Library

(There was no character for "Sha" in ancient times; it was originally written as "Sha" (sand), and colloquially sometimes as "Sha" (miasma/toxin), or again as "Sha".)

There is no dedicated book on "Sha". Although there were ancient treatments for conditions such as Jiao Chang Sha (intestinal colic miasma), Gan Huo Luan (dry cholera), Qing Jin (green veins), Bai Hu (white tiger), and Zhong E (sudden evil invasion), the contraindications were unclear, and the analysis was incomplete. For millennia, people have been like those groping in a dark room, with physicians dismissing these as strange diseases. Those who knew slightly of Tuina (massage) and Gua Sha (scraping) prohibited patients from taking medicine, leading to death due to confusion and error. Is this not worthy of deep lament! In the early Kangxi reign, Lin Yaoqiao began to transmit the *Book on Sha* to Wang Yangwu. During the Bingyin year, it was engraved with clarifications of subtle principles and supplementary transformations, but the complete work did not circulate widely. In the Bingwu year of the Qianlong reign, someone in Jiangning re-engraved it and distributed it freely. It was also included in the *Shen Shi Zun Sheng Shu*, yet few had seen it. Therefore, I edited and compiled it for engraving. Compared to the original book, the wording and reasoning are simpler and purer; compared to the Shen edition, the layout is clearer and more distinct. There are repetitions found multiple times, which facilitates quick consultation in emergencies for symptomatic treatment. Do not dislike the redundancy. The names of the prescriptions were originally taken from the Sixty-Four Hexagrams of the I Ching; now they are revised into eight categories based on musical tones to save characters and make them easier to memorize and check. Keeping a copy at home may help one recognize what to avoid and what is appropriate, preventing errors that endanger life. If there are like-minded individuals, they may further spread its transmission. Recorded by He Fen, courtesy name Danliu, from Taixing, in the Wuwu year of the third year of the Jiaqing reign.

Appendix: One correction of errors from the original book: Physicians do not believe in the existence of "Sha". For headache, they use Zisu (Perilla Leaf) and Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) to induce sweating. For abdominal pain, they use Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) and Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange) to warm the middle. For muteness and fixed gaze, they diagnose Yin Syndrome (Yin Zheng) and use Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger). For sudden collapse and hidden pulse, they diagnose Fengzhong (Wind Stroke) and use Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis) and Suhe Xiang Wan (Styrax Pill). For children, they mistakenly diagnose Jingfeng (Convulsive Disorder) or Douzheng (Smallpox/Chickenpox); for women, they mistakenly diagnose Jingzu (menstrual obstruction) and Xuening (blood stasis). This immediately kills people. Is this not worthy of deep regret! People only know that intestinal cramping pain is Sha, but do not know about lower abdominal pain accompanied by various miscellaneous symptoms. Between doubt and similarity, one must investigate in detail.

My teacher's surname was Lin. His ancestors were from Fujian. His given name was Sen, his style name was Yaoqiao, and he called himself Shenshan Yeren (Wild Man of the Deep Mountain). His nature was reserved and obscure; he had an addiction to landscapes. His excellent verses and fine calligraphy often competed in wonder with mountains and valleys. One day, I met him at Mount Nan Yue south of Jingxi. We brushed off the stone and talked face-to-face. After a short while, we felt a strong rapport. I then slowly asked him questions. Regarding astronomy, numerology, geography, and herbal prescriptions, he was proficient in all. I followed him and could not bear to leave. The Wild Man said, "How can a great man stand and act in the world without purpose? He must maintain and care for the people of the world. What is precious is a single point of true heart." He took out a volume of the *Book on Sha* and gave it to me, saying, "You understand medicine. This book does not speak what others have already said, nor does it use what others have already tried. With this, you can go forth and rival the ancients in the highest heavens." Afterwards, he taught me manual techniques. I then comprehensively examined ancient and modern sources, compiling this book based on what I had heard and seen. Fortunately, Zhang Yi'an carefully corrected and interpreted it, and Zha Ya Zhan printed and disseminated it. Over twenty years, we were able to achieve success together, thereby expanding the beneficence of the Wild Man. Was this merely coincidence? Recorded by Wang Kaiwei, courtesy name Xian, the Hermit of Yangwu, in the Bingyin year of the Kangxi reign.