Library

The greatest virtue of Heaven and Earth is life. Human beings should take the heart of Heaven and Earth as their own heart, thereby understanding that the great virtue lies in "life." Consequently, they master the art of saving lives and transmit prescriptions for rescuing lives. This is why predecessors' works such as *Dasheng Yuzhi* (Essential Principles of Great Life) and *Dasheng Bian* (Manual for Childbirth) were engraved and circulated to the world. Mr. Wang Hao sheng, who cherishes this intention of loving life, has further carefully collected and selected, gathering excellent prescriptions from obstetrics and pediatrics that have been tested and proven effective many times. He donated funds to have them carved on woodblocks by artisans for printing, to widely disseminate these collections, and asked me to write a preface. I have been simple and unrefined since childhood, having grasped not even one or two aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Qi-Huang school). How could I be worthy of writing a preface for this compilation? However, observing this book, it begins with theoretical discussions and concludes with prescriptions and herbs, divided into six volumes, forming one collection. It is clear as listed eyebrows; its principles are bright like a burning torch. Compared to other books already engraved by predecessors, it is particularly easy to consult, with no prescription left incomplete. Thus, once this book is completed, whether in metropolises or remote villages, every household will keep a copy for reference. Not only will it be beneficial in ordinary times, but when suddenly encountering critical conditions where there is no time to summon a doctor, obtaining this prescription for treatment, I know it will produce miraculous effects. In this way, this book serves as a precious raft for saving lives. It is commendable that Mr. Wang harbors this great benevolent wish, taking the life-loving heart of Heaven and Earth as his own, which is precisely what I am happy to see come to fruition. Therefore, disregarding my own shallowness and ignorance, I write this preface.

Preface written by Guo Qianyi from Yongshang at the East Chamber of Xiaolian Hall in the early winter month of the Yiwu year of the 22nd year of Guangxu.

This compilation elucidates the principles of restraining desires, seeking offspring broadly, preserving the fetus, and ensuring safe childbirth. It extensively searches and collects, all belonging to the famous sayings of ancient sages, which can be verified through research. Through repeated debate and discussion, the sole hope is for everyone to attain benevolence and longevity. The various gynecological conditions are no different from pulse diagnosis, except for menstruation, leukorrhea, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, and pregnancy/childbirth. Here, the essence of several syndromes is collected, reconciling various books, and compiled together. Key points are extracted and complexities removed, aiming only for simplicity and clarity, avoiding empty rhetoric, so that readers may clearly understand in mind and eye.

The transmission and transformation of symptoms are difficult to exhaust verbally, but the key lies not outside Yin and Yang. Subdivided, they are Exterior, Interior, Cold, Heat, Deficiency, and Excess. A good doctor saves people merely by being able to distinguish these; a mediocre doctor kills people merely by misidentifying these. For instance, regarding fever and similar symptoms, there is a distinction between External Contraction and Internal Injury. If Deficiency is mistaken for Excess, not only will the medicine fail to produce effects, but disaster will follow as quickly as flipping a hand. This collection first discusses the etiology, then records prescriptions and herbs, seemingly avoiding the drawback of mixing Yin and Yang treatments. It is prepared for those in remote areas unable to summon doctors, allowing them to treat according to symptoms to save emergencies, prioritizing simplicity.

Infants' Qi and Blood are not yet full; their form and spirit are timid and weak; their Zang-Fu organs are soft and fragile. Slight negligence makes them most susceptible to disease. Even vomiting, diarrhea, and common colds, if treated improperly, can lead to unpredictable changes. Predecessors called them difficult to treat; is this not true? Here, all methods of protection are recorded one by one for selection and adoption.

Acute and chronic convulsions are the most dangerous syndromes in pediatrics. If Deficiency and Excess are not distinguished, mixed treatment will inevitably go astray. Now, acute convulsions are classified as Phlegm-Fire Obstruction Syndrome, and chronic convulsions as Water Insulting Earth Syndrome. The origins and details are fully expounded, and the hierarchy of medication is clarified, preventing hesitation and lack of confidence during clinical practice.

Smallpox is also a major syndrome in infants. From fever and appearance of spots, to swelling, pus formation, and scabbing, it relies entirely on sufficient Qi and Blood to draw out the toxin. Regrettably, contemporary physicians often use Fire-Clearing and Toxin-Resolving methods, which instead block the toxin, preventing its expulsion, leading to collapse that is incurable. Wang Hongxu said: Resolving Cold causes the toxin to transform naturally; Clearing Fire causes the toxin to coagulate further. Zhuang Zaitian said: Tonifying the Middle is how one supports the expulsion of toxins; Nourishing the Root is how one nourishes the seedling. These are确论 (definitive theories) for saving the people and benefiting the world. Now adding factors of climate, constitution, and human affairs, one feels even more cautious. However, smallpox syndromes are unpredictable, requiring skilled nursing and support.

Prescriptions using Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) are retained because ancient formulas used them, following tradition. For mild cases, Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen) can substitute; for urgent cases, Korean Ginseng (Gaolishen) must be used; for those with means, using Renshen is even better.

Decoctions, pills, and prescriptions, if recorded in the first volume, are not repeated in other volumes. Since the depth of disease varies, modifications are made accordingly; flexible application depends on the user. Users should exercise prudence.