[Transition of the doctrine from ancient to medieval China for embryo and fetus on each month during pregnancy period]

Nihon Ishigaku Zasshi. 2004 Dec;50(4):569-89.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

There are written some doctrines about growth image of embryo and fetus, hygiene for woman on each month during pregnancy period etc. in ancient Chinese medical book the Taichan Shu, which compiled over 2200 years ago. Following results were obtained by a study on the transition doctrines from that of Taichan Shu to those of medieval Chinese and Japanese medical books such as the Zhubing Yuanhou Lun, the Qianjin Fang and the Ishin Po. (1) Doctrines about growth and hygiene on embryo and fetus had been developed on each coming book from the contents of the Taichan Shu descent. Doctrines about hygiene were mainly for pregnant woman, and some methods of them were told by using figure image and the five elements theory in the part. (2) There could be found additional doctrines about meridian and internal organs theory in the Zhubing Yuanhou Lun, the Qianjin Fang and the Ishin Po. And those additional doctrines were made under the influence of the Maijing and the Suwen. New doctrines about hygiene for pregnant woman found in the Qianjin Fang and the Ishin Po also have relationships with meridian and internal organs theory. (3) Growing organs of embryo and fetus described in the Zhubing Yuanhou Lun and the Qianjin Fang correspond with the internal organs theory. Purpose of those descriptions is estimated to be equipped much more organs for embryo and fetus than those of the Taichan Chu.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Embryo, Mammalian*
  • Female
  • Fetus*
  • History, Ancient
  • History, Medieval
  • Humans
  • Hygiene / history*
  • Japan
  • Pregnancy*