History of Anatomy in China

When the first foreign medical practitioners came to China their attention was naturally riveted by the unusual and bizarre nature of Chinese medical theories and practice. Likewise few foreigners were able to look beneath the surface of Chinese medicine. Urged as they were by their desire to send home accounts of what they had witnessed they subconsciously depicted things in contrast to progress made in the West. The history of Chinese medicine which up to the end of the nineteenth century had been a mere ‘hobby’ or ‘alternative career’ of unsuccessful scholars and/or officials has become the subject of universal interest. As one of the oldest branch of medicine human anatomy is the basis of the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This short monograph spans over two millenniums of history of anatomy in China. By highlighting certain significant episodes in anatomical happenings it attempts to depict its evolution from an empirical and philosophical concept to a scientifically-based discipline. The special role played by Western medical science is emphasized.