Library

The *Book of Documents* states: "One who has fractured their arm three times becomes a good physician." The *Chu Ci* (Songs of Chu) states: "One who has fractured their arm nine times becomes a physician." The *Book of Rites* (*Qu Li*) states: "If a physician's art is not transmitted through three generations, one should not take their medicine." Thus, for those engaged in the medical profession, specialization and longevity are paramount. My great-uncle, Mr. Yunbo, was originally a *Shengyuan* (a scholar who passed the county examination), who meticulously studied medical principles and produced numerous annotations, exegeses, and debates. He authored several books, including the *Laisu Ji* (Collection of Laisu), which had not been printed until now. My maternal uncle, Chen Shixing, was a direct descendant of Mr. Yunbo and received instruction from my father; thus, our family's scholarly lineage is indeed clear and accurate. Our family possessed a considerable collection of books, comprising various printed and manuscript volumes. We analyzed doubts and debated difficulties together, striving to exhaust the profound mysteries within. Furthermore, we discussed matters for many years with Mr. Yang Zisheng of Qin Chuan (Changshu). For any Confucian scholars who were both erudite and comprehensive in their understanding, we extensively relied on them for textual research. In this way, my father's expertise in medicine originated from his ancestors, was refined under enlightened masters, widely consulted among good friends, and deeply explored through the wisdom of past sages. He can be described as both specialized and enduring. Today, the *Laisu Ji* and other books have been printed and circulated. This book, authored by Mr. Qishi, is also one of our manuscript copies. I dare not keep it to myself, so I have had it engraved and published for the public, both to elucidate the secrets of the ancients and to demonstrate the benefits I have derived from it.

On the fifteenth day of the tenth lunar month of the Xinmao year, the thirty-sixth year of the Qianlong reign, my nephew You Tian respectfully wrote this postscript.

The above two-volume manuscript of *Lixu Yuanjian* was collected by Gu Xincheng of Wuxi. Mr. Xincheng studied medical principles and highly praised this book, believing that its efficacy in treating *Xu Lao* (Consumptive Disease) rivals that of various schools and texts. However, in bookshops across the regions, it is rarely found amidst fragmented old papers. It was not included in the *Siku Quanshu Zongmu Tiyao* (Summary of the Complete Library of Four Treasuries), nor in Zhang's *Mulu Dawen* (Guide to Bibliography) or Zhu's *Huike Shumu* (Catalog of Collected Editions). Therefore, I hastened to commission its printing to ensure its long-term transmission. As a specialized text for treating consumptive disease, it may well provide some benefit. Due to prolonged copying, errors and corruptions have multiplied. Given my limited knowledge, collation is not easy. I dare not speculate arbitrarily; I retain only what is credible and leave doubtful parts blank. Sorting out and verifying these matters awaits those with sincere dedication. The name, hometown, and residence of Mr. Qishi are difficult to ascertain urgently. Judging from Mr. Zhao's postscript, could he have been a loyalist of the late Ming Dynasty or a recluse who avoided the world? Having completed the writing, I record this on bamboo slips.

Recorded by Chen Guangsong of Xiaoshan in the twelfth lunar month of the twenty-second year of the Guangxu reign, Qing Dynasty.