Illustrated History of Chinese Acupuncture -(2 Volumes)

Author: Huang Longxiang
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2005-12-01
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 pearls into chains to tell a series of intricate but complete stories. To achieve this innovative concept of map compilation, 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 concentrated information: To reflect the maximum amount of information within limited space, this atlas adopts the following approaches:
① For the selected ancient maps (especially the large number of meridian point maps), generally only the earliest 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 groups 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 general with the specific and the local with the whole.
③ As an important form of research presentation, the text not only explains individual images but also connects groups of images, striving to convey the important 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 of maps, textual research on each group of maps, and annotations. At the beginning of the volume, there 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 study." This connects all the maps into a cohesive whole. Through photographic and layout techniques, relationships between the local and the whole, the apparent and the deeper aspects are optimally presented. With such overall design and ingenious arrangement, this atlas is no longer just a collection of isolated images but a complete series of maps (including auxiliary maps) – like stringing pearls into chains, and then linking 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 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 a "Guide."
5. To highlight the academic nature of this Atlas, all citations are properly referenced. Additionally, two types of indexes are appended at the end: a "Map Name Index" and a "Keyword Index" (including a "Knowledge Link Index" and a "Table Index"). This allows readers to search through three different approaches, effectively reflecting 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 "processes," such as the replication process of acupuncture bronze figures, the replication process of stone carvings from the Bronze Figure Map Manual, the production process of ancient acupuncture books, and the evolution of acupuncture artifacts.
7. The relationships between the specific and the general, and between the local and the whole, are handled as follows:
(1) Enlarged features or key information in the overall map.
(2) For widely circulated maps with numerous versions, only the best ones are displayed, while others are presented as miniature source flow charts, comparative charts of different versions, or source flow tables. This provides the maximum amount of information while avoiding repetition and saving space.
(3) For readers interested in specific issues, especially those in acupuncture and moxibustion or medical history, in addition to further reading through references or footnotes, a "Bibliography for Learning and Research" and a list of "URLs of museums and libraries worldwide" are appended to help readers access relevant information comprehensively.
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.