Library

I have heard that human life depends on harmonizing the Six Qi (the six natural climatic factors: wind, cold, summer heat, dampness, dryness, and fire); if this harmony is exceeded, it becomes disease. The purpose of medicine is to seek the root of all diseases, and by doing so skillfully, one can preserve life.

Regarding the differentiation of the Three Regions and Nine Pulses (an ancient pulse diagnosis method dividing the body into upper, middle, and lower regions, each with heaven, earth, and person positions), and distinguishing the variations of the Five Sounds (calling, laughing, singing, crying, groaning) and Five Colors (green, red, yellow, white, black), measuring excess and deficiency between the exterior and interior, and examining agitation or tranquility in one's nature and rhythm, understanding the fluctuation of pathogenic factors, and cautiously applying attack or tonification treatments—this is how we assist the lives of sentient beings and benefit the governance of the state.

The empire broadly covers all under heaven, jointly cultivating various duties. Those skilled in medicine serve in official posts, and leniency towards the sick is embodied in political codes. His Majesty upholds the Mandate of Heaven to implement established laws, follows the noble example of the Mother (referring to the Empress Dowager or Queen's dignified conduct), and promotes supreme transformation. He illuminates hidden matters and extends benevolence to plants and animals. Pitying the suffering of the people, he awaits the salvation provided by excellent physicians. Considering the vastness of the territory and the poverty in alleys, scholars studying medicine rarely achieve complete proficiency; families transmitting prescriptions often inherit doubts and errors. Some of the Four Classics are missing, and seven years of study are incomplete. Relying on crude practitioners who arbitrarily guess, they harm human physiology—is this not lamentable? Thus, people feel sorrow or act with caution, believing that former expert physicians had miraculous effects, could predict conditions five days in advance, and gained trust after three setbacks. Is this not because they investigated the subtleties of disease origins and applied meticulous intent?

Generally, the teaching of diagnosis originated from the Yellow Emperor (Xuanyuan). Since the middle antiquity, treatises have become increasingly numerous. To ponder their essence and benefit the masses, a bright edict was issued to consult old records, verify against sacred classics above, and collect extraordinary methods below. Secrets from the Imperial Library were revealed, and corrections were ordered by the Zhongshang Bureau. *Zhubing Yuanhou Lun* (Treatise on the Pathogenesis and Manifestations of Various Diseases) was compiled by Chao Yuanfang, Grand Physician, and others, upon imperial decree during the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty. It gathered various theories, deeply studied refined principles, and comprehensively collected signs and pulse manifestations. It clarifies influences from living environments, desires, wind, and dampness, and indicates suitable therapies such as acupuncture, physical manipulation (Jiaoyin), decoctions, and moxibustion/heat therapy. It is indeed a model of medical art and a gateway for diagnostic investigation. It has always been used for examinations in medical offices. Therefore, it was ordered to be carved alongside *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) and *Suwen* (Basic Questions) onto wooden blocks and distributed throughout the land. Reflecting on the ancestral teachings, the aim is solely the benevolence of nurturing life. Supplementing the omissions of agricultural texts, distributing secret formulas near and far. Now, through collection and research, the roots are fully explored, the essentials of formulas and theories are exhausted, and the merits of master-prescribed medicines are complete. This will allow future students to learn with ease, observe facial colors without error, and ensure that mind and hand correspond perfectly. Great indeed! Identifying herbs to save the wronged is the great virtue of ancient emperors; worrying about the displacement of even one person is the intention of the Two Emperors (Yao and Shun). Eliminating plagues and reaching benevolence and longevity—the intent of ancient sages to love humanity is truly profound.

Zhao Gong, Vice Director of Medical Officials at the Hanlin Academy, and others completed the review and collation, transcribed it for presentation, and thus commissioned a close minister to write this preface. Though I am empty and shallow, unable to explore deep mysteries, I merely recount the profound meaning of good guidance to encourage future generations, and proclaim the utmost benevolence of diligent care, thereby manifesting great protection. Respectfully, I present this preface.

Song Shou, Minister, bearing titles including Hanlin Academician, Assistant Reader, Judge of Yuqing Zhaoying Palace, Zhongsan Dafu, Langzhong of the Left Department of the Ministry of Personnel, Draftsman of Edicts, Compiler at the History Bureau, Manager of Bureau Affairs, Shanghujun, Marquis of Kaiguo in Changshan Commandery, with an appanage of 1,200 households, granted purple fish bag, composed this by imperial order.