen were indeed arduous. Although this manuscript existed, it had not been circulated in the world, so few knew of it. Chen Gong, Censor-in-Chief of Gusu, was commissioned to govern Shiquan in Shaanxi. He obtained it from the home of Zong Nong and ordered it to be woodblock printed, bringing it from obscurity into prominence again. Yang Shao Shi, Grand Secretary and University Scholar from Xichang, wrote a preface for it with joy. This is truly an honor for this book, and its fame will undoubtedly be transmitted to posterity. During my leisure time, I and a few colleagues were able to read the entire book thoroughly. There were occasional textual errors (such as "Lu Yu Hai Shi," referring to copying mistakes). While the responsibility lies with those who undertook the task being less rigorous, it also fails to meet the noble intentions of the Censor-in-Chief and does not fully reflect the Revered Master's sincere intention to respect the people and cherish all things. Therefore, I took the original manuscript to collate and proofread it. Any characters with incorrect meanings were corrected and rectified, hoping to prevent confusion for future students. I respectfully write these words as an appendix at the end.
The date is the 15th day of the second month of spring in the Gengshen year of the Zhengtong era. Written by Wang Xian, Right Provincial Administrator of the Shaanxi Branch Secretariat for the Distribution of Governmental Affairs, from Kuaiji; collated together by Guo Jian, Left Provincial Administrator, and others.

Since my childhood, when I entered the local academy to study, I had aspirations for medicine amidst my reading. However, I feared that dividing my effort might hinder urgent duties. I privately lamented that this art, if pursued by myself, would likely fall short... [Text missing/unfinished]. Ganzhou corresponds to the Han Dynasty's Zhangye and Jiuquan Commanderies. The renowned physician Liu Zongnong possessed miraculous prescriptions and subtle techniques, which still survived. I invited his descendants, treated them with courtesy, and earnestly requested their help. They generously presented me with *Taisu Maijue* [Essential Pulse Formulas] and *Zabing Zhili* [Examples of Treating Miscellaneous Diseases]. I felt as if I had acquired the Pearl of Sui or the Jade Disc of Zhao, overjoyed beyond measure. For days, I examined and studied it, discovering that his pulse diagnosis and syndrome differentiation, as well as his treatment and medication, were profound and mysterious, yet strictly methodical. It covers emergency rescue, reviving the dying, and even predicting fortune, misfortune, nobility, and baseness. I wished to print it immediately, but lacked the resources. Fortunately, I now serve as the Magistrate of Shangyuan County in Yingtian Prefecture with my humble abilities. Thus, I donated my salary to fulfill my long-held wish and recorded the circumstances of obtaining this book. Alas, Confucian predecessors said: "Even an official of the lowest rank, if harboring a mind to cherish all things, will surely benefit humanity." Having studied Confucian classics and received imperial appointment as a shepherd of the people, how dare I not take benefiting others and aiding all things as my heart's intent? The circulation of this book allows many to benefit, much like a milestone cart having a reference. By understanding principles through formulas and treating diseases according to examples, its benefits to society are certainly not shallow.
The date is the 16th day of the seventh month of autumn in the Jihai year of the Chenghua era. Written by Xiao Qian, Chang'an native, Jinshi degree holder, and Magistrate of Shangyuan County.