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Life inevitably leads to death; this is the constant law of all things. However, humans do not die from old age but from disease. While this applies to all living beings, it is particularly severe in humans. Therefore, the Sages felt compassion for this and medicine arose. With the advent of medicine, people began to die not from disease, but from medical treatment. Wise individuals, indignant at this situation, declared: "To fall ill without resorting to indiscriminate medication is to attain the 'Middle Way' (correct medical principle); is this not truly so?"

Some might say: "This statement applies only to *Shanghan* (Cold Damage diseases)." Even so, it is not limited to *Shanghan*, but *Shanghan* is particularly prominent.

Generally, medicine reveres Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo as its ancestors, and their works still exist. However, while theories were present, specific prescriptions were lacking until Zhang Zhongjing. Although Zhang Zhongjing is renowned primarily for his work on *Shanghan*, over the past two millennia, those who have gained fame in medicine and served as models for later students have all entered the profound mysteries of Huangdi and Qibo by first comprehending Zhang Zhongjing's writings. Thus, Huangdi and Qibo are like Fuxi and King Wen (founders/civilizers), while Zhang Zhongjing is like Confucius (the synthesizer). The relationship between the disciples and masters of the Yishui School (e.g., Li Dongyuan) is akin to that of the Lian-Luo sages (Zhou Dunyi, Cheng Hao, Cheng Yi); the relationship between the masters and disciples of the Jinhua School (Zhu Xi) is akin to that of the Guan-Min great Confucians (the Cheng brothers and Zhu Xi). Comparisons using these lineages are inadequate to describe Zhang Zhongjing's unique status.

Wang Haogu stated: "The methods for treating *Shanghan* can be used to treat miscellaneous diseases, but the methods for treating miscellaneous diseases cannot be used to treat *Shanghan*." Is this truly the case? Since *Shanghan* methods originate from Zhang Zhongjing, they can treat miscellaneous diseases. Conversely, those treating miscellaneous diseases often have never even glimpsed Zhang Zhongjing's approach, and thus cannot effectively treat *Shanghan*.

Then, must one not read the *Treatise on Cold Damage Pathogenic Factors* (*Shanghan Lun*)? Yet, there are physicians in the world who have never seen this book in their entire lives, clinging instead to Tao Hua’s (Tao Jian'an) *Six Books* as a precious treasure. Upon careful examination, Tao’s works merely plagiarize the remnants of Zhang Zhongjing’s (Nanyang’s) teachings. They have not even reached the threshold of the Yishui School, yet they disparage the *Shanghan Lun* as incomplete. This blinds and misleads future learners, making them true sinners against Zhang Zhongjing. Nevertheless, the world still reveres him, leading to countless premature deaths—how can such tragedies be fully recounted?

I read Zhang Zhongjing’s books when I was young, and now that I am old, I have not yet fully penetrated their inner chambers. Throughout my life, I have annotated nearly every page with cinnabar and pencil; the paper is worn, and the ink faded. Yan Daoche from Haiyu saw and cherished these manuscripts and wished to have them printed. I did not consent, not out of stinginess, but out of caution.

During the Dingyou and Wuxu years, at the request of Gao Sheng from Jiashan, I began compiling the *Zhunsheng* (Standard Mirror) for Miscellaneous Diseases, excluding *Shanghan*. This was not due to neglect, but because of the difficulty involved. This autumn, Jiang Zhongwen, a fellow Jinshi, learned that besides the Miscellaneous Diseases volume, I had also compiled volumes on *Shanghan*, gynecology, pediatrics, and surgery, collectively titled *Zhunsheng*. He sent an envoy to copy them, unaware that I was hindered by deep sorrow and numerous illnesses, preventing me from drafting the text. Moved by this, I completed the eight fascicles on *Shanghan* first, starting on the first day of the eighth month and finishing on the Double Ninth Festival.

Someone asked: "Completing hundreds of thousands of words in forty days—is this not too hasty?" I replied: "My mental preparation and extensive reading spanned over thirty years; it cannot be called hasty."

Another asked: "*Shanghan* is just one category of disease; why use hundreds of thousands of words? Is this not too verbose?" I replied: "I still worry that it is insufficiently detailed." This book is designed for readers to check symptoms to find treatments. If the syndrome differentiation is not detailed, errors may occur. If it is detailed, there will necessarily be cross-references and repetitions, making verbosity inevitable.

Later commentators on Zhang Zhongjing’s works, whether seeing the whole picture or only a part, can serve as guides for students. Since comprehensive selection and recording are required, how can it not be verbose? Furthermore, if a reader misunderstands a concept and feels obstructed, and seeks clarification from an expert, the expert should explain thoroughly. Although I am dull, my aptitude for learning medicine is no inferior to others'. I share with the world and future generations the truths I could not fully grasp even in my white-haired years. Readers may fear the text is too easy to finish, rather than worrying about its length.

He Zhiren from Danyang, whose heart is dedicated to benefiting all beings and who acts bravely in righteousness, has offered to help circulate this unfinished work, having already gathered craftsmen and materials. My ability to complete this quickly is due to this support. Therefore, I write this preface.

In the 32nd year of the Wanli era, in the year Jiachen, on the Double Ninth Festival, Nianxi Jushi (Layman Nianxi), Wang Kentang, courtesy name Yu Taifu, wrote this.