Abstract
Objectives : The Major Essentials of Huangdi's Internal Classics Plain Questions (黃帝內經素問大要, MEHP) is one of the late-Chosun's literate physician Lee Gyoojoon (李圭晙, 1885-1923)'s main work, which is known to have logically proofread the Huangdi's Internal Classics Plain Questions (黃帝內經素問, HP). This study aims to examine two elements of the text: (1) the types of MEHP currently in circulation; (2) the types of publications of HP to be the MEHP's original script. Methods : In this study, basically bibliographical analyses of the form and contents was utilized about the types of MEHP and HP. However, to compare the sentences and phrases between prints, I've used 20 examples that Qian Chaochen (钱超尘) had proposed in his preceding studies. Also, regarding Lee Wonse (李元世)'s proofreading on the MEHP in 1999, I've used interviews of his students. Results : First, I've discovered that there are three versions MEHP in circulation: the woodblock printed version; Lee Wonse's handwritten version; Lee Wonse's proofreading version; and confirmed that Lee's proofreading version should be regarded as good version of MEHP. Also, I've discovered the possibility of other types of printed versions of the MEHP in existence, which is considered Lee's handwritten version's original draft. Second, I've confirmed that the original script of HP, which Lee Gyoojoon utilized for MEHP, is indeed not Gu Congde (顧從德) printed version HP, however, is the Chosun's bureau for military drill (訓練都監) printed version HP. Conclusion : Through this study, I've provided strong evidence that Lee Gyoojoon's MEHP is a unique and original research completed within the traditional realm of Korean medicine, which possesses the universality of Eastern Asian medicine represented by Huangdi's Internal Classics (黃帝內經).