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The way to save the world begins with medicine; among various medical practices, none is more perilous than smallpox (Xiaochu). Examining the theory of variolation, it did not exist in ancient times. It originated when General Ma Yuan, the Marquis of Bowu, campaigned against the Wuling barbarians. The troops contracted this disease from a gourd vessel used in battle. Upon their return, the pathogen spread into China. Physicians at the time treated it based on a statement from *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon): "Pain, itching, sores, and ulcers belong to Heart Fire." They took this as the key principle for treating smallpox, resulting in eight or nine out of ten cases suffering severe damage.

During the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song, Chancellor Wang Dan’s initial sons all died of smallpox. Later in life, he had a son named Wang Su and wished for him to undergo natural infection. He gathered physicians from across the country who claimed deep expertise in smallpox treatment and authored relevant texts, offering heavy rewards. However, all physicians stated they dared not claim mastery over smallpox. Hearing of his urgent need, people from Sichuan invited Tianmu Xianniang (Fairy Lady of Tianmu), who demonstrated the method by inserting smallpox matter into the nostrils. Ten days later, success was declared. Thereafter, the method propagated through Sanqiao Shannü, and smallpox inoculation became common. Some cases arose from exposure to weather conditions, while others resulted from nasal insufflation. Favorable cases were easy to treat, but adverse ones were difficult to manage, sometimes leading to critical danger and death beyond remedy. Consequently, countless infants suffered from this affliction. I privately felt pity for them!

In the winter of the Renwu year, Zu Jun Tianchi from Qingyi invited Li Qiaochu, a Xiucai (scholar) from Jiahe County, to perform variolation on his grandson. At that time, I was practicing medicine in that county. Hearing that this technique was effortless yet highly effective, I was invited one day to a gathering at an inn in Jiexi Market. During our conversation, we discussed this matter. It was then explained that excellent smallpox material is selected, fresh pus is extracted, and the Xiaoshuo, Jiabai, and Qinglengyuan acupoints on both arms are punctured. The timing corresponds closely to the nasal insufflation method. Tracing its origin, this practice came from the Western Regions and was transmitted by Qiu Xi. It acts swiftly and profoundly, receiving gifts and commendations from high-ranking officials. Kind-hearted relatives and friends, knowing I had learned this art, urged me to promote it widely. However, I remained skeptical and hesitant, daring not to proceed rashly.

In the spring of the Guiwei year, variolation became widespread in Qingyi. I observed it repeatedly and found that at the puncture sites, red halos appeared vividly, swelling up like true smallpox lesions. Verification against smallpox symptoms confirmed their claims: various methods of insufflation and contamination showed no recurrence. Only then did I sigh, grateful for the Great Emperor’s benevolence, which introduced this miraculous foreign prescription to China, bringing longevity to humanity. I then consulted with Zu Jun Gongyin, who also learned this technique. We taught variolation to thousands of children, achieving genuine results. However, fearing that printing plates stored in Dongyue would be too distant for wide distribution, and that written records might not spread easily, I am fortunate that the provincial authorities possess profound benevolence, loving the people as their own children. They have commissioned the printing and circulation of these texts, ensuring that this millennium-old knowledge becomes a permanent reliance for all people. How could I dare not present this manuscript respectfully and provide a detailed preface? Wu Zhenru from Hengshan.