Library

My fellow townsman, Mr. Li of Yueshan, had read extensively through all books, maintained a pure and upright conduct, and was most rigorous in distinguishing between righteousness (Yi) and profit (Li). Young men admiring learning followed him in great numbers. In teaching his students, he did not limit himself to literary skills alone; he invariably encouraged them to rectify their minds and cultivate their persons, so that they might possess the conduct of scholar-gentlemen. Master Dexian Zeng was one of those who studied under him.

Not long after, the imperial examination system was abolished, and thus Master Zeng, originally a Confucian scholar, turned to the practice of medicine. The sages of old said: "When successful, one wishes to be a good minister; when unsuccessful, one wishes to be a good physician." Their intent was uniformly to benefit humanity. Is medicine a trivial matter? Indeed, pediatrics (Youyou zhi yi) is especially difficult. This is because infants have subtle vital qi and fragile sinews and bones; regarding ailments such as itching and pain, one cannot ask and know directly. Others merely speculate on the condition based on facial complexion and fingerprint patterns to prescribe medication, whereas Master Dexian prioritates pulse diagnosis. If the syndrome appears Yang but the pulse is Yin, or if the syndrome appears Yin but the pulse is Yang, he will certainly treat according to the pulse rather than the syndrome, engaging in profound reflection and detailed investigation to trace the root cause. His administration of herbal medicines was accurate, missing the mark only rarely. He never altered his dedication based on the nobility or poverty of the patient's family; upon encountering families in extreme destitution, he would donate funds according to his ability to support their porridge, thereby saving many lives. Master Dexian was not wealthy, yet he could extend this benevolent heart, which is truly virtuous.

Having practiced medicine for thirty years, he read ancient and modern medical texts without ceasing. Now, selecting cases where his daily diagnostic and medicinal practices had proven effective, he composed formula discussions and compiled them into poetry, naming the work *Huoyou Xinshu* (Living Infants' Heart Book). This heart is a persevering heart, a compassionate heart, and a heart sincerely seeking [the truth]. Facing Heaven and Earth and the spirits, he has no shame. Furthermore, he desires to have this book engraved and printed for the common use of the world; his broad-mindedness is worthy of respect. I once observed Zhao Delin's *Houqing Lu*, which records that someone obtained a miraculous prescription for carbuncles and ulcers, treasured it but did not transmit it, and was subsequently eaten by a tiger. Was this not a heavenly retribution? Given Master Dexian's mindset as described, Heaven must surely bless him, thereby inducing people of the world to make good use of their hearts. Master Dexian was a person from the west of Hengzhou, with the pseudonym Yuxi, named Shirong, and "Dexian" was his courtesy name.

On the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Dingwei year, Luo Zongzhi Juhai Fu, an old man from Shaoqing aged seventy, respectfully wrote the preface.