Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi. 1999 Jul; 29(3): 135-8.

[Discassion on the date of appearance of the title Shen nong ben caojing (Shennong's Herbal Classic)]

Shang Z.

Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu 241001.

It is said, in general literatures, that the title of shen nong ben cao jing appeared in pre- Qin period. It can be negated, through studies on Han shu yi wen zhi (Biblie - graphies in Book of Han Dynasty), relics unearthed from Han tombs in Mawangdui, the history of nomencleture for ancient books, and the date of appearance of ancient canons, that the said - title first appeared in the pre - Qin period. The name of "ben cao" was first appeared in western Han dynasty. There were officials of necromaneer (fan shi) and ben cao in western Han dynasty. During Chengdi Emperor of Han, some seventy such officials were dismissed and returned to their homelands. Pingdi Emperor re-summoned these officials. Several scores of officials responded to the edict, among them, those responsible for ben cao complied a book on ben cao (herbology) and alleged it to be written by shennong so as to win confidence with the authority and to acquire the official title of ben cao dai zhao (Herbal Attendant) for themselves. It is, therefore, natural that the title of shen nong ben cao jing can only have appeared at the time of Herbal Attendant in Western Han dynasty.