A citizen has made available to the public his heirlooms of several sets of medicine books in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province.
The most rare set was printed in 1615 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and elaborates on 1,000 prescriptions for some 150 kinds of diseases, like coughs, thirst, apoplexy, dropsy, amnesia and weakness, as well as reveals the secret techniques of ancient royalty for both beauty and health care, said the owner surnamed Liu.
Liu said the books, titled Wan Bing Hui Chun (many diseases can be cured), were handed down from his great-grandfather, and both his great-grandfather and grandfather led long lives thanks to effects of the books.
The set of books carry many valuable prescriptions, said Liu, whose family has practiced medicine for generations.
Other rare books publicized by Liu include several sets printed in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), one set printed in 1910 on acupuncture points, body meridians and another on gynecology in 1730.
Liu hoped the books can benefit more people after being made public.
(Xinhua News Agency March 13, 2003)
