Remained Unpublished until 1999

SO, Senshun.

Manuscript on paper, entitled on manuscript label on upper cover: “Ninjin shiki. Jii Sohan cho. Zen” [“The Knowledge of Ginseng Described. Fiefdom Doctor So. Complete”].

37 folding leaves. Two parts in one vol. 8vo (242 x 164 mm.), orig. semi-stiff blue wrappers, new stitching. [Japan]: late Edo.

The doctor and botanist Senshun So (1758-1834), was the author of Seikei zusetsu [An Illustrated Book of Agricultural Things], the great agricultural and botanical work issued in the early years of the 19th century. It is an encyclopedic survey of all the agricultural products and practices of Japan. He served the Satsuma fiefdom under the lord Shimazu Shigehide.

So’s writings on ginseng are considered to be amongst his most important and remained in manuscript until 1999. The author describes the varieties of ginseng found in China, Korea, and Japan (with their various names); the regions and special habitats from which each type of ginseng comes; references to botanical works issued in China and Japan; the cultivation of ginseng; and the history of the use of ginseng in preparing medicines, with recipes. Each part has an index at the beginning.

Fine copy.

Price: $3,750.00

Item ID: 9225