Library

The ancients said, "Learning calligraphy wastes paper; learning medicine costs lives." This serves as a warning against acting on subjective assumptions and especially against rigidly adhering to fixed prescriptions, emphasizing the need for caution and reverence for life in medical practice.

Today, printed medical books are piled high like beams, but are they all written by masters like Qin Yueren (Bian Que)? Only those who thoroughly understand pathological conditions, clarify medical principles, conduct extensive research, and verify details carefully can establish their own school of thought and be hailed as patriarchs of medicine. Let us not speak of ancient times; in our current dynasty, Yuan Li established his reputation in Jianye, Lizhai gained fame in Wuzhong, and Jie'an resonated throughout Hangzhou and Zhejiang. All of them dared to make independent judgments, avoiding the error of blind conformity, and emulated the ancients without being shackled by fixed prescriptions; thus, their writings shine brightly.

Decades later, we welcomed my fellow townsman, Old Man Shisun. Born in the hometown of Mr. Jie'an, he entered the halls of Dai Yuanli and Xue Ji, studying this art with meticulous care and broad reading. Possessing both family secrets and the wisdom of observation (wang zhen), he often made innovative adjustments. Furthermore, he was devout in his service to the Buddha (the Sixteen-foot Golden Body) and could not bear to deceive the world or harm people. Therefore, he constantly explored deeply and maintained sincere reverence. When discussing a syndrome, he could clearly elucidate its origin; when prescribing a herb, he could exhaust its ultimate rationale. Over thirty years, he compiled the遗 (legacy) of his ancestors' observations and verified experiences, adding his own augmentations, deletions, and explanatory discussions, totaling eight volumes. This allows traveling officials and merchants to grasp the essentials at a glance, understand the core principles, follow clear classifications, and trust in its efficacy for treatment. My friend, Prefect Shen, titled it *Jianming Yi Gou* (Concise Medical Bow).

A few virtuous gentlemen had it printed to benefit the world and asked me to write a preface. Although my medical skills are as limited as those of a deaf or blind person, having read his book, I found the theories clear and the accompanying formulas easy to apply, making the knowledge accessible and natural. He does not cause patients distress by demanding rare herbs from remote areas, nor does he confuse them with obscure and difficult terminology. His intent seems specifically designed for the poor and ignorant in moments of panic, yet in reality, even the wealthy, intelligent, and leisurely will find it inexhaustible in application and endless in flavor. His vow is vast, and his merit great! The main purport of the volume has already been listed in Prefect Shen's preface. I merely reiterate the two characters "Jian Ming" (Concise and Clear), feeling no shame in either name or substance. The ancients called benevolent men and filial sons those who combine these virtues; surely, this collection embodies that ideal.

Mr. Taishi (Shisun) has eight devoted lay followers. His eldest son is a *xiangsheng* (scholar), his second son surnamed Fu, and the story of his youngest daughter, who passed away at age five, is particularly miraculous. Now, Mr. Taishi writes books and cultivates the Dao, illuminating his room, cutting off worldly desires, growing firmer in old age and happier in poverty. He must be the reincarnation of Pang Daoxuan. If the earnest admonitions in the eight volumes are solely to prevent patients from being confused and misled by the mountain of existing books—thereby causing suffering—then the compassionate heart of the Buddha should indeed be acknowledged. Thus, I do not decline to write this preface.

Wu Zhongwei, Jinshi degree holder, Zishan Dafu (Grand Master of Benevolence), Minister of Justice, Chief Judge of the Court of Judicature and Revision, Lecturer at the Imperial Study, Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, and Family Friend, bows and writes.