This article aimed to discuss,the dosage problems in the first 100 published classic prescriptions,mainly on the dosage units involved in Treatise on Febrile Diseases. The dosage units were mainly classified into three types: weight unit,volume unit and length unit. The volume unit and length unit are basically not controversial. The weight unit is more problematic. Through textual research,measured data and the calculation by State Administration of Taxation on unearthed cultural relics,the basis for the weights and measures in the Han Dynasty was clarified,namely glutinous rice( Shu). The Zhu-Liang system was adopted for weight measurement,and the weight of glutinous rice( Shu) was used to measure the weight of others, " 1 Liang = 24 Zhu = 240 Lei = 2 400 Shu". Sheng-He system was adopted for volume measurement,and the volume of the glutinous rice( Shu) was used to measure the volume of others, " 1 Sheng = 10 He = 20 Yue = 24 000 Shu". The width of the glutinous rice( Shu) was used to measure the length, " 1 Chi = 10 Cun =100 Fen = 100 Shu". At the same time,the conversion relationship between ancient dosage units in Treatise on Febrile Diseases and modern dosage units was clarified in this paper, " 1 Jin = 250 g,1 Liang = 15. 625 g,1 Zhu = 0. 65 g", " 1 He = 20 m L,1 Sheng =200 m L", " 1 Chi = 23 cm,1 Cun = 2. 3 cm". Through research,it is found that the weight measurement in the Han Dynasty was " glutinous rice system",which was based on " glutinous rice",providing a powerful key to solve the weight disputes in the classic prescriptions. Through the combination of textual research and physical testing,disputes can be eliminated more quickly,and an " expert consensus" can be formed on the weight issues. The definite drug dosage in Treatise on Febrile Diseases can provide convenience for the clinical prescription system,and provide a dose basis for the development of the classic preparations.
Keywords: Sheng-He system; Treatise on Febrile Diseases; Zhu-Liang system; classic preparations; glutinous rice.