Library

1. There are numerous printed editions on the treatment of miscellaneous diseases. However, those that are verbose are lengthy and tedious; although detailed in discussion, they suffer from being diffuse and lacking precision. Those that are concise often take the form of short rhyming verses; while convenient for memorization, they frequently omit essential content. This compilation synthesizes various texts, selecting profound statements and extracting key sentences. Thus, while the categories are numerous, they are not cluttered; while the principles are comprehensive, they are not sparse. It is a must-read for beginners and an enduring model for experienced practitioners.

2. The pathogenesis and symptoms of diseases are complex and ever-changing. Relying on the verified experiences of past sages, who recorded them in bamboo slips to enlighten future learners, each book contains unique insights and excellent methods within. This collection records only the crucial points, extracting meaning from specific contexts. Therefore, some entries consist of just one or two sentences, while others retain only one or two methods. Texts deemed irrelevant are deleted and not included.

3. Authors throughout history have either transmitted core methodologies, recorded new theories, or established unusual prescriptions. All these contribute to the learning of posterity and their reputations should not be obscured. Therefore, beneath every sentence, paragraph, and prescription, the source is strictly noted to trace its origin. In cases where information is incomplete, I have presumptuously added brief explanations to clarify them, marking these additions with the characters "Hui Bu" (Compilation and Supplement).

4. The *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Su Wen* (Basic Questions) in medical literature are akin to the Five Classics in Confucianism. Therefore, each chapter begins by citing the canonical texts. Occasionally, discussions on symptoms and methods within the classics are fragmented or divergent; these are also incorporated into the relevant symptom sections. This is done to ensure clear categorization, immediate comprehension, and ease of distinction.

5. Each symptom chapter summarizes the main idea, detailing etiology and clinical manifestations, along with pulse diagnosis, treatment principles, and methods. Although structured in various paragraphs, the text aims for logical coherence and continuity, making it clear and easy for readers to understand and memorize, thereby stimulating literary thought rather than arbitrarily fragmenting the original material.

6. Ancient prescriptions were categorized by predecessors into classes or subjected to detailed textual research. Despite various editions, they remain incomplete due to the complexity of prescription names. This collection selects only the most appropriate and orthodox prescriptions; hence, supplementary prescriptions are few. The intent is to guide future generations toward orthodoxy. However, upon careful study of these methods, one finds that within orthodoxy lies unorthodoxy, and within unorthodoxy lies orthodoxy. Modifications and variations depend on the practitioner. A skilled commander does not disdain having fewer troops.

7. Regarding medication methods, various texts typically state: "For symptom X, use Prescription Y, adding/removing Drug Z." However, listing modifications under a single prescription results in incomplete symptom coverage. Conversely, listing modifications under a single symptom allows for more detailed selection and rejection. Therefore, this work establishes separate rules for medication in each chapter, listing备用 materials (backup herbs). This approach follows the intent of Danxi (Zhu Zhenheng).

8. Diseases involve seven aspects: Etiology (Bing Yin), Clinical Manifestations (Jian Zheng), Pulse Image (Mai Xiang), Meridians (Jing Luo), Treatment Methods (Zhi Fa), Prescriptions Used (Yong Fang), and Herb Selection (Xuan Yao). This collection strives to clearly differentiate symptoms and carefully evaluate treatment methods; thus, the section on syndrome differentiation and treatment is particularly detailed.

9. Pulse diagnosis is the foundation of treatment. Therefore, after listing symptoms in each chapter, the favorable/unfavorable and auspicious/inauspicious indications of the pulse are presented first, serving as an introductory method for students. The specific characteristics of pulse forms are covered in a separate dedicated publication.

10. The transmission and progression of Shang Han (Cold Damage) follow the strictest methods. A separate volume is reserved for this topic, to be published subsequently. This collection does not include it.