典藏书目

Physicians represent the method by which sages demonstrate benevolence toward the people. Ancient gentlemen, who possessed the aspiration to care for the populace but lacked the opportunity to implement their governance, often devoted their minds to medicine and pharmacy, hoping to provide some relief. What they encountered through their senses, if beneficial to the people, was mostly presented and implemented; however, this alone was insufficient to fulfill their aspirations. In their leisure time, they also applied themselves to medicine. Upon discovering a beneficial herb or formula, they recorded it by hand, primarily because trials proved effective, allowing for broad dissemination and aid. Since the collected records were abundant, during the Yongle reign, they prepared memorials to present them to the Emperor, receiving special commendation. His son, Hu Banguo (Hu Zihe), had opportunities to practice his skills and intended to guide and spread virtue to benefit the world, yet he remained eager in this pursuit. This stems from the single-minded dedication of benevolent gentlemen to love the people, striving for perfection in every aspect. However, skilled physicians are like capable generals commanding troops: they master ancient methods without being rigidly bound by them. In the face of battle, they adapt strategies to achieve victory, thus succeeding wherever they go. Those who obtain this compilation, if they can thoroughly understand the principles of Yin and Yang (Yin-Yang), exterior and interior (Biao-Li), deficiency and excess (Xu-Shi), as well as the causes of meridians and pulse manifestations, and apply them with careful judgment, will find that when administering treatment, the skill of Yang Youji shooting arrows or Pao Ding dissecting cattle cannot adequately describe its subtlety and speed. Would not the efficacy be extremely extensive? This was originally Hu Gong's intention to benefit humanity, left unexpressed; therefore, I have written this as an introduction at the beginning of the volume.

Preface by Yang Shiqi of Luling, Grand Master of Benevolence, Junior Tutor, Minister of War, and Grand Secretary of Huagai Hall, on the day Jiazi of the sixth month in the Dingwei year of Xuande.

Li Chunfang, Vice Minister of Rites and Academician of the Hanlin Academy, and others respectfully submit: Regarding the imperial decree received, the previous instruction from the Grand Secretariat stated that the printing blocks should be retrieved by the Ministry. Subsequently, we submitted a memorial. The Imperial Edict stated: "Upon completion of the search and supplementation, print the required number first for presentation; any future additions will be handled separately." We respectfully obeyed, immediately seeking out the previously printed prefaces, which were deemed unnecessary. Li Gan was rewarded with one bolt of colored silk. We obediently supervised the copying process, directing He Ru Jian, Director of the Department, Zhang Zhengmo, Acting Vice Director, Xia Mu, Sun Shuo'an, Jie Heng, and Lin Jing, all Principal Officials, to transcribe the text. We also led Chen Yunfeng, a physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau, and Liang Yingkui, Director of the Public Welfare Bureau, to correct the content. Once the printing was complete, following the clear imperial instructions, we printed the specified quantity, bound them into volumes, and respectfully presented them for the Emperor's inspection. Regarding the distribution, considering the officials currently serving in the Two Capitals and the Thirteen Provinces under direct jurisdiction, it is proposed that each location receive one copy for local officials to distribute, ensuring that people near and far equally share the imperial grace, thereby extending the Emperor's benevolent virtue universally. We respectfully submit this report.

On the 18th day of the first month in the 41st year of Jiajing.
Li Chunfang, Vice Minister of Rites and Academician of the Hanlin Academy
Dong Fen, Right Vice Minister and Academician of the Hanlin Academy
He Ru Jian, Director of the Office of Sacrifices and Pure Rituals
Zhang Zhengmo, Acting Vice Director and Principal Official
Zeng Tongheng, Principal Official
Lu Wangdao
He Dong, Chief Clerk
Kang Fa, Scribe

On the 19th day of this month, the Imperial Edict stated: "The publication of this medical formula book benefits the people. Li Chunfang and Dong Fen have diligently managed the task; each shall be rewarded with twenty taels of silver and one bolt of silk. Officials of the respective departments shall receive five taels of silver each, and official Confucian scholars and physicians shall receive two taels each." We respectfully obey.