典藏书目

The great origin of the Dao (Way) stems from Heaven. Wherever the Dao is manifested, its source must also be traced back to Heaven; medicine is merely one aspect of this. The Way of Heaven is nothing other than Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. Human beings are born by inheriting the essence and qi of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements. When humans are affected by the turbulent qi of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements, illness arises. However, unless one is a Confucian scholar who comprehends the Dao, who else could delve into the subtle and obscure, uncover profound mysteries, and integrate substance with function? Utilizing their remaining energy, they examine the teachings of Qibo and Huangdi, elucidate the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) and *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), distinguish Yin from Yang, separate the Five Elements, understand the functions of the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, the convergence of skin, muscles, sinews, and bones, and the appropriateness of movement, stillness, dryness, and dampness. Regarding matters not yet expounded by ancient physicians like Hehuan and Cangbi, or those difficult to articulate, they all observe humanity to perceive Heaven, preserve what Heaven originally endowed, and treat what Heaven originally lacked. By using human methods to treat humans, they essentially return Heaven to its natural state. I have known Shi Zi (Shi Shoutang) for the longest time and found his scholarship to be extremely profound. He once lamented that many physicians lack proficiency in Confucian studies, often ignorant of the root cause while merely pursuing superficial details. Consequently, he authored twenty chapters of *Yi Yuan* (The Origin of Medicine), exploring the origin of disease to probe the origin of medicine, and further investigating the origin within the origin. Upon reading it, I am even more convinced that Shi Zi’s learning has a solid foundation. Some might say: "Medicine is a minor art; do Confucians engage in it?" If viewed merely as a technical practice, calling it a minor art is appropriate. But if medicine seeks its origin in Heaven, then perceiving the Dao through medicine becomes the standard. This work is but an extension of the author's residual insights. Should one assume the role of a high minister, wielding the power to harmonize, one would surely investigate the origins of governance and clarity versus turbidity, thereby prolonging life and benefiting the world. An excellent statesman and an excellent physician can achieve complete success through one person, and the world will recognize the greatness of Confucian scholarship. The profundity of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements, and the principle that Heaven and Humanity share a common origin, are present everywhere. This piece is the pioneering work of Shi Zi! Thus, the preface.

My family has practiced medicine for seven generations. Recalling when I first entered school to study, having just learned basic punctuation, my father instructed me in medical texts, ordering me to read them alongside the Four Books. He often said, "One who practices medicine without studying the classics may follow the path for a lifetime without understanding its principles. Moreover, a son who does not know medicine fails in filial piety." Therefore, I established a curriculum for Shou Tang: Confucian studies in the morning, medicine in the evening. For decades, through countless cold summers and hot winters, this routine remained unchanged. Although I engaged in preparing for the imperial examinations, I never neglected medicine. My mother had always been constitutionally weak, requiring constant medical attention. Whenever I attended to her illness, participating in diagnosis and prescription with physicians, the results were often effective. From then on, I paid particular attention to this field. In recent years, due to the busy schedule of the imperial examinations, I had no leisure time. Furthermore, with the smoke of war approaching our hometown from north and south, the county magistrate invited me to lead the organization of local militia. During brief intervals after night patrols, when the night was quiet and late, I revisited my father's teachings and compiled the comprehensive theories of past sages. Over four months, I completed the twenty chapters of *Yi Yuan*. I dare not claim this is to benefit future generations, but only to honor my ancestors' intentions and respectfully inherit our family profession. Alas! Reading my father's books since childhood, I feel ashamed to merely guard the family heritage. Having not forgotten the lessons taught at home, I am deeply moved by the sorrow of losing my parents (the metaphor of wind and trees). This adds to my grief.