Library

Among diseases, the most critical and difficult to treat are those related to pregnancy and childbirth (Tai Chan). Protecting the mother before delivery and regulating her condition after delivery—if this principle is deviated by even a hair's breadth, the result will be off by a thousand miles. In my hometown, Mr. Qian from Shanyin and the monks of Zhulin Temple in Xiaoshan alone mastered this art and practiced it in the world; people came from near and far to seek medical treatment as if in a bustling market. Those relying on them for their livelihood were countless. However, their medical books were kept secret and not revealed, so no one could fathom their profundity, leaving everyone feeling regretful. Although the current *Da Sheng Pian* (Chapter on Reaching Life) is good, it does not yet detail comprehensively which treatments should be applied to which symptoms. Since childhood, I have paid attention to pregnancy and childbirth matters. Previously, at the home of my teacher, Mr. Chen Wu'an, I obtained a precious secret manuscript and studied it carefully. The book is divided into three sections: pre-natal (Tai Qian), labor (Lin Chan), and post-natal (Chan Hou), with an appendix on essential secrets for infant care. Its classification is detailed, its discussion of symptoms is accurate, and its prescription formulation is exquisite; it is more perfect than *Da Sheng Pian*. This is a precious guide for treating childbirth and a beneficial book for saving the world. Only then did I realize that the medical expertise of Mr. Qian and the monks of Zhulin Temple, which was unrivaled, originated from these very books. If every household possessed a copy of this book and consulted it during emergencies, verifying prescriptions, those who were safe would remain safe and avoid danger, while those in danger could turn to safety. This brings great benefit to humanity; how can it be considered a minor contribution?

I first encountered this book when I traveled to Chu Nan (southern Hunan) as a guest scholar in the Yimao year of the Qianlong reign, teaching alongside Mr. Chen Bailou. It had already been printed by the Yueyang Prefecture office and made public. Later, I went to Western Guangdong, and then to Guizhou and Yunnan. The printed copies distributed there proved miraculous in efficacy when used according to the prescriptions. However, since the printing blocks remained in Xingsha (Changsha), they could not circulate throughout the country, which left me unsatisfied. During this visit to Wan Jiang (the Yangtze River region in Anhui), I met several gentlemen who were benevolent and eager to do good. Therefore, I arranged for a new printing to facilitate wider dissemination. Benefits to one person are carried out by that individual; benefits to the world should be shared with all under heaven. My deepest hope is that in the future, this book will be reprinted from nearby to distant places, allowing everyone to benefit from it.

Written by He Rong of Xingyuan, Guyu, on the 16th day of the 7th month in the Jisi year, the 14th year of the Jiaqing reign.