典藏书目

The human body is a microcosm of the universe, and its principles largely revolve around the four characters: Yin (Yin), Yang (Yang), Deficiency (Xu), and Excess (Shi). Therefore, if regulation is appropriate, hidden dangers can be avoided; if treatment methods are sound, diseases will pose no worry. This lies solely in the ability of those who hold the power over life and death (physicians) to distinguish them. If, when facing symptoms, one is negligent and has no time for careful differentiation, leading to errors of a hair's breadth resulting in a thousand-mile deviation, causing harm to people in an instant, how could such sighs be counted? This is why Master Chen Ziyuan wrote *Bian Zheng Yu Han* (Jade Compendium for Differentiating Symptoms).

Master Chen was a descendant of a prominent family in the Yuezhou region of Zhejiang. From childhood, he harbored ambitions to save the world and often regarded himself as having the talent of a prime minister; others also expected this of him. During periods when his political aspirations were not realized, he focused his attention on studies beneficial to governance and society. Those in power diligently recruited him, competing to engage his services. Later, he traveled far to Cangwu, admiring the scenic beauty of Duxiu Mountain and Qixia Mountain, visiting secluded and hidden places. He met an elderly man with white eyebrows and long beard, dressed in dignified robes, and sat with him talking for the whole day. The man then took out a manuscript from his bag and handed it to him, saying, "Familiarize yourself with this, and you can universally benefit the people." He pointed out that saving lives through writing and saving lives through pulse diagnosis are equally ways to bring the common people into the realm of longevity.

Upon returning home, Master Chen unrolled and read the manuscript, discovering it consisted entirely of dialogues between Qi Bo and Huang Di regarding syndrome differentiation, which was completely different from the *Neijing Suwen* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon: Basic Questions) and other books circulating in the world. He then realized that previous manuscripts filled with volumes were all spurious works circulated in the world. Master Chen closed the book and studied assiduously; within a few years, he became famous for his medical skills. Last year, my second son suddenly fell ill with a strange disease. We summoned various physicians, but they could not only fail to remove the illness but also could not identify its origin. The condition dragged on for a year, becoming more severe. Jiang Shixiong of Cangya, who witnessed my suffering firsthand, strongly recommended Master Chen. Coincidentally, Master Chen had entered the provincial capital for the autumn examinations, so I urgently invited him to examine my son. One dose produced results, and after two doses, the illness decreased by four or five tenths. I probed deeply into his medical lineage and learned that his transmission of knowledge was vastly different from the ordinary. I deeply regretted knowing him too late.

Master Chen subsequently traveled to Julu. Before leaving, he showed me this manuscript, saying, "I have long wanted to publish this book, but I regret the lack of funds for printing; my wish remains unfulfilled." I then recalled a friend of mine in Nanjing who held a key position. He possessed a secret recipe for a special plaster and pill, which he kept very private. When I happened to pass by and return home, the host gave me generous travel expenses to boost my morale. I firmly declined and requested, "My return luggage is roughly prepared; I dare not burden you with baggage requests. I only ask for your secret recipe to widely benefit and aid people; this is my desire." My friend, valuing our friendship, took it from his bag, copied it, and gave it to me. Upon returning, I immediately sought precious herbs and reverently prepared them according to the formula. Whenever I encountered someone suffering from illness and groaning, I would stop them. People were surprised, but all achieved immediate effects. Gradually, those seeking treatment expanded to remote villages, mountain corners, and sea cliffs. Those knocking on doors to beg for help came daily without fail. However, I disliked treating wealthy people because their resources allowed them to treat themselves. I practiced this for decades without ever showing fatigue. Although there were annual losses, the number of people saved from disaster and restored from ruin cannot be counted. Now, facing this precious manuscript, which has proven effective, how could I bear to let this treasure mountain go empty-handed? Therefore, I arranged for its printing to make it public. In places where Master Chen's footsteps did not reach and his diagnoses were not applied, perhaps holding this manuscript to differentiate symptoms and manage treatment will not be without some minor contribution. I know this is not merely stating old words on paper. The *Dong Yuan Mi Ji* (Secret Records of Dong Yuan) compiled by Master Chen is still rich in content and cannot be printed one by one; this book will serve as the beginning.

The time is the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Guiyou year of the Kangxi reign. Written by Wang Zhice, courtesy name Shen'an, from Tiandu, at the Gu Xiu Hall.