Library

The disease of epidemic plague (Yiwen) had no specialized monographs in ancient times; its principles were merely briefly alluded to in texts on Cold Damage (Shanghan). People generally studied *Shanghan Lun* thoroughly, believing that all diseases fall within the framework of the Six Meridians (Liujing), and that once Shanghan is understood, other ailments can be deduced by analogy. They fail to realize that epidemics occur throughout all four seasons, whereas cold damage occurs only occasionally after the Winter Solstice. Thus, cold damage is rare, while epidemics account for eight or nine out of ten cases. Cold damage is caused by cold pathogens, while epidemics are caused by heat pathogens; their modes of transmission and treatment differ as much as heaven and earth. If one uses formulas for cold damage to treat epidemics, death is inevitable. This is why Mr. Wu Youke wrote *Wen Yi Lun* (Treatise on Pestilence). Since then, Mr. Du Qingbi, Ma Changgong, Jing Songya, Dai Tianzhang, and Xiong Nenzhao successively rose to prominence, revering Wu’s views and offering their own unique insights, elaborating and clarifying the theories, and producing accomplished books. Consequently, the study of epidemics became detailed and comprehensive, saving countless lives. In my childhood, I received paternal instruction and devoted myself to medical arts. Whenever I encountered epidemic diseases, I was often fortunate to succeed. However, when dealing with epidemic rashes (Wenzhen), relying solely on established formulas did not always yield effective results, which caused me inner doubt. In the autumn of the Jiazi year, I obtained *Yi Zhen Yi De* (One Gain from Epidemic Rashes) by my senior fellow townsman, Mr. Yu Shiyu. The book states that epidemics are invisible toxins, suitable for treatment with Gypsum (Shigao), but unsuitable for Cathartics such as Mirabilite (Xiaoshuo) and Rhubarb (Dahuang). This profound insight surpassed that of Mr. Wu and others, opening my mind like a blocked path. I cherished it like a precious jade artifact. Using it to treat epidemics and rashes yielded frequent success. In recent years, while serving as a candidate official at the Changlu Salt Administration, I witnessed numerous deaths due to misdiagnosis and mistreatment of this condition. Upon discussing this with close friends, they unanimously agreed that this book should not be kept secret. Thus, we contributed funds for its publication to ensure its wide dissemination. Perhaps Mr. Shiyu’s diligent efforts to benefit the world were indeed the cause of his own longevity! Compared to my individual successes, the impact of this book is far greater. The dosages in this book are heavy; upon clinical application, I sometimes temporarily omit one or two herbs or significantly reduce the dosage. For instance, Gypsum may be calcined or used raw, with dosages ranging from 3-5 qian to 2-3 liang, yielding immediate effects in every case. The only exception is the statement in the book: "Cold damage presents with deafness, but epidemics do not." This was a minor oversight in an otherwise thorough analysis. I have frequently observed patients with epidemics presenting with deafness, and treating them with the formulas in the book proved extremely effective. Readers of this book are advised not to let this single statement limit their perspective; those knowledgeable in medicine will surely be able to discern the truth. This serves as the preface.
Written in the guest quarters of Tianjin on the sixteenth day of the seventh month in the Wuzi year of the Daoguang reign, by Zhuang Jin, courtesy name Zhiting, from Piling, Candidate Official of the Salt Administration at Changlu.