Library

The ancients said, "Holding the map of the world in the left hand and cutting one's own throat with the right," even a foolish person would not do this. Why? Because although the world is vast, it is not as precious as our own bodies. Therefore, among all books in the world, those concerning mental and moral cultivation determine the life and death of the human mind, while those concerning medicine (Yi Xue) determine the life and death of the physical body. Thus, after the Six Classics and the Four Books, there is nothing more precious than medical texts.

Shennong distinguished between superior, medium, and inferior herbs; the *Rites of Zhou* provided instructions on the Five Qi, Five Colors, and Five Sounds. Since ancient times, sages and wise men have never failed to pay attention to these fields. The so-called Throat Department (Hou Ke) today is merely one branch within general internal medicine (Da Fang Mai). However, decisions regarding life and death in this department are often made within days, and judgments of safety or danger are made in moments. Its significance is paramount, yet practitioners of this specialty today often lack a solid foundation in learning and fail to receive authentic transmission. They rigidly adhere to cold-natured remedies and hold biased views, which those with insight do not condone.

My fellow townsman, Mr. Zheng Meijian, had a natural inclination towards Traditional Chinese Medicine (Qi Huang Jia Yan). His ancestors received secret transmissions of throat treatments, making him particularly proficient in this area. People near and far know of him. He has saved countless lives from critical conditions and brought the dying back to health. I have often seen him treat patients on the verge of death by needling their necks to release blood like ink, resulting in immediate and complete recovery. His skill was so miraculous that he never accepted even a small token of gratitude from others, prioritizing the benefit of people above all else. This attitude likely reflects the spirit of Fan Zhongyan and Lu Jiuyuan.

Mr. Zheng cherished this book highly and, fearing that others might exploit crises for profit, did not transmit it to anyone. Having the fortune to read parts of it, I joyfully wrote this preface. The most valuable items in the world are such that those who revere life would not exchange their bodies for them. Given that the benefits of this book are infinite, how precious must it be?

In the spring of the Yihai year of the Jiaqing era, while I was at home with leisure, I spent my days studying medical texts. A friend visited and showed me the manuscript of *Chonglou Yuyao* (Jade Key of the Heavy Tower), saying, "This book has no printed edition; please copy a set for your reference." I accepted it and read it, experiencing sudden enlightenment. Later, whenever I encountered throat disorders, lacking knowledge of acupuncture at the time, I relied solely on herbal prescriptions, achieving miraculous results every time. When villagers learned of this book, they borrowed it to copy, but its circulation remained limited. There were numerous typographical errors, too many to count. I corrected only a few based on context, leaving the rest unchanged. The original preface bore no name, referring only to the author as Mr. Zheng Meijian, and his origin remains unknown. Nevertheless, his differentiation of syndromes and application of treatments possessed divine subtlety. Who but one harboring a compassionate heart for saving the world could achieve such results?

This summer, an epidemic swept through Tianjin, causing a high incidence of throat disorders. Due to improper treatment methods, many suffered harm. I stayed indoors cultivating myself and could not warn all neighbors, feeling privately ashamed. Thus, I discussed with my younger brothers the plan to copy the manuscript again, send it to Suzhou (Wu Men), entrust Mr. Sun Puzhai with proofreading, and submit it to printing. In this way, everyone will have a guide. Patients, even without consulting a doctor, can check symptoms against the formulas and avoid premature death, bringing some comfort to my heart.

Recorded by Feng Xiang in Tianjin during the early part of the mid-autumn month of the Wuxu year, 18th year of Daoguang.

Various diseases in the human body can lead to critical conditions, but throat disorders are critically dangerous among the critical. Death can occur before millet is cooked. Even if one lives near a skilled physician and seeks treatment immediately, one still regrets acting late. How much worse must it be in remote, mountainous areas? I deeply pity this situation. Although I am not a physician, I have hand-copied ancient prescriptions that have proven effective hundred times over and are widely circulated. Some are included in benevolent books, others printed on single sheets to give away. Dozens of books on throat care have been transmitted. Among them, *Experience Secret Transmission of Throat Care*, finalized by Mr. Cheng Shouqiao, is largely followed by practitioners in this field. It is generally considered unmatched by others.

One day, Mr. Huang Zhuting sent a letter from Tianjin stating that Mr. Feng Shinong and his brother Dan Ya secretly possessed *Chonglou Yuyao*, a guide for throat care, and urgently wished to publish it for the public. Finding good craftsmen nearby was difficult, but since Mr. Huang had resided in Suzhou for a long time, he should easily find suitable help. Moreover, he seemed eager to undertake this task. I asked if he could handle this matter.

Hearing this, I jumped for joy, eagerly anticipating the book's completion and widespread distribution. I urged him to send it to me. Within two months, the book arrived. It comprehensively covered both acupuncture and herbal methods, supplementing what *Experience Secret Transmission* lacked. It was truly a unique and unprecedented work in throat care. I selected craftsmen for carving blocks and carefully proofread the text, hoping to live up to my friend's trust and his compassionate intention to save the world.

Zhuting had previously lived with me in Beijing (Yan Tai) and later in Suzhou, sharing desks and inkstones, with compatible temperaments and close friendship, behaving as a modest gentleman. I had met Dan Ya in the capital; he was tirelessly charitable and righteous, qualities evident in his demeanor. His elder brother, Shinong, was someone I longed to meet but had not. However, hearing of his reputation as an capable official and the praise he received as a "living Buddha" in Shanxi, I already believed in his virtue. Now, through co-publishing this book with his brother, my belief is strengthened.

Upon completion, the book requested a preface from me. As I am not a physician, how dare I comment on medical texts? Yet, this book is indeed effective in every trial and worthy of wide dissemination. I privately wish to print it extensively so that everyone carries it to prevent illness before it arises. Not only will those in remote areas unable to access markets have a doctor in their homes, but even those living near physicians will find this reliable book superior to seeking the rare chance of success from a doctor's door. This is the intent of Mr. Shinong and his colleagues in publishing this book.

Respectfully prefaces by Sun Xuexi from Tongxiang on the second day after the Flower Festival in the Jihai year, 19th year of Daoguang, at Shiquan Ancient Residence in Suzhou.