The Politics of Chinese Medicine Under Mongol Rule

This book shows how Yuan China, one of the four empires created by the descendents of Cinggis Qan (Taizu ??, 1167-1227, r. 1206-1227), saw the development of a new culture in which medical practice came to be considered a highly respected occupation for elite men. Further, it argues that another major step was taken toward the codification of medical knowledge and promotion of physicians’ social status during the Yuan period. To explain this historical development, Reiko Shinno points to the significance of Mongol rule, medical innovation, and Neo-Confucianism. As such, this book will be of great interest to students and scholars of Chinese medical history, Chinese social and cultural history, and medieval global history.