Bencao Gangmu(Compendium of Materia Medica)
The Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) is a monumental pharmacological work compiled over 27 years by the Ming Dynasty physician and naturalist Li Shizhen, completed in 1578. Comprising 52 volumes, it documents 1,892 medicinal substances (including 374 newly added), provides 11,096 ancillary formulas, and contains 1,160 illustrations. This work systematically summarizes Chinese pharmacological knowledge prior to the 16th century while also encompassing fields such as botany, zoology, mineralogy, chemistry, and astronomy. It is not only a landmark in the history of Chinese medicine but is also celebrated as an "encyclopedia of ancient China," exerting a profound influence on the global history of natural sciences.
Content Structure & Scientific Classification
1. A Systematic "From Minute to Vast, From Common to Precious" Categorization: Abandoning the traditional three-grade (Superior, Medium, Inferior) classification, it pioneered a revolutionary system organizing substances into 16 natural categories (e.g., Waters, Fires, Soils, Metals & Minerals, Herbs, Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Woods, Utensils & Clothing, Insects, Scaled Creatures, Shelled Creatures, Birds, Beasts, Humans). This structure reflects advanced evolutionary thinking and scientific classification.
2. Clear Hierarchical Framework: It employs a rigorous "group by category, list under headings" format. Each main category serves as a "Gang" (纲, guiding principle), with subcategories as "Mu" (目, specific headings). Each individual entry is then detailed under eight standardized sections: "Explanation of Names," "Collected Explanations" (habitat & morphology), "Correction of Errors," "Preparation Methods," "Properties & Flavors," "Indications," "Expounding" (pharmacological insights or new theories), and "Ancillary Formulas."
Core Academic Contributions & Features
1. Synthesis of Preceding Pharmacological Knowledge: It systematically references and critiques over 800 historical medical texts and documents for each entry, striving for accuracy and verifying facts, granting it immense philological value.
2. Emphasis on Practical Investigation & Fieldwork: Li Shizhen traveled extensively to collect specimens, identify materials, and consult with farmers, fishermen, and woodcutters, ensuring the authenticity and scientific reliability of his records.
3. Correction of Errors & Establishment of New Theories: The dedicated "Correction of Errors" section rectifies numerous mistaken records from earlier texts regarding names, origins, properties, and effects of substances.
4. Integration of Multidisciplinary Knowledge: Descriptions extend beyond medicinal use to include detailed morphology, habits, and ecological environment, preserving a vast repository of ancient natural science data.
First published in 1593 (Jinling edition), the Bencao Gangmu quickly spread to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. It was later partially translated into Latin, French, German, English, Russian, and other languages. Charles Darwin cited it in his work, referring to it as "an ancient Chinese encyclopedia." It remains a cornerstone for TCM clinical practice, education, and research while also providing invaluable data and inspiration for the global development of pharmacology and plant taxonomy. In 2011, the Bencao Gangmu was inscribed, alongside The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, into UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, recognizing it as a shared cultural heritage of humanity.
1.Is it an official original copy?
This is a compiled digital version of electronic materials, not a traditional physical book.
2.Publisher / ISBN?
This product is compiled electronic content and does not correspond to a single printed ISBN.
3.Is the content complete?
It is a fully compiled version, including core theories and routine explanations (no omissions).
4.Original language or translated?
The original version is in Chinese. You may order your preferred language version; we will include both the original Chinese version and your chosen language version as a bonus.
5.Is it authorized?
Based on traditional Chinese original documents: publicly circulated (no authorization required).
6.Who is it suitable for?
Beginners: suitable for getting started
Those with foundation: can deepen understanding
7.Brand new or second-hand?
E-book (not second-hand, no condition issues).
8.What format is it?
PDF electronic document.
9.Is it high-definition?
High-definition layout, suitable for reading on mobile phones and computers.
10.How many pages?
The complete collection has a total of 341 pages.
11.Why this price?
The content has been organized and summarized (saving a lot of screening time), allowing you to obtain the complete system in one purchase.
12.Are there any discounts?
Yes.
13.Are there any hidden fees?
No extra charges. One-time purchase, lifetime access.
14.How is it delivered?
How long does it take?Automatic delivery / instant download.
15.Is refund supported?
Refund available if not downloaded; not supported if already downloaded.
16.How to ensure the file is intact?
The file has been tested and is identical to the original. Unlimited re-deliveries are supported after one purchase.
17. How can I check if it is the version I want to buy?
You can refer to the product images, which provide previews of the original content. If the previews in the product images do not meet your requirements, you may contact customer service for a more comprehensive sample preview.
18. If I purchase a non-Chinese version, is the entire book translated into my desired language, or only part of it?
Our multilingual versions are full translations of the Chinese original, including translations of relevant image captions. All translated versions are localized naturally in accordance with the language customs of each country.
19. Do these e-books have copyright? Will there be any copyright disputes?
All books we offer are traditional Chinese classics with a history of hundreds or even thousands of years, so there are no copyright disputes whatsoever.
20. Why are your prices so low?
This is because we provide e-books in downloadable PDF format, which greatly reduces various costs, allowing us to offer them at such affordable prices.
