Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases: Part 1

Description

ISBN: 9781991081100

This treatise and the Treatise on Cold Damage should be regarded as complementary writings, with the wonder of the former representing vertical movement and the latter representing horizontal movement. If a student can effectively integrate the knowledge from both works and scrutinize them in detail, they will naturally find no difficulty in identifying any pattern.

The Wenbing Tiaobian (溫病條辨 Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases) is a landmark Chinese medical text by the esteemed Qing dynasty master, Wu Jutong (1758-1836 CE). In this work, Wu synthesizes and systematically organizes influential writings on warm diseases, particularly those of Ye Tianshi, while further refining the three-burner framework to comprehensively classify conditions involving all six qi entities. His work played a pivotal role in solidifying the foundations of the Warm Diseases school, shaping its development in later generations.

This translation covers the first half of this monumental text, including the description of warm diseases in canonical literature, their various manifestations in the upper and middle burners, and over 136 formulae with modifications to address these conditions. These sections have been meticulously translated and annotated with comprehensive cultural references and contextual insights.

Part 1: Origin of Disease, Upper Burner, and Middle Burner by Wu Jutong

Table of Contents  | Excerpt

The Wen Bing school of thought and the prominent physicians of the Qing Dynasty remain highly regarded and relevant across centuries. Beyond medicine, these Qing-era scholars maintained an intellectual rigor and had innovative clinical observations, which illustrated their ability to adapt and refine existing frameworks, most notably the Shang Han Lun.

Because of Allen Tsaur’s literary sensitivity in his fine translation of Wu Ju-Tong’s Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases, we are able to empathize with Wu Ju-Tong as he struggles through humility “trying to learn something by imitation, only to fall in vain” and how he was “abashed by his lack of intelligence and always hesitated to trust himself”.

Allen’s linguistic skill allows this text to come alive with accuracy and readability, especially in the notes section where the attention to detail in the numerous referenced works shines. This really captures the dedication it takes to bring a classical text into a modern, accessible format.

As a teacher of Chinese Medicine who regularly lectures on Wen Bing theory and formulas at academic institutions, to only credit Wu Ju-Tong with developing and creating San Jiao theory is robbing future generations of physician/scholars of the heartache, depth, humanity and insight of him and his theories, formulas and clinical insights.

REVIEWS

“With this outstanding English translation, I hope that Wu Ju-Tong knows “…(that) people will always depend on it for ten-thousand generations to come.”

—Kerri Westhauser, DACM, L.Ac.

“We have long benefited from multiple translations of the Han dynasty classics. Yet, surprisingly, the Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases remained untranslated until now, even though it may be the most important medical text to be written after these classics. In today’s world of emerging diseases, this book is a crucial resource for practitioners of Chinese medicine. Wu Jutong’s masterpiece offers a comprehensive blueprint for diagnosing and treating epidemic diseases. Wu’s expertise is apparent from his acute insights into the functions of individual herbs, herbal combinations, and formulae. We are fortunate to not only have a translation, but we are also graced with an English rendition by Allen Tsaur, a master at translating Chinese medicine texts. Tsaur possesses unparalleled expertise in literary Chinese, history, and medicine. His meticulous attention to detail and extensive footnotes ensure that every nuance is conveyed to the reader. This book is a treasure that will enlighten and empower English-speaking practitioners of Chinese medicine.”

—Lorraine Wilcox
Translator of Medical Cases from the Flower Charm Studio
Spring Equinox, 2025

“Allen Tsaur’s translation of the Wen Bing Tiao Bian stands as the authoritative English rendering of a major text—if not the definitive book—of the Wen Bing tradition. It is commonly said that there are two principal schools in the study of externally contracted illnesses: Shang Han and Wen Bing. Despite their therapeutic divergences, these two schools remain inherently interconnected. There are many misconceptions about both Shang Han and Wen Bing, but the clarity that Wu Ju Tong offers provides unparalleled insight into the formulaic science of the Wen Bing tradition.”

—Ivan Zavala, L.Ac., Instructor at the Academy of Source-Based Medicine