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My late uncle, Mr. Yitong, gained fame in the literary world through his success in the imperial examinations (Keju), a reputation that lasted for sixty years. Scholars who read his posthumous writings often sigh with admiration at the vastness of his achievement. It was generally believed that his lifelong energy had been exhausted in this endeavor, leaving him no time to attend to other matters. However, they were unaware that from his youth and prime, he enjoyed reading medical texts; facing various complex symptoms (such as abnormal discharges and coughs indicated by five colors), his medical skills advanced with the years. When he personally compiled the book *Leizheng Zaicai* (Categorized Treatments Adapted), he devoted himself wholeheartedly, spending his life amidst old age and illness. This naturally constituted an immortal legacy, achieved by one who dedicated his body and mind thus.

Currently, many arts and crafts have long been lost, leading to increasingly vulgar and absurd practices that deceive people. Only medicine, being closely related to daily life, with principles that are proximate and affairs that are common, has continued without interruption. Since Zhang Zhongjing wrote his formularies, later sages inherited and expanded upon them. The efficacy of decoctions (Tangye) surpassed that of acupuncture and moxibustion (Zhen Shi). Thus, it cannot be said that the transmission is not enduring. However, profound truths found in texts like *Yuban* and *Linglan Midian* are ignored by Confucian scholars, and even physicians abandon them. Differentiation of syndromes is as intricate as unraveling cocoons, and diagnostic methods are as elusive as guessing hidden objects. If applied improperly, the harm caused is more severe than that of other arts. Is this not due to ignorance?

Yet, some are overly confident, propagating errors while attempting to address people's emergencies. Alas, how tragic! My uncle was well-versed in the *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Suwen* (Basic Questions) of the *Huangdi Neijing*. He subsequently studied extensively the works of famous masters from Zhang Zhongjing onwards, thoroughly understanding their origins and developments. Nevertheless, he remained humble and obscure. During his travels, there were instances where hosts and guests lived together for years without realizing his medical expertise. After residing in his hometown for a long time, he frequently observed both ordinary and exceptional cases. As his reputation grew, requests for treatment became too numerous to refuse. He then generously took upon himself the responsibility of saving lives. Weak children and poor elderly people would crawl to him, and he gladly practiced his art on them. Even wealthy families, introduced by relatives, sought him out, but he responded to only one or two out of ten invitations. He said, "Do they think I can grant them life?" He showed such disdain for social obligations.

The manuscript underwent several revisions. He once told me, Zhiben: "Writing books should prioritize practical utility. I am old, and although my medical practice cannot save everyone, once this book is completed, my heart's desire to aid the times will have no end." He also said, "Contemporary masterpieces, especially those claiming to be comprehensive compilations, are voluminous and cumbersome. Students often dread memorizing them. Others focus excessively on theoretical analysis rather than completeness. Those of average ability cannot grasp the full picture from a single case or syndrome. My book strives for conciseness and clarity, allowing readers to understand immediately upon opening it."

Alas! These must be the refined, useful words of my uncle in his later years, stripping away vanity. Being foolish and ignorant, I cannot fully elucidate the profound intent of his writings. I merely record his diligence in scholarship, his caution in applying medical techniques, and contemporary remarks concerning this book, so that readers may have evidence for verification. While my uncle was alive, his son, Zhiben, was studying for the imperial examinations, and my uncle never taught him medicine. After my uncle passed away, seekers of medical help claimed there should be extraordinary news (implying inheritance of skill), and they continued to arrive in succession. Reluctantly, I followed the established methods in this book to treat them, and the results were invariably effective. Therefore, my diligence in this printing project goes beyond merely preserving my uncle's handwritten legacy.

Written respectfully by nephew Zhiben, two days before Duanwu Festival, in the year Xinhai (1851) of the Xianfeng era.