[Introduction to the knowledge of physiology in "Ihan Teiko," compared with that of "Jyutei-Kaitaishinsho"].

By translating imported Dutch books on anatomy and physiology, Udagawa Genshin (1769-1824) wrote the book titled "Ihan Teiko" (Concise Model of Medicine) in 1805. Owing to the vast volume of this book, his pupil Fujii Hohtei summarized it to 3 volumes. With these procedures, the book became widely known and read among physicians who had an interest in Dutch style medicine, especially the function of the organs, and tissue. The physiological functions of each organ and tissue were described, with anatomical explanations. In this article, stress is put on the consideration of physiology. From the viewpoint of present knowledge, the shortages and misunderstandings of the functions are also commented on. Although this book shows such classical inmaturities, it had great influence on Japanese physicians in promoting the level of knowledge from pre-modern to modern medicine, even in the time of the closed-door policy.