Yuzuan yizong jinjian

A comprehensive Chinese medical text from the Qing dynasty

Yuzuan Yizong Jinjian (御纂医宗金鉴), translated as "The Golden Mirror of Medicine," is a comprehensive medical text compiled during the Qing dynasty in China. It was commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor and completed in 1742. The text serves as an extensive reference for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), covering a wide range of medical knowledge and practices.

Compilation and Purpose

The Yuzuan Yizong Jinjian was compiled under the direction of the Qianlong Emperor, who sought to consolidate and preserve the vast body of medical knowledge that had been accumulated in China over centuries. The work was intended to serve as an authoritative guide for physicians and scholars, ensuring the continuity and standardization of medical practices.

Structure and Content

The text is divided into multiple volumes, each focusing on different aspects of medicine. It includes sections on internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and other specialized fields. The Yuzuan Yizong Jinjian also incorporates herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion techniques.

Internal Medicine

The internal medicine section covers the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases affecting the internal organs. It emphasizes the importance of yin and yang balance and the flow of qi in maintaining health.

Surgery

A woodcut illustration from the Yuzuan Yizong Jinjian depicting surgical techniques for treating hemorrhoids

The surgery section provides detailed descriptions of surgical procedures, including the treatment of hemorrhoids, abscesses, and other external conditions. It highlights the use of surgical instruments and techniques that were advanced for the time.

Gynecology and Pediatrics

The gynecology section addresses women's health issues, including menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. The pediatrics section focuses on the health and development of children, offering guidance on common childhood illnesses and their treatments.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is a significant component of the Yuzuan Yizong Jinjian, with detailed descriptions of various herbs and their medicinal properties. The text provides formulas for herbal remedies used to treat a wide range of ailments.

Influence and Legacy

The Yuzuan Yizong Jinjian has had a lasting impact on the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. It is considered one of the most important medical texts of the Qing dynasty and continues to be studied by practitioners of TCM today. The work has also influenced the development of medical practices in other East Asian countries.

Related Pages

• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Qing dynasty
• Qianlong Emperor
• Acupuncture
• Herbal medicine