6.15.2011

Zhan, Yu Huan and Rose, Ken. A Brief History of Qi. Paradigm Publications, December 2001.

This book attempts to provide the reader with a greater understanding of the elusive force named Qi by exploring its linguistic and literary roots, as well as Chinese science, painting, poetry, medicine and martial arts.

Yutang, Lin. My Country And My People. Halcyon House, January 1938.

Over the span of the last 800 years, China has been repeatedly invaded and conquered by
foreigners, who inevitably become “Chinese” through the course of a couple generations after their initial invasion. In this text, Yutang explores the traumatic disorientation resulting from a battering of influences and forces upon the Chinese people, as well as the affect of “overnight” modernization of China on the Chinese spirit and psyche.

Wu, Rusong (Author), Yanjuan, Wang (Editor), Duanzhi, She (Translator). Sun Zi’s Art of War and Health Care. New World Press, China, January 1997.

This text illustrates the relationship between military and medical science in ancient China.

Wisemann, Nigel (Author, Editor, Translator) and Ellis, Andy (Translator). Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine: Zhong Yi Xue Ji Chu.

Paradigm Publications (MA), September 1995.

An introductory text in the study of Chinese medicine, this book is distinguished by its use of extensive footnotes, as well as the inclusion of glossary of terms, a materia medica and formulary.

Wiseman, Nigel and Feng, Ye. Practical Dictionary of Chinese Medicine. Paradigm Publications, June 1998 (2nd edition).

Author Nigel Wiseman is a major promoter of the establishment of a Chinese-English
translation standard to facilitate language congruency within the scholarship and medical
practice of Chinese medicine among English speakers. This dictionary lists the characters, pinyin, translations, and definitions for more than 10,000 medical concepts, including treatments for balancing patterns, 2,000 formulas, 1,700 natural drugs, and 1,500 acupuncture points.

Unschuld, Paul U. (General Editor); Herman Tessenow; Jinsheng, Zheng. Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen:

An Annotated Translation of Huang Di's Inner Classic - Basic Questions, 2 Volumes, Volumes of the Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen Project. University of California Press, July 2011.

These 2 volumes comprise the first complete and fully annotated English translation of the “Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen.” The “Su Wen,” or “The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic,” as the complete work that is known today, was developed, written, revised, and compiled over a long period from the 2nd century B.C.E. to the 8th century C.E.

Unschuld, Paul U. Medicine in China: History of Pharmaceutics. University of California Press, February 1986.

This book discusses the evolution of pharmaceutics in China since the 3rd and 2nd century B.C., much of which is still applied today in the current Chinese therapeutic setting.

Unschuld, Paul U. Medicine in China: History of Ideas. University of California Press, June 2010 (2nd edition).

As a historian, Unschuld insists that one must investigate the roots, the spiritual, philosophical, political and cultural concepts and climate within which Chinese medicine developed in order to gain an understanding of the medicine itself. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the concepts foundational to Chinese medicine in China.

Unschuld, Paul U. Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: Nature, Knowledge, Imagery in an Ancient Chinese Medical Text. University of California Press, April 2003.

This text is not the full translation, but is a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the development and contents of the “Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen,” providing the reader with a greater understanding of the roots of Chinese medicine within the context of Chinese civilization. This book covers topics such as yin-yang, five-agents, the perception of the human body and its organs, qi and blood, pathogenic factors, concepts of disease and diagnosis, as well as acupuncture and moxibustion.

Tzu, Sun (author) and Sawyer, Ralph D. (translator). Art of War (History & Warfare). Basic Books; February 1994 (9th edition).

As the Chinese developed a medical system designed to harmonize one with the nature and flow of the universe to attain and maintain health through knowing and following the laws of nature, the “Art of War” strategies were developed to win war through understanding and using the laws of nature to one’s advantage against an opponent.

Taylor, Kim. Chinese Medicine in Early Communist China, 1945-1963: A Medicine of Revolution. Routledge, January 2005.

In the mid-19th century, Chinese medicine fell in favor, the practice of which was punishable by death in the Qing royal court, and was replaced by western medicine practices. This text examines the transformation of Chinese medicine from a marginalized medical practice to its promotion in the national Chinese healthcare system under the rule of Mao and the role that it played during the Cultural Revolution.

Si-Miao, Sun (author) and Wilms, Sabine (translator). Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang Prescriptions Worth a Thousand in Gold for Every Emergency Vol. II-IV.T

The Chinese Medicine Database, February 2008.

In order to have a robust understanding of the nature of human life, perhaps one first and foremost must gain knowledge on the source of life: the female being. Written during the Tang dynasty, this book contains 3 of the 30 volumes on Gynecology authored by Sun Si-Miao. Contained therein are herbal formulas, acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions for addressing infertility, menstrual difficulties, fetal development, labor, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, herbal abortion and miscellaneous OBGYN diseases.

Reich, Wilhelm and Carfagno, Vincent R. The Function of the Orgasm: Discovery of the Orgone, Vol. 1 of the Discovery of the Orgone.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, May 1986.

In light of Reich’s experiments, which revealed the existence of a radiating biological energy, this text examines how orgasm contributes to the health of human life, specifically to mental health, and its relevance in understanding the social problems of our time.

Porkert, Manfred. Theoretical Foundations of Chinese Medicine: Systems of Correspondence (Asian Science Series: No. 3). The MIT Press, April 1978.Base

Based exclusively on Chinese sources, this book discusses the theoretical foundations of Chinese cosmology and the system of correspondence as it pertains to Chinese medicine. In this text Porkert explores the dynamic and functional nature of Chinese medicine, being founded on the practical perspective of viewing the arrangement of things in relationship to patterns and cycles.

Peerenboom, R. P. Law and Morality in Ancient China: The Silk Manuscripts of Huang-Lao (SUNY Series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture).

State University of New York Press, April
1993.

Huang-Lao, which was a school of political philosophy that combined Daoism and Legalism, dominated intellectual life of the late Warring States and early Han China. This text discusses Huang-Lao thought and explores the events and influences that led to the dominance of the Huang-Lao school in the late Warring States and early Han dynasty.

Needham, Joseph. Science in Traditional China. Harvard University Press, January 1981.

In this text, Needham explores the philosophy, social structure, arts, crafts, and military strategies that contribute to understanding Chinese science, and further elaborates on comparisons to similar elements of Indian, Hellenistic, and Arabic cultures.

Needham, Joseph. Science & Civilisation in China Series. Cambridge University Press.

Author Joseph Needham was a British scientist and historian in the 20th century who was stationed in China during World War II. He studied the history of Chinese civilization and science extensively and authored many texts of significance. His wife Lu Gwei-djen is a contributing author to several of his publications. The following outline lists the many volumes of his “Science & Civilisation in China” series:

a. VOL. I. Introductory Orientations. Joseph Needham, with the research assistance of Wang Ling (1954)

b. VOL. II. History of Scientific Thought. Joseph Needham, with the research assistance of Wang Ling (1956)

c. VOL. III. Mathematics and the Sciences of the Heavens and Earth. Joseph Needham, with the research assistance of Wang Ling (1959)

d. VOL. IV. Physics and Physical Technology

i. Pt. 1. Physics. Joseph Needham, with the research assistance of Wang Ling, and the special co-operation of Kenneth Robinson (1962)

ii. Pt. 2. Mechanical Engineering. Joseph Needham, with the collaboration of Wang Ling (1965)

iii. Pt. 3. Civil Engineering and Nautics. Joseph Needham, with the collaboration of Wang Ling and Lu Gwei-djen (1971)

e. VOL. V. Chemistry and Chemical Technology

i. Pt. 1. Paper and Printing. Tsien Tsuen-Hsuin (1985)

ii. Pt. 2. Spagyrical Discovery and Invention: Magisteries of Gold and Immortality. Joseph Needham, with the collaboration of Lu Gwei-djen (1974)

iii. Pt. 3. Spagyrical Discovery and Invention: Historical Survey, from Cinnabar Elixirs to Synthetic Insulin. Joseph Needham, with the collaboration of Ho Ping-Yu [Ho Peng- Yoke] and Lu Gwei-djen (1976)

iv. Pt. 4. Spagyrical Discovery and Invention: Apparatus and Theory. Joseph Needham, with the collaboration of Lu Gwei-djen, and a contribution by Nathan Sivin (1980)

v. Pt. 5. Spagyrical Discovery and Invention: Physiological Alchemy. Joseph Needham, with the collaboration of Lu Gwei-djen (1983)

vi. Pt. 6. Military Technology: Missiles and Sieges. Joseph Needham, Robin D.S. Yates, with the collaboration of Krzysztof Gawlikowski, Edward McEwen and Wang Ling (1994)

vii. Pt. 7. Military Technology: The Gunpowder Epic. Joseph Needham, with the collaboration of Ho Ping-Yu [Ho Peng-Yoke], Lu Gwei-djen and Wang Ling (1987)

viii. Pt. 9. Textile Technology: Spinning and Reeling. Dieter Kuhn (1986)

ix. Pt. 11. Ferrous Metallurgy. Donald B. Wagner (2008) NEW

x. Pt. 12. Ceramic Technology. Rose Kerr and Nigel Wood, with additional contributions by Ts'ai Mei-fen and Zhang Fukang (2004)

xi. Pt. 13: Mining. Peter Golas (1999)

f. VOL. VI. Biology and Biological Technology
i. Pt. 1. Botany. Joseph Needham, with the collaboration of Lu Gwei-djen, and a special contribution by Huang Hsing-Tsung (1986)

ii. Pt. 2. Agriculture. Francesca Bray (1984)

iii. Pt. 3. Agroindustries and Forestry. Christian A. Daniels and Nicholas K. Menzies (1996)

iv. Pt. 5. Fermentations and Food Science. H.T. Huang (2000)

v. Pt. 6. Medicine. Joseph Needham and Lu Gwei-djen, edited by Nathan Sivin (2000)

g. VOL. VII. The Social Background

i. Pt. 1. Language and Logic. Christoph Harbsmeier (1998)

ii. Pt. 2. General Conclusions and Reflections. Joseph Needham, edited by Kenneth Girdwood Robinson, with contributions by Ray Huang, and an introduction by Mark Elvin (2004)

Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists, Second Edition. Churchill Livingstone

(July 2005, 2nd edition)

This textbook covers the theories behind Traditional Chinese Medicine, principles of treatment, and use of acupuncture point prescriptions to treat patters of disease.

Lu, Gwei-Djen; Needham, Joseph. Celestial Lancets: A History and Rationale of Acupuncture and Moxa. Routledge, October 2002 (1st edition).

In light of modern scientific knowledge, this text examines the 2,500-year-old practices of acupuncture and moxibustion to relieve pain and resolve a wide range of diseases.

Li, Yang. Book of Changes and Traditional Chinese Medicine. China: Beijing Science & Technology Press, April 1998 (1st edition).

Yang Li systematically analyzes the close relationship between the “Book of Changes” and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm. Monadology. Forgotten Books, February 2008.

Leibniz, who was educated in law and philosophy, discovered calculus and the binary system. Written in 1714, “Monadology,” defines Leibniz’ philosophy called monadism, which is described as “the metaphysics of simple substances.”

Lakoff, George and Nunez, Rafael. Where Mathematics Comes From. Basic Books, August 2001.

Cognitive scientists Lakoff and Nunez attempt to establish a scientific foundation for understanding the nature of human mathematical thought.

Lakoff, George and Johnson, Mark. Metaphors We Live By. University of Chicago Press, April 2003 (2nd edition).

This book explores of the role of metaphors in language and how they shape our perceptions about everything. Gaining relevant epistemic cognition is key for one to acquire a well-rounded knowledge on any subject or system that belongs to a cultural source different from one’s own.

Jun, Heo. Dongui Bogam. Medical Center for the Royal Family of the Joseon Kingdom, 1613.

The Dongui Bogam, or Mirror of Eastern Medicine, is an extensive Korean medical book written in the 17th century during the Joseon Kingdom. Under order by King Seonjo, Heo Jun wrote the book in 1610 after traveling around Korea in search of accessible remedies for the purpose of establishing an innovative public health program.

Ah-young, Chung. Korean Script of ‘Dongui Bogam’ Unveiled. Korean Times, August 7, 2009.

Johnson, Samuel. Dictionary of the English Language 2 Volumes Set. International Book Centre, June 1978.

This set is a high quality English dictionary of value to scholars

Huan, Zang Yu. Who Can Ride the Dragon?: An Exploration of the Cultural Roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Paradigm Publications, September 1999

This book explores the linguistic and cultural roots of Chinese medicine in an attempt to enlighten the western reader as to how the Chinese understand Chinese medicine.

Hsu, Elisabeth. The Transmission of Chinese Medicine. Cambridge University Press, December 1999.

This text offers a valuable contribution to the education of students of Chinese medicine in epistemic cognition as it relates to the relationship between Chinese words and Chinese ideas, helping to bridge the gap between accurate understanding of Chinese medical theory and the limited facility in which it is relayed to the population of students learning outside the context of Chinese language and culture. This account relays how knowledge is shaped by the context of instruction. Proper Chinese medical education and practice is grounded in accurate theory and text.

Haichen, Sun. The Wiles Of War: 36 Military Strategies from Ancient China. China Books and Periodicals, January 1993.

Among the 36 military strategies of ancient China exists the principle that “no deception is too much.” This mentality may account for the all-too-common practice in China of packaging hazardous substances labeled and sold as medicine. Due to this danger, one must be wary of purchasing “herbal” formulas made in China.

Gulik, Robert Hans Van. Sexual Life in Ancient China: A Preliminary Survey of Chinese Sex and Society from ca. 1500 B.C. till 1644 A.D.

Brill Academic Publishers, December 2003.

Originally published in 1961, this text provides an overview of sexual life in ancient China during an era when sexuality was viewed with open eyes as integral to human health.

Freud, Sigmund. Civilization and Its Discontents. W. W. Norton, 1962 (trade edition).

Written in 1930, Freud attempts to observe and critique the psychological affect of western civilization on the human individual by comparing the development of Western civilization with the development of the individual.

Fogarty, John E. A Barefoot Doctor’s Manual: The American Translation of the Official Chinese Paramedical Manual. Running Press, May 1990.

During the Cultural Revolution, society broke down and healthcare was non-existent in rural China. To serve the need for healthcare in rural China, a practical and comprehensive medical handbook called the “Barefoot Doctor’s Manual” was created and “barefoot doctors,” who were essentially laymen who received limited medical training were assigned and sent out to rural areas to tend to the medical needs of the people. This manual is specifically designed to provide practical, easy-to-understand medical instruction to laymen in order to promote healthcare self-sufficiency among the common people of China. During its compilation, original medical texts were gathered, redacted and revised to adapt to modern times.

Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Harcourt Publishers Ltd., 1999-2003.

Clinical Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine is the first international peer-reviewed journal providing clinical information relevant to oriental medicine. Articles cover all aspects of clinical practice, including original research, research reviews, organization reports, educational issues, management of clinical problems, and international news. As of 2004, this journal has been discontinued. Abstracts and articles are available for purchase in PDF format here.

Carr, E. H. What is History? Palgrave, June 2002 (revised edition).

Carr explores the purpose of historical inquiry and the role of the historian, covering topics such as historical objectivity, society and the individual, the nature of causation, and the possibility of progress.

Brown, Lester. Who Will Feed China?: Wake-Up Call for a Small Planet. W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. September 1995.

Using South Korea and Japan as examples of agriculturally-based civilizations that transitioned quickly to industrialization and overpopulation, resulting in land, food and water scarcity, author Lester Brown focuses on China’s rapid industrialization and increasingly dense population. As a result, Brown arrives at grave predictions for the future of a world on an environmentally and economically unsustainable trajectory.

Bensky, Dan; Clavey, Steven; Stoger, Erich. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition. Eastland Press, September 2004 (3rd Edition).

This reference book provides information on the medical application of more than 530 Chinese herbs.