[The unearthed Liu-Ren Astrolabe and the seven articles on 'Yun Qi' in Su Wen].

Abstract

The seven articles on 'Yun Qi' in Su Wen (Issue 19-22) focused on the theories of 'Wu Yun Liu Qi' based on the influence of climate changes on the human body. It was found that the two citations in the seven papers from Tai Shi Tian Yuan Ce were annotated and interpreted by Wang Bing with reference to the Dun-jia astrolabe. One citation was "nine stars and seven luminaries revolve in the sky" in Tian Yuan Ji Da Lun in Su Wen, meaning the movements of celestial bodies in the universe. The "nine stars" here referred to the Big Dipper, rather than the nine stars in the Dun-jia astrolabe. Another citation was "the Qi passed through the lunar mansions and the gates between the sky and the earth" in Wu Yun Xing Da Lun in Su Wen. The interpretation of this citation has to take the reference of the unearthed Liu-Ren astrolabe instead of the Dun-jia. It was found that by marking the path on the Liu-Ren astrolabe, the Qi transformed into Five-Yun and led to Sui-Yun, reflecting the changes of climate, phenology and pathogenic characteristics throughout a year. This indicates the unity and harmony of time and space.