[Zhang-shu-zhen pharmacists' activities in the Qing dynasty]

Throughout the Qing dynasty, the commodity economy and domestic distribution in China developed dramatically. In this context, the market of Chinese medicines also expanded. At that time, the Zhang-shu-zhen pharmacists, in Jiangxi province, took the initiative in this market. This article explores their activities which were spread across China and it also examines the level of success or failure of their activities as well as the economical impact to the society of Zhang-shu-zhen. Due to its location between two important rivers that were used extensively for trade and their technical proficiency in pharmacy, Zhang-shu-zhen became an emporium of medicines. Nevertheless, many of the druggists were active in the southwest provinces of China. In order words, the activities of the druggists were coupled with the movement of immigration, from midland China to the southwest.