Summary

Discover *Essential Annotations on the Preface to the Classic of Materia Medica* by Zou Shu (Qing Dynasty), a cornerstone text in **Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) books** and a vital resource for students and practitioners alike. This meticulously annotated work, part of the esteemed *Shangwei 57* collection, offers profound insights into the philosophical and clinical foundations of the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Classic of Materia Medica), one of TCM’s earliest and most influential herbal compendiums. Zou Shu’s deep scholarly expertise shines through his clear, concise commentary, which clarifies complex terminology, historical context, and the classical principles of herb classification, taste, and meridian tropism. What sets this edition apart is its **practical yet scholarly approach**—bridging ancient wisdom with modern usability. Zou Shu’s annotations not only preserve the original preface’s intent but also expand on its clinical relevance, making it accessible to today’s learners. Ideal for TCM educators, herbalists, and historians, this book delivers **authentic Qing-era interpretation** of foundational medical concepts, enhancing understanding of herbal theory and diagnostics. As part of the revered *Essential Annotations on the Prefaces to the Classics by Zou Shu* series, it upholds a legacy of rigorous textual scholarship. Whether you're deepening your knowledge of **Chinese medicine books** or exploring classical materia medica, this annotated edition is an indispensable reference—combining historical depth, clinical utility, and linguistic clarity to illuminate one of TCM’s most enduring texts.