Compendium of Materia Medica

The Enigma of Chinese Medicine: The Regrets of the “Compendium of Materia Medica” and the Unintentional Loss of Miraculous Herbs in History

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The Enigma of Chinese Medicine: The Regrets of the "Compendium of Materia Medica" and the Unintentional Loss of Miraculous Herbs in History

Follow Famous TCM Formulas to discuss Traditional Chinese Medicine together! A historical coincidence or mistake often leaves behind irreparable errors, untraceable truths, or perplexing enigmas for future generations… To Practice Medicine or to Be an Official? That Is the Question Those familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese history should know about the book “Compendium … Read more

The Compendium of Materia Medica

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The Compendium of Materia Medica

Call Number: R281.3/48 Author Biography Li Shizhen (1518–1593), styled Dongbi, later self-named Binhushanren, was a great medical scientist of ancient China from Qizhou (now Qichun County, Huanggang City, Hubei Province) during the Ming Dynasty. He authored the renowned pharmacological work, Ben Cao Gang Mu (The Compendium of Materia Medica). Li Shizhen also studied pulse diagnosis … Read more

The Great Li Shizhen and the Magnitude of ‘Bencao Gangmu’

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The Great Li Shizhen and the Magnitude of 'Bencao Gangmu'

Li Shizhen was a great medical scientist and naturalist in Chinese history, dedicating his life to the epoch-making masterpiece – ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica). This work has had a profound impact on the maintenance of the prosperity of the Chinese nation and the advancement and development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other … Read more

An Overview of the Ming and Qing Editions of the Compendium of Materia Medica

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An Overview of the Ming and Qing Editions of the Compendium of Materia Medica

This article examines and organizes the transmission and origins of the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Starting from the original text of the Compendium, it employs bibliographic research methods to analyze the major editions throughout history, systematically discussing the versions of the Compendium during the Ming and Qing … Read more

The Classic Masterpiece: Compendium of Materia Medica

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The Classic Masterpiece: Compendium of Materia Medica

The Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) consists of fifty-two volumes. The author spent nearly thirty years compiling it, documenting 1,892 types of medicinal substances, accompanied by over 1,000 illustrations of herbs. It elaborates on the properties, indications, usage methods, origins, forms, collection, processing, and compatibility of these substances, and includes over 10,000 prescriptions. This … Read more

Review of the Complete Illustrated Edition of Compendium of Materia Medica

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Review of the Complete Illustrated Edition of Compendium of Materia Medica

Review of the Complete Illustrated Edition of Compendium of Materia Medica Zheng Jinsheng Institute of History of Chinese Medicine, Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine The Complete Illustrated Edition of Compendium of Materia Medica (edited by Chen Shilin, People’s Health Publishing House, 2018) is a significant work in recent years regarding the study of medicinal … Read more

The Origin of the Sage of Medicine Li Shizhen and the Compendium of Materia Medica

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The Origin of the Sage of Medicine Li Shizhen and the Compendium of Materia Medica

1. Abandoning Literature for MedicineLi Shizhen was born in the 13th year of the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty (1518 AD) in Qizhou Town, Qichun County, Hubei Province. His father, Li Yanwen, was a physician known for his medical skills in the surrounding counties and had previously held the position of “Taiyi Li Mu” … Read more

The Classics of China: Focus on the Compendium of Materia Medica

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The Classics of China: Focus on the Compendium of Materia Medica

Click the blue text Follow us This Herb Issue Four Outline Contents Written by Li Shizhen, the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) is a culmination of pre-Ming dynasty materia medica studies, and it was the first to adopt a systematic classification of medicinal substances, pioneering the way for future materia medica texts. The book … Read more

Li Shizhen: Compendium of Materia Medica

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Li Shizhen: Compendium of Materia Medica

《本草纲目》 (Compendium of Materia Medica) is a monumental work compiled by the great Ming dynasty physician Li Shizhen (1518–1593) to correct errors in ancient medical texts. He dedicated his life to this endeavor, conducting extensive research and practical experience, culminating in a comprehensive summary of materia medica over a period of 29 years, representing over … Read more

Is What We Don’t Understand in the Compendium of Materia Medica Just Dross?

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Is What We Don't Understand in the Compendium of Materia Medica Just Dross?

Introduction: Who is Li Shizhen? It is said that he was a master of internal cultivation; otherwise, how could he have written such a great medical work in ancient times using only his nose, eyes, and tongue? The book records many medicines that leave us astonished and even challenge our worldview. We do not understand … Read more