Library

*Fengmen Quanshu* (Complete Book on Leprosy) consists of two volumes, upper and lower. They were sent from Jiangxi to Eastern Guangdong by Wang Xiajiu, a scholar from Luling. He stated that he had already saved hundreds of lives in Jiangxi and requested that I have them printed and widely circulated. The person responsible for collating and editing the text was He Chuanyao (courtesy name Shiqing), a *cai* (scholar) from Gaoyao. Upon seeing this book, Shiqing expressed both surprise and delight, remarking that leprosy (*Mafeng*, 麻风) is prevalent in Guangdong, and most practitioners rely on single-herb prescriptions (*Danfang*, 单方). He had never seen a work as clear and comprehensive as this one. Since Shiqing was knowledgeable in medicine, he undertook the collation of this book. Having successfully cured three members of one family with it, he was overjoyed and urgently requested its publication. I believe that this book analyzes various symptoms (*Zheng*, 症) with meticulous detail, unlike those who treat diseases merely with single prescriptions. One must thoroughly understand the entire content of the book to prescribe medications appropriately. I earnestly hope that those who see this book will pass it on to individuals knowledgeable in medicine. The more it is distributed and transmitted, the greater the merit of saving lives will be. There are many benevolent gentlemen in Eastern Guangdong who surely share my sentiments.

Reprinted at Jingye Hall in the first month of spring in the year Yisi (1845) of the Daoguang era, 25th year. Record made with respect.

Mr. Liu Quanshi from Qianyang was a learned and elegant scholar, as well as an upright and sincere man. He voluntarily abandoned his studies for the imperial examinations and devoted himself to the study of astronomy, geography, medicine, divination, and astrology, demonstrating particularly profound insights. In his old age, while staying at the home of his relatives, the brothers Ouyang Zhizhong, I had the opportunity to observe his demeanor. We met frequently, transcending age differences to form a close bond. Through his son, Mr. Dongchang, I also occasionally engaged in conversation with him. Previously, he was friendly with Mr. Xiao Xiaoting, a *linsheng* (government-supported student) from Luling. Mr. Xiaoting was deeply proficient in medicine, being an expert specifically in the treatment of leprosy (*Li*, 疠). Books on leprosy were scarce, and effective prescriptions were lacking. Therefore, following the Six Channels (*Liu Jing*, 六经) method of Zhang Zhongjing, he painstakingly searched for solutions. Over the course of three winters and summers, he established outlines and details, adding thorough annotations, resulting in a two-volume work titled *Liji Jiyao* (Essentials of Leprosy Compilation) and *Liji Beiyao* (Preparations for Leprosy). Using this book to treat leprosy, he claimed a success rate of nearly 100%. He often said he had saved no fewer than hundreds of people and wished to have it printed for the world, but his wish remained unfulfilled. He entrusted the book to Mr. Quanshi for publication, believing that Mr. Quanshi, who valued friendship and kept his promises, would not let him down. Later, Mr. Quanshi consulted with Mr. Chuntai, a *xiaolian* (filial and incorrupt candidate), who, along like-minded friends, encouraged the printing process. However, before the blocks could be carved, Mr. Quanshi passed away. Mr. Chuntai was also detained in the capital for many years, so this project did not come to fruition. This late spring, Mr. Dongchang has now handed the manuscript to the woodblock carvers. Thus, I am asked to write a few words to record the circumstances. It is evident that once the book is completed, it will spread rapidly across the country without legs. Those afflicted with this disease throughout the world will be instantly rescued from severe illness; how fortunate! Mr. Dongchang can be said to have expanded virtue and fulfilled his father's aspirations. Mr. Quanshi truly had a worthy son and was fortunate not to have failed his deceased friend. The success or failure of affairs depends on timing, and perhaps destiny plays a role within it. Indeed.

Recorded with respect by Yuan Zhuangyu of Xiaocun, Yiyang, in the late spring month of the 16th year of the Daoguang era (1836).