Library

When the sages of old established doctrines, it was inevitable that later generations would succeed and elaborate upon them, so that their teachings could be manifested in the world. The Way of Medicine originates from Fuxi, Shennong (Divine Farmer), and Huangdi (Yellow Emperor); with divine subtlety, they initiated the use of Jingfang (Classic Prescriptions). Subsequently, Yi Yin, endowed with the talent of a Yuan Sheng (Supreme Sage), compiled the Tangye (Medicinal Decoctions), thereby enabling the diseases of the common people to be completely eliminated, allowing the living beings of ten thousand generations to universally receive salvation and relief. Later, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing further expanded the Tangye into the *Shanghan Zabing Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases) in more than ten volumes, after which medical prescriptions were greatly perfected. Thus, the succession from the former sages to the latter sages was as precise as matching tally sticks. In the Jin Dynasty, Wang Shuhe, the Imperial Physician, edited and arranged Zhang Zhongjing’s writings, compiling them into a complete set. (The *Yitong Zhengmai Ben* edition uses the character "Zhi" 帙 for bundle/case.) Ancients regarded Zhang Zhongjing’s collection of formulas as the ancestor of all prescriptions, precisely because he succeeded in inheriting and elaborating on the works of the former sages. That his works have not fallen into obscurity for over a thousand years is also due to the elucidating efforts of Mr. Wang. The ten volumes of *Shanghan Lun* contain words that are refined and profound, and methods that are concise yet detailed; they cannot be thoroughly investigated by those with limited knowledge and shallow insight. Although later scholars claimed their own schools of thought, none were seen to have made significant innovations. I, though shamefully engaged in the medical profession, have indulged in studying Zhang Zhongjing’s books from youth to old age for over fifty years. Although I have roughly grasped the entrance and approached the inner hall, I have not yet entered the innermost chamber, and often feel dissatisfied with this state. Yesterday, I happened to meet Master Cheng of Liaoshe, whose discussions were comprehensive and profound, whose medical skills were masterful, and who possessed a family tradition of learning. He completed his commentary on the ten volumes of *Shanghan Lun* and showed it to me. Within the three hundred and ninety-seven methods, he analyzed similarities and differences, clarified obscure and profound points, harmonized and stated pulse principles, distinguished Yin and Yang, making exterior and interior conditions clear, and rendering sweating and purging methods distinctly visible. Following the one hundred and twelve formulas, he explained the origins of their names, highlighted the primary properties of the herbs, distinguished the degrees of heaviness and lightness among the Ten Categories of Formulas, revealed the applications of the Seven Preparations, identified suitable combinations of flavors and aromas, and clarified appropriate tonification and draining methods. Furthermore, he cited the *Neijing* (Inner Canon) and drew upon various other theories; his differentiation of methods and principles was always appropriate. This is truly what former sages had not said and later learners had not recognized; it demonstrates a deep understanding of Zhang Zhongjing’s profound intent. The dissatisfaction I previously felt has now been fully resolved regarding its mysteries! Having personally seen his book, I truly find it difficult to remain silent. Not presuming upon my own barren and shallow scholarship, I briefly outline the generalities.
Prefaced by Yan Qizhi of Luoyang on the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Jiazi Year.