尝思事不师古。其法不立。师古而不师圣人。其理不精。圣人每于礼乐教养之外。
凡可以爱护施民者。无所不至。视人疾痛。如在乃身。故仲景既着伤寒论垂万世
法。而复出其心思。着金匮玉函经为杂证矩范。使天下后世有志此者。于此启悟。
以拯济斯人。固圣人无已之心。不易之学也。后之学人。若东垣之脾胃。河间之温
热。丹溪之湿热。王安道之统论。易思兰之发明。薛立斋之虚弱。莫不各擅其长。要
皆得力于此。今之学人。能称述诸家。而不知朔流穷源。上稽圣训。积数十年之敏
悟。为百尺竿头之进步。终为浅寡而已矣。然则要略为杂病方圆之至也。为方不
多。立论殊少。其间推测病由。如六淫之气。七情之感。腑脏之伤。及汤丸之补泄。气
味之缓急。罔不毕备。有志之士。苟得其二三。已足名世。及观从来注释诸家。未能
久读其书。岂能心知其意。又何从阐发其理。迩者程公云来、徐公忠可。各有疏注
行世。已足发挥底蕴。表彰绝业。独赵以德先生衍义。理明学博。意周虑审。本轩岐
诸论。相为映照。合体用应变。互为参酌。庶几大道之明也。惜乎未有梓本。读者甚
少。更有遗编。注递颇缺。余购之二十余载。未得全璧。因不揣疏陋。拟为补注。又大
半采嘉言之议。融会成之。而续貂之诮。知不免也。倘海内君子。有志以斯道自任
者。如脉诀、药性赋、回春入门等书。决不可读。幸勉力于圣论。无自安于苟且。
康熙二十六年秋月吴门周扬俊识于星沙寓中
I have often pondered that if one does not follow the ancients, methods cannot be established; if one follows the ancients but does not follow the Sages, principles will not be refined. The Sages, beyond rites, music, and education, left no stone unturned in their care for the people. They viewed others' suffering as if it were their own. Therefore, after Zhang Zhongjing (Zhang Jingyue) wrote *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders) to serve as a model for ten thousand generations, he further devoted his mind to writing *Jingui Yuhan Jing* (Golden Cabinet Jade Box Classic), establishing standards for miscellaneous diseases. This allows scholars of future generations who are dedicated to this field to gain enlightenment from it, thereby saving people. This is indeed the endless compassion of the Sages and an unchangeable learning.
Later scholars, such as Li Dongyuan with his focus on Pi-Wei (Spleen and Stomach), Liu Wansu with his emphasis on Wenre (Warmth-Heat), Zhu Danxi with his expertise in Shire (Damp-Heat), Wang Andao with his general theories, Yi Silan with his innovations, and Xue Lizhai with his treatment of XuRuo (Deficiency and Weakness), each excelled in their respective areas. Ultimately, they all derived their strength from [Zhongjing's teachings]. Contemporary scholars may recite the views of various schools but fail to trace the source and exhaust the origin, looking up to the Sage's instructions. Accumulating decades of keen insight only leads to marginal progress on a hundred-foot pole, remaining ultimately shallow and limited.
However, *Jingui Yaolüe* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) represents the utmost standard for treating miscellaneous diseases. Although it contains few formulas and brief discussions, it comprehensively covers the speculation of disease causes, such as the influence of the Six Excesses (Liu Yin), the impact of the Seven Emotions (Qi Qing), injuries to the Zang-Fu organs, the tonifying and purging effects of decoctions and pills, and the slow or rapid nature of medicinal flavors. A dedicated scholar who grasps even two or three of these points could achieve fame in the world.
Regarding the commentaries by previous scholars, without long-term study of the original text, how can one understand its meaning in heart? From where can one elucidate its principles? Recently, Mr. Cheng Yunlai and Mr. Xu Zhongke have published their annotations, which are sufficient to reveal the profound implications and highlight this peerless achievement. However, only Mr. Zhao Yi De's *Yanyi* (Expanded Meaning) features clear theory, broad scholarship, comprehensive intent, and careful consideration. It mirrors the discourses of Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo, integrating substance and function, adapting to changes, and cross-referencing each other, thus approaching the illumination of the Great Dao. Regrettably, it has never been printed, resulting in few readers. Furthermore, scattered manuscripts lack complete annotations. I spent over twenty years purchasing copies but failed to obtain a complete set. Thus, presumptuously acknowledging my own shallowness, I proposed to add notes. Much of this work incorporates the excellent remarks of predecessors, synthesized into a whole. I am aware that I may incur the ridicule of "adding dog tails to a fox fur coat" (a metaphor for inferior addition). If gentlemen within the seas are willing to take responsibility for this Way, let them absolutely avoid reading books like *Mai Jue* (Pulse Secrets), *Yao Xing Fu* (Ode to Medicinal Properties), and *Huichun Rumeng* (Spring Revival Primer). Instead, strive diligently with the Sage's discourses and do not settle for mediocrity.
Inscribed at the residence in Xingsha by Zhou Yangjun of Wu Gate, Autumn of the 26th Year of Kangxi.