Tang Shenwei

File:Sibu Congkan0379-唐慎微-重修政和證類本草-12-04.djvu Tang Shenwei was a prominent figure in the field of traditional Chinese medicine during the Song Dynasty. His contributions to the development and documentation of Chinese herbology and pharmacology have been influential in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Tang Shenwei is best known for his work, Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao (经史证类备急本草), which is a significant pharmacopeia that categorizes and details the medicinal properties of various substances.

Biography[edit | edit source]

Little is known about the early life of Tang Shenwei. He lived during the Song Dynasty, a period that is often considered a golden age for Chinese arts and sciences. The Song Dynasty was marked by significant advancements in technology, culture, and medicine. Tang Shenwei's contributions to medicine, particularly through his pharmacopeia, align with the period's emphasis on scholarly achievement and innovation.

Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao[edit | edit source]

Tang Shenwei's Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao is a monumental work in the history of traditional Chinese medicine. The pharmacopeia is an expanded and revised version of earlier works, incorporating a vast amount of medical knowledge available at the time. It is organized according to a system that classifies medicinal substances into categories, making it a valuable reference for practitioners of Chinese medicine.

The work is notable for its detailed descriptions of medicinal herbs, minerals, and animal products, including their properties, uses, and preparation methods. Tang Shenwei's meticulous approach to categorizing and describing each substance has made his pharmacopeia a cornerstone in the study of Chinese medicinal herbs.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Tang Shenwei's contributions to traditional Chinese medicine have had a lasting impact. His pharmacopeia not only served as a comprehensive reference for medicinal substances but also laid the groundwork for future generations of scholars and practitioners. The Jing Shi Zheng Lei Bei Ji Ben Cao remains a significant source of knowledge in the field of Chinese medicine, reflecting the rich heritage of medicinal practice in China.

Tang Shenwei's work exemplifies the integration of scholarly research and practical application in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. His dedication to documenting and organizing medicinal knowledge has enriched the practice of Chinese medicine and continues to influence its development today.