From Research on TCM Images to Historiography of TCM Images——Comments on History of Chinese Image Culture: Medical Image Volume

Zhong Hua Tu Xiang Wen Hua Shi Yi Yao Tu Xiang Juan (《中华图像文化史•医药图像卷》 History of Chinese Image Culture: Medical Image Volume ) is a history of images of Chinese medicine. This work meticulously traces the evolution of Chinese medicine from the pre-Qin and Han dynasties through to the late Qing dynasty and the Republican era, utilizing a rich array of medical and non-medical images. Through detailed analysis and interpretation of these images, the volume reconstructs the developmental trajectory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories, while also revealing the impact of ideological, cultural, and societal contexts on medical culture and theoretical advancement. Zhong Hua Tu Xiang Wen Hua Shi Yi Yao Tu Xiang Juan has pushed the research of Chinese medical images from purely literary studies to a broader historical context, broadened the research object of Chinese medical history, and constructed a basic framework for the new research field of image medical history. The book not only facilitates a deeper understanding of TCM's historical and contemporary developments, but also holds significant value for scholars engaged in historical literature research or clinical practice, aiming to integrate historical insights.