Semantic change of the measure word"Zhan()"in ancient literature with Zhu San Fa as a reference in the two versions of Jin Gui Yao lue(Synopsis of the Golden Chambers)

Abstract

Decoction of Powdered (Herbal) Formulae or Zhu-San Fa () is a decoction method. The entire herbal formula was initially crushed into a coarse powder, a small portion of the crushed medicine was then decocted with a little volume of water for each serving. Zhu-San Fa appeared in the Jin Dynasty and was developed in the Tang Dynasty. It became widespread during the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties. The prevalence of Zhu-San Fa during the Song Dynasties led to the change of measurement reference with the character Zhan (- a cup-like daily utensil used for liquids), from the volume for decoction to the volume for water used. This change was a landmark because it helped determine the formation period of ancient manuscripts and therefore was used to investigate the formation period of TCM literature. This helped demonstrate the chronology relationship of the two versions of Jin Gui Yao Lue(Synopsis of the Golden Chambers).