A Treatise on Medical Formulas

费伯雄Jinzhang Book Company (Jinzhang Shuju) · ChinaJul 2024

3.8

Word count: 45K words
Chapters: 6

Summary

This book follows the sequence of formulae in Wang Ang's Yi Fang Ji Jie, omits the indications and annotations for each formula in the original, and then comments on each formula one by one. The author's assessments capture the essential principles of the formulae and are highly persuasive; beyond formulae affirmed in clinical practice, he also clearly states his personal views on some formulae in the original that were improperly selected, and many of these observations are worth adopting. The original block-printed edition and various Qing block-printed and lithographic editions survive.

Editor's review

Yi Fang Lun is Fei Boxiong's formula-by-formula commentary on Wang Ang's Yi Fang Ji Jie: it retains the original sequence of formulae, omits the indications and annotations for each formula, and then comments on each one. This structure shifts the book's focus from "collecting formulae" to "discussing formulae," letting readers see the author's judgments on formula composition and scope of application, as well as his explicit objections to some improperly selected formulae in the original. Sources describe his commentary as capturing the essential principles and as highly persuasive, noting that beyond formulae affirmed in clinical practice, he offers personal views on improper selections, many of which are worth adopting. For readers who already have a foundation in formula studies and wish to understand how a Qing physician evaluated established formulae, the book offers a valuable comparative perspective; read with attention to the commentator's stance, alongside the original Yi Fang Ji Jie and later formula discussions, rather than treating one author's views as the final word.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers who have completed basic formula studies and wish to deepen their understanding of formula analysis and commentary.
Professionals engaged in research on TCM literature and the history of formula studies.
Advanced readers who enjoy reading against the original text and noting differences among physicians' commentaries.
Practicing TCM physicians seeking to broaden their approach to formula selection.

Not a good fit for

Beginners who have not yet mastered the composition and indications of basic formulae.
Readers seeking modern clinical prescribing guidelines.
Those who only want a quick-reference formula table and are unwilling to read commentary.

Reading tips

First become familiar with the sequence and basic content of the formulae in Yi Fang Ji Jie, then read this book's commentary.
Take comparative notes formula by formula, marking where Fei Boxiong affirms or questions and on what grounds.
For formulae whose indications and annotations were omitted, recall the original indications yourself before reading the commentary.
Compare the judgments in the commentary with later formula discussions to build your own record of analysis.

About the publisher

Jinzhang Book Company (Jinzhang Shuju) China · Founded in 1901

Jinzhang Book Company (Jinzhang Shuju) was a private publishing and distribution house in Shanghai during the late Qing and early Republican periods, issuing traditional works by lithographic printing. Judging from the 1,194 titles in the collection, its publishing focused on classical poetry, Eastern philosophy, historical reading, traditional Chinese medical texts, and canonical works, along with books on literary appreciation. Representative titles include the poetry and prose collections of Du Fu and Ouyang Xiu; historical works such as the Book of Han and Zizhi Tongjian; classical texts such as the Book of Documents and Mencius; and specialized and literary classics such as Treatise on Cold Damage and Li Sao. Its author resources cover major figures across the ages, including Du Fu, Ban Gu, Sima Guang, Zhang Zhongjing, Qu Yuan, Ouyang Xiu, and Tang Shenwei, reflecting the house's characteristic reliance on traditional scholarship and medical literature while serving general readers. Public information on its early history and operational details is limited, so no conjecture is offered here.

版权信息
序
卷一\补养之剂
卷二\和解之剂
卷三\祛寒之剂
卷四\泻火之剂

FAQ

Can someone without a foundation in formula studies read Yi Fang Lun directly?

It is not well suited to direct reading. The book comments on formulae following the sequence of Yi Fang Ji Jie and omits the original indications and annotations; readers lacking basic familiarity with formula composition and indications will find it hard to follow what the commentary refers to. It is advisable to master the basics of commonly used formulae before turning to the commentary.

What is the relationship between this book and Yi Fang Ji Jie?

According to the sources, the book follows the sequence of formulae in Wang Ang's Yi Fang Ji Jie, omits the original indications and annotations for each formula, and then comments on each formula. In other words, it does not repeat the collected explanations but develops its commentary on that framework. It is best to have a copy of Yi Fang Ji Jie at hand for comparison so as to see exactly what the author's remarks are directed at.

Do all of Fei Boxiong's assessments represent settled conclusions?

That is not the right way to read them. The sources state that the author's commentary captures the essential principles and is highly persuasive, and that beyond formulae affirmed in clinical practice he clearly states personal views on some improperly selected formulae in the original. This is one physician's view—valuable but not the only conclusion. Readers should weigh it against the original text, later formula discussions, and clinical practice rather than treating the commentary as indisputable.

What is the surviving textual situation of the book, and what should readers watch for?

Sources indicate that the original block-printed edition and various Qing block-printed and lithographic editions survive. Wording may differ among editions; when encountering key judgments in the commentary, consult a reliable modern edition or compare other editions. The present entry does not specify how the text was edited, so readers should note the source of the edition they use to avoid misreading the author's intent through textual variants.

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About the author

费伯雄 Author

Fei Boxiong was a physician of the Qing dynasty. Public information about his native place, dates of birth and death, and medical training is limited, so his medical profile can be understood mainly through his surviving works. Three of his works are included here: Yi Fang Lun, the annotated Yi Chun Sheng Yi, and Shi Jian Ben Cao, all falling under medicine. Yi Fang Lun comments on formulas from earlier generations in concise discussions that stress clinical selection. Yi Chun Sheng Yi embodies his medical thinking, with balanced reasoning on pattern differentiation and gentle, harmonious prescribing; annotated editions of it circulated widely in later times. Shi Jian Ben Cao combines materia medica knowledge with everyday diet, reflecting an approach of nourishing life through food. Overall, Fei Boxiong's writings span formula commentary, medical theory and dietary therapy; they are practical in style, value usefulness over abstruse speculation, and offer reference value for understanding traditional clinical reasoning and dietary regimen.