Byeogyeok sinbang (Prescriptions to Prevent Epidemics)

This is a medical text compiled in 1613 (the fifth year of King Gwanghaegun) by Heo Jun (1546–1615). When an epidemic known as danghongyeok or dangdogyeok spread widely in the mid-Joseon period, King Gwanghaegun ordered Heo Jun to devise countermeasures against it. Dangdogyeok corresponds to what is known today as scarlet fever. Acting on the king's command, Heo Jun worked with physicians of the Naeuiwon (Royal Medical Bureau) to investigate the cause and course of the epidemic, and then compiled this book, Byeogyeok sinbang (Prescriptions to Prevent Epidemics), setting out methods of diagnosis and treatment, preventive measures, and prescriptions. The book is still used today in traditional Korean medicine for the prevention and treatment of scarlet fever. The Gyujanggak holds three copies of Byeogyeok sinbang, all printed from the same woodblocks. Inscriptions of royal bestowal (naesagi) on the inside of the covers show that the three copies were respectively kept at Taebaeksan Sago, Odaesansago, and the Gyoseogwan (Office of Editorial Review).

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Where it is

Region

Gwanak-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물