[Studies of various editions of "Heji Jufang" and objective of compilations of "Heji Jufang" during the Kyoho era of the Edo period].

The author conducted a comparative study of the various editions of "Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang" (Pharmacopoeia of the Taiping Welfare Dispensary Bureau; in Chinese) to "Zeng-guang Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang" (Kyoho edition), which was compiled in the year Kyoho 17 (1732), by order of the Bakufu (shogunate) government for the purpose of elucidating its characteristics, and obtained the following results. 1. Heji Jufang is available in three different versions :(i) the Zokohon version, (ii) the Teitentaku version, and (iii) the Zochuhon version. The Genjo Noro edition to represent the original form of the Kyoho edition belongs in the Zokohon version. Furthermore, it closely resembles the book published by "Luling-Gulin-Shutang" (Library of the Imperial Household Agency, No. 558-28). 2. The reason for selecting the Zokohon version among the three versions is thought to be that it is divided into separate pharmacopoeias, including Daguan, Shaoxing and Baoqing, and that the inclusion of Tujing bencao yaoxing zonglun with illustrations of medical materials, Zhinan zonglum, Paozhi zonglum and other relevant information, gave the volume a great importance as a practical medical resource. 3. The purpose of the Kyoho compilation was thought to be the invigoration of the pharmaceutical industry under Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, while at the same time enabling regulation and control of drug manufacturing.