조선 지식인의 뱀에 대한 의식

Abstract

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.