Li Shizhen

Li Shizhen (Li Shih-chen; simplified Chinese: 李时珍; traditional Chinese: 李時珍; pinyin: Lǐ Shízhēn; Wade–Giles: Li3 Shih2-chen1, July 3, 1518 – 1593), courtesy name Dongbi (Tung-pi; 东璧), was one of the greatest Chinese herbalists and acupuncturists in history. His major contribution to medicine was his 27-year work, which is found in his epic book the Compendium of Materia Medica (Pen-tsao Kang-mu or Bencao Gangmu; 本草纲目). He is also considered to be the greatest naturalist of China, and was very interested in the proper classification of herb components.

The book has details about more than 1,800 drugs (Chinese Medicine), including 1,100 illustrations and 11,000 prescriptions. It also described the type, form, flavor, nature and application in disease treatments of 1,094 herbs. His Compendium of Materia Medica has been translated into many different languages, and remains as the premier reference work for herbal medicine. His treatise included various related subjects such as botany, zoology, mineralogy, and metallurgy. The book was reprinted frequently and five of the original editions still exist.