[The characteristics and influence of formula presenting in the 1950s].

Abstract

Formula presenting refers to the donation and submission of formula and prescriptions of Chinese medicine, organised by the Chinese government from 1954 to 1959. It was found that such donations and submissions of formula and prescriptions of Chinese medicine initiated from Sichuan, Anhui and Fujian due to their lack of medicine and physicians and the high incidence of epidemic diseases. This view is based on the literature such as books published at that time, local chronicles and relevant studies. The submissions were organised formally by the Ministry of Public Health in 1959 and distributed all over the country. It was found that the number of books published with such donated and submitted formula and prescriptions rose, and these books published were distributed in twenty-seven provinces, including country sides. It shows that such donation and submission of formula and prescriptions of Chinese medicine had a far-reaching impact on research and treatment for regional epidemic diseases and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.