• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.191-203
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• 2010

"Bonchogyeongjipju(本草經集注)" is a pharmacological classic published in the Southern and Northern Dynasties(南北朝時代, 420-589 A.D.) in China by Dohonggyeong(陶弘景, 456-536 A.D.). In "Bonchogyeongjipju(本草經集注)", Dohonggyeong(陶弘景) edited "Sinnongbonchogyeong(神農本草經)", the earliest classical text about material medica containing notes for 365 drugs, by adding another 365 drugs and further information from "Myeong-uibyeollok(名醫別錄)" and writing extended commentaries on them. His commentaries include changes in the geographical distribution, identification of varieties and other various special characteristics. The original text had gradually disappeared after other pharmacological classics were published such as "Sinsuboncho(新修本草)", in Dang Dynasty(唐代), "Gyeongsajeungryubigeupboncho(經史證類備急本草)" in Song Dynasty(宋代). All of these books were based on "Bonchogyeongjipju(本草經集注)", so the original text can be seen indirectly through these later sources. In the early 1900's, a transcribed manuscript of the preface "Bonchogyeongjipju(本草經集注)" was found almost wholly preserved except the first three lines, in the Makgo(莫高) cave of Donhwang(敦煌). Broken strips of transcribed "Bonchogyeongjipju(本草經集注)" have also been excavated in Turfan[吐魯番], which shows its original form written in red and black ink. Mayanagi Makoto[眞柳誠] researched on Donhwang(敦煌) and Turfan[吐魯番] editions, ascertained their existence and explained their bibliographical and historical facts. Sangjigyun(尙志鈞) restored "Bonchogyeongjipju(本草經集注)" based on other related sources such as Donhwang(敦煌) and Turfan[吐魯番] editions. " Bonchogyeongjipju(本草經集注)" can be said as the locus classicus(典範) of herbal medicine, that is most of the following materia medica was based on it. It makes it possible to pass down "Sinnongbonchogyeong(神農本草經)" to posterity and provide a foundation for herbal medical development.