Chinese collections at the Bodleian: Medicine

#ChineseAntiqueMasterpieces"The two items in this film – an acupuncture chart and a herbal medicine book – explore the theme of Chinese medicine.

The items themselves date from the seventeenth century, but they are still recognised in Chinese medicinal practice today. There is ongoing research into the science behind the effectiveness of both herbal medicine and on acupuncture.

The Bodleian Libraries in Oxford have one of the most significant Chinese rare book and manuscript collections outside China containing the largest number of Chinese books that arrived in Europe in 17th century.

As part of a ten-year project funded by Chung Hon Dak Foundation, we have digitised over 1,800 items, as well as worked with the local Chinese community to explore our collections in more detail. "