Library
Our library of traditional medicine offers scholars the resources necessary for in depth study of medical practices from around the world. With an emphasis on Asian medical traditions and philology, we hope to help promote the study of ancient medicines in order to inform and advance modern practices.
01 | Rare and Early Editions
Texts printed in the Qing Dynasty and Republican period in China, as well as the Meiji period and prior in Japan, give a unique look into East Asian medicine and related reference materials of their respective times.
02 | Manuscripts
The Insight library maintains several unique medical manuscripts from China, Korea, and Japan. Often challenging to date, these manuscripts provide a glimpse of personal practice and study.
03 | Critical Editions
Our library maintains critical and important editions of major Chinese medicine texts such as the Huangdi Neijing 黃帝內經, Shanghanlun 傷寒論, Zhouhou beiji fang 肘後備急方, and Bencao gangmu 本草綱目 among many others. We include both printed and facsimile editions of important medical works.
04 | Texts in Translation
An important resource for scholars studying Chinese medicine includes translations of many texts into English and Modern Standard Mandarin. We maintain a growing collection, from early literary translations to new clinical interpretations, and aim to keep up with the growing body of translations as they become available.
05 | Reference Texts
Bibliographies, atlases, specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias, and other reference texts provide excellent resources for scholars and students.
06 | Language Resources
In addition to Classical Chinese and Modern Standard Mandarin resources, including the Kangxi dictionary 康熙字典, Shuowen jiezi 說文解字 and the Peiwen yunfu 佩文韻府, the library contains dictionaries and language tools for Sanskrit, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, Greek, French, among many others.
07 | Literary Works
From early poetry of the Shijing 詩經 and Chuci 楚辭, to strange stories of the Tang and novels of the Ming, our Chinese literature collection allows scholars to better study the context of Chinese medicine and its foundations. This collection includes primary texts, academic studies, and translations to make accessible some of the most important literary works in history.
08 | Religion and Philosophy
From Shamanism and Taoism to Confucianism and modern science and philosophy, we maintain a collection of religion and philosophical texts. While quite diverse, we hold a number of Taoist and Buddhist reference materials, including several early editions.
09 | Botany
Reference works on plant systematics, ecology, genetics, ethnobotany, and identification provide understanding of for plants and their medical uses around the world.
10 | Silk Road
The Insight Library also features a wide collection of texts on the Silk Road and specifically the transfer of medicine and ideas along these trade routes.