Abstract
Sōun Yamazaki 山崎宗運 (1761–1834) worked as an acupuncturist employed by the Tokugawa shōgunate, and taught at the Edo Igakukan 江戸医学館. He is known for publishing ‘Shi Gu 釈骨,’ ‘Ten seidōjinyuketsusinkyūzukyōikō 天聖銅人腧穴針灸図経彙攷’, and making ‘The Copper Doll 銅人形’ (Collection of the Tokyo National Museum 東京国立博物館). ‘Kotsudosetsuryōhōsyakushiki 骨度折量法尺式’ (owned by Hitoshi Nagano 長野仁 in 1787), which is to be attached to ‘Shi gu 釈骨’ is the paper scale constructed by Sōun Yamazaki. ‘Kotsudosetsuryōhōsyakusiki, 骨度折量法尺式,’ is the basis of ‘Ling Shu 霊枢’ ‘Gu Du 骨度’ and by using ‘Ryōshaku 量尺’ and ‘Hōshaku 法尺’ is to be attached to ‘Kotsusdosetsuryōhōsyakushiki 骨度折量法尺式.’ It could accurately measure bones and find the meridian points, regardless of exact size. The intention of the production of ‘Kotsudosetsuryōhōsyakushiki 骨度折量法尺式’ by Sōun 宗運 was to try to construct a demonstrative theory of the meridian points by studying accurate measurements of bones, using a convenient and extremely precise method of finding the meridian points by studying and respecting the opinions found in ancient texts.
