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Translation:
It is said that among the pediatric prescription books circulating in the world, there are three main lineages. The Wang family's works were composed during the Eastern Han Dynasty, consisting of twenty treatises on prescriptions. What is treasured today as "Jiabao" (Family Treasure) is one of them; they are largely similar with minor differences. Often, benevolent gentlemen who enjoy doing good deeds print and distribute them to benefit the public, making additions and subtractions to the original texts. Generally, their discussions are orderly, covering manifestations from subtle signs to obvious symptoms, with principles moving from hidden to explicit, language comprehensive and thorough, without redundant descriptions. By comparing and evaluating the works of dozens of famous physicians, one realizes that this gentleman used medicines that were pure and mild, arranged prescriptions systematically. Upon examination and selection of the most pertinent parts, and upon investigating their efficacy, adjusting the ascending and descending properties of herbs to achieve harmony, his intention lies in regulating the body to perfection. Although later learners or household managers might make inappropriate choices when consulting and administering medications, avoiding errors that could cause harm, the book earned the name "Jiabao." A good physician applies profound principles to save lives, much like using a steelyard (balance); the steelyard is but one aspect of measurement. Deep investigation, balance, verification of practical theories, following prescriptions to match pulses, ensures orderliness without chaos. The Wang family's book serves as a paradigm for pediatric prescriptions and pulse diagnosis. How can learning pediatric pills and powders ignore this foundation? Just as adult diseases refer to Hehu's "Mai Jue" (Pulse Classic), five elements studies refer to Luoluzi's destiny books, six lines divination refers to Huozhua text, and knowing nobility/commonness refers to human relations and physiognomy, these arts are collected by masters, detailed and distinguished as primary content, crowned with profound meanings, surely not wasting inquiry. Although each has broad essentials, chapters ultimately do not stray far from the root, returning to the whole. It is not merely about instructing children in enlightenment, but a wonderful way worthy of admiration even by the elderly.

It is said that Emperor Huizong's son, Prince Shouwang of Song Dynasty, was intelligent but suffered from epilepsy in childhood. Many renowned physicians failed to cure him. At that time, a folk physician named Zhang Huan carried medicinal goods and sold them in the capital. He was summoned into the palace, administered medicine, and achieved immediate effect, eventually attaining the rank of Hanlin Medical Director. Zhang was from the North, leaving behind over five hundred prescriptions, describing each disease with deep insight into its essentials, which recently circulated under the title "Zhangshi Miaoxuan" (Wonderful Selections of the Zhang Family). Scholars and officials everywhere delighted in using it, unaware that northerners' prescriptions for southerners' diseases involved opposite geographical origins and differing interpretations. It is said that people in the North have more water-dampness, while those in the South suffer more from epidemic fevers, caused by local geography and climate. In the North, abundant water-dampness leads to damp conditions treated with drying agents; in the South, prevalent epidemic heat requires dispersing methods, often compounded with hot/drying drugs. If heat transforms into other symptoms due to unsuitable medication, how can the disease be cured? Children have slightly imbalanced yin and yang, with similar exterior-interior states but weak zang-fu organs. How can one use hot drugs to treat cold syndromes or cool drugs to treat dryness? His description of symptoms is concise and logical, showing merit. However, his prescriptions initially raise doubts and then confusion; if inappropriate, they lead to regret. One should ask: "Why do southerners use northern prescriptions without realizing this?" Learning requires thorough investigation for perfection, not blind adherence to formulas. As previously stated, intent must align with medical theory, and medicine must harmonize with the disease before administration. Those who follow such rigid rules blindly are considered foolish physicians, risking improper medication. Gains and losses must be carefully examined.