Library

My grandfather, Mr. Yantai, was proficient in ophthalmology. Based on his personal insights, he composed a manuscript titled *Bicheng* (Pen Notes), which he named *Mujing Dacheng* (Comprehensive Mastery of Eye Classics). He kept it at home to pass it down to my father. My unworthy self, Huang Yingmu, and others did not rush to have it printed by the woodblock printers. At that time, Mr. Deng Zanfu from Jiang knocked on the door to request instruction. My grandfather, eager to nurture talent, did not hesitate to teach him. He presented his own writings for Deng Zanfu to copy and read, so Deng Zanfu came into possession of the book. After my grandfather passed away, we wished to carve the printing blocks, but lacked the means. Later, I heard that Deng Zanfu had already published it. I privately thought that my grandfather’s name would thereby become more renowned, and I deeply attributed this merit to Deng Zanfu; could there be any other considerations? In the year Wuxu, while traveling in Xingjiang Prefecture under the patronage of Marquis Kuishan, Wang Gong summoned me. I happened to meet Deng Zanfu and requested a copy of the printed edition. To my surprise, it was titled *Muke Zhengzong* (Orthodox Standard of Ophthalmology) and credited as compiled by Deng Mou. Alas! Why usurp the name to promote oneself? Reputation arises from substance. Without substance, where can reputation attach itself? Even in Deng Zanfu’s preface, he claims that the content was taught by "Mr. Huang" from the *Mujing*, acknowledging that the facts cannot be concealed. Yet, why still usurp the name? Although I have no grievance against Deng Zanfu, upon carefully reading the book, I found numerous errors and confusions, mixing good with bad. This not only betrayed my grandfather’s original intent but also misled future generations. Tossing and turning at midnight, I considered reprinting it but struggled with financial constraints, remaining depressed for a long time. My clan ancestor, Mr. Xiangquan from Rao County, was wealthy and dedicated to charitable acts. He abandoned Confucian studies for medicine (*Qihuang*) and devoted himself to researching medical formulas. I presented the *Mujing* to him. He praised it highly, saying, "Your elder brother has reached such profound depths, far surpassing the ancients. You have inherited the torch of transmission, and your skills are miraculous; this is indeed expected." He sighed that he lacked the resources to reprint it himself. Consequently, he instructed his cousin, Mr. Hu Pengnan, and my fourth son, Huang Wenbiao, to study under me, providing funds to complete the publication. Was this done to share our medical knowledge for the benefit of the world, or to expand my grandfather’s legacy and prevent it from being forgotten? Alas! If my ancestor was moved upon seeing the ancestral manuscript, how much more should Deng Zanfu, who once studied directly under my grandfather’s gate, remember his teachings? Reading his work allows one to imagine his character. Publishing it while erasing my grandfather’s name is truly incomprehensible. Now that the carving is complete, I detail the circumstances. I hope the spirits of my ancestors and father will pity our inadequacies and silently bless us, ensuring that our family’s scholarly lineage does not fall into obscurity, and that the contributions of my uncle and Mr. Hu are immortalized.
Respectfully prefaced by Huang Ying of the Huai Clan, courtesy name Bifeng, after purifying himself.
Respectfully recorded by my clan younger brother, Lan Huihui.