Supplementary Thunder God Medicine Processing Brief

Author: (Ming) Anonymous Compiler
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-08-01
Features: The Supplementary Treatise on Li Gong's Formulations is a surviving (unique manuscript), currently preserved in the Library of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. After examination by experts from the Institute of the History of Medicine and Medical Literature at the Academy, it was found that The Supplementary Treatise on Li Gong's Formulations originally consisted of fourteen volumes, including one volume of the table of contents. Its completion date predates the now world-renowned Ming Dynasty Bencao Gangmu (1593) by two years. The book is divided into ten sections: Metals and Minerals, Herbs, Trees, Animals, Birds, Insects and Fish, Fruits, Grains and Cereals, and Vegetables, covering a total of 957 medicinal substances. It includes 1,128 exquisite color illustrations of medicinal substances and 219 rare illustrations of preparation techniques, providing a wealth of academically valuable new materials for the study of ancient Chinese herbal medicine (particularly preparation techniques and equipment) and even ancient art. The book's cover is made of yellow silk brocade, with the main text framed in red silk borders on all sides, thick red margins, and regular script calligraphy. Most illustrations of medicinal substances are accompanied by a title in deep blue with gold borders and characters, and the painting style is that of the Ming Imperial Court. What is astonishing is that, thanks to the use of magical mineral pigments by Ming Dynasty court painters, the images remain vibrant and vivid after over 400 years, with clear layers. The 13 surviving volumes published here in color facsimile retain 906 complete medicinal entries and 1,128 color illustrations. The book also includes seven-character couplets summarizing the properties, flavors, and functions of the medicinal substances, making it highly valuable for reference. As the first illustrated atlas in Chinese history dedicated to preparation techniques, The Supplementary Treatise showcases various preparation methods, including selection, drying, cutting, grinding, water processing, fire processing, combined water and fire processing, as well as special techniques such as using urine for preparation, calcination to extract essence, vinegar fumigation, and preparation of (fermented grains). It is a precious legacy of traditional Chinese medicine preparation techniques.