Variations in Editions of Fukushokiran and Contributory Factors

―Possibility of Proofreading of Fukushokiran by Wakuta Shukuko―

Abstract

Fukushin, or abdominal diagnosis, is one of the characteristics of the Kampo medical examination. During the Edo period, “Fukushokiran (腹証奇覧)” became popular due to its explanations of illustrations of abdominal diagnosis and findings, focusing on the prescriptions in “Shanghanlun (傷寒論)” and “Jinguiyaolue (金匱要略).” In this study, we examined various existing editions of “Fukushokiran” and highlighted the differences in abdominal diagnosis illustrations and findings among them. According to the year indicated at the beginning and end of the volume, “Fukushokiran” is divided into pre-Kyowa and Bunka editions. Although the currently facsimile edition is based on the Bunka edition, significant differences were observed in abdominal diagnosis illustrations and other findings, which were revised from the pre-Kyowa edition. “Fukushokiran” has two parts including the first and second parts; however, differences between the pre-Kyowa and Bunka editions are particularly noticeable in the second part. Inaba Bunrei, the author of “Fukushokiran,” died in Bunka 2 (1805) ; therefore, it is unlikely that he was involved in the revision of the Bunka edition. Instead, it is assumed that the views of Wakuta Shukuko, a disciple of Bunrei, are reflected in the Bunka edition.