History of the Introduction of Exotic Elements Into Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

At first only a few students in that university were interested in the study of local medicinal plants.We collected specimens from herbalists in the area, identified the species, and ascertained their uses.Later, my colleagues Y. C. Kong (Biochemistry Department), H. M. Chang, and J. Ma (both of the Chemistry Department) showed a growing interest in research on the chemical composition of various Chinese crude drugs.To check the efficacy of the medicines, they tested them on animals.They asked me to identify the specimens and to contribute some botanical descriptions.Gradually, under the leadership of Chang, the Chinese Medicinal Material Research Centre was organized in the Chinese University of Hong Kong.This institution grew fast.With a strong staff, advanced instrumentation, and the support of the University, local institutions, and individuals, it soon attracted the attention of scion .isand ientific institutions from around the world.Its computerized information on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is linked with medical centers in London, Tokyo, and Washington.It is a worldwide bridge for disseminating knowledge of Chinese materia medica both past and present.In connection with this research center, my interest in Chinese medicinal plants was revitalized.This report is one of the results of subsequent studies.The aim of this report is to provide a window through which historians of science can sec the facts and the nature of material exchange and cultural diffusion between China and people in lands far and near.In addressing the questions, I began with the words what, when, where, why, and how about exotics used in TCM.A workable framework was arbitrarily formed by setting a time limit of 1911, the year when China was transformed from an empire to a republic, and by selecting three modern references:

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