Discourses on Prescriptions by Famous Physicians Ancient and Modern

罗美Jinzhang Book Company (Jinzhang Shuju) · ChinaJul 2024

3.7

Word count: 34K words
Chapters: 7

Summary

Since ancient times, such excellence has grown remote, and kindred spirits are hard to meet again. Scholars living in such times are often moved to sigh for the past; they lack the song of striking the horns, but have the inclination to return with the hoe under the moon. Therefore, their will to remain obscure longs to be like Chang Ju; their nature, like that of deer, is truly content with abundant grass.

Editor's review

Ancient and Modern Celebrated Physicians' Discourses on Formulas is an important work on formula studies compiled by the Qing dynasty physician Luo Mei during the Kangxi reign. Rather than simply collecting famous formulas from successive dynasties, it selects classic formulas from various periods from a distinctive perspective and appends commentaries by more than ten celebrated physicians from the Jin-Yuan period to the early Qing, forming a three-in-one editorial format of "formula, discourse, and commentary." The book consists of four volumes and selects over 130 classic formulas. For each formula, it first lists indications, composition, and decoction and administration methods, then presents the discussions of several physicians on that formula, and finally appends Luo Mei's own commentary and evaluation. This editorial approach enables readers not only to understand the formulas themselves but also, through the debates and interpretations of physicians across the ages, to grasp in depth the essential principles of formula composition, modifications and variations, and key points of clinical application. In his commentaries, Luo Mei often begins with "I submit that" to offer his personal views; his discussions integrate the doctrines of Li Dongyuan, Zhu Danxi, Zhang Jingyue, and other schools, reflecting the broad-minded scholarly characteristic of early Qing physicians in drawing on the strengths of many schools. This book has important reference value for studying traditional Chinese formula science and understanding the modern use of ancient formulas, and is especially suitable for learners who wish to go beyond memorizing formula songs and deeply explore the theoretical and methodological content of formulas. The discussions of commonly used famous formulas such as Buzhong Yiqi Tang, Liuwei Dihuang Wan, and Xiaoyao San are particularly thorough, displaying the diverse interpretations of the same formula by different medical schools.

Who it's for

A good fit for

TCM students and clinical physicians with some foundation in formula science who wish to understand deeply the principles of ancient formula composition
Researchers interested in the academic history of TCM who want to learn about the scholarly debates among physicians from the Jin-Yuan period to the early Qing
Practicing TCM physicians who frequently use classic famous formulas in clinical practice and wish to broaden their approach to formula use
TCM enthusiasts who enjoy grasping the essence of pattern identification and treatment from physicians' commentaries

Not a good fit for

Ordinary readers with no foundation who merely want to learn common knowledge about health preservation
People seeking simple, fast-acting formula recipes and unwilling to study medical theory in depth

Reading tips

May be read comparatively with the "Discourses on Famous Physicians' Formulas, Deleted and Supplemented" in the Golden Mirror of Medicine to understand the editorial characteristics of formula discourses by different Qing physicians
Focus on reading Luo Mei's commentary sections, noting how he synthesizes the views of various schools and offers his own opinions
It is recommended to study by formula category (such as tonifying formulas, harmonizing formulas, etc.) in thematic sections to appreciate the diagnostic and therapeutic differences among formulas of the same type
While reading, keep notes to record the key points of controversy among different physicians on the same formula, forming one's own reflections

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
卷二小半夏汤三方
卷三
卷四
补遗

FAQ

What are the main differences between this book and Formulary Collection and Explanations?

Formulary Collection and Explanations focuses on formula classification and consolidated explanations of effects, and includes a broader range of formulas; this book, by contrast, focuses on "formula discourses," selecting famous formulas and gathering commentaries by multiple physicians, with greater emphasis on the clash and interpretation of scholarly views and greater theoretical depth.

Can someone without a TCM foundation understand this book?

The book involves a large number of TCM terms and academic discussions and requires a preliminary understanding of basic concepts in formula science (such as sovereign, minister, assistant, and courier; nature and flavor; and channel entry). Reading it with absolutely no foundation will be quite difficult; it is advisable first to study basic textbooks on Formula Science.

What practical value does this book have for modern clinical practice?

Through the diverse interpretations of classic formulas by physicians across the ages, it can inspire clinical approaches to formula use and help readers understand the theoretical basis for flexible modification of formulas. In particular, it has important reference significance for how to select and modify classic famous formulas for complex patterns and conditions.

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About the author

罗美 Author

Luo Mei is an author who left works in the field of traditional Chinese medical literature but about whom little is recorded; publicly available information is limited, and details such as place of origin, dates of birth and death, and medical career cannot be reliably established. Judging from the two works held in the collection, Gujin Mingyi Huicui and Gujin Mingyi Fanglun, Luo Mei's writing clearly centers on the scholarly experience and formula application of famous physicians across the ages, and belongs to the compilation and commentary type of medical literature organization. Works of this kind generally emphasize the selection and arrangement of earlier medical discussions, making it convenient for readers to consult physicians' views and commonly used formulas by category, and reflecting the compiler's familiarity with medical classics and a practical orientation. The words huicui and fanglun in the two titles also suggest that the content leans toward gathering materials and discussing formula meanings rather than personal case records or clinical notes. Although biographical details are lacking, these two works still provide useful texts for studying the transmission of traditional medical knowledge and the compilation of formula books.