[A Study on the Chinese Name of Smallpox]

Area of Science:

• History of Medicine
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
• Epidemiology

Context:

• The earliest known ancient medical text, Zhou hou fang (Handbook of Formulae), first documented smallpox under the name "lu chuan" (captive sore).
• Over time, smallpox was referred to by various names in ancient China, including "sheng chuang," "tian chuang," "wan dou chuang," "fu dou chuang," and "dou zhen."
• These nomenclature changes highlight the evolution of TCM's recognition and management strategies for smallpox, influenced by societal customs and treatment advancements.

Purpose:

• To trace the historical nomenclature of smallpox in ancient Chinese medical literature.
• To analyze how changes in disease titles reflect the evolution of TCM's understanding, treatment, and prevention of smallpox.
• To contextualize the historical shift from TCM-based interventions to modern smallpox vaccination.

Summary:

• The nomenclature for smallpox in ancient China evolved significantly, with numerous names documented in texts like the Zhou hou fang.
• Frequent changes in disease titles indicate a dynamic progression in TCM's approach to recognizing, treating, and preventing smallpox.
• The eventual adoption of the term "smallpox" during the Republican period marked a transition, reflecting the increasing influence of modern vaccination over traditional TCM methods.

Impact:

• Understanding the historical naming of smallpox provides insights into the development of medical knowledge and public health practices in ancient China.
• The study underscores the historical significance of TCM in managing infectious diseases and the eventual paradigm shift towards evidence-based Western medicine.
• This historical perspective is crucial for appreciating the long-term trajectory of infectious disease control and the integration of different medical systems.