유상의 고금경험활유방 연구

A Study on YU Sang’s [柳瑺] Book on Smallpox,

GogeumGyeongheomHwalyubang [古今經驗活幼方] is a medical book dedicated to Smallpox, written by YU Sang [柳瑺] in the Joseon Dynasty(late17th centurytotheearly18th century). As a smallpox specialist for the Joseon royal family, YU Sang was well-reputed after successfully treating smallpox of three of the 27 Joseon kings. There are four features of this book. First, the causes for smallpox are roughly recorded. Second, YUS ang emphasized the distinction between patients who could or could not be cured. Third, the herbs related to the treatment of small pox are selected and organized separately. Fourth, YUS ang discusses the contents of diverse medical books and his own experiences. Conclusion:YU Sang’ ssignificant knowledge of smallpox treatment is well presented in his book, GogeumGyeongheomHwalyubang and this wealth of experience would have an important role in understanding thed evelopment of smallpox treatment in the late Joseon Dynasty.