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Shaoxing was formerly known as Kuaiji Commandery, with beautiful and elegant landscapes. Since the Eastern Jin Dynasty, there have been many Zen monasteries and Buddhist temples in this area. It is said that at that time, high monks and extraordinary people appeared and disappeared in the mountains and forests. People from all directions, having heard of its scenic beauty, competed to visit and follow them. There is a temple in Xiaoshan County named Zhulin Temple (Bamboo Forest Temple), whose founding date is untraceable. The monks of the temple mastered the arts of these extraordinary people, specializing in treating diseases, particularly excelling in gynecology (Gynecology). When patients sent elderly women to report their ailments to the old monk, he would immediately prescribe formulas, which were invariably effective. Thus, the fame of "Zhulin Gynecology" spread far and wide, becoming an additional glory for Kuaiji Commandery. Buddhist doctrine states: Tathagata (The Buddha) emerged in the world as the Great Medical King; Bodhisattvas of the Fifth Ground use expedient means to save sentient beings, using herbal prescriptions to treat various illnesses. It is speculated that the old monk might have understood these profound mysteries and widely disseminated them, though this remains uncertain. I have often remarked that during our dynasty, medical experts have emerged in succession, producing abundant writings. Yu Jiayan (Yu Chang), a scholar-official from Xinjian, combined Confucian learning externally with internal cultivation of the mind, attaining subtle insights into medical principles through the doctrinal keys of the Caodong School's Five Positions of Lord and Minister. To this day, those discussing medicine generally praise Scholar Yu for elucidating the secret teachings of Huangdi (Yellow Emperor), Qibo, and Zhang Zhongjing, which indeed surpasses what contemporary clerics or Daoist priests can achieve. Furthermore, Fu Qingzhu (Fu Shan), a scholar-official from Yangqu, was revered throughout the country for his expertise in gynecology. His differentiation of syndromes was precise, and his prescription formulation concise, earning him widespread acclaim. His discussions did not fall into the clichés of ancient masters, yet his formula preparation adhered strictly to traditional standards. This work, however, categorizes conditions clearly and details them meticulously. The collected empirical formulas are comprehensively gathered and summarized, truly supplementing the deficiencies in Scholar Fu's gynecological works. It is fitting that both books be published together for public selection. Previously, the temple monks kept this text secret and did not reveal it. During the Daoguang reign, Mr. Wang from Jinde obtained a manuscript copy and printed it in Hubei. During the Xianfeng reign, the printing blocks were destroyed by war, and few copies remained. My friend, Mr. Yu Lisheng from Shanyin, had copied and preserved it. In the Xinmao year of the Guangxu reign, Changhan and Mr. Yu reunited at the Anhui Jiang military governor's office. He presented this book to me, requesting a preface. We pooled funds to publish it for the public. Changhan believes: The medical benefits of Zhulin are limited to a corner. Once this book is published, it will circulate rapidly without legs. Patients will not need to wait for doctors' visits but can take medicine according to the prescriptions, with effects as immediate as echoes. This will provide relief to all women of the generation from illnesses and calamities. Indeed, as Buddhism says, using herbal prescriptions to treat diseases, only Mr. Yu's merit is indelible.
Prepared respectfully by Fang Changhan of Tongcheng in the late summer of the Xinmao year of the Guangxu reign.