Yizong Bidu Xiaozhu

Author: Tang Junqi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Yizong Bidu (Essential Readings in Medicine) is a timeless classic meticulously compiled by the great Ming Dynasty physician Li Zhongzi, drawing upon over 30 years of profound learning and extensive experience. The book is divided into ten volumes:
Volume 1: Medical Theories and Illustrations. It includes 14 essays on medical theories, detailing the origins of medicine and the knowledge required for practicing it. It also presents Li Zhongzi's important academic thoughts, such as "the kidney as the root of congenital essence" and "the spleen as the root of acquired essence." The illustrations section explains the physiology and pathology of the viscera and meridians through diagrams and accompanying text.
Volume 2: Specialized Essays on Diagnosis. It concisely covers highly practical diagnostic methods, including pulse diagnosis, pulse techniques, and color diagnosis.
Volumes 3 and 4: Specialized Essays on Medicinal Substances. They categorize common drugs into 11 classes, listing over 400 frequently used herbs and substances.
Volume 5: Specialized Essays on Cold Damage (Shanghan). It summarizes and elaborates on the syndromes, treatments, and formulas for Shanghan disease.
Volumes 6 to 10: Specialized Essays on Miscellaneous Internal Diseases. They detail 35 common diseases, covering their etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, treatments, and medications.
For each section, Li Zhongzi first referenced the Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), then drew from the works of other scholars, supplemented his own insights, and included medical case studies. Historically, the book has been praised for its comprehensive, precise, concise, practical, and accessible content. Since its publication, it has been immensely popular, widely disseminated, and remains highly influential to this day.