[An analysis on the classification of relics of TCM].
The classification of relics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important aspect, a main method of TCM relics research, and a key point for improving the construction of its theory. The general classification in the Cultural Sector could be applied, including relics' location, source, morphological form, time, quality, function, medical type and social character. However, TCM relics reveal high practicality, which should be classified on the basis of their function in order to reflect the meaning, value and their own features different from the relics of other fields. Moreover, this method is easy to operate. Therefore, classification by its function should be paid attention and treated as the key-point in the research on TCM relics.
China Institute for History of Medicine and Medical Literature, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
Guo
G
Liao