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The greatest virtue of Heaven and Earth is "Sheng" (the generation of life). The matter of pregnancy and childbirth is where Heaven and Earth entrust this generative virtue to humans, thereby multiplying the population and expanding their influence. However, there are often cases of difficult labor that lead to untimely death. This turns a process of birth into one of killing, which certainly does not align with the original intent of Heaven and Earth's generative nature. This is due to improper care, medical treatment, or human management.

Mr. Wang Puzhai from Xin'an was a renowned master of Qi-Huang (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Even patients on the verge of death could often be saved under his care. People north and south of the Yangtze River praised him as a reincarnation of Bian Que. He further published his work, *Obstetric Heart Method* (*Chanke Xinfa*), dividing it into four categories: Seed Planting (Fertility/Conception), Pre-natal (Pregnancy), Labor (Delivery), and Post-natal (Postpartum). The content is meticulously analyzed and categorized, extracting key principles. The formulas provided according to symptoms are generally balanced and mild, removing harsh and potent ingredients. As stated in his preface, these results were achieved through decades of research, where understanding and application were seamlessly integrated, unlike those who merely plagiarize medical texts or compile existing theories. Indeed, this reflects a compassionate heart for saving lives and serves as a precious raft for obstetricians.

My friend, Mr. Zhou Feiting, obtained this book in Shandong and brought it to the capital, where friends copied it and mailed it back to their hometowns. In the early summer of the Jiazi year, Mr. Li Gu saw it and greatly appreciated it, stating that its precision and clarity could supplement the deficiencies found in books such as *Obstetric Essentials*, *Complete Book for Saving Births*, and *Da Sheng Pian*. He believed it should be made public. Thus, he led his clan members and nephews to donate funds for printing. I note that this book was completed in the Gengzi year of the Qianlong reign; at that time, only manuscript copies existed, and circulation was limited. Twenty-five years later, thanks to the efforts of these gentlemen, it has been printed and distributed. Consequently, Mr. Puzhai’s compassionate intention to save lives can now spread widely across the world. With this book in every household, one can clearly see all methods for care and treatment. By integrating and comprehending them, one can indeed glimpse the profound essence of obstetrics. Furthermore, by selecting formulas based on symptoms and adhering to these teachings, one will avoid errors. It is anticipated that families will enjoy the blessing of abundant offspring (like the locust plant symbolizing fertility), and mothers will suffer no trauma from childbirth. Thus, the generative heart of Heaven and Earth will be satisfied without regret. Therefore, both the author and the publishers have rendered great merit.

Preface and inscription by Cai Dechun from Shimen, on the second day of the first ten days of the mid-autumn month in the Jiazi year of the Jiaqing reign.