Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica: Preface

How can one distinguish between truth and falsehood when the local products of the earth vary so greatly? For instance, Rehmannia original: "Dihuang" (地黃) is judged by the "Three Realms" Heaven, Earth, and Man; a traditional method of grading the quality of this root, and Asparagus Root original: "Tiandong" (天冬) is categorized by its origin among the "Five Sacred Peaks." Even though Master Li referring to Li Shizhen (1518–1593), the most famous pharmacologist in Chinese history discussed these matters briefly, the regional customs differ and the paths of the past and present have diverged.

In the hundred-plus years since his time, there is nothing that has not shifted or changed. Furthermore, names like "Old Lady" original: "Ponai" (婆奶) or "Old Man’s Beard" original: "Gongxu" (公鬚) change according to local folk customs. The techniques found in alchemical texts and medical manuals are also divided by different schools of practice. If a substance is obscure or from a remote area, one might simply admit to not knowing it; however, if one is even unfamiliar with the common names of herbs, one can hardly avoid being ridiculed.

For this reason, I have written Discourses on the Materia Medica, the List of Minor Names for Flowers and Medicines, and even the Leisurely Observations on Health Preservation—which contains methods for Guiding and Stretching 導引 (Daoyin): ancient Chinese physical and breathing exercises, a precursor to modern Qigong, used to maintain health and dispel illness as well as theories on the Harmonizing of Water and Fire original: "Kan-Li caijie" (坎離裁接); "Kan" (Water/Kidneys) and "Li" (Fire/Heart) are trigrams from the I-Ching; this refers to internal alchemical balance. What is the purpose of all this?

Alas! The goal of study is practical application, and medicine is a path to understanding the profound mysteries of the universe. I am deeply ashamed of my meager, "sock-thread" talent 襪線之才 (Wàixiàn zhī cái): a humble idiom for limited ability, comparing one's skill to the short length of thread used to sew a sock, yet I dare to boast of sharing these "golden needle" secrets 金針 (Jīnzhēn): a metaphor for passing on the essential, "secret" techniques of a craft to others.

I have therefore recounted the origins of this work and added this preface to the beginning of the volume. If in the future I am able to take my insights regarding the Classics of Internal Medicine original: "Ling-Su" (靈素); referring to the Lingshu and Suwen, the foundational texts of Chinese medicine, the Pulse Classic, and the Treatise on Cold Damage, and compile them into a series of medical treatises—adding ten more volumes to be printed alongside the two books written by my younger brother—it will form the Second Collection for Benefiting the World. This is my...