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In the Jiaxu year of Qianlong, while serving in Piling, I met a scholar named Ke Xinzhai. His ancestors were from Cixi, Zhejiang. His family had passed down a tradition of loyalty and generosity for generations, with many members practicing medicine. His grandfather, Jin Tang, recognized the depth of their family learning and identified Xinzhai as someone capable of achieving great things, which was twenty years prior. However, as a shengyuan (degree holder), Xinzhai lived in poverty and failed repeatedly in the imperial examinations. Was it because he loved too many pursuits and could not focus? Yet, those who are talented often possess multiple skills, which do not necessarily conflict; it is merely a matter of timing and opportunity.

I was suffering from Toufeng (chronic headache) and sought various physicians and medicines, but achieved no effect whatsoever. After examining my pulse, Xinzhai remarked that treating disease without seeking its root is truly "treating the head when the head hurts." He then prescribed a formula that seemed unrelated to my condition at first glance. However, after taking it, my pain gradually subsided, with an efficacy comparable to Chen Lin's manifesto curing Cao Cao's headache. Later, upon seeing the book *Lixu Yuanjian* (Essentials for Managing Deficiency Diseases) engraved by his uncle, De Xiu, I understood the origin of Xinzhai's rationale in prescribing formulas. Although I had not spoken directly with Mr. Ke De Xiu, his profound scholarship was evident from the works he edited. Moreover, this book had been neglected and damaged over the years. People of the time did not know of its existence, and even if they had seen it, who would have known it was authored by Qi Shi (Wang Qishi)? Now, Mr. Ke does not claim credit for himself but has entrusted the printing of the book, participating in its collation and promotion, revealing his deep dedication. Alas! Learning must indeed value its roots, and careers depend on timely opportunities; this applies not only to medicine. Thus, this preface.

Written by Chen Yan, courtesy name Jinting, from Minzhong, at the Suzhou official residence, in the twelfth lunar month of the Xinmao year, the 36th year of Qianlong.

I became acquainted with Mr. Ke De Xiu before I turned thirty, and now I am sixty-nine. Mr. Ke practices medicine, while I enjoy geomancy (Dixue); we often discussed technical arts. Errors in geography affect the land, potentially causing harm decades later; errors in medicine affect life, bringing consequences within moments. Mr. Ke possessed natural intelligence and acuity. In our youth, we studied together in a private school. When scriptures were taught separately, he memorized them all through listening. Consequently, he devoted himself to medicine and achieved profound mastery. Coming from a family of hereditary physicians, he also received instruction from renowned masters, tracing sources and flows, collecting widely, and recording extensively. He purchased many rare books, including *Lixu Yuanjian*. For difficult and complicated cases, he could diagnose immediately and prescribe decisively. His case records were concise and appropriate, earning the admiration of veteran physicians. Upon entering the capital, his fame spread rapidly, causing colleagues in medical institutions to show him respect. The Governor of Taiyuan invited him into his staff due to illness, and officials below the Provincial Governor in Shanxi regarded him as a peer of Bian Que and Lu Yi. Mr. Ke excelled in Daoyin (guiding and pulling exercises). Though older than me, he ate robustly like a tiger and walked more swiftly than young adults. I have become increasingly frail and prefer seclusion, believing that perseverance in one's work is paramount. Mr. Ke's medical expertise is profound; he not only integrated various schools of thought but gained much through quiet contemplation. He visited my home for long conversations without tiring. Patients eagerly sought his treatment, and he stayed with them for extended periods before leaving. Now, wishing to publish *Lixu Yuanjian* for the world, as a confidant of forty years, I narrate his general profile and place it at the beginning of the volume.

Written by Hua Jie, style name Niulao Daoren, on the first day of the third lunar month, in the Xinmao year, the 36th year of Qianlong.