Yaohui tukao (Illustrated Congregation of Drugs), published in 1935 (24th year of the Republic of China), presents the materia medica in dramatic form. It consists of ten scenes, in which various drugs appear as protagonists.
This illustration accompanies Scene 1, Zhizi douzui (Dialogue of Cape Jasmine), in which characters personifying liquorice, Cape jasmine (zhizi), and white chrysanthemum or feverfew (bai juhua) present the sapors, potencies, and therapeutic uses of various drugs through the medium of spoken dialogue and song.
Liquorice has a harmonious, pacific character. It can be mixed with all other drugs; and it dispels a myriad poisons, warms the centre and replenishes insufficiency. Cape jasmine is bitter and cold. It clears heat and dryness. Fresh tamariskoid spikemoss herb (juanbai) is excellent for breaking [stagnant] blood (poxue), and can cure blood disorders/haemorrhagic syndromes (xuezheng). White chrysanthemum/feverfew has a clearing, purifying character. It can dispel wind and improve the eyesight. Poria cocos (bai fuling) promotes diuresis and reduces swelling reducing swelling, Banksia rose (muxiang) sets Qi in motion and soothes the centre... This scene introduces about 80 drugs.
