With the heightened scholarly interest in infectious diseases following the COVID-19 pandemic, research on epidemic professional medical books from the Joseon Dynasty has been conducted actively across various related fields. However, bibliographical ...
With the heightened scholarly interest in infectious diseases following the COVID-19 pandemic, research on epidemic professional medical books from the Joseon Dynasty has been conducted actively across various related fields. However, bibliographical studies, which serve as the foundation for research on epidemic professional medical books, remain scarce. Furthermore, existing studies have been concentrated on specific editions, leaving a gap in foundational research.
Therefore, this study aims to systematically elucidate the lineage of editions and publication trends by surveying and analyzing the entire editions of epidemic professional medical books published during the Joseon Dynasty. Epidemic professional medical books in the Joseon Dynasty originated from Changjinjip and Byeokonbang, compiled during the reign of King Sejong. The publication of such government-compiled medical books was not merely for the transmission of medical knowledge and technology; it functioned as a part of national welfare policy intended to relieve the populace suffering from epidemics and to stabilize society. This effort continued consistently through the reigns of Sejong, Sejo, Jungjong, Seonjo, Gwanghaegun, Hyojong, and Yeongjo. The publication of these books was not limited to central government projects but
was also carried out by local administration offices according to regional needs. Additionally, as medical science and printing technology developed in the late Joseon period, the proportion of privately compiled books increased compared to government-compiled ones. Consequently, privately compiled books, previously transmitted as manuscripts, began to be published in the forms of movable type and woodblock editions.
In this study, the entire editions of epidemic professional medical books from the Joseon Dynasty were classified into three categories: Smallpox(Duchang, 痘瘡), Febrile Epidemics(Onyeok, 瘟疫), and Measles(Majin, 痲疹). The study established their systems and examined the transition and characteristics by edition, publication period, and publishing place. To this end, prior research materials such as Joseon-uiseoji (Bibliography of Joseon Medical Books), Hangug-uisahak (History of Korean Medicine) , and Hanuihak-goseo-mokrok (List of Ancient Books on Korean Medicine) were utilized to survey titles and editions. Historical records including the Joseon-Wangjo-Sillok, Seungjeongwon-Ilgi and were reviewed to examine records of compilation and publication. Furthermore, by analyzing various woodblocks and book lists, the status of collections and locations of these books by period and region was organized, and physical examinations were conducted based on collection information from domestic and international institutions and libraries.
As a result, a total of 35 types of editions of epidemic professional medical books from the Joseon Dynasty were identified, of which 27 types are currently extant. When classifying the extant editions by disease, there were 13 types in the Smallpox category, 10 types in the Febrile Epidemics category, and 4 types in the Measles category. Notable early extant editions include the Eulhaeja edition mixed with supplementary types of Changjinjip, presumed to be published around the 16th century; the Eulhaeja edition of Bunmun-onyeok-ihaebang, published in the 37th year of King Jungjong(1542); and the reprint edition of Gani-byeokonbang, published in Eulhaeja in the 11th year of King Seonjo(1578).
The publication trends of the total 35 types were examined by edition, publication period, and publishing place. First, regarding the types of editions, there were 5 metal movable type editions, 5 wooden movable type editions, 13 woodblock editions, 4 other editions, and 8 editions of unknown type. Among the metal movable types, Eulhaeja, Musinja, and Jeongnijache Iron Type were mainly used. For wooden movable type editions, types from the Naeuiwon were predominant. Regarding woodblock editions, recarving of not only government-compiled books but also Chinese medical books, as well as independently produced editions, was identified.
Next, regarding the publication period, government-compiled books on Smallpox and Febrile Epidemics were mainly published in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the 17th century, during the post-Imjin War social restoration period, various government-compiled medical books were published centered around the Naeuiwon, and privately compiled epidemic professional medical books began to appear amidst the crisis caused by the Little Ice Age. In the 18th century, Duchang-gyeongheombang was published in both Chinese character and Korean vernacular editions. From the 19th century onwards, the recarving of Chinese epidemic professional medical books and the emergence of epidemic professional medical books on vaccination became prominent. Additionally, epidemic professional medical books on Measles, previously transmitted as manuscripts, were published in movable type following the introduction of modern printing technology.
Finally, regarding the publishing place, in the central government, agencies such as Gyoseogwan, Naeuiwon, and Chanjipcheong carried out publications. In the provinces, these books were either recarved or independently published to suit local circumstances. Furthermore, individuals also acted as principal agents in publishing independent medical books.
Through this study, the overall lineage and publication structure of the editions of epidemic professional medical books in the Joseon Dynasty were empirically verified. It is hoped that these research results will be utilized as basic bibliographical research data for future studies on epidemic professional medical books in related fields.