Wang Ang's Complete Medical Collection

Author: Xiang Changsheng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1999-08-01
Features:
Content Summary
The compilation and annotation of The Complete Collection of Famous Doctors in the Ming and Qing Dynasties · Wang Ang's Medical Works include Wang Ang's medical writings such as A Concise Annotation of the Suwen and Lingshu of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, Collected Formulas, Essentials for Preparation, Formula Rhymes, and Meridian Rhymes.
A Concise Annotation of the Suwen and Lingshu of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon is divided into three volumes, categorizing nine sections: Zang-Xiang (organs and phenomena), meridians, pathogenesis, pulse diagnosis, syndrome differentiation, climatic influences, treatment principles, life and death, and miscellaneous discussions. Through simplification and correction, it presents the annotations of the Inner Canon in a more concise and clear manner, hence the name "Concise Annotation." Scholars believe that Wang Ang's categorization aligns well with the diagnostic and treatment principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which is why his work is considered highly organized and easy to follow. Additionally, his precise reasoning and unique insights have made it very popular among readers.
Collected Formulas is divided into six volumes, with twenty-one categories, collecting over 370 main formulas and nearly 490 supplementary formulas. It concludes with Emergency Formulas and The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Medication. Each formula first describes its indications, followed by the composition and application methods, then the meaning and explanation of the formula, as well as modifications of supplementary formulas. It comprehensively covers the etiology, pulse conditions, organ systems, meridians, pharmacological properties, treatment methods, and discussions by renowned scholars throughout history.
Emergency Formulas focuses on emergency applications, while The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Medication outlines traditional methods of health preservation. Among modern formula collections, Wang Ang's work is praised for its meticulous organization, relevant references, and practicality, making it widely used and influential.
Essentials for Preparation is divided into eight volumes, along with a section titled "General Principles of Pharmacological Properties," covering herbs, trees, fruits, grains, vegetables, minerals, earth, birds, mammals, fish, shellfish, insects, humans, and daily foods. It includes 478 commonly used herbs, with an additional 54 daily food herbs. Each herb is discussed in detail regarding its properties, meridian tropism, indications, contraindications, origin, collection, storage, incompatibilities, and processing. The work also cites expert opinions from past generations, case studies (including proven, unusual, and puzzling cases), empirical formulas, secret formulas, and clarifications on errors, doubts, and questions. The book is meticulously researched, with insightful commentary, comprehensive content, and practical applications, making it highly regarded by practitioners since its publication.
Formula Rhymes is a single volume, structured similarly to Collected Formulas. Each verse succinctly encapsulates the theory, method, formula, and medication for a formula, offering clear explanations, concise language, and smooth rhymes that resemble poetic verses. It is a valuable reference for doctors when treating patients.
Meridian Rhymes is a single volume, originally containing twelve meridian rhymes from Li Dongyuan's Medical Canon of the Origin of Learning. Wang Ang enhanced their rhyme and rhythm, added four rhymes for the extraordinary meridians and eight meridians, and supplemented their content with annotations. It is considered a treasure by scholars of acupuncture and climatic influences.
Wang Ang's works are recognized for their rigorous scholarship, precise selection, relevant reasoning, and practicality, making them highly valued by medical practitioners. They remain profound reference materials for both theoretical research and clinical applications.