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Zeng Dexian from Yuxi was a Confucian scholar who specialized in pediatrics (Xiaofangmai). His care for young children was no less than that of parents or benevolent individuals. My family had an infant suffering from convulsive disease (Jingfeng), causing great anxiety to his parents. Zeng Dexian, undeterred by the oppressive heat and humidity, arrived immediately upon summons. After examination, he said, "Do not worry." He then prescribed medication appropriate to the syndrome. Before the course of treatment was completed, efficacy followed promptly, which is truly commendable. Tracing back to his diligent efforts in collecting experiences from various medical texts, he compiled them into a volume titled *Huoyou Xinshu* (Heart Book for Reviving the Young). The "heart" (Xin) is void, spiritual, responsive, and divinely mysterious; it governs the whole body and handles all affairs. By extending this heart-mind to others and all things, making those in distress one's own kin, and sharing their physical sensations of pain and itching, he had the book printed to disseminate its teachings widely. This is not only for transmission in the present but also for posterity, so that future generations may extend this compassion to others and all things, rendering the intention to save children infinite. Is this not more than a minor benefit?

Preface by Lian Gongliang, Chaosan Dafu (Court Gentleman of Rank Four), Tongzhi (Co-Director) of Hengzhou Lu Zongguanfu, on the 21st day of the 8th month, Ji Si year of Tianli era.

When humans receive the heart-mind of Heaven and Earth that generates living things as their own heart, they should regard Heaven, Earth, and all things as one body. Others' pain and itching are felt as one's own; this is the conduct of a benevolent person. Former Confucians stated that physicians consider numbness and paralysis of limbs as "lack of benevolence" (Bu Ren). This statement aptly describes the character "Ren" (Benevolence): when limbs are paralyzed, Qi and blood meridians do not communicate, sensation of pain and itch is lost, and the life-giving function of the heart ceases; how can such a state be called benevolent? Moreover, regarding infants, whose language cannot yet clearly express symptoms and whose pulse diagnosis may not be fully reliable, a physician must use the heart-mind to empathize and perceive where their discomfort lies. Only those dedicated to benevolence can achieve this.

Mr. Zeng Dexian from Western Shu practiced medicine as a Confucian scholar. In his youth, he studied under Mr. Li Yueshan, a local scholar, thereby receiving Confucian learning through mental transmission. In adulthood, he studied under hereditary physicians of the Liu family, acquiring medical knowledge through similar mental transmission. He meticulously read medical classics, carefully pondered drug properties, referenced profound discussions of predecessors, and articulated his own unique insights. He responded to every request tirelessly, regardless of the patient's poverty. He collected his usual syndrome analyses and prescriptions, naming the work *Huoyou Xinshu*, intending to share it with like-minded colleagues. Writing a book to express his inner dedication and ensuring its wide dissemination aligns with the mindset of a benevolent person. Having read his book, I found his syndrome differentiation and prescription application indeed differed from others. For instance, *Wuling San* (Five-Ingredient Poria Decoction) was used by other practitioners solely for resolving Cold Damage (Shanghan), warm pathogens, dampness, summerheat toxicity, and cholera. However, Zeng Dexian applied it seasonally for convulsions, phlegm-induced spasms, sores, and rashes. Hu Shengzhai, former Tongzhi of Hengzhou Prefecture, asked after his son recovered from convulsions: "Why did *Wuling San* cure this illness?" Zeng Dexian replied: "This formula uses Fuling (Poria) to calm the spirit of the Heart. Zexie (Alisma) guides urination; when the Small Intestine is unblocked, Heart Qi connects. Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) dries wood [suppresses Liver Wood], thereby restraining Liver Qi and stopping wind, thus treating convulsions. Its application to other syndromes also has theoretical justification." Mr. Hu deeply agreed, demonstrating his skillful use of *Wuling San*. Physicians often treat pediatric convulsions as a single entity, indiscriminately administering minerals, Borneol, Musk, centipedes, silkworms, snakes, and scorpions. This is not only ineffective but may provoke other syndromes. Zeng Dexian distinguished between convulsions caused by fright and those caused by Qi stagnation. Fright relates to the Heart, wind relates to the Liver, and Qi stagnation can also cause spasms, as described by Chen Shi as "accumulated Qi leading to spasms," though he did not provide a formula. I treated convulsions according to the syndrome; for Qi stagnation-induced spasms, I used *Kuanqi Yin* (Broaden Qi Decoction), primarily using Zhike (Aurantium Fructus Immaturus) and Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange). Once, encountering a sudden case of spasms, I instructed the administration of Zhike San (Aurantium Powder) from a pharmacy, which stopped the spasms. The patient was deeply grateful, illustrating his unique insight into treating spasms. Regarding other critical conditions, he investigated thoroughly; his prescriptions were ingenious, and results swift, difficult to enumerate completely. He resided in my home for nearly ten years. My two grandsons benefited from his care; he identified syndromes at subtle stages and controlled diseases at their inception. His extensive dedication was not limited to our family. His firm commitment to benevolence, valuing righteousness over profit, stemmed from scholarly cultivation and should not be judged by vulgar standards. Reading his formulas and discussions, I have written these words at the beginning. Those who understand will surely recognize his dedication.

Respectfully inscribed by Wu Gangzhong, Jinshi of Duxin Studio, Former Taixue (Imperial Academy), on Shangsi Day, Yiwei Year of Yuanzhen Era.