500-Year-Old
Imperial Pharmacopoeia Published
The Essence of Chinese Medicines Made on Imperial
Order was recently published. Compiled in 1503, this book is
China's last imperial pharmacopoeia, and the first and largest
color illustrated Chinese medicine catalogue. It classifies
medicine scientifically, and complements its definitions with
detailed illustrations. Despite its rich content and great significance,
the book was banned soon after it was compiled owing to its
implication in a political event.
