Shenpu 參譜

Shenpu 參譜 is a book on ginseng written during the high Qing period 清 (1644-1911) by Huang Shucan 黃叔燦 (1722–1806), courtesy name Mucun 牧村. When the Qianlong Emperor 乾隆帝 (r. 1736-1796) toured the southeastern region, Huang submitted a rhapsody, for which he was granted participation in the prefectural examination.

The book, first printed in 1802, is the first specialised and scientific book on the medically used ginseng root. Huang gained his knowledge from older texts and inquiries of experts. He describes the drug with all its properties and advises on how to distinguish genuine ginseng from fake produces. The introduction also provides information on the price of various qualities, preparation methods and medical properties of ginseng.

The text is included in the series Jieyue Shanfang huichao 借月山房彙鈔 and Zeguzhai chongchao 澤古齋重鈔.