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Cited by 30Eurasian Exchange NetworksChinese history and philosophy

The Transmission of Foreign Medicine via the Silk Roads in Medieval China: A Case Study of Haiyao Bencao

Open access
Ming, Chen·2007·Asian Medicine
DOI 10.1163/157342008x307866
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Abstract

The importance of cultural exchange along the Silk Routes to the cosmopolitan identity of High Tang culture has long been acknowledged. This paper develops that understanding for the medical context by examining the Haiyao bencao (Overseas Pharmacopoeia), a specialist materia medica work made up of foreign remedies. With a deeper understanding of the sociocultural and religious context within which its author, Li Xun, a Persian born in China, worked we can begin to build a vivid picture of the background against which foreign medicines arrived from the Western regions to Medieval China.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1163/157342008x307866

Cites

7 of 7 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 35 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingreasoning

    Ancient India had experts who specialized in recognizing treasures.

    “This indicates that there were professional specialists in the identification of treasures in ancient India.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In the surviving Haiyao bencao, the majority of its 131 drugs are either imported directly or are foreign-derived herbs grown in southern China.

    “Of the 131 drugs found in the book in its extant form, most come directly from abroad or are medicinal herbs of foreign origin cultivated in south China.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Li Xun's Nanxiangzi poems name numerous medicinal plants that appear as well in Haiyao bencao.

    “In these poems, he mentions many medicinal plants which also occur in Haiyao bencao, for example, cardamom amomum, red cardamom, gomuti palm tree, litchi, Citong flower”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    The majority of additions in Bencao shiyi are foreign remedies absent from Xinxiu bencao.

    “most of the new medicines in it are foreign drugs not found in Xinxiu bencao.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    There is almost no documentary evidence that Li Xun's brother and sister were Zoroastrians.

    “As to the view that Li Xun's brother and sister were Zoroastrians, there is almost no documentary evidence to support this.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 47
  • May combine two claims. 29
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The work is divided into six sections: jade, grasses, trees, animals, insects, and fruits.

    “Haiyao bencao consists of six parts, namely jades, grass, trees, animals, insects and fruits as in Xinxiu bencao or Bencao gangmu.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Li Xun's ancestor came into Sichuan in 880 CE accompanying Emperor Xizong and served as Shuaifushuai.

    “Li Xun's forefather entered Sichuan along with Emperor Xizong in 880 CE and occupied the position of Shuaifushuai.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    No other non-Chinese woman writer from that era is known besides Li Shunxuan.

    “while Li Shunxuan is the only known non-Chinese female writer of that time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Haiyao bencao discusses 130 kinds of drugs.

    “In all, it discusses 130 kinds of drugs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Hu bencao mainly described provenance, colour and smell of medicinal substances and retained the character of natural history notes.

    “Hu bencao mainly described the area of provenance, colour and smell of medicinal substances, while retaining the character of the literary genre of notes on natural history.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Haiyao bencao sets itself apart from natural-history writing and from tales of marvels and curiosities.

    “Haiyao bencao, written by Li Xun $:fll] in the Five Dynasties period (907-960 CE), deliberately distances itself from the natural history genre, as well as the genre of wonders and curiosities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Haiyao bencao mainly discusses medicinal substances' character and properties, preparation and processing methods, curative uses, and lists some prescriptions.

    “Haiyao bencao mainly discusses the character and properties of medicinal substances, methods of preparation and processing, their curative uses, and also lists some prescriptions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Indians, Sogdians, Arabs, and Kunluns were also said to recognize treasure in Tang times, yet they were considered less skilled than Persians.

    “Other peoples credited with being able to identify treasure in Tang times are Indians, Sogdians, Arabs, and Kunluns /i;~A (black Africans?), but their abilities were apparently inferior to the Persians”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Several drugs attributed to the Eastern Roman Empire in Haiyao bencao also appear in other texts, including rhinoceros horn, amber, Douna xiang, and rosemary.

    “Some of the drugs from the Eastern Roman Empire in Haiyao bencao are also found in other texts, such as rhinoceros horn, amber, Douna xiang, rosemary etc.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Five entries in Haiyao bencao include the character hai, meaning sea, in their drug names.

    “Five drugs in Haiyao bencao contain the word hai ;ij 'sea' in their names: Haizao ;ij~ , Haihongdou ;ijU.R , Haitongpi ;ijfl,i]Ez , Haicansha ;ijH;y , Haisongzi ;ijflr.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    Li Xun was a pharmacologist well versed in materia medica.

    “he was a pharmacologist himself and well versed in materia medica”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    Haiyao bencao is a specialist materia medica work composed of foreign remedies.

    “a specialist materia medica work made up of foreign remedies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    Li Tingyi made a living by selling fragrant herbs.

    “Li Tingyi is known to have made a living by selling fragrant herbs”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The remedies in Haiyao bencao generally belong to the category of aromatic herbs.

    “All the medicaments in Haiyao bencao broadly correspond to fragrant herbs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Biebao jing is not mentioned in earlier literature; only later texts such as Wuli xiaoshi and Gezhi jingyuan cite it.

    “Biebao jing, the authority cited here, is not mentioned in earlier literature.Only the later texts, such as Fang Yizhi's 15 t) ~ Wuli xiaoshi ¥,;J!:lll_1Ni (Minor Knowledge about Things and Their Principles) and Chen Yuanlong's ~i:n::J' .f~Gezhi jingyuan tit~ii!m (Mirror Origins of Investigating Things and Extend-”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Some Tang Buddhist dictionaries contain entries on Persian drugs, for example biba in Yiqie Jing yinyi.

    “Some dictionaries of Buddhism in Tang also contain entries on Persian drugs.For example, the entry on biba ¥~ (Long Pepper/ Sanskrit: Pippala; Persian: Pi pal) in Yiqie Jing yinyi -t}J~i1f~ (The Pronunciation and Meaning of the Canon), compiled by the Tang dynasty monk Hui Lin ~!ff; (737-820 CE), says:”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hui Lin

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the Shang Zhiju edition of Haiyao bencao, previous calculations record 15 drugs from Persia, but the paper's author found 17 drugs connected with Persia.

    “According to previous calculations, in the Shang Zhiju edition of Haiyao bencao there are records of 15 drugs from Persia.In fact, I have found 17 drugs that have a connection with Persia.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Some records in extant Haiyao bencao add nothing new to earlier materia medica books, while others show considerable advances.

    “Judging from the extant text of Haiyao bencao, some of the records add nothing new to the preceding materia medica books, but others show considerable advances.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Tang Buddhist texts record two Chinese names for Persia: Bolisi guo and Bolasi.

    “Tang Buddhist texts record two different Chinese names for Persia, namely Bolisi guo ;E![flJWr~ and Bolasi 5.EtflJfl.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Ancient Chinese medical literature contains little first-hand material on the Eastern Roman Empire.

    “In the ancient Chinese medical literature, there is little first-hand source material on the Eastern Roman Empire.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Li Xun's family was presumably engaged in the fragrant herbs business.

    “and his family was presumably engaged in that business too.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Hu bencao was the first monograph recording foreign medicine.

    “As the first monograph recording foreign medicine, Hu bencao is frequently cited in the subsequent literature.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In Tang China, the spread of Nestorian Christianity depended especially on medical practice.

    “Of the three foreign religions, Nestorianism was particularly reliant on medicine for its transmission in Tang China.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cai Hongsheng

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Biebao jing probably comes from a Persian-authored text.

    “I think that Biebao jing is likely to be a fragment of a book by a Persian author, because Persians in mediaeval China were credited with special skills in identifying treasures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    For Persians who settled in Tang China, the usual trades were fragrant herbs and jewellery.

    “Trading in fragrant herbs or jewellery was the most common occupation of Persian immigrants in the Tang.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Some Eastern Roman doctors could perform craniotomy to remove worms.

    “Some of them can carry out craniotomy to remove worms.-11”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Du Huan 2000, pp.23-4

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Some Eastern Roman doctors could predict disease before it came.

    “Some of them can predict disease before it comes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Du Huan 2000, pp.23-4

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Li Xun's birthplace was Guangzhou, not Sichuan.

    “In fact, Li Xun was not born in Sichuan but in Guangzhou.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisereasoning

    People in medieval China attributed exceptional treasure-recognition abilities to Persians.

    “because Persians in mediaeval China were credited with special skills in identifying treasures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    In 829 CE, a Nestorian oculist from the Eastern Roman Empire was practising in Chengdu, China.

    “In 829 CE, the above-mentioned Nestorian oculist from the Eastern Roman Empire was practising in Chengdu, China.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Persian fame for finding and recognizing treasure left a strong mark on Chinese thought and entered Chan Buddhist discourse.

    “The Persian reputation for being skilled in locating and identifying treasures made a deep impact on the Chinese psyche, gradually becoming 'a topic in the Ch' an discourse of Chinese Buddhists'.28”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisereasoning

    The Tang period saw a vogue for exotic commodities.

    “It may be said that the Tang Dynasty was marked by a vogue for exotic commodities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Eastern Roman doctors were skilled at treating eye diseases and diarrhoea.

    “[The doctors of] the Eastern Roman Empire are good at treating eye diseases and diarrhoea.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Du Huan 2000, pp.23-4

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Li Xun's lifetime spanned the ninth and tenth centuries, and he served in Former Shu.

    “Li Xun therefore lived between the ninth and tenth centuries.He held a post in Former Shu.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Li Xun was an ethnic Persian born in China.

    “its author, Li Xun :$fa), a Persian born in China”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Ophthalmology was highly developed in the Eastern Roman Empire.

    “Ophthalmology was very well developed in the Eastern Roman Empire.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Li Xun likely followed Nestorian Christianity while also being shaped by Daoism.

    “I am inclined to agree with Luo Xianglin, and to conclude that Li Xun was probably a Nestorian who was influenced by Daoism.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Luo Xianglin

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    The transmission of Nestorian Christianity in China is known through Dunhuang manuscripts and the Daqin Jingjiao liuxing Zhongguo bei.

    “The transmission of Nestorian Christianity in China is known through Dunhuang manuscripts and the records of Daqin ]ingjiao liuxing Zhongguo bei **~fJOfrtf-ft:p~ti9i! (Monument of the Spread of the Jing Religion of Da Qin/Ta'chin).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Tang Shenwei, author of Zhenglei bencao, included over 100 substances from Haiyao bencao, sixteen as major drugs.

    “He included over 100 substances from Haiyao bencao, sixteen of which he lists as major drugs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Around Li Xun's time, King Meng Chang of Later Shu ordered Han Baosheng to edit a new materia medica, Shu bencao, based on the Illustrations section of Xinxiu bencao.

    “Around the time of Li Xun, King Meng Chang .iii~ of the Later Shu (935-965 CE) commanded Han Baosheng ~{ii';.n to edit a new materia medica book, which was to be entitled Shu bencao ~;$:!j[ (Materia medica of Shu [Country]).This book was based on the 'Illustrations' section of Xinxiu bencao.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Nestorians were purveyors of drugs usable in alchemy, and their shared pursuits brought them into contact with foreign druggists and Nestorians in Tang China.

    “The Nestorians were purveyors of drugs that could be used in alchemy.Their shared pursuits no doubt put them into contact with foreign druggists and Nestorians in the Tang period.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Wuhai and Shalishen were presumably Persian merchants, though the Chinese still regarded them as Persian emissaries even after the Tang government considered the Persian Empire ended.

    “Both Wuhai and Shalishen were in fact presumably Persian merchants.However, they were still regarded as Persian emissaries by the Chinese, even though the Tang government deemed the Persian Empire to have come to an end with the death of the last Persian king.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Li Xun's remarks show he valued first-hand investigation and recording current affairs.

    “His remarks show that he attached much importance to first-hand investigation and recording of the current state of affairs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Daqin Jingjiao liuxing Zhongguo bei provides evidence of medical activities in Nestorian monasteries.

    “Daqin ]ingjiao liuxing Zhongguo bei also provides evidence of medical activities in Nestorian monasteries.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Jing says all jade is contained in stone, and if a stone viewed at night by lamplight glows red like the sun, it contains jade.

    “Jing ~UJU!l!: (the Classic of Distinguishing Treasures) also says: 'All jade is contained in stone, but when a stone is viewed at night by lamplight, if it glows red like the sun, you will know that there is a jade inside it.'”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Jing

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A Syriac medical book suggests a similar use for betel or areca nut in wine for hiccoughs and windy flatulence.

    “And castoreum given to the patient in vinegar and water is good for the hiccoughs, or a dose of plonaya (betel, or areca nut?) about the size of a chick-pea given in wine, and this medicine is good also for the hiccoughs that arise through windy Aatulence.38”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Budge 1913, p. 326

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Li Shiwulang and Li Tingyi were drawn into alchemical pursuits under Daoist influence and suffered disastrous economic ends.

    “They were also drawn into the same alchemical pursuits under the influence of Daoism and came to the same disasterous economic end.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Haiyao bencao is highly significant for the history of Chinese materia medica and for the history of communication between China and foreign countries.

    “Haiyao bencao is a highly significant work both for the history of Chinese materia medica and the history of communication between China and foreign countries.46”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    According to Shang Zhijun, over 40 drugs in Haiyao bencao are recorded in Xinxiu Bencao and over 50 in Bencao shiyi.

    “According to Shang Zhijun, over 40 drugs in Haiyao bencao are recorded in Xinxiu Bencao and over 50 are in Bencao shiyi.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shang Zhijun (ed.) 1997, p. 95

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Biba is a foreign drug name from the west, originally from Persia and India, resembling mulberry, thin, long and acrid.

    “It is a foreign word, a drug name from the west.It originally comes form Persia and the Brahmanic country (India).It looks like mulberry, and it is thin, long and very acrid.42”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Takakusu and Watanabe 1924-34, vol.54, p. 710

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Research into medical practice may provide an important link between Nestorianism and Daoism in Tang China.

    “In addition to the use of Daoist terms in Chinese translations of Nestorian literature, research into medical practice might provide an important link between the two religions in Tang China.45”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Nestorians mingling with Daoists was a new phenomenon after the Huichang reign period of Tang Wuzong.

    “Nestorians mingling with Daoists was a new phenomenon, which we encounter after the Huichan reign period of Tang Wuzong.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Beimeng suoyan says Persian Mu Zhaosi had been interested in medicine since childhood.

    “The Persian Mu Zhaosi ffl:BB;u] has been interested in medicine since his childhood'.4 °”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sun Guangxian 2002, p. 383

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Cai Hongsheng holds that Mu Zhaosi came from Merv Country under the Sogdian system.

    “Cai Hongsheng is of the opinion that Mu Zhaosi was from Merv Country which was under the Sogdian system.41”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cai Hongsheng 2005, pp.75-82

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    At least two advanced ophthalmic techniques, one Indian and one Eastern Roman, were introduced into China during the Tang period.

    “There were therefore at least two advanced ophthalmic techniques, one from India and one from the Eastern Roman Empire, introduced into China during the Tang period.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Nestorians were readily accepted by Daoists probably for two reasons: the Daoist legend that Laozi converted western barbarians, and Daoists' use of foreign drugs in alchemy.

    “The reason why they were so readily accepted by Daoiss is probably twofold.From the Daoist point of view, legend had it that Laozi had converted the barbarians of the western regions.Secondly, Daoists generally employed foreign drugs in their alchemical practice.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Betelnut was believed to remove qi.

    “Betelnut was thought to remove qi.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dunhuang manuscript S.1366 records provisions to a Persian monk from Ganzhou, including wheat flour and oil, and payment to a Persian monk who brings in drugs.

    “A Persian monk from Ganzhou: seven dou of wheat flour each month, one sheng of oil.... Pay one dan of wheat flour and three sheng of oil to a Persian monk who brings in drugs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Dunhuang manuscript S.1366

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Li Shiwulang and Li Tingyi were wealthy merchants engaged in the main Persian trade of fragrant herbs and/or treasures.

    “Both of them were also wealthy merchants who engaged in the main Persian trade, fragrant herbs and/or treasures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The same story is repeated in Yinshan zhengyao, compiled in 1330 by the Mongol doctor Hu Sihui.

    “The same story is repeated in Yinshan zhengyao ~ijgl.E£J (Principles of Correct Diet, or Proper and Essential Things for the Emperor's Food and Drink, 1330), compiled in the fourteenth century by the Mongol doctor Hu Sihui ~,f,~.37”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Buell et al. 2002, p. 424

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    In China, this recipe from Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire was sometimes called the recipe for long pepper with milk and gained credibility from association with Emperor Taizong of Tang.

    “In China, this well-travelled and enduring recipe from Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire was sometimes known as the recipe for long pepper with milk and gained credibility from its association with Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty.36”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Duyi zhi

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Dingming Lu

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Taiping Guangji

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    In China, disorders of qi often related to pathologies of breath or abdominal gas causing discomfort.

    “Disorders of qi in China often relate to pathologies of breath or abdominal gas causing discomfort.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
62 of 62

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The Hai yao ben cao by the Persian immigrant Li Xun indicates Intra-Asian flows and networks and testifies to the increasing role of Southeast Asian aromatics in international trade and consumption.

    “In between the Li Xun in Szechuan (Southwest China) from the turn of the 9 th/ 10 th century indicates Intra-Asian flows and networks, and testifies the increasing role of Southeast Asian aromatics in international trade and consumption”

    From The Cultural Biography of Agarwood – Perfumery in Eastern Asia and the Asian Neighbourhood (2013) · cites this paper as Chen 2007

    The 'Haiyao bencao' section says that most of its 131 recorded drugs came from abroad or were foreign-origin herbs cultivated in south China, and that they broadly correspond to fragrant herbs. The Preliminary Conclusion links Li Xun’s Persian background and family trade in fragrant herbs to a history of exchange. But the cited passages do not establish an increasing role specifically for Southeast Asian aromatics in international trade and consumption; the section on Li Xun’s life also says he was born in Guangzhou, not that he himself immigrated from Persia. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • There are other accounts of Tang Christians possessing medical skills.

    “There are other accounts of Tang Christians possessing medical skills.$^{2}$^{5}”

    From Indo-Iranian and Islamicate Sources of Astrological Medicine in Medieval China (2019) · cites this paper as Chen Ming 2007

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Haiyao bencao is assigned two different drug counts

    Minor

    One passage says the extant book contains 131 drugs, while another says the book discusses 130 kinds. The text does not explain the difference.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 18

  1. ChenMingiltBjj 2005, Shufangyiyao: Omtu wenshuyuxiyuyixue~JjJJJ~: l:B±x:1i'~i §~ff (Med- ical Manuscripts Discovered in Dunhuang and Western Regions: Foreign Medicine in Medi- aeval China), Beijing: Peking University Press.
  2. Chen Yuan llttl'i 1980, 'Jidujiao ruhua shi' ~fi~A~s!:'. (The History of Christianism in China), in Chen Yuan xueshu lunwen ji llttJ'i~f,jtj~ifiX:$ (Collected Essays of Chen Yuan), vol. 1, Beijing: Zhonghua shuju.
  3. Dong Hao iHl'i et al. (eds) 1990, Quan tangwen ~~X: (Complete Prose of the Tang Era), vol. 703, Shanghai:Shanghai guji chubanshe.
  4. Duan Gonglu ffe~0~ 1986, Beihu Lu ::ltJ=iff (Records from a Northern Household), in Yingyin wenyuange siku quanshu ~fPX:;)jM!ffl[Q~~~. vol. 589, Taipei: Shangwu yinshuguan.
  5. Feng Hanyong ,.~51!-(ed.) 1993, Gu fangshu jiyi c!i"::tj~iffl~ (Compilation of the Lost Ancient Formularies), Beijing: Renmin weisheng chubanshe.
  6. Hongmai i~JM (ed.) 1955, Wamhou tangren jueju n §f@' .A.t~'CJ (Ten thousand Quatrains in Tang), Beijing: Wenxue guji kanxing she.
  7. Liu Hengru jlJijj:!ID (ed.) 2000, Bencao gangmu :t,:1,[ffi] El (Classified materia medica), Beijing: Renmin weishen chubanshe.
  8. Liu Xun i'Jf §J 1986, Lingbiao luyi ~:t{~~ (Lingbiao Records of the Strange}, in Yingyin Wenyuange siku quamhu ll!;fPX:5/#IOOIZ!l~~~' vol. 589, Taipei: Shangwu yinshuguan.
  9. Ma Jixing .~W!ll! (ed.) 1995, Shennong bencao JingJizhu 1$!1!:$:I;[~![ffl;.l (Collection and Notes of Divine Husbandman's Canon of Materia medica), Beijing: Renmin weisheng chubanshe.
  10. Rahman, S. Z. 2002, 'Interaction with China and Central Asia in the Field of Unani Medicine', India's Interaction with China, Central and West Asia, ed. by A. Rahman, (Series: Development of Philosophy, Science, and Technology in India and Neighbouring Civilizations. History of Science, Phiwsophy, and Culture in Indian Civi&ation, pan 2. Project of History oflndian Science, Philosophy and Culture, vol. 3, pan 2), New Delhi, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 297-314.
  11. Rong Xinjiang ~ffi;I 1998, 'Yige rushi Tangchao de Bosi jingjiao jiazu' -OOA f±mffflB':15E'i:WT -JlUIC~~ (A Persian Nescorian Family in Tang China), in Ye Yiliang ~~ ~ (ed.), Yilang xue zai Zhongguo lunwen Ji WM~;(£ t:p rn!rl~ilii:X:~ (Collected Essays on Chinese Iranology), vol. 2, Beijing: Peking University Press, 82-90.
  12. by W. J. Fischel, Berkeley, CA, Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press, 403-22.
  13. --1985, The Goukn Peaches of Samarkand: A study of T'ang exotics, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press.
  14. Shang Zhijun f;';j;t-~ (ed.) 1997, 'Postscript', in Haiyao bencao 5iM,1:$:I,[, Beijing: Renmin weisheng chubanshe, 94-109.
  15. Song Xian 5Rlf!ll 1998, 'Bosi yiyao yu gudai Zhongguo' iE' i:Wi' Hlil1Wc1i"{-\.' .t:prn!rJ (Persian tradi- tional medicines in the Imperial China), in Ye Yiliang ffi~N (ed.), Yilang xue zai Zhongguo lunwen Ji WAA~tE t:p rn!rl~ilii:X:~ (Collected Essays on Chinese lranology), vol. 2, Beijing: Peking University Press, 91-100.
  16. Takakusu, J. and K. Watanabe 1924-34 (ed.), Taisho Shimhti Daizokyo *lEWr~*-~• JOO vols. Tokyo.
  17. Whitfield, S. (ed.) 2004, The Silk Road: Trade, Travel, \%rand Faith, Chicago: Serindia Publica- tions Inc.
  18. Ye Yiliang .. ~.Bl: (ed.) 1998, Yilang xue zai Zhongguo lunwen Ji WM*i'fcplg.l1J~ifu:X:~ (Collected Essays on Chinese lranology), vol. 2, Beijing: Peking University Press.

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Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Ming, C.
Venue
Asian Medicine
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Published
2007-10-16
Volume
3
Issue
2
Pages
241-264
ISSN
  • 1573-420X (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-4218
DOI
10.1163/157342008x307866
OpenAlex
W2028508642
Cited by
26
References
5
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 2
FWCI
1.98
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
Asian Medicine (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Eurasian Exchange Networks
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Chinese history and philosophy
Keywords
Silk Road, materia medica, Tang dynasty medicine, Persian medicine, cultural exchange, Western Regions, medicinal plants, cosmopolitanism

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-04.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-04.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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