本草今义辨

“本草”一辞首见于《汉书·郊祀志》。历代文献相沿使用。近代有人认为“本草”是指药物或中药。通过对历史文献的考辨及当前中药学科分化发展现实的分析,可以认为,“本草”的含义应局限于古代药物学著作为宜。

The Discrimination Concerning Modern Concept of "Bencao"

The term "Bencao" was first appeared in "Hanshu·Jiaosi Zhi". It was used continuously in the documents of successive dynasties) In modern times, some authors have held that the term refers to medicines or Chinese materia medica. Our textual research of historical documents and analysis of current differentiation of scientific subjects of Chinese pharmacy suggest that the concept of "Bencao" has to be limited to the ancient books on Chinese pharmacy.