A Study on the Descriptive Features and Origin of the Heart Diagram in the Donguibogam(東醫寶鑑)

『동의보감』 심장도(心臟圖)의 묘사 특징과 그 기원에 대한 연구

Objectives : This paper investigates the background, meaning and origin of the descriptions of the Heart such as 'seven orifices', 'sanmao', 'saw-toothed four layered lines' that are unique to the diagram in the Donguibogam. Methods : First the Heart diagram of the Donguibogam was compared with other Zhangfu diagrams of the past. Materials related to unique features in the descriptions of the Heart in the Donguibogam were collected, against which descriptive features were analyzed. Results : Of the many unique features, the descriptive basis of the 'seven orifices' could be found in the Qixingban[七星板] as a physical entity reflecting basic anatomical knowledge. The 'sanmao', which is compared to the Santaixing[三台星], could be understood as a non-physical entity whose descriptive basis could be found in the Xinxuetu of the Xinching. It could be assumed that the 'saw-toothed four layered lines' are likened to the multi-layered petals or calyx of a lotus flower bud to describe the Pericardium, or to the multiple walls of a mountain fortress surrounding a palace to describe the Danzhong, which is the chest cavity. These features could be understood as results of spiritualism influence. Conclusions : It could be concluded that Heo Jun, in his attempt to describe the Heart in more detail than previous diagrams of the Zangfu, referenced popular texts and images based on anatomical knowledge of previous texts, added varied descriptions resulting in a new diagram with a completely different origin.