Illustrated History of Chinese Acupuncture, Volume 1 and Volume 2

Author: Huang Longxiang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-11-01
Features: The characteristics of this Atlas can be summarized in the following aspects:
1. A new concept of "holographic" map compilation: Only when a map is correctly placed in the correct position in the overall map volume can its value be truly reflected, and its meaning can be properly understood. This atlas is not a collection of isolated images but a complete series of maps consisting of groups of images (including auxiliary maps) – like stringing bright pearls into chains to tell a series of intricate yet complete stories. To realize this innovative map compilation concept, it is essential to establish a systematic study of the history of acupuncture and moxibustion. The author's previously completed general history, Outlines of the History of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in China, laid a solid foundation for this.
2. Highly condensed information: To reflect the maximum amount of information within limited space, this atlas adopts the following principles:
① For the selected ancient maps (especially the vast number of meridian point maps), generally only the earliest edition or version is included. If early maps are incomplete or unclear, later versions are selected instead, or both early and late versions are included for comparison.
② For large sets of maps, a few representative single maps are highlighted, while others are displayed as small images. For large hanging maps, characteristic key sections are selectively enlarged as needed, saving space while combining the point and the whole, and ensuring local details correspond to the overall context.
③ As an important form of research results, the role of text is not merely to explain a single image but to connect groups of images, striving to convey the essential information behind the images to readers.
3. Multi-layered overall design: The entire book is structured into four levels: general introduction to each section, overview of each category, textual of each group of maps, and map annotations. At the beginning of each volume is a "Preface" that provides a general introduction to the evolution of ancient acupuncture and moxibustion maps and artifacts. Each category is preceded by an "Overview" and followed by a "Conclusion," and each group of maps includes a "source tracing analysis," tying all the maps together into a cohesive whole. Through photographic and layout techniques, relationships between the local and the whole, the surface and the deep are optimally presented. With such overall design and clever arrangement, this atlas is no longer just a collection of isolated maps but a complete series of maps (including auxiliary maps) – like stringing bright pearls into chains, and then combining these chains into a complete whole, forming a revived history of the development of Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion.
4. A single map, no matter how valuable, remains unknown until it is "rediscovered." Often, the discovery of new materials or the reinterpretation and reevaluation of old materials can lead to new breakthroughs in academic research. Therefore, this Atlas emphasizes comprehensive interpretation of the included maps and provides readers with techniques, knowledge, and relevant background information for "inspecting" and "appreciating." These related knowledge is presented in the form of "Knowledge Link" cards. Important research conclusions, major academic issues, and unsolved mysteries are highlighted in the style of "Guides."
5. To highlight the academic nature of this Atlas, all citations are referenced. Additionally, an "Index of Map Names" and a "Keyword Index" (including a "Knowledge Link Index" and a "Table Index") are appended at the end, allowing readers to search through three different approaches, thereby fully demonstrating the academic value of the atlas.
6. This Atlas strives to recreate historical continuity through static images – not just showing "results" but also focusing on reflecting "processes," such as the replication process of acupuncture bronze figures, the replication process of stone carvings from the Tongren Map Manual, the production process of ancient acupuncture texts, and the evolution of acupuncture artifacts.
7. The relationships between the point and the whole, and between the local and the global, are handled as follows:
(1) The overall map includes enlargements of characteristic or key information.
(2) For widely circulated maps with numerous editions and versions, only the best ones are displayed, while others are presented as condensed source flow charts, comparative charts of various editions, or source flow tables. This ensures the maximum amount of information is provided without repetition, saving space.
(3) For readers interested in specific issues, especially those in acupuncture and moxibustion or medical history, in addition to further reading through citations or footnotes, the book also includes a "Reference Bibliography for Learning and Research" and "URLs of Museums and Libraries at Home and Abroad" to facilitate the centralized and complete acquisition of relevant information.
Through this overall design, the Atlas combines the functional and formal advantages of both an academic history and a map collection, achieving a new exploration in the genre of map compilation.