A Qin Bowei Anthology: Clinical Essays by Master Physician Qin Bowei

Rating:
Summary: Reflections of a master
Review: Qin Bo-wei was one of the great 20th century masters of Chinese medicine. This book is a collection of his essays on a wide range of topics in Chinese medical theory and internal medicine. Chip Chace and Zhang Ting-liang have succeeded in rendering a translation that is both reasonably palatable and reasonably digestible, using Nigel Wiseman's oft-maligned (even by yours truly) English language equivalents.

In these essays, Qin treated subjects ranging from an in-depth analysis of Liver stagnation patterns to a fundamental, yet detailed overview of the construction and modification of herbal prescriptions and the use of paired herbs. Like Liu Yi-ren's Heart Transmission of Medicine, this is an important resource for new practitioners, as it can clarify many confusing issues of organ theory and herbal treatment.

An old doctor can help make the connection between general principles and knowledge of clinical practice gained through experience. Qin was a great teacher as well as a great physician, and his learning lives on through these writings.