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This book is a medical case compilation edited by the Jiang father and son. It extensively collects medical works from before the Ming Dynasty, as well as historical, biographical, and literary texts such as Shiji, Sanguo Zhi, Baopuzi, and Yijian Zhi. From these, they gathered exemplary cases of famous medical treatments, a process that took twenty years, culminating in its publication in the 28th year of the Jiajing era (1591). During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, Wei Xiu reviewed and meticulously revised the omissions and errors in the Jiang father and son's work, seeking to correct and supplement the original text. Bao Tingbo republished the Zhi Bu Zu Zhai edition in the 35th year of Qianlong (1770), which serves as the basis for the current widely circulated version. Additionally, there are over ten other editions, including the Siku Quanshu edition and the Geng Yu Tang lead-printed edition from the 20th year of Guangxu (1894).

The entire work consists of 12 volumes, divided into 205 categories based on diseases, primarily focusing on internal medicine cases but also including external, gynecological, pediatric, five sense organs, and oral diseases. The collected cases range from Qin Yue-ren and Chunyu Yi to various unnamed practitioners, all of whom are included for their detailed diagnostic methods and remarkably effective treatments. Each case meticulously records the patient's name, age, constitution, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, providing a comprehensive account. The principles, methods, prescriptions, and medications are well-aligned. Some cases emphasize symptoms, others causes, and still others treatments, all with solid foundations. Following some cases, additional commentary is provided to elaborate on the editor's insights.

This book is the first specialized medical case compilation in China. It not only summarizes the clinical experiences of renowned physicians before the Ming Dynasty but also exemplifies the close integration of Chinese medicine theory with clinical practice, holding significant literary and clinical value.