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Translation:
I recall that in my youth, I studied under Master Ruan at Jiangcun in Huainan together with my brother-in-law, Zheng Chunjiang. At that time, Mr. Xu Lingtai from Songling traveled frequently between Wu and the central regions, residing in a place opposite to Master Ruan's residence, and they visited each other often. I often overheard his preliminary theories. Mr. Xu was compiling works such as *Nanjing Jing Shi* (Commentary on the Classic of Difficult Issues) and consulted with our master for corrections. The master said, "Your expertise in external medicine is indeed profound and extensive. Why do you devote your efforts specifically to internal medicine?" Mr. Xu replied, "Those who speak of external medicine invariably base it on internal medicine. If one does not deeply understand the principles of internal medicine but merely copies old prescriptions for social obligations, few will escape the ridicule of being like a 'hunchback' (knowing only the surface). I heartily agreed with him. Now, reading Mr. Gao Jinting's book, I am even more convinced. Jinting has accumulated learning and mastered medical arts, having practiced clinically for over thirty years. He is proficient in classic prescriptions and thoroughly understands pulse diagnosis. Although he treats external diseases, he diligently reviews the writings of sages such as those in the *Neijing* (Inner Canon). Truly, he is one who explores the root without imitating the branches. Therefore, in treating diseases, he is not dogmatic nor blindly conformist; sometimes symptoms are the same but treatments differ, and sometimes symptoms differ but treatments are the same. His spirit resides between mind and hand, ensuring that all constraints are removed and difficulties resolved. Only someone with intuitive insight and transcendent understanding can achieve this! The title 'Xinde' (Heart-Mind Insights) truly reflects his personal acquisitions. Upon completion, the book will be printed to benefit future students, showing his deep dedication. Those practicing this specialty who obtain this book, study it faithfully, and hold it as a standard will not be lost in their aspirations. Today, Mr. Yucun, the eldest son of Mr. Lingtai Xu, inherits the family learning. Distinguished by nobles and renowned throughout the land, he has marital ties with my brother-in-law Chunjiang. I shall send him a copy for review when free, wondering what he thinks.

Written by Guo Yilin of Wuchu at the Ruzhou Small Study in Xixue during mid-summer of the Bingyin year of the Jiaqing reign.

A physician relies on intuition (*yi*). Ancients said that what is understood by the mind cannot be fully expressed by words, so writing books is useless. While this statement is profound, it is not entirely fair. Had classics like the *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Suwen* (Basic Questions) not been transmitted, and if there were few discussions since the Zhou and Qin dynasties, later generations would have been even more bewildered at the threshold of life and death, and the number of quacks harming people would have been countless as the sands of the Ganges. Adapting to changes, acting with ease, and employing herbal medicines like commanding an army—these are beyond verbal description. However, regarding the convergence of blood vessels, meridians, yin-yang, and exterior-interior, and examining the origins of hundred diseases to treat them comprehensively—it is like building a cart behind closed doors yet fitting the tracks upon exiting. Why should this not be spoken of? Gao Jinting from Xishan is famous as a surgeon (yangyi). Practitioners of this field often fail to adhere to ancient standards or understand contemporary realities, relying on unorthodox talents, varying endlessly while treating only one condition, spreading toxicity to others without realizing their errors. Mr. Gao states that external diseases must be treated from the internal perspective; only after mastering the *Neijing* can one practice clinically. Thus, when treating ulcerative diseases, he first investigates excesses in complexion, voice, and taste, then observes changes in essence, qi, and spirit. Regarding cold, heat, deficiency, and excess, he sees through the accumulation. He uses scraping methods to break it and acupuncture to drain pus. When prescribing, the roles of sovereign, minister, assistant, and courier are orderly, following generative cycles, with dosages determined by heart. Many patients on the brink of danger were saved. During my tenure in Xishan, family members suffering from ulcers were effectively treated by him. This summer, my youngest son developed facial swelling extending from the lips and teeth to the cheeks, zygoma, and eyes. In the unlucky fifth lunar month, it ulcerated and rotted, becoming critical. Mr. Gao applied excellent ointments and administered harmonizing decoctions, extracting toxins and removing necrotic bone until the scab fell off and the disease healed. In winter, my elder sister suddenly suffered from liver qi stagnation with day-and-night pulling pain. Being over sixty and generally deficient in qi and blood, she was deeply worried. Mr. Gao was urgently summoned and diagnosed, "The abscess has formed but fortunately lies within the membrane outside the skin." After about a cup of pus drained, the pain ceased, and she recovered. I was deeply grateful. He then presented his manuscript and requested a preface. Reading his discussions, I found descriptions of childhood mumps, multiple bone necrosis, and intestinal abscesses, which corresponded exactly to two illnesses in my family. Other analyses are meticulous and empirically verified. His innovative explanations, though perhaps surpassing predecessors, reveal his profound surgical skill, and his book should not remain obscure. I urged him to print it and named the collection *Xinde*. This embodies the physician's reliance on intuition, devoid of rigidity, and shows deep compassion for quacks' errors, aiming to enlighten the ignorant and correct mistakes, demonstrating particularly profound intent. Alas! Scholars may talk grandly about governing the world but rarely benefit living beings, whereas the art of benevolent gentlemen is found in technical skills. Thus, the benefit of this book to the world is far from slight. As for the subtleties of application, only Mr. Gao can explain them, and how could I presume to speak for him?

Preface by Yang Run of Shanyou, early days of the tenth lunar month (Xiaochun), in the Yichou year of the Jiaqing reign.