Ben Cao Gang Mu, Volume I, Part B: Diseases and Suitable Pharmaceutical Drugs II

Volume I of the Ben cao gang mu is divided into two parts. Part B offers a translation of chapters 3 and 4 on pharmaceutical drugs. It continues the comprehensive medical encyclopedia from the 16th century, covering observations, interpretations, and practical applications of natural substances for health.

Format: Hardback
Length: 800 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2024
Publisher: University of California Press

The Ben Cao Gang Mu, a renowned sixteenth-century Chinese encyclopedia authored by Li Shizhen (1518-1593), stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of medical and natural history. Spanning a remarkable sixteen hundred years of Chinese medical and pharmaceutical literature, it is widely regarded as the most significant and comprehensive work ever produced in the annals of Chinese medicine. This invaluable resource continues to serve as a priceless treasure for researchers and practitioners alike, offering a profound insight into the rich tapestry of observations, sophisticated interpretations, ingenious manipulations, and practical applications of natural substances aimed at enhancing human health.

The Ben Cao Gang Mu is meticulously divided into two parts, with Part B constituting a significant portion of Volume I within the series. Within this part, a translation is provided for select portions of Chapter 3 and the entirety of Chapter 4, which specifically focuses on pharmaceutical drugs for diseases. This volume serves as a continuation of Volume I, Part A, seamlessly integrating the content.

The first portion of Chapter 3 can be found in Part A of the Ben Cao Gang Mu. This chapter, known as "The Essentials of Diagnosis," delves into the fundamental principles and methods employed in diagnosing illnesses. It encompasses a comprehensive range of topics, including the examination of symptoms, the interpretation of signs, and the application of various diagnostic techniques. By presenting a detailed account of these diagnostic processes, the chapter provides a solid foundation for understanding the diagnostic framework employed in traditional Chinese medicine.

In conclusion, the Ben Cao Gang Mu, a sixteen-century Chinese encyclopedia authored by Li Shizhen, represents a remarkable testament to the depth and breadth of medical and natural knowledge in ancient China. Comprising nine volumes, this comprehensive work offers a panoramic view of nearly two millennia of diverse observations, sophisticated interpretations, ingenious manipulations, and practical applications of natural substances for the benefit of human health. The annotated translation of the Ben Cao Gang Mu, presented here alongside the original Chinese text, provides a rare window into the past, offering a glimpse into the people and culture of China during that era.

Weight: 1158g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520397736