Press Release: Classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine from the National Library Of Medicine Collection

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(Bethesda, Md.)--Several valuable Chinese medical classics are now on display in the lobby of the National Library of Medicine. This small exhibit focuses on some of the gems from NLM's collection of 2,000 traditional Chinese medical books.

Composed of fine rice paper and beautifully bound, the volumes range from treatises on herbal remedies and acupuncture to surgical techniques and the concept of Yin and Yang. Some of the books are illustrated with pen and ink drawings depicting various herbs, minerals, animals and the acupuncture points on a seated figure. Also included in the collection are the portraits of significant figures in early Chinese medicine and various emperors whose contributions to Chinese medicine have taken on mythical status- such as Huang Ti, (the "Yellow Emperor") 2600 BC, who wrote what is believed to be the earliest Chinese medical text and introduced the principles of Yin and Yang.

"Many of the herbs-ginseng, ma huang, gingko biloba--that have been used in Chinese medicine for 3,000 years are now familiar to Western medicine and are used by millions of people all over the world," said Young Rhee curator of the exhibit. The Chinese even pioneered the use of an herbal anesthetic in AD 208. The techniques of Chinese medicine were widely disseminated beginning in the sixth century by Buddhist monks who traveled all over Asia. The Japanese and Koreans became particularly adept practitioners of Chinese medical techniques.

Most of the exhibited books are texts that range from the 15th through 19th centuries. Some originated in Japan or Korea where medical practitioners copied from, and adapted, early Chinese medical texts.

The exhibit is curated by Young Rhee, Yoshiko Doherty, and Margaret Feng of the History of Medicine Division, and the artwork was designed by NLM graphics director Joe Fitzgerald. The exhibit may be viewed in the NLM lobby, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The National Library of Medicine, located at 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md., is a part of the National Institutes of Health. The world's largest medical library, its holdings span the centuries, from the text of an 11th century Islamic medical manuscript to the immense image files of the "Visible Humans." Information about NLM programs and services is on the World Wide Web at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/

Note to editors: A hard copy of the photographs below are available from the Library's Office of Communications and Public Liaison. E-mail to publicinfo@nlm.nih.gov or call 301-496-6308.

Huang Ti, the "Yellow Emperor" ca. 2600 BC

To this legendeary emperor is attributed the earliest known Chinese medical writing. His book, Huang-ti Nei ching (The Canon of Internal Medicine), consists of two treatises. This famous classic, which is considered to be the bible of traditional Chinese medicine, introduced the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water)

"Jushikyo" (The Routes of Fourteen Channels and Their Functions)

This book was published in Kyoto in 1716, and this illustration from the book is a description of 20 acupuncture points on the arm that are used to treat colon disease. The book is written in sonnet style for easier memorization.

"Geka hitsuyo" (Surgery Handbook)

This surgery handbook based on Chinese medicine was published in Japan in 1684.

Last updated: 13 January 2000
First published: 13 January 2000
Permanence level: Permanent: Stable Content