[The relationships between the compiler and the writers of the prefaces and postscripts in Si Shi Bing Ji].

Abstract

Shao Dengying in the Qing Dynasty compiled Si Shi Bing Ji, a work on epidemic febrile diseases. This paper examined 16 prefaces and postscripts in the engraved, stone printed and handcopied versions of this book and analysed the relationships between the compiler and the authors of these prefaces and postscripts. Shao Dengying learned Chinese medicine from Xue Xue, an excellent physician on epidemic febrile diseases. He compiled Si Shi Bing Ji based on his clinical experiences on treating epidemic febrile diseases, toxins from epidemic febrile diseases and other relevant illnesses. The Shao' family school had a long history, from Shao Dengying to his son Shao Luzhan, grandson Shao Chunquan, great grandson Shao Bingyang, and great-great grandsons Shao Jingkang and Shao Jingyao, lasting five generations. The descendants of Shao Dengying developed and expanded the family school from generation to generation by inviting many distinguished doctors and experts to write prefaces and postscripts for their family school works. This is a typical model of medicine inheritance, which not only shows their medical inheritance characteristics and academic values, but also indicates the academic and cultural tradition of prefaces and postscripts written by popular figures to support publication and dissemination. This helps to appreciate and promote the content and value of this book from different perspectives.