Illustrated History of Chinese Acupuncture (Volumes 1 and 2)

Author: Huang Longxiang
Publisher:
Publication Date: Not available
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 (including auxiliary maps) – like stringing pearls into chains to tell a series of intricate yet complete stories. To realize this innovative map compilation concept, it is essential to establish a systematic research foundation for 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 condensed 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 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 sets of maps, a few representative single maps are highlighted, while others are displayed as small images. For large hanging maps, characteristic or key sections are selectively enlarged as needed, saving space while combining points and surfaces, and.
③ As an important form of research results, the role of text is not merely to explain a single image but to connect a series 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, textual research of each set of maps, and annotations. A "preface" is included at the beginning to provide 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 set of maps includes a "textual research of origins," linking all the maps into a cohesive whole. Through photographic and layout techniques, relationships between, are optimally presented. With such overall design and ingenious arrangement, this atlas is no longer just a collection of isolated maps 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 acupuncture and moxibustion in China.
4. A 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 new 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 "inspection" and "appreciation." These related knowledge is presented in the form of "knowledge links." Important research conclusions, major academic issues, and unsolved mysteries are highlighted in the style of "guides."
5. To highlight the academic nature of this Atlas, all citations are annotated. Additionally, two types of indexes are included at the end: "Index of Map Names" and "Keyword Index" (including "Knowledge Links Index" and "Table Index"), allowing readers to search through three different approaches, thereby 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 of the Bronze Figure Manual, the production process of ancient acupuncture books, and the evolution process of acupuncture artifacts.
7. The following methods are used to handle the relationship between points and surfaces, and between:
(1) Enlarging characteristic or key information in maps.
(2) For widely circulated maps with numerous versions, only the best ones are displayed, while others are presented as condensed origin charts, comparative charts of various versions, or origin 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 research, in addition to further reading through citations or footnotes, a "reference bibliography for learning and research" and "websites of museums and libraries worldwide" are provided at the end to help readers obtain comprehensive and complete information.
Through the above overall design, this Atlas not only combines the functional and formal advantages of both an academic history monograph and an atlas but also explores a new genre of map compilation.