Uibang yuchwi (Classified Collection of Medical Prescriptions), Volume 201

The Uibang yuchwi is an encyclopaedia of traditional Korean medicine compiled by royal order in 1445, the twenty-seventh year of King Sejong. This is book 1 of volume 201, out of a total of 266 volumes in 264 books that were reprinted with movable type in 1477, the eighth year of King Seongjong. Kim Ye-mong, a deputy section chief of the Jiphyeonjeon (Hall of Worthies), and Yu Seong-won, an editorial officer, first gathered medical prescriptions; the king then ordered Sin Seok-jo, Kim Su-on and others to have court physicians such as Jeon Sun-ui compile the work, which was reviewed by Grand Prince Anpyeong and the royal secretary Yi Sa-cheol, among others. It was originally organised into 365 volumes, but after repeated revision and editing it was reorganised into 266 volumes in 264 books, and in 1477, the eighth year of King Seongjong, Han Gye-hui, Im Won-jun and others printed thirty copies. It was never reprinted after that. Most of the thirty copies first printed were lost during the Japanese invasions of 1592-98. Of the 264 books, 252 were plundered by the Japanese general Kato Kiyomasa, and the only surviving copy of the first printing is now held in the Imperial Household Agency Library in Japan. This book transcribes six medical texts, including Bodan yogyeol, Jussi jipheombang, Wangssi jipheombang, Suchin yangnoseo, Sarim gwanggi and Sangeosayo. As the only original edition of this text ever discovered in Korea, it is regarded as a valuable resource for research into the history of printing culture related to medical books.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Eumseong, Chungbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물