Characteristics. Chinese medicine from the seventh century to the seventeenth century provided many diagnostic and prognostic options, therapeutic alternatives for most health problems, and a rational philosophical basis that could be applied to psychological illnesses. It also strongly stressed public health measures. More important, centralization and bureaucratization resulted in open access to the system for both rich and poor. The greatest weakness of Chinese medicine during this time was limited improvement in surgical procedures.

Developments. From 618 to 741 the relative stability of the Tang dynasty (618-907) contributed to major achievements being made in the field of medicine. Under the Song dynasty (960-1279), a new intellectual climate transformed the conceptual framework of medicine. Two significant changes occurred. First, specialized fields developed along with a trend toward prominent reductionism in concept of the cause, nature, and treatment of illness. Second, intensive research in practical...