典藏书目

In the Qin Dynasty, there were two renowned physicians named Yi He and Yi Huan. By observing facial complexion and distinguishing pulse conditions, they could perceive diseases hidden deep in the *gaohuang* (the area between the heart and diaphragm, often referring to incurable or deep-seated diseases), which is indeed what is meant by "spiritual and miraculous"! Yet, when discussing acupuncture and moxibustion and describing decoctions, every word was classic and essential, enlightening future generations, how pure and refined it was! Was it not because diseases are common while strange diseases are rare, that only by knowing the constant can one know the variable? Thus, from the time of naming themselves, had they already taken Yi He and Yi Huan as their role models! Although diseases are numerous, they do not exceed internal injury (*Neishang*) and external contraction (*Waigan*). For deficiencies, tonification is used to restore upright Qi (*Zhengqi*); for excesses, elimination is used to return to balance. This is the method of harmonization (*He Fa*), also known as slow treatment (*Huan Zhi*). When using toxic drugs to treat disease, remove five parts of the pathogen; when using good drugs to treat disease, remove seven parts of the pathogen. This is also the method of harmonization and slow treatment. There are no miraculous methods in the world, only plain methods. When plainness reaches its extreme, it becomes miraculous; otherwise, dazzling novelty and newness, using drugs beyond proper measure, seeking immediate effects, will instead accelerate danger and death, all due to a lack of harmony and slowness.

Since I bound my hair and received books, studying for the civil service examinations, dabbling here and there, I ultimately achieved nothing. Thus, I resolutely abandoned them and devoted myself to studying classics such as the *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Su Wen* (Basic Questions). From Zhang Zhongjing (of Changsha) down to contemporary scholars, I examined all their writings. Zhang Zhongjing has long passed away; others each have their specialties but also their biases. Over the past thousand years, those who were pure and refined, not losing the intent of Yi He and Yi Huan, have been but a few. Therefore, I reflect that medicine today has become extremely chaotic. Physicians and patients alike do not see the models of the sages, rushing to prefer the new and discard the old. How endless will this corruption be! The method to correct this lies in mastering the simple to control the complex, providing clear guidance, so that future students may return to orthodoxy and not be confused by divergent paths. Hence, I compiled what I had gradually gained over decades and written down, into one collection to present to the world, titled *Yi Chun* (Medical Purity/Refinement), consisting of twenty-four volumes, divided into six categories: Pulse, Symptoms, and Treatment. First observe the pulse, then distinguish symptoms, then apply treatment; these three constitute the general outline. Within "Treatment," there are three layers again: Principle, Method, and Intent. Medicine has medical principles, treatment has treatment methods, but flexible adaptation requires obtaining the intent beyond the method.

Unfortunately, the printing blocks were entirely destroyed by fire, and after two years of searching, they could not be recovered. Recently, due to paralysis of the left leg and difficulty walking, sitting and lying in one room, I recalled the words from *Yi Chun* and recorded them casually, amounting to less than twenty percent of the original. My children requested publication again. I considered this not to be the complete work and did not wish to waste paper and wood (referring to carving printing blocks); however, my disciples argued that although it is not the full picture, it reveals a part of the leopard's spots, and there are indeed many places pointing out confusion. If this is buried, it would greatly betray the previous painstaking efforts of medicine advocating harmony and slowness. Reluctantly complying with their request, I retitled it *Yi Chun Sheng Yi* (Remaining Meaning of Medical Purity/Refinement) and wrote this preface at the beginning. I only hope that readers of this book will understand my heart, correct my shortcomings, and offer benevolent teachings, which would be my great fortune!

On an auspicious day in the second month of the Guihai year, the second year of the Tongzhi reign, Fei Boxiong (Courtesy Name: Jinqing) of Wujin inscribed this at his residence in ancient Yanling.