• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.103-130
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• 2019

Objectives : In this paper, the life and medical philosophy of Jo, Heonyeong, a Korean Medical scholar of modern times was studied. Based on his life events and publications, his medical philosophy was examined. Methods : Jo's life tracks were reconstructed based on his books, written contributions, documents on his activities that were collected from newspapers, magazines, papers, etc. In addition, the direction of his Korean Medical research and clinical application as argued by himself was examined. Results : After he himself understood the fundamental principles of Korean Medicine thoroughly, Jo, Heonyeong interpreted the principles of Korean Medicine by means of general scientific methodology along with simple, common knowledge based explanations. He compared Eastern Medicine with Western Medicine and pursued their integration, while making it his objective to have lay people understand medicine and to receive proper medical care and live healthy lives, based on the principles of a righteous government. The reason for his contributions to lay people targeted mediums and writing Korean Medical books that were easy to comprehend was also because of this philosophy. Conclusions : By making efforts to change and improve reality whether it be medicine or politics, Jo, Heongyeong went beyond treatment of diseases and pursued a world where all people could live healthy lives.