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How could a few pages of books cure tens of millions of diseases? However, there is a method of grasping the general principle while attending to details (Gangju Zhizhang). Diseases generally originate from the Zang-Fu organs (Viscera and Bowels) and essentially do not go beyond deficiency (Xu), excess (Shi), cold (Han), and heat (Re). If one can carefully ascertain which Zang or Fu organ suffers from a deficiency or excess syndrome, or a cold or heat syndrome, and then categorize and collect them by disease type, the medicines will follow the same therapeutic path. In this way, treating one disease is possible, and treating tens of millions of diseases is also feasible. Indeed, it does not lie in establishing too many disease names or creating too many formula books. This is what is meant by "Mirror" (Jing), reflecting the essence of the condition.

Ordinary people are unwilling to learn medicine because medical texts are voluminous and overwhelming, causing fear and uncertainty about where to begin. Here, we only describe what symptoms appear, which Zang-Fu organs are involved, and what therapeutic methods should be used. With just a few words, it is easy to understand. The origins and complexities of all meridians and collaterals are not detailed here to avoid being overly cumbersome. For those who wish to explore everything in full, there are naturally works by various renowned masters available.

Using medicine is like using troops; one must assess the magnitude of the medicinal strength. Wherever there is an advantage, there is inevitably a disadvantage. Potent substances such as strong tonics, strong purgatives, strongly cold, and strongly hot herbs, if misused, can kill. Medicines are categorized into "Vanguard Generals" (Mengjiang, potent/strong agents) and "Secondary Generals" (Cijiang, moderate/mild agents) so that readers dare not use them lightly. Even when used, dosages must be carefully deliberated to understand the benefits and harms.

Human life is a small universe. Mild illnesses are like solar or lunar eclipses; they will naturally return to harmony shortly. One must absolutely not take medication lightly, for fear that benefiting one part may harm another. Having extensive experience, I fully understand these reasons. I would rather bear resentment than prescribe medication rashly. This matter is like a veteran general facing battle or a wealthy merchant navigating the sea: the more experience one has, the more one feels awe and caution.

This book is shallow and straightforward, without profound insights in its explanations. Its sole wish is that everyone understands basic medical principles, avoids being misled by quacks, and thus prolongs their life. Moreover, in remote areas where doctors are inaccessible, people can treat themselves according to symptoms for convenience. For physicians with little reading experience and shallow clinical practice, this book provides a starting point and some grasp of key points, enabling them to save lives.

A physician's primary duty is to establish moral character. As the ancients said: "Conduct should be upright, wisdom should be flexible, mind should be meticulous, and courage should be bold." Human lives are in our hands. Even with dedicated study and contemplation, mistakes may still occur; how can this matter be treated as child's play? If profit motives intervene, discrimination between rich and poor arises, colleagues attack each other, fake drugs are sold deceptively, and human life is disregarded. Look up at the vast sky above. Patients' families should also be treated with the courtesy due to honored guests. One must realize that the physician comes to save one's parents, wife, and children; how can one treat them as servants to be summoned or dismissed at will?

This compilation largely adopts the theories of Zhang Zhongjing, Li Dongyuan, Zhang Jingyue, and Zhong Ling, adhering to the principle of "transmitting but not creating" (Shu Er Bu Zuo).

Ancient formulas contain profound intentions, but they must never be applied rigidly. I have seen inexperienced physicians with shallow knowledge using Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summerheat and Boost Qi Decoction) for summerheat-induced fatigue without realizing that Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) may cause chest stuffiness; or using Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) for heat-induced wheezing without knowing that Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus) has astringent properties. Ultimately, summerheat pathogens remain trapped inside, leading to lingering illness and death, which is truly lamentable. Similarly, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), etc., must be used only after thorough deliberation ensures safety, or substituted with "Secondary General" (milder) herbs. Otherwise, a single error is irrecoverable. Blaming the ancients for such errors is unjust; how could the ancients bear such blame?