Chinese woodcut: Abscesses -- fugu and duikou abscess

Right-hand illustration:

Woodcut illustrating the 17th century text Xu Ping waike zhengzong (Orthodox Manual of External Medicine with Commentary by Xu Dachun), from an edition published in 1860 (10th year of the Xianfeng reign period of the Qing dynasty). The image shows the disease location of fugu ju (abscess adhering to the bone) and indicates the prognosis of this disease. This type of lesion is so called because malign Qi has penetrated so deeply as to attach itself to the bones. It is analogous, in current medical terms, to osteomyelitis or bone tuberculosis. Also shown are the locations for madao (sabre [lesion]), qi ying (Qi goitre), luoli (scrofula), yuanju (deep abscess) and zhu jiepian (wormy flakes [lesion]). Madao is a type of sore that occurs behind the ear. Qi ying is a large swelling of the thyroid gland. Luoli is a tubercular swelling of the lymph glands in the neck. Yuanju is a lesion without a head which is found three cun (Chinese/proportionate inches) down from the armpit. Zhu jiepian is a kind of gangrene, or phlebitis where the blood vessel is obstructed by a clot, which is found on the head. In serious cases, the tissue flakes away in layers.

Left-hand illustration:

The image shows the disease location of duikou ju (abscess opposite the mouth). This condition arises when heat gathers and coagulates in the large intestine. The lesions, a form of abscess with a head or carbuncle, are found at the nape of the neck, at the centre of the hairline, corresponding in position to the mouth.

RIGHT-HAND ILLUSTRATION: When fugu ju (abscess adhering to the bone) first arises, pain is felt in the tendons and bones of the thigh. In the later stages, there is widespread swelling and suppuration. If the pus is thick and viscous, [the patient] will live; if Qi is enfeebled, [the patient] will die. LEFT-HAND ILLUSTRATION: Duikou ([abscess] opposite the mouth) arises when heat gathers and coagulates in the large intestine. It is raised, swollen, and liable to fester.