Library

In ancient times, Shennong tasted the flavors of hundreds of herbs to alleviate the suffering of the people. Later generations emulated their ancestors, and thus the study of Materia Medica (Bencao) arose. Since the Han and Wei dynasties, renowned physicians have appeared in succession. Those who transmitted their works include Wu Pu and Li Dangzhi's *Yao Lu* (Record of Medicinals), as well as annotations by Tao Hongjing and Su Gong. At the beginning of our dynasty, two imperial edicts were issued to close ministers, who led the imperial physicians and compiled theories from various schools, resulting in the *Kaibao Redefined Materia Medica*. Its discussions on the efficacy and toxicity of drugs, their cold and warm natures, and sweet and bitter tastes were indeed comprehensive and detailed. However, products vary by region, and climatic conditions differ. With numerous names and categories, distinguishing genuine from counterfeit items is difficult. Confusing venomous snakes (Hui) with Mirua herb (Miwu), or mixing shepherd's purse (Qicai) with ginseng, was a concern even for ancients. How much more so now, when physicians' materials come from merchants, whose supplies originate from mountain dwellers who harvest seasonally without investigating origins? Using such sources for treatment makes it unlikely to hit the mark accurately.

During the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty, alongside the revised Materia Medica, an illustrated manual (*Tujing*) was produced to complement it. Illustrations depicted shapes and colors, while texts explained similarities and differences. Emperor Xuanzong also authored the *Tianbao Single Prescriptions Medicine Illustrated Manual*, both intended to clarify authenticity and facilitate diagnosis and prescription. These books have been lost for a long time, scattered almost entirely; even the imperial library lacks copies. Only one volume of the *Tianbao Formulas* remains, showing rough classifications and traceable structure. It is fitting for wise rulers and ministers to pay attention to collecting these works. Previously, an edict ordered scholars to re-collate eight books including the *Shennong Bencao Jing*. Ministers Yu Xi, Yi, Song, Jian, and Baoheng were selected, along with medical officials Qin Zonggu and Zhu Youzhang, to compile over several years. The supplemented Materia Medica was completed and presented. Another edict ordered all prefectures and counties to submit illustrations of local medicinal plants, following the Yonghui precedent. Minister Yu Xi argued that correcting texts benefits from collective insight, but unified style requires a single author. The submitted illustrations numbered in thousands, with explanations based on contemporary physicians' observations. Details varied, and language was often vulgar. Without specialized editing and literary refinement, the content would be inconsistent and hard to read. Therefore, Minister Song was recommended due to his prior dedication to this subject. Upon receiving the mandate, he collected various accounts, categorized them, and established a basic framework. For minerals like jade and metals, and biological distinctions among plants, insects, and fish, where one species appeared in multiple regions or shared names but differed in form, he integrated ancient and modern views to elucidate meanings. Regarding stem thickness and flowering/fruiting states, even if conflicting with old records, he preserved them. Where summaries were incomplete, he supplemented with old notes; if insufficient, he cited classics, histories, medical formulas, and novels to trace origins. For instance, identifying Luying as the flower of Shuodiao relied on the *Erya*; verifying aromatic herbs sharing roots used the *Lingbiao Luyi*. Origins prioritized the *Bencao Jing*, followed by current locations (e.g., Cuscuta originally from Choson, now from Yuanju; Xidu originally from Shaoshi Mountain, now from San Shu). Harvest times with variations were recorded bilaterally (e.g., Atractylodes lancea root only in *Bencao Jing*, but stems and leaves now included). Foreign drugs relied on current reports or texts (e.g., Jade dust/source from Khotan, supported by Pingjuhui's travel records). Drug rankings followed the Upper, Middle, and Lower classes of the *Bencao Jing*. Similar substances unrecognized or distant were appended to previous entries (e.g., Philadelphus attached to Lycium; Amber attached to Poria). Simple, effective ancient prescriptions and verified modern remedies were included, following the Tianbao example. Unrecorded or unexplained items were omitted rather than speculated upon. New drugs not in old canons were added at the end under "Supplementary Categories Outside the Bencao Jing," with highly effective ones near similar old names (e.g., Tuo Mu near Mu Tong; She Snake near Shi Xie). The work totals twenty volumes plus a directory. Upon completion, it was prepared for imperial review. His Majesty, possessing supreme benevolence, cares for all living things. Recognizing that epidemics occur in all seasons and medicine is the primary relief, he previously ordered the collation of the *Neijing*, revision of acupuncture points, creation of bronze/stone models, and compilation of books like the *Qingli Shanjiu Fang* and *Jianyao Jizhong Fang* to aid the people. Now, expanding the pharmacopoeia and illustrating local produce allows clear identification of myriad substances, ensuring therapeutic success and resolving doubts, thereby promoting health and harmony, contributing to peace. I, Song, though lacking profound knowledge, participated in this compilation under imperial command, feeling ashamed of my limited learning.

Submitted respectfully by Su Song, on the ninth day of the ninth month of the sixth year of Jiayou.