GREATEST PHYSICIANS OF CHINESE HISTORY: LI SHIZHEN

Greatest Physician and Pharmacologists in Chinese History

L

Li Shizhen

Li Shizhen (1518-1593), was one of the greatest physicians and pharmacologists in Chinese history. His major contribution to medicine was his forty-year work, which is found in his epic book the Bencao Gangmu. He is also considered to be the greatest naturalist of China, and was very interested in the proper classification of herb components. The book has details about more than 1,800 drugs, including 1,100 illustrations and 11,000 prescriptions. The book was reprinted frequently and five of the original editions still exist.