典藏书目

The study of medicine requires first becoming proficient in the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) and the theories of Zhang Zhongjing, Li Dongyuan, Liu Wansu, and Zhu Danxi to understand the origin of diseases. Secondly, one must study the *Bencao* (Materia Medica) to know the properties of herbs and thereby formulate prescriptions. Thirdly, one must be familiar with the *Suwen*, *Nanjing*, and Wang Shuhe's *Maijue* (Classic of Pulse Diagnosis) to master pulse palpation and determine deficiency or excess. These three aspects must serve as the outline for learning. Furthermore, by examining the orthodox methods of famous physicians throughout history, one can clarify the pathogenesis and avoid confusion in one's studies.

The lineage of medicine originated from Huangdi and Qibo, followed by Qin Yueren (Bian Que), Zhang Zhongjing of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Wang Shuhe of the Western Jin Dynasty, Chao Yuanfang of the Sui Dynasty, Chen Rihua of the Five Dynasties period, Chen Wenzhong and Yan Yonghe of the Song Dynasty, Chen Wuji, Liu Shouzhen, and Zhang Yuansu of the Jin Dynasty, and Li Mingzhi, Wang Haogu, and Zhu Yanxiu of the Yuan Dynasty. All these figures are distinguished mainstream figures in the medical field and are worthy of study. Therefore, their methods have been extensively collected. As for modern enlightened physicians, such as Luo Yi from Wuzhong and Lv Fu from Cangzhou, they all inherited the academic legacy of Li Dongyuan and produced works that are too numerous to list. Alas! Since the *Huangdi Neijing*, there have been 199 medical texts. Here, only a selection has been made according to appropriateness to establish definitive views.

The discussion on disease origins focuses primarily on the *Huangdi Neijing*, incorporating the established conclusions from various classics by sages of old. Complicated content is removed while concise content is retained to facilitate reading and reference.

The categorization of physical signs posits that if a person suffers from disease in the Zang-Fu organs or meridians, symptoms will inevitably manifest in the skin, hair, and complexion. The Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys are hidden within the body and invisible; whereas the mouth, nose, ears, and eyes are exposed and visible to all. When the five Zang organs are affected by pathology, how can it not be known? This is because internal conditions manifest externally. As the ancients said, internal organ diseases reflect in the physical form. Thus, external signs diagnose internal diseases. If one does not recognize external signs, how can one understand internal diseases? Now, under each disease, physical signs are briefly outlined to facilitate examination.

The subtlety of pulse theory encompasses Seven Exterior, Eight Interior, Nine Distinctive, and Six Extremes pulses, totaling thirty types. Distinguishing disease conditions and determining life or death amidst breaths is indeed difficult. People often fail to grasp the subtlety of pulse theory; when encountering patients, they merely pretend to palpate pulses without understanding the mechanism and wonder of pulse diagnosis. Now, under each disease, the appropriate pulses and accompanying pathological pulses are examined and determined, providing a basis for reference.

The methods of treating diseases involve distinguishing disease origins and clarifying pulse signs when facing illness. One should collect ancient established formulas and methods, including those for releasing the exterior, purging the interior, and harmonizing. Depending on whether attack or consolidation is suitable, and whether orthodox or counter-treatment is applied, along with slow or rapid methods, the physician may proceed effectively.