Discourse on the Book of Living Persons (活人書論)

 The Book of Living Persons  (Book Review)

             by Xu Da Chun (徐大椿; 1693-1771)

Xu Da Chun (徐大椿; 1693-1771) was a renowned doctor during the Qing Dynasty. His given name, 徐大椿, is pronounced as ‘Xu Da Chun’. He earned the character 靈胎 (Ling Tai). In his later years, he chose to live in seclusion in Hui Xi and became known as the Hui Xi Old Man. Xu Da Chun highly valued theoretical knowledge and actively sought the origins of medicine. He critically examined and criticized ideological errors in the field. Among his numerous writings, notable works include the ≪難經經釋≫, ≪神農本草經百種錄≫ (One Hundred Records of the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), ≪醫貫砭≫ (A Penetrating Medical Treatise), ≪Medicine 源流論≫ (The Origin and Development of Medicine), ≪傷寒類方≫ (Formulas for Cold Damage Disorders), ≪愼疾芻言≫ (Careful Words on Various Illnesses), and ≪蘭臺軌范≫ (Guidelines from the Orchid Terrace), among others. Xu Da Chun's extensive writings and contributions solidify his reputation as a prominent figure in the field of medicine during the Qing Dynasty.

 

宋人之書 能發明傷寒論 使人有所執持 而易曉 大有功於仲景者 活人書爲第一, 蓋傷寒論 不過髓擧 六經所現之證 以施治 有一證而六經皆現者 幷有一證而治法逈別者 則讀者茫無把握矣.

During the Song Dynasty, scholars extensively promoted the study of Zhang Zhongjing's works in order to elucidate the underlying meaning of the Shang Han theory and make it more accessible. Among these works, the ≪活人書 the Book of Living Persons ≫ stood out as the most outstanding. In the ≪Shanghanlun 傷寒論≫, treatment methods were provided based on the symptoms indicated by the six channels. However, understanding the precise meaning was challenging due to situations where all six channels appeared for a single symptom or different treatment methods were prescribed for the same symptom.

此書 以經絡 病人 傳變 疑似條分縷晰而後 附以諸方治法 使人一覽了然, 豈非後學之津梁乎.

This book, ≪the Book of Living Persons ≫, categorizes various aspects such as meridians, patients, the mechanism of disease progression, and similar symptoms. It provides a thorough analysis followed by the inclusion of prescriptions and treatment methods, making it easier to navigate. It can be regarded as a foundation that bridges the gap for future scholars.

其書獨出機杼 又能全本經文 無一字混入己意, 豈非好學深思 述而不作 足以繼往開來者乎?

Despite this book being exceptionally well-written and establishing a school of thought, not a single word expressing the author's opinion is found throughout the entire text. By embracing the joy of learning, engaging in profound contemplation, and discussing the theories of past scholars, the author managed to inherit the wisdom of the ancients without unnecessarily creating new studies. In doing so, the author paved the way for younger students to follow.

後世之述傷寒論者 唐宋以來 已有將經文刪改移易 不明不貫 至近代前 條辨 尙論編 等書 又復顚倒錯亂 各逞意見 互相辨駁 總由分證不淸 欲其强合 所以日就支離. 若能參究此書 則任病情之 錯綜反覆 而治法乃歸一定 何必聚訟紛紜 致古人之書 愈講而愈晦也.

In later generations, individuals who wrote the Shanghanron made modifications, corrections, and alterations to the original scriptures starting from the Tang and Song Dynasties. As a result, the meaning of the sentences became obscure and inconsistent. Moreover, recently published books such as ≪條辨≫ or ≪尙論≫ presented their own opinions in a convoluted and confusing manner, engaging in attacks and disputes with one another. This has made it challenging to comprehend symptoms as a whole and has caused confusion over time. Referring to these books complicates the logic of treating diseases, while the fundamental principles remain constant. Therefore, why choose cumbersome language and further complicate matters when reading the works of those who have passed away?