The decipher, annotation and textual researches of 7 anti-dysentery prescriptions in the Tangut medical documents unearthed in Khara-Khoto

Abstract

There were 7 anti-dysentery prescriptions in the Tangut medical documents unearthed in Khara-Khoto, preserved in Russia, which were deciphered, annotated and textually researched based on the Tangut tool books like Wenhai (Word Ocean), Tongyin (Homophones), and Fan han he shi zhang zhong zhu (A Tangut-Chinese Timely Gem Dictionary), combining with classical medical documents and application of knowledge of ancient Chinese language. It can be sure that these prescriptions came from the central plains of China during the Song Dynasty, which were made use of by the prescriptions as they were by the physicians of the Western Xia regime, either made modifications and adjustments or without any change. For example, local foods like local sugar and cheese were added. As for the administration and dosage, again, they were applied by following the original one or changing a little according to the local diet customs.