Textual research on the birthplace of Chen Xunzhai, a doctor of the Republic of China
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Chinese Journal of Medical History / Zhong Hua Yi Shi Za Zhi
Chen Xunzhai was a famous Fujian traditional Chinese medicine expert in the period of the Republic of China. There are different records of his native place in the existing literature. By reviewing the published journals and books, interviewing Chen Xunzhai's scattered works and genealogy and visiting his descendants, this article conducted investigations and researches and confirmed that Chen Xunzhai, also named Guangcheng, was born in Shangyang Village, Gaopo Town in Yongding County of
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The method of boiling gelatin in Qimin Yaoshu and its contemporary value
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Chinese Journal of Medical History / Zhong Hua Yi Shi Za Zhi
Qimin Yaoshu (Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People), written in the Northern Wei Dynasty, had a specific record of process of boiling down gelatin, it involved 12 steps. Comparing with the methods of later generations, we find that the main differences lie in 6 aspects: shaving hair, adding accessories, duration and degree of heating for gel-forming, preventing gelatin from scorching, drying method, checking water quality. Especially, it is considered that the experience of no h
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On the dawn of human dissections in early modern Japan
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Chinese Journal of Medical History / Zhong Hua Yi Shi Za Zhi
The commencement of human dissections in Japan during the Edo period is often depicted as the individual achievement of Yamawaki Tōyō. In 1754, this renowned scholar of the "School of Ancient Prescriptions, " feeling unable to resolve discrepancies in the Chinese classical literature, succeeded in obtaining permission for a dissection and was allocated a corpse at the execution place in Kyoto. However, a closer look at this issue reveals that the paradigm change to gaining knowled
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