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I have a natural inclination towards medicine. Knowing the difficulty of practicing it, I never casually treated others for medical issues. Now that I am old and my experience has grown even greater, I dare not speak of this matter anymore; I only compose poetry to express my feelings.

My younger brother, Shangxian, wrote *Wai Zhi Yi Shuo* (Medical Treatise on External Therapy). After its publication, he changed its title to *Li Yue Pian Wen* (Parallel Prose on Therapeutic Applications) and requested me to write a preface. Having read it, I privately thought that a preface was unnecessary, as the text was already detailed. However, there are matters that need no discussion, and others that require clarification. The principles of heaven and earth and all things, the transmission of wisdom among sages and worthies, and the scholarly efforts of investigating things to extend knowledge constitute the foundation of medicine. Those who understand will understand naturally; those who do not will not understand naturally. Those who believe will believe naturally; those who do not will not believe naturally. This is what needs no discussion. His methods, however, carve out a unique path distinct from previous schools, which everyone can see is harmless. Yet some argue that while it does no harm, it also does no good. This is what requires clarification. I consider this book comparable to Shaozi's *Chunzi Shu* (Numbers of the Simpleton by Shao Yong). Medicine has been lost for a long time in our current era. If people of average or lower ability, poor and without resources, were to learn these techniques to nourish their lives, they would not burden themselves with heavy clothing and food expenses nor treat human life lightly. Even if there were no obvious efficacy, many would secretly benefit. Moreover, charitable distribution has been practiced for years and is indeed verifiable. The *Chunzi Shu* is known to be effective, so many people learn its methods. As both the *Chunzi Shu* and *Huangji Jingshi* (Supreme Principles Governing the World) originate from the same source, one might say that only those of superior intelligence can comprehend them.

Written in the fourth month of the year Jiazi (1864), by Gaoqiao Sanren.

A guest asked me, "Ancient texts refer to medical books as 'books that save lives.' Can your brother's *Li Yue Pian Wen* truly save lives?" I replied, "Yes, it can." The guest asked, "How can we verify this?" I said, "By examining how your brother applies treatment." The guest asked, "How is the treatment applied?" I said, "In the northeast township of Taizhou, there is a place called Yujia Duo, where my brother and I lived with our mother to escape turmoil. While I served as a clerk in the Chuzhou prefecture, my brother remained in the countryside, making plasters for treatment. When I returned home periodically to visit, I witnessed his therapeutic practices. In the region of Xiahe, spanning hundreds of li, there are over 1,500 villages. Among the hardworking able-bodied men and women, as well as the elderly and young children living in damp, low-lying areas and frequently exposed to cold and heat, internal ailments of the heart and abdomen and external diseases of the head, face, body, and skin often left them helpless due to lack of means, causing half to abandon treatment out of resignation. Others had the means but found no effect after consulting multiple doctors, and out of pity for wasted medicine costs, they ceased treatment. Upon hearing of a provider, they flocked together, numbering ten to thirty or forty daily. People are generally accustomed to herbal decoctions and skeptical of unconventional methods. For those with chronic and deep-seated illnesses, when they initially received a plaster and left, their expressions suggested doubt. However, after three or four applications, they recovered completely and visited to thank us, saying, 'I have consulted many so-called experts, but here, without drinking medicine or pulse diagnosis, I thought treatment would be difficult, yet it was cured so easily.' They informed their relatives, who came to try it and found it effective; these relatives then informed their acquaintances, who also tried it and found it effective. Thus, trust increased day by day, and word spread further. Patients from near and far gathered daily, numbering one or two hundred, or even three or four hundred. They arrived at appointed times, some carried on stretchers, some borne on backs, some supported by arms, some led by hands. Some leaned, some squatted, some stood, some knelt, some gazed, some watched, some shouted, some moaned, some wept, some cried. They crowded the courtyard, desperate for the relief of the plaster, as urgent as fire or water. Bystanders could not help but sigh, remarking that depicting refugee scenes or opening famine relief centers looked no different. There was deep concern that one physician could not possibly examine so many people efficiently. Yet my brother rose early each morning, calling them one by one to stand before the desk, listening attentively as they described their conditions. He determined whether tonification, purgation, cooling, or warming was appropriate, briefly observing their complexion and pointing to specific locations, then distributing plasters for severe or acute conditions, supplemented by other medications. All was completed within half a day. Never before had a doctor been so swift and simple. Treating thousands monthly, imposing restrictions only where necessary and offending no one, it is evident that the plasters save lives. My brother once told me, 'Treating external symptoms is easier than internal ones; excess syndromes are easier than deficiency syndromes. How can I guarantee my plasters always work? However, mastering the general principles allows for broad coverage; employing visible techniques minimizes risk. It allows one to conceal shortcomings, observe changes, correct errors, and await talented practitioners. Some accuse me of taking shortcuts, but I dare not. I merely seek peace of mind. Alas, this is the original intent behind my brother's use of plasters. This is precisely why this book saves lives.'" The guest departed joyful and satisfied. Just as the printing work was completed, my brother instructed me to write the preface. Thus, I record our dialogue as follows.

Medicine may be a minor art, but it contains methods for cultivating virtue and accumulating goodness. Amidst the disturbances of the world, if my descendants can uphold this to preserve their family, it will serve not merely as an aid to farming and reading.

Recorded in the first month of summer in the year Jiazi, at the Xiao E Bu Guan study in the Hai Ling residence, by Guanye.