EQUINE MEDICINE.

Manuscript on paper, entitled on upper cover in manuscript “Uma tsukaikata. Gozo ron hiso” [“For the Horse Doctors: Theory of the Five Organs. Secret Information Written”].

Many fine drawings, some double-page, some single-page, a few heightened in wash of several colors. 47 folding leaves. Large 8vo (298 x 217 mm.), orig. wrappers (wrappers somewhat soiled), new stitching. [Japan: early to mid-Edo].

A fine and well-illustrated equine medicine manuscript, based on the traditional Chinese veterinary medical theories of the five organs (liver, heart, spleen, lung, and kidney), their seven related personality traits (anger, fear, disgust, happiness, sadness, surprise, and contempt), and eight elements of pulse condition at the six locations. There is also a substantial section on the use of moxibustion for treating the liver, heart, lung, kidney, and other organs.

The illustrations are very striking. The first two depict a horse splayed on his back with moxibustion locations marked. These are followed by one image of a horse splayed on his stomach, again with marked moxibustion points. Following this are three images of a horse lying on his side, feet tied together, with names and locations of pressure points.

Next, we encounter five images of various aspects of the five organs and their related pressure points with names. The final three images are side views of a horse with pressure points marked for acupuncture. There are instructions on how long the needles should be and how deeply inserted.

The considerable text discusses the above-mentioned theories of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine.

Very good condition. Our manuscript has worming touching both text and image, but is entirely legible.

Price: $4,500.00

Item ID: 6987