조선 지식인의 뱀에 대한 의식

The awareness of Joseon intellectuals on the snake

This paper examined 『Jibongyuseol(芝峯類說)』 by Lee Sukwang(李睟光), 『Seonghosaseol(星湖僿說)』 by Lee-Ik(李瀷), and 『Songnamjapji(松南雜識)』 by Jo Jaesam(趙在三) in order to consider the awareness of Joseon intellectuals on the snake in 17~19th century. Lee Sukwang s awareness on the snake shows layers of several consciousness. He thought the animal belonged to 陰 when dividing the animal largely and its temper was wicked and obscene. Therefore, he thought animals interbred among different species. He thought other animals or plants turned to a snake and the snake turned to other animals. This is based on the consciousness that the snake was an animal vulnerable to the effect of environment. He also thought about a way to repel snakes by ingredients easily available in non-official circles or a way to treat patients. He usually introduces ways which were verified through the experiment. Lee-Ik tried to break the fictional, unreasonable common idea on various facts and information about the snake rather than recording them. He brought forward authoritative literature to ensure the argument s objectivity and used a way of the observation and experiment. 『Songnamjapji(松南雜識)』 tried to included the snake-related information as much as possible. As a result, it contained a number of unscientific contents. He also refrained from suggesting his own opinion on whether they were true or not.