The Medicine Supply System of the Qing Court

Abstract

To secure the supply of medicinal products for the Qing palace, the court took a series of measures to mobilize several institutions to participate in the operation. The operation resulted in a comprehensive, flexible, and multivariate supply system. Although many offices were involved in the system, all of them were under imperial control. The central government’s strong vertical control over the regional societies facilitated the smooth operation of the system. The collaboration of various institutions ensured the functioning of medicinal projects for the Qing court.