伤寒之不明也,以中寒乱之。瘟疫之不明也,以伤寒乱之。能于其中划然分析,则其于治伤寒
瘟疫也,思过半矣。伤寒自仲景而下,承承继继,各有专家。着书立说者,无虑数十种。独至瘟疫,
则略而不讲焉。间有谈及者,不过寥寥数语。核焉而不精,语焉而不详。遂至瘟疫一症,靡所指归,
往往以治伤寒法治之。非大用温散,即过投苦寒,欲病之愈也难矣。先大人引岚公,一生精于医理,
南北宦游,虽簿书鞅掌,间闻人疾苦,莫不竭力拯救。余公聆庭训,非伊芳朝夕。且龆年善病,因得
于暇日,取家藏岐黄书纵观之,故颇有会心处。因念瘟疫一门,非他症可比,不能迟之岁月,缓为调
理。其见效在一二剂之内,其痊愈在三五日之间。不可不亟为讲究,以共登宝筏。昔吴又可《瘟疫论》
一书,较之诸家俱见卓识,独辟蚕业,业已盛行海内。故其方论,兹集一概不录。第就自所经历者,
聊纾管见,以羽
翼又可,当亦谈疫者之所不斥也。夫疫病所包甚广,而瘟疫特其一耳。又添杂疫、寒疫,各着方论,
而症治始备,随编辑酌定,分为六卷。曰述古,曰论治,曰杂疫,曰辨疑,曰诸方,曰运气,
亦庶几成一家言焉。第是书之成,锦儿之力居多。其曰《松峰说疫》者,明乎其不敢擅为己有,以成
善则归亲之意云尔。其中分伤寒与瘟疫,皎若列眉,而理路治法亦颇审慎,不敢掩古人所长而袭为己有。
亦不敢震前贤名望而为其所愚。第疫症千变万化,治之不可胶执,亦不可师心所顾。同志君子,神明
而变通之是,则余之浓望也。夫是为序。
The reason why Shanghan (Cold Damage) is not clearly understood is that Zhonghan (contracting cold pathogens) confuses it. The reason why Wenyi (Plague/Epidemic Disease) is not clearly understood is that Shanghan confuses it. If one can clearly distinguish between them, then regarding the treatment of Shanghan and Wenyi, more than half of the understanding has been attained. Since Zhang Zhongjing, the study of Shanghan has been passed down generation after generation, with each having its own specialists. There are no less than dozens of books written to expound theories. Yet, regarding Wenyi, it is often neglected and not discussed. Occasional mentions consist of only a few words. The examination is imprecise, and the discussion is not detailed. Consequently, for the syndrome of Wenyi, there is no clear direction, and it is often treated using methods for Shanghan. Either large doses of warm-dispersing herbs are used, or bitter-cold herbs are overdosed, making it difficult for the disease to heal. My father, Liu Yinlan, was proficient in medical principles throughout his life. He served as an official in both the north and south; although burdened with administrative duties, whenever he heard of people's suffering from illness, he spared no effort to save them. I listened to my father's teachings, not merely day and night. Moreover, being prone to illness since childhood, I had the opportunity during leisure time to extensively read the Qi-Huang (Traditional Chinese Medicine classics) books collected by my family, thus gaining many insights. I realized that the category of Wenyi cannot be compared to other syndromes; it cannot be delayed for years or managed with slow regulation. Its efficacy appears within one or two doses, and recovery occurs within three to five days. It is imperative to study it urgently so that we may jointly board the raft of salvation. In the past, Wu Keyou's *Wenyi Lun* (Treatise on Plague) demonstrated superior insight compared to other schools, carving out a unique path, and it has already become popular throughout China and abroad. Therefore, his formulas and discussions are not included in this collection. Instead, I briefly express my humble views based on personal experience to assist Wu Keyou, which I believe will not be rejected by those discussing epidemics. Epidemic diseases encompass a broad range, while Wenyi is but one part thereof. I have added Zayi (Miscellaneous Epidemics) and Hanyi (Cold Epidemics), writing formulas and discussions for each, thereby completing the symptomatology and treatment. After editing and refining, the work is divided into six volumes: Shugu (Discussing Antiquity), Lunzhi (Discussing Treatment), Zayi (Miscellaneous Epidemics), Bianyi (Resolving Doubts), Zhu Fang (Various Formulas), and Yunqi (Climate and Qi). This allows it to roughly form a school of thought of its own. However, the completion of this book owes much to Jin'er. The title *Songfeng Shuo Yi* indicates that I dare not claim it as my own, reflecting the intention to attribute merit to my elders. It clearly distinguishes between Shanghan and Wenyi, as distinct as eyebrows, and the theoretical approach and treatment methods are quite cautious. I dare not obscure the strengths of the ancients and claim them as my own, nor dare I be misled by the reputation of former sages. However, epidemic symptoms change in thousands of ways; treatment must not be rigidly adhered to, nor should it be done arbitrarily. It is my earnest hope that gentlemen of like mind will apply divine wisdom and flexible adaptation. This is the preface.