Original Edition of Huh Jun's Medical Book Unearthed

The first edition of a medical book written by Huh Jun, a skilled physician of the Chosun Dynasty, has been unearthed for the first time.

This book deals with the prevention and treatment of smallpox, which hit the country right after the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. Work on the book started in 1601 and was published in 1608, a translation into Korean was also added to help further the common peoples' understanding.

Divided into two volumes and printed in court physician's type, it is in good condition and except for an extremely small portion the work is overall well preserved.

This is the second time a medical book which contains Korean translation was excavated. Some other first editions of medical books by Huh Jun, which are printed in court physicians' type, have been designated as national treasures.

Hansung University professor Kang Soon-ae (45), who found and introduced this book, said, "A reprint of this book is being preserved in Kyujanggak but is not in good condition, and the original edition which was printed in court physicians' type was not even known to exist," adding that this is expected to be a great leap for the study of bibliography.

by Park Tae-wook