Běncǎo Mùmù

Author: Li Shizhen of Ming Dynasty
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) is a monumental medical and pharmacological work compiled by the outstanding Ming Dynasty medical scientist Li Shizhen. It took nearly 30 years to complete, with three revisions, and was first published in the 18th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1590), known as the "Jinling Edition." Bencao Gangmu adopts the Gangmu (outline and details) format, arranging entries from micro to macro and from humble to noble. It divides into 16 sections and 60 categories, including 1,892 medicinal substances, with 374 newly added species, over 10,000 prescriptions, and 1,109 illustrations. It is considered the culmination of all bencao (pharmacological) works before the Ming Dynasty.
This printed edition is based on the earliest extant carved edition, the Jinling Edition, and has been compiled with reference to other relevant literature. The book features an innovative design with clear organization, presenting only the original text without annotations. At the end, it includes a stroke-order index and a pinyin index for Chinese medicinal names, making it convenient for reference. It is an essential resource for students and faculty of medical and pharmaceutical institutions, as well as for grassroots medical workers and enthusiasts at all levels.