China.- Pathology.- Jiebin (Zhang) Leijing [The interpretation of Huangdi Neijing], 3 parts in 32 vol., woodblock printed on bamboo paper, 8/9 columns per page, 18/19 characters per column, single black fishtail motifs, single-line borders, c.100 illustrations, some splitting to fore-edge folds, occasional small chipping to margins, very occasional small loss, some water-staining, mostly marginal, bound and stitched Japanese-style into modern blue wrappers, housed in 4 cloth wrap-around cases with clasps, 8vo, China, Zhejiang, Published by the author, Tianqi 4, Ming dynasty [1624].

⁂ An important contribution to Chinese medical science, based on Huangdi Neijing, a medical text attributed to the legendary Emperor Huang Di (27th century BC). Jiebin, a Ming dynasty physician and writer, provides detailed interpretations of the ancient text as well as his new discoveries. The work consists of 3 sections: Leijing, including the way to keep in good health, yin and yang &tc; Tuyi, an illustrated sequel, with discussion of breathing and acupuncture; and Fuyi, a supplement to the sequel. Two carvers' names, Xie Yingkui and Ruguang, can be seen in the woodblocks of this work. The clearly defined lines of the present copy suggest that it was printed soon after the woodblocks had been finished.