Explorations in Daoism: Medicine and Alchemy in Literature (Needham Research Institute Series)

The Daoist canon is the definitive fifteenth century compilation of texts concerning ritual, alchemical and meditation practices within Daoist religion. Many of these texts are undated and anonymous, so dating them is essential for a clear understanding of the development of Chinese alchemy, and the place of these texts in history. Ho Peng Yoke's __Explorations in Daoism__ brings together an extraordinary compendium of data on alchemical knowledge in China, describing the methods used for dating important alchemical texts in the Daoist canon, and reconstructing and translating a number of alchemical texts that exist only in fragments scattered throughout the Daoist canon, pharmacopoeia and other compendia. This book provides a clear guide for students and scholars about the methods required for dating and reconstituting texts using techniques that can be applied to other areas of traditional Chinese culture also. As such, this book will appeal to those interested in Chinese alchemy, the history of science, Daoism and Chinese history. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Dedication......Page 6 Contents......Page 8 Figures......Page 11 Foreword......Page 13 Preface......Page 21 Acknowledgements......Page 25 A brief note on Chinese romanisation......Page 27 Abbreviations......Page 29 1 Introduction......Page 31 2 On the dating of Daoist alchemical texts......Page 39 3 Danfang jianyuan (Mirror of Alchemical Processes—a Source Book) and Danfang jingyuan (Mirror of the Alchemical Laboratory)......Page 63 4 Partial restoration, collation and translation of lost alchemical texts......Page 108 5 General discussions......Page 147 Appendix I: Beyond the Daoist Canon: proto-chemistry in the pharmacopoeia......Page 160 Appendix II: Extracts from al-Bīrūnī’s pharmacopoeia with added commentaries......Page 177 Table I: A glossary of common Chinese alchemical terms......Page 186 Table II: Plant names and properties in Chunyang Lu Zhenren yaoshizhi and Xuanyuan Huangdi shuijing yaofa......Page 188 Table III: Chinese dynasties......Page 196 Notes......Page 197 Bibliography......Page 208 Index......Page 222 Explorations In Daoism Brings Together An Extraordinary Compendium Of Data On Alchemical Knowledge In China, Describing The Methods Used For Dating Important Alchemical Texts In The Daoist Canon, And Reconstructing And Translating A Number Of Alchemical Texts That Exist Only In Fragments Scattered Throughout The Canon, As Well As In Pharmacopoeia And Other Compendia. Such Techniques, Explained Here For The First Time, Formed A Vital Part Of The Groundwork That Went Into Writing The Alchemical Sections Of Joseph Needham's Science And Civilisation In China Series.--book Jacket. On The Dating Of Daoist Alchemical Texts -- Danfang Jianyuan (mirror Of Alchemical Processes - A Source Book) And Danfang Jingyuan (mirror Of The Alchemical Laboratory ) -- Partial Restoration, Collation And Translation Of Lost Alchemical Texts -- General Discussions. Ho Peng Yoke ; Edited By John P.c. Moffett And Cho Sungwu ; With A Foreword By T.h. Barrett. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [190]-203) And Index. Primarily English With Chinese And Japanese Characters. Bioscience Book Cover 1 Title 4 Copyright 5 Dedication 6 Contents 8 Figures 11 Foreword 13 Preface 21 Acknowledgements 25 A brief note on Chinese romanisation 27 Abbreviations 29 1 Introduction 31 2 On the dating of Daoist alchemical texts 39 3 Danfang jianyuan (Mirror of Alchemical Processes鈥攁 Source Book) and Danfang jingyuan (Mirror of the Alchemical Laboratory) 63 4 Partial restoration, collation and translation of lost alchemical texts 108 5 General discussions 147 Appendix I: Beyond the Daoist Canon: proto-chemistry in the pharmacopoeia 160 Appendix II: Extracts from al-B墨r奴n墨鈥檚 pharmacopoeia with added commentaries 177 Table I: A glossary of common Chinese alchemical terms 186 Table II: Plant names and properties in Chunyang Lu Zhenren yaoshizhi and Xuanyuan Huangdi shuijing yaofa 188 Table III: Chinese dynasties 196 Notes 197 Bibliography 208 Index 222

The Daoist canon is the definitive fifteenth century compilation of texts, however many of these texts are undated and anonymous. This book brings together an extraordinary compendium of data on alchemical knowledge in China, describing the methods use