Li Shizhen (courtesy name: Li Dongbi, assumed name: Li Binhu; 1518–1593) was from Qizhou (present Qichun County, Hubei Province). He came from a family lineage of physicians. His grandfather, an itinerant healer usually walked the streets to treat poor people, and his father was a famous physician in his hometown. He was brought up and nurtured by his family tradition and he expressed keen interest in medicine. Since childhood he started to study Confucian teachings, and at 14 he passed the imperial examination at the county level. When he failed the further imperial examinations three times, he gave up the thought of pursuing an official career and decided to study medicine. When his father was visiting patients, he learned the healing arts from him. At 26 he began to see patients independently. Gradually he enjoyed a widespread reputation for his superb practice. In 1551, he was engaged by the Prince of Chu to be his family physician. During his term of office, he rescued the Prince's son who was attacked by a sudden syncope. In 1556, he was recommended to serve as an imperial physician in the capital.1 But one year later he resigned his post and came back to his hometown because he did not care for wealth and fame. Afterward he devoted himself to medicine and wrote scholarly works.
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