[Examining Wang Jiufeng and his works]

Area of Science:

• History of Medicine
• Chinese Medical History
• Qing Dynasty Studies

Background:

• Wang Jiufeng was a notable physician in Zhenjiang during the Qing Dynasty's Qianjia period.
• Existing historical records regarding Wang Jiufeng's life and contributions are scarce and often contradictory.
• His transition from Confucianism to medicine highlights a significant career shift in historical Chinese scholarship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To meticulously examine Wang Jiufeng's family background, life events, associates, and medical works.
• To resolve historical disputes concerning Wang Jiufeng's identity, including the 'North' and 'South' Wang Jiufeng distinction.
• To clarify contentious details such as his death year, alias Mingjing, deafness etiology, and official appointments.

Main Methods:

• Primary source analysis utilizing Wang Jiufeng's self-compiled genealogy.
• Comparative literature review to address inconsistencies in existing historical materials.
• Biographical research focusing on historical physicians of the Qing Dynasty.

Main Results:

• Established the existence of a single, prominent physician named Wang Jiufeng during the Qianjia period.
• Differentiated Wang Jiufeng from other historical figures potentially confused with him.
• Resolved specific historical debates regarding his personal life and career.

Conclusions:

• This research consolidates fragmented historical data, presenting a unified biography of Wang Jiufeng.
• The study confirms Wang Jiufeng's singular identity and significant standing as a physician in Zhenjiang.
• Provides a clearer understanding of a key figure in Qing Dynasty medical history.