The History of Chinese Pathology: Ancient and Imperial China

Humans have long sought to comprehend the etiology and mechanisms of disease, as well as the pathological alterations underlying clinical manifestations at the onset of illness. In ancient Chinese myths and legends, disease was commonly attributed to supernatural forces such as demons and malevolent spirits. With a better understanding of the natural world, these early superstitions gave way to explanations based on natural causation. Around the time that Hippocrates advanced the concept that natural factors were important in health and disease, Chinese medical scholars developed the theoretical framework of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements to explain the origins and progression of disease. Over time, theories of disease evolved, due to transformations in religion, philosophy, science, and technology. The study of disease transitioned from rudimentary and speculative accounts to systematic investigations encompassing organs, tissues, and cells. When missionaries introduced Western medicine to China, it was gradually gained acceptance among part of the medical community. In China today, both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are actively supported and seen as complementary approaches to health care. The rich history of Chinese pathology is not well documented in Western medical literature. In this review, we explain the key theories, events, practitioners, and scholars in Chinese pathology, covering ancient China (before 221 bce) to the end of Imperial China (1912 ce).