Library

Those who write about medical theories may refer to them as "Fangmai" (Pulse and Formula) or "Zhengzhi" (Symptom and Treatment). This is akin to the enumeration of the four seasons; Spring and Autumn each have their own distinct principles. Pulse primarily reflects internal conditions. In treating external diseases, there is a specific pulse pattern; when various symptoms are identical, if this symptom presents with this pulse, the prognosis is favorable (Sheng), whereas if that symptom presents with this pulse, the prognosis is not necessarily favorable. There are cases where one symptom corresponds to multiple different pulses: if a certain symptom presents with a certain pulse, the outcome is good (Shan); if a certain symptom presents with a certain other pulse, the outcome may not be good. When the depth and superficiality of pulse and symptoms do not correspond, or when their indications for auspiciousness or inauspiciousness are contradictory, relying on the pulse rather than the symptom takes precedence in seventy percent (7/10) of cases, while relying on the symptom rather than the pulse accounts for thirty percent (3/10). This illustrates why pulse and symptoms must not be confused.

"Zhi" (Treatment) refers to general management applicable to a category of symptoms, whereas "Fang" (Formula) refers to a specific prescription. Some cases involve combining several formulas to treat one symptom, where the names appear opposite but the effects complement each other. Some involve using a single formula to treat dozens or hundreds of symptoms, distinguishing severity and sequence based on specific circumstances. Some practitioners may understand the general framework of treatment but choose an inappropriate primary formula, failing to achieve the desired efficacy. Others may rigidly adhere to ancient formulas known for hundred-percent efficacy but apply them inappropriately, resulting not only in no benefit but potentially causing harm. This illustrates why formulas and treatments must not be confused.

Therefore, I often advise patients to pay particular attention to their symptoms, and I advise students of medicine to pay particular attention to treatment methods. I hope my words will not be dismissed as empty talk (Hehan). Wu Chongru from Chengshui, along with his cousin Ren Hong, has deeply grasped the essence of medical practice. Their views largely align with mine, yet they frequently express insights that I had overlooked.

In the summer of the Guisi year, Mr. Hanxu, father of Chongru, suffered from Longbi (Dysuria/Retention of urine). I visited him with the intention of staying for two nights, but it was not possible. Consequently, I requested a volume by his great-grandfather, Chunyan Gong, which I took home to read. This book is what is meant by "detailed in pulse, not neglecting symptoms; detailed in formula, not neglecting treatment." However, its length is only over two hundred pages, falling short of one hundred thousand characters. Through it, one can deduce the theories of Huangdi (Yellow Emperor), Qibo, Zhang Zhongjing (Changsha), Liu Wansu (Hejian), and the Zhu family of Wuzhou, covering various schools of thought, making it nearly comprehensive. Encouraged by this, I urged Chongru to print and distribute it to benefit future scholars. Thus, although I cannot explain all the underlying reasons in detail, I dare not remain silent. I merely present his discussions on formulas, preceded by his discussions on treatment, to inform the world. Having finished reading by lamplight, I composed this preface the following night. Now that it is complete, I bid farewell without waiting for further correspondence.

Written respectfully under the lamp by the junior scholar Cheng Daoyan in the sixth month of the Guisi year.