Important People / Authors Texts / Events - Inscriptions on oracle bones describe the use of wine and hot water as medicine and the use of needles and bronze knives as surgical instruments. The oracles also talked about a number of diseases and illnesses. Yi Yin He was credited with improving decoction methods and extending their applications.

Important People / Authors Texts / Events - According to the book Rites of Zhou, this period had an organized medical system in which court officials of the emperor had different specialties such as dietitians, disease and surgical doctors and veterinarians. The book also recorded seasonal epidemics and relevant treatment drugs. Yi He He used the imbalance of six factors (yin, yang, wind, rain, night and day) to explain the cause of various diseases. Bian Que The first recorded physician who established Chinese medicine diagnostic procedures. - It was around this time period that the yin/yang and the five element philosophies were applied to Chinese Medicine. - Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic) Significance The book is comprised of two parts: the Suwen (The Book of Plain Questions) & the Lingshu (The Spiritual Pivot). The book summarizes previous medical experiences and deals with the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It lays the foundation for TCM.

Qin & Han Dynasties (221 BC - 220 AD):

Important People / Authors Texts / Events Wang Shuhe Maijing (Pulse Classic) Significance This is a compilation of all the knowledge on pulse diagnosis up to this point in history. It establishes the standard for pulse diagnosis and is the earliest text for pulse study. Huang Fumi Zhenjiu Jiayijing (Systemic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) Significance This text is considered to be the earliest complete reference guide to acupuncture and moxibustion. It summarizes information on the meridians, acupuncture points, needle manipulation and their contraindications. It lists a total number of 349 acu-points and discusses the therapeutic properties of each point. Ge Hong Zhouhou Jiuzufang (Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies) Significance This first clinical emergency guide contains information about common diseases, emergency cases and abstracts on related therapies. Lei Xiao Leigong Paozhilun (Lei's Treatise on Medicinal Processing) Significance This is the first treatise on preparation and processing of drugs; it became the practice of the time. Gong Qingxuan Liuquanzi Guiyifang (Liu's Remedies Bequeathed by a GImportant People / Authors) Significance The earliest known treatise on Chinese surgery. Tao Honjing Bencaojing Jizhu (Annotations to the Classic of Materia Medica) Significance The number of listed herbal medicines in this reference book has increased to 730. It furthered information about herbs by adding herbs' nature, location, and time of harvesting. This book dominated the pharmaceutical literature until the middle of the 7th century.

Sui & Tang Dynasties ( 618-907 AD ):

Time Important People / Authors Texts / Events   Chao Yuanfang Zhubing Yuanhoulun (Treatise on Causes and Symptoms of Diseases) Significance The earliest record in China that categorizes the causes, symptoms and pathology of 1739 kinds of disease in a systematic manner. 624 Tang government Imperial Medical Academy was established, which set up institutions for education in various fields of medicine. Meanwhile some local medical schools were established. 659 Su Jing Xinxiu Bencao (Newly Revised Materia Medica) Significance The first official pharmacopoeia in China and in the world, which listed 844 kinds of Chinese medicine. It was the first to include diagrams and illustrations of the herbs in the text. 581-682 Sun Simiao Qianjin Yaofang (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies) & Qianjin Yifang (Supplement to the Precious Prescriptions) Significance The first medical encyclopedia in China was comprised of 30 volumes and 5,300 prescriptions. These books dealt with acupuncture, moxibustion, dietary therapy as well as disease prevention and health preservation. It was an outstanding reference for treatment of deficiency diseases. 621-714 Meng Xin Shiliao Bencao (Herbal Diet Therapy) Significance A pharmacopoeia with both medicinal and dietary references. 713-741 Chen Cangqi Bencao Shiyi (Supplement to Materia Medica) Significance This pharmacopoeia becomes a practical guide for clinical diagnosis and drug application. It contributed greatly in the development of prescriptions. 752 Wang Tao Waitai Miyao (Essential Secrets from the Imperial Library) Significance A master's compendium of prescriptions available before the Tang dynasty. It covers a lot of ancient references, prescriptions and medical development. 841-846 Master Taoist Lin Lishang Xuduan Mifang (Secret Methods of Treating Traumas and Fractures) Significance The earliest treatise on bone and traumatic surgery. 847 - 859 Zan Yin Jingxiao Chanbao (Tested Treasure in Obstetrics) Significance The first Chinese work on gynecology and obstetrics. 974 Liu Han & Ma Zhi Kaibao Chongding Bencao (Revised Materia Medica of the Kaibao Era) Significance This herbal classic expanded the number of herbs and drugs to 983; its method of classification was advanced.

Time Important People / Authors Texts / Events 982 - 992 Wang Huaiyin Taiping Shenghuifang (Imperial Benevolence Formulary of the Taiping Era) Significance The first official prescription book of China. It lists a total of 16,834 prescriptions and gives prescription details of the actions, combination principles and proper administration in a systematic manner. 1027 Wang Weiyi Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (Illustrated Manual of Acu-points on the Bronze Statue) Significance The book illustrates all the meridians and the appropriate acu-points.   Wang Weiyi He was in charge of designing and casting two life-size male bronze statues for acupuncture. Significance These inventions marked an important step for TCM education, by using these models as a concrete demonstration tool. 1057 Song government The Bureau for the Re-editing of Medical Books was established to collect, collate and verify all medical texts bequeathed by 1,000 years of history. As a result, several of the established classics were published and many books were rewritten or revised under new titles. 1060 Zhang Yuxi Jiayou Buzhu Shennong Bencao(Complete and Annotated Materia Medica of the Jiayou Era) Significance The number of medicines recorded was increased to 1,083. 1061 Su Song Bencao Tujing (Illustrated Materia Medica) Significance The first time woodblock printing illustrations were included in a pharmacopoeia. 1075 Su Shi & Shen Gua Sushen Liangfang (Efficacious Prescriptions of Su and Shen) Significance An individually published text. 1076 Song government The Imperial Bureau of Medicine established "dispensaries" for public welfare. 1082 Tang Shenwei Zhenglei Bencao (Classified Materia Medica) Significance A pharmacopoeia that listed 1,558 drugs with illustrations; it remained the model for the next 500 years. 1086 Han Zhihe Shanghan Weizhi (Hidden Meanings of Shanghan Illnesses) Significance One of the earliest studies on Shanghanlun (Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases). 1093 Dong Ji Xiaoer Banzhen Beiji Fanglun (Emergency Prescriptions for Pediatric Rash Diseases) Significance The first published work on smallpox in China, including its causes, therapies and prescriptions. 1098 Yang Zijian Shichanlun (Ten Kinds of Difficult Childbirth) Significance The earliest text that mentions the version method, a manual procedure to turn the position of fetus so as to facilitate delivery. 1100 Pang Anshi Shanghan Zongbinglun (General Treatise on Shanghan Illnesses) Significance An early study on Shanghan and Wenbing. 1102 - 06 Yang Jie Cunzhentu (Anatomical Atlas of Truth) Significance The earliest work of anatomy that was based on autopsies. 1103 Song government The Imperial Bureau of Medicine established the department of drug manufacturing. 1107 Chen Shiwen Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang (Formulary of the Taiping Welfare Dispensary Bureau) Significance It represents the first government-published prescription book in the world.   Zhu Gong Leizheng Huorenshu (Classified Treatise on Life Saving) Significance The author revises the text of Shanghanlun and adds supplements to its therapies. 1111 - 17 Medical officers of the Song Dynasty Shengji Zonglu (General Collection of Imperial Remedies) Significance This formulary gathers a wide variety of resources such as ancient texts and folk prescriptions. 1116 Kou Zongshi Bencao Yanyi (Development of Herbal Medicine) Significance Based on the established theories, the writer innovated teachings of herb properties, and dispelled certain long-held beliefs. 1119 Yan Xiaozhong Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue (Key to Differentiation and Treatment of Children's Diseases) Significance The working experiences of the well-known pediatrician Qian Yi (1035-1117), who was the author's master, were detailed in this book. The book made a significant contribution to the development of TCM pediatrics. 1132 Xu Shuwei Puji Benshifang (Formulary with Basic Facts) Significance A prescription text written and edited by an individual. 1144 Cheng Wuji Zhujie Shanghanlun (Annotations on Shanghanlun) Significance The first comprehensive treatise on commentary notes of Shanghanlun. 1150 Liu Fang Youyou Xinshu (A New Book of Pediatrics) Significance A treatise on pediatrics, which collates and collects the achievements prior to the Song Dynasty. The writer also created a diagnostic method of inspection of finger veins in children. 1174 Chen Yan Sanyin Jiyi Bingzheng Fanglun (Treatise on Three Causes of Diseases with Syndromes and Remedies) Significance The book promulgated the "theory of three causes", which were closely followed by later writings. 1182 Liu Yuansu Yuanbingshi (The Pattern and Mechanism of Disease Causes from the Plain Questions) Significance A text that studies Suwen (The Book of Plain Questions); it outlines pathogenic concepts. 1186 Liu Yuansu Baomingji (Plain Questions: Discourse on Mechanism for Preserving Life) Significance A study of Suwen (The Book of Plain Questions), which centers on the theory of the "five movements and six influences."   Zhang Yuansu Zhenzhunang (The Pearl Bag) Significance A pharmacopoeia which makes significant advances on the theory of drug actions especially related to meridian tropism. 1189 Cui Jiayan Cuishi Maijue (Principles of the Pulse by Master Cui) Significance Using previous classics as reference, the writer further refined and elaborated on pulse studies. 1208-24 Imperial Bureau of Medicine Xiao'er Weisheng Zongwei Lunfang (A General Detailed Discussion on Formulary for Pediatrics Hygiene) Significance One of the most important texts on pediatrics during that time, it included breakthrough ideas about pediatric tetanus. 1217 - 21 Zhang Congzheng Rumen Shiqin (Confucians' Duties to Serve Their Parents) Significance He promulgated the theory of the "six doors and three methods." 1220 Wang Zhizhong Zhenjiu Zishengjing (Nourishing Life with Acupuncture and Moxibustion) Significance This publication exerted considerable influence on acupuncture and moxibustion; it describes how to choose acu-points according to syndrome differentiation. 1224 Zhang Gao Yishuo (About Medicine) Significance An early study on Chinese medicine history; it records achievements of well known physicians and related anecdotes. 1226 Wenren Qinian Beiji Jiufa (Moxibustion Treatise for Emergency) Significance A special book discussing moxibustion methods for emergency cases. 1237 Chen Ziming Furen Daquan Liangfang (The Complete Book of Efficacious Prescriptions for Women) Significance A voluminous treatise on gynecology and obstetrics. It became an important reference work for later periods. 1247 Li Gao Neiwai Shangbian Huolun (Treatise on Differentiation of Endogenous and Exogenous Injuries) Significance This book further elaborated on syndrome differentiation principles according to the organs. It identifies differences between exogenous and endogenous diseases.   Song Ci Xiyuanlu (Collected Records of Medical Jurisprudence) Significance A treatise on forensic medicine, which became the established basis for legal judgments. 1249 Li Gao Piweilun (Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach) Significance A treatise on spleen and stomach diseases, which is still an important reference in modern-day TCM practice. 1253 Yan Yonghe Jishengfang (Formulary for Succoring the Sick) Significance An individual publication that gathers 400 prescriptions. 1254 Chen Wenzhong Xiao'er Douzhen Fanglun (Treatise on Smallpox in Children) Significance A treatise on smallpox, with prescriptions attached. 1263 Chen Ziming Waike Jingyao (Essence of External Surgery) Significance This book marks the establishment of external medicine and trauma surgery as independent branches of medicine.

The Jin-Yuan Period (1115 - 1368 AD):                                                                     

Time Important People / Authors Texts / Events 1368 Wang Lu Yijing Suhuiji (A Discourse on Tracing Back to the Medical Classic) Significance This book differentiates Shanghan from Wenbing syndromes and recommends different therapeutic approaches for the syndromes. 1406 Zhu Su & colleagues Jiuhuang Bencao (Herbal for Relief of Famines) Significance A botany book that is a medicinal and dietary guide for famine periods.   Zhu Su & colleagues Puji Fang (Universal Aid Formulary) Significance The largest prescription text in ancient China, which collates the achievements prior to 15th century. 1408 Ming government Yongle Dadian (The Great Encyclopaedia of the Yongle Reign) Significance A general encyclopedia covering topics such as medicine, history and astronomy. It was held at the time to be the largest in the world as well as in ancient China. 1442 Leng Qian Xiuling Yaozhi (Essentials for Longlife Preservation) Significance A treatise on health maintenance with plentiful chapters discussing qi-gong and life preservation. 1443 Imperial Bureau of Medicine Appointed special personnel to be in charge of re-casting life-size male bronze statues for acupuncture, modeled after the one produced in the Song dynasty. 1492 Wang Lun Bencao Jiyao (Collection of the Essential Herbals) Significance He further developed the herbal classification method used by Tao Hongjing (456-536AD). 1528 Xue Ji Kouchi Leiyao (Essentials of Diseases of the Mouth and Teeth) Significance An early written reference for mouth and teeth diseases. 1529 Gao Wu Zhenjiu Juying Fahui (Gatherings of Eminent Exponential Acupuncturists) Significance This book gathers the important theories and experiences from previous acupuncture and moxibustion texts and also attaches notes from the writer.   Xue Ji Neike Zhaiyao (A Synopsis of Internal Medicine) Significance The first medical book that was entitled as "internal medicine" in TCM history.   Xue Ji Zhengti Leiyao (A Repertory of Traumatology) Significance The book records 19 methods of bone setting with some of the external remedies, which are very concise and practical. 1549 Jiang Guan Mingyi Leian (Classified Case Records of Famous Physicians) Significance A study on medical cases, this book is the earliest large-sized treatise compiled according to disease types. 1550 Shen Zhiwen Jiewei Yuansou (Remedy for Leprosy) Significance The earliest medical book that focuses on leprosy. 1554 Xue Ji Liyang Jiyao (The Essential Mechanism of Sores and Ulcers) Significance An early treatise on leprosy, which introduces diagnostic methods, remedies and successful case studies. 1556 Xu Chunfu Gujin Yitong Daquan (Complete Compendium of Medical Tradition, Ancient and Contemporary) Significance This book gathers medical knowledge from over 230 published classics and other literature that contained TCM knowledge. 1564 Li Shizhen Binhu Maixue (Binhu's Study on the Pulse) Significance The book enriches current knowledge on pulse studies. 1567-72 - This period saw advances in immunology. Variolation, which provided protection against smallpox, was recorded. It became popular in China and later was widespread to European countries. 1575 Li Chan Yixue Rumen (Introduction to Medicine) Significance A monograph for beginners to learn medicine, with a special section on medical ethics. 1578 Li Shizhen Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) Significance This book summarizes most of the herbal information available in the sixteenth century. 1584 Wu Kun Yifangkao (Study on Prescriptions) Significance This was a brief commentary on herbal prescriptions, including their nomenclature, properties of each component, efficacy, indication, ways of modification and contraindications. 1586 Ma Shi Annotated Elucidation of Subtleties from Suwen and Lingshu Significance The book revises and deciphers the content of the Suwen and Lingshu, which is also regarded as the earliest and completed annotation for the Lingshu. 1589 Fang Youzhi Shanghanlun Tiaobian (Detailed Analysis of Shanghanlun) Significance A commentary on the Shanghanlun (Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases) which collated and verified the original context. 1591 Gao Lian Zunsheng Bajian (Eight Essays on Life Nurishment) Significance This book talks about life nourishment and health maintenance. 1601 Yang Jizhou Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) Significance This book introduces the integrated healing experiences in acupuncture and moxibustion by combining it with herb therapies. It was an important text in the Ming Dynasty. 1602-08 Wang Kentang Zhengzhi Zhunsheng (Standards for Diagnosis and Treatment) Significance An annotation focused on diagnosis and treatment, this whole series is divided into six branches of medicine including gynecology, pediatrics, shanghan, dermatology, prescriptions and miscellaneous. 1604 Gong Yunlin Xiaoer Tuina Mizhi (Hidden Significance of Infant Massage) Significance This book gathers the therapies and achievements of infant massage prior to the 16th century; including the author's own experiences. 1615 Gong Yanxian Shoushi Baoyuan (Prolonging Life & Preserving Vitality) Significance A comprehensive treatise on medicine, including the diagnosis and treatment for different specialties like surgery, gynecology and pediatrics. 1617 Chen Sigong Waike Zhengzong (Orthodox External Medicine) Significance In this text, the writer precisely outlines various surgical procedures and cancer therapies. He advocated fortifying the spleen and stomach in managing surgical cases. 1620 Wu Zhiwang Jiyin Gangmu (A Synopsis of Female Diseases) Significance A treatise on women diseases, in which the author provides detailed information on menstruation, vaginal discharge, pregnancy and childbirth. 1622 Miao Xiyong Paojiu Dafa (A Complete Handbook on Medicinal Preparation) Significance This is an important reference for learning and studying the applications and preparation of Chinese medicine. 1624 Zhang Jiebin LeiJing (Systemic Compilation of the Internal Classic) Significance The writer revised and annotated the text of the Yellow Emperor's Medicine Classic in a more systematic way." 1632 Chen Sicheng Meichuang Milu (Secret Writings on Putrid Ulcers) Significance An relatively early treatise on syphilis, which recommends the use of arsenic and mercury to treat syphilitic ulcers.