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1. This book focuses primarily on the Six Qi (Six climatic factors: Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire) and the Four Causes (Four internal pathogenic factors: Emotions, Diet, Trauma, Parasites). Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire are caused by external invasion, while Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, Phlegm, and Depression arise from within. Although clinical manifestations are diverse and changing, the general principles do not exceed these categories.

2. In treating disease, pulse diagnosis must come first. If the pulse is not understood, symptoms cannot be identified, and Yin-Yang and Cold-Heat patterns cannot be distinguished. Therefore, in citing pulse theory, this work relies primarily on Cui Zhenren's *Mai Jue* (Pulse Mantra), supplemented by Wang Shuhe's *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic). Where these sources are incomplete, personal insights are added. Once the pulse is clarified, symptoms are then examined; if symptoms are not carefully assessed, treatment cannot be applied. Thus, the discussion of symptoms relies primarily on the *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon), with the theories of Liu Wansu, Zhang Yuansu, Li Dongyuan, and Zhu Danxi serving as supplementary support. Where these are insufficient, references to other schools are included, explicitly cited as "According to [Book Name]" or "[Person] says," so that readers know the basis.

3. Once symptoms are clear, treatment methods are discussed. If treatment methods are unclear, there is no basis for prescribing herbs. Therefore, treatment methods also prioritize the *Nei Jing* and the four masters (Liu, Zhang, Li, Zhu), supplemented by other scholarly views. Those consistent with canonical principles are recorded; where they are incomplete, personal insights are added to supplement them. Other materials are generally not included to avoid confusing orthodox teachings with heterodox ones.

4. Once treatment methods are clear, formulas are formulated. If a formula is inappropriate, the disease cannot be cured. Therefore, this work primarily selects one or two ancient famous formulas as the foundation, adapting them according to seasonal variations and specific symptoms through modification. This approach helps avoid the criticism of rigid adherence to fixed prescriptions.

5. Pulse diagnosis, symptom assessment, treatment selection based on symptoms, and formula determination based on treatment are four interconnected steps. If these four aspects are free from error, medical reasoning will be complete. The book is categorized into sections with clear organization. Within each section, content is arranged sequentially: first discussing pulse, then symptoms, then treatment, and finally formulas, allowing readers to grasp the content at a glance. Hence, the book is named accordingly, enabling readers to understand its meaning through its title.

6. In the sections on symptoms and treatment, if alternative formulas are appropriate, they are explored and appended to the end of the volume for easy reference.

7. Various conditions in women and children, despite differences such as pregnancy/childbirth, blood disorders, fright, malnutrition (Gan syndrome), developmental changes (Bianzheng), and smallpox/rash diseases, still fall under the framework of the Six Qi and Four Causes. However, conditions identical to those in men are treated with the same methods. Other related conditions are attached to the respective chapters, but are not detailed here.

8. Herbal prescriptions follow current weight measurements, standardized per single decoction dose, for practical convenience.

9. Compiling this book greatly facilitates learning for beginners, representing the "lower learning" stage. Yet, the attainment of "higher understanding" does not lie beyond this scope.
However, human life is precious. How dare I claim my discussions are precise and my citations entirely accurate? Should any flaws or omissions exist, I hope scholars of high caliber will kindly point them out.
Commented by Wu Zhenglun during the late spring and early winter season.