Introduction
"Golden Mirror of Medicine"
This page is cultural documentation, not medical advice.
A 90-volume imperial medical compendium edited by Wu Qian et al. under the Qing dynasty, completed in 1742. Functions as a state-approved encyclopedia of orthodox Chinese medical knowledge of its time.
Compiled under imperial commission during the Qianlong era, the Yizong Jinjian (《医宗金鉴》) is a 90-volume medical compendium covering the canonical medical classics, formula studies, the four diagnostic methods, and clinical specialties. It served as a state-approved reference for medical examinations and clinical practice in the Qing bureaucracy. Many formulas in the modern 中成药 catalog trace their editorial standardization to this text.
Historical background
Yi Zong Jin Jian was compiled under imperial commission during the Qianlong reign, with the court physician Wu Qian (吴谦) as chief editor. Completed in 1742, the 90-volume compendium was intended as a state-sanctioned encyclopedia of orthodox Chinese medical knowledge. It is organized into 15 sections covering the canonical medical classics, formula studies, the four diagnostic methods, and clinical specialties. The Qianlong emperor ordered it printed and distributed to the Imperial Medical Academy as an official teaching text, and it became the standard reference for civil-service medical examinations throughout the late Qing.…
Formulas recorded in this text· 6
Formula · Zhī Bǎi Dì Huáng Piàn
Anemarrhena-Phellodendron-Rehmannia Tablet
知柏地黄片
A tablet form of the classical "zi-yin jiang-huo" (enrich yin and descend fire) formula, the same composition as the more familiar Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, simply in a tablet dosage form for ease of swallowing.
Formula · Bā Zhēn Yì Mǔ Wán
Eight-Treasure Motherwort
八珍益母丸
A gynecological "bu-qi yang-xue, tiao-jing" (tonify qi and blood, regulate menstruation) formula from the Qing-dynasty "Golden Mirror of Medicine", the motherwort-augmented form of the classic Eight-Treasure decoction.
Formula · Mài Wèi Dì Huáng Wán
Ophiopogon and Schisandra Rehmanni
麦味地黄丸
A "lung-and-kidney yin tonic" variation of Liuwei Dihuang Wan, the six-ingredient base with ophiopogon and schisandra added to address persistent dry cough, dry mouth, and night sweats.
Formula · Xiāng Shā Liù Jūn Wán
Aucklandia-Amomum Six Gentlemen
香砂六君丸
A "jian-pi he-wei, li-qi zhi-tong" (strengthen the spleen, harmonize the stomach, regulate qi, stop pain) formula from the Qing-dynasty "Golden Mirror of Medicine", the "qi-regulating" expansion of the classical Liu Jun Zi Tang.
Formula · Xiāng Shā Yǎng Wèi Wán
Cyperus and Amomum Stomach-Nourishing
香砂养胃丸
A "warm the center, move qi, transform dampness" digestive formula from the Qing dynasty, the formula of choice in TCM practice for the "weak stomach with cold and damp stagnation" presentation.
Formula · Zhī Bǎi Dì Huáng Wán
Anemarrhena and Phellodendron Rehmanni
知柏地黄丸
A "yin-tonic with heat-clearing" variation of Liuwei Dihuang Wan, best understood as the six-ingredient base formula with two "draining fire" herbs added to address pronounced "yin deficiency with fire" patterns.