[Textual research on the editions of Zhenjiu Bianyong Tukao].

Zhenjiu Bianyong Tukao (Illustration on Acupuncture and Moxibustion) is composed of the empirical prescriptions, dictated by ZHANG Xichun, the medical master of acupuncture in the Qing Dynasty, recorded and drawn in detail by SU Yuanzhen. There are 5 existing editions of this book preserved, and stored in library of Shanghai University of TCM, bookstore of Nanjing Ancient Classics, library of Heilongjiang Provincial Institute of TCM, library of Beijing University of CM, and China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, respectively. Different from the official canonical book, this book provides a simplified and easily understandable contents, including 3 sections, named illustrations, prescriptions, and medicinal properties. In the book, the acupoints were illustrated specially rather than character portrayal, and the empirical treatment for painful symptoms was emphasized. The majority of prescriptions was intended for external application, often accompanied by ritualistic incantations. Medicinal herbs were systematically classified, and the effects were described clearly. This book provides the records on the experience in treatment for common diseases in rural areas, combined with the unique pictorial view of acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions, representing the diversity of local medicine in the Qing Dynasty.