18세기 조선 의학지식의 구조와 특성

Abstract

Many social changes took place during the late period of the Joseon Dynasty. The transformation in socio-economic relationships that the Joseon society went through in the 16th century became even more pronounced with continued wars, and the caste system and economic structures established during the early Joseon period, which had formed the basis of the society, became weak. Economically, as the landlord system expanded and the commodity economy grew vibrant, commercial management of affairs became prevalent across the country. In the area of medicine, commercial trade of medicinal materials became widespread with the implementation of bangnap (防納, agents for tributary payment) and daedongbeop (大同法, standardization of tributes as rice), and production and consumption of medicinal materials gradually leaned toward pursuit of profits. This trend intensified in the 17th century and came into its full flower by the 18th century, as can be seen in the appearance of pharmacy, the growing number of commercial doctors, and the beginning of ginseng cultivation. Many changes were observed in academic aspects of medicine, as well. However, as Dongeuibogam(東醫寶鑑) published by Heo Jun in 1610, continued to be a mainstream text, Joseon medicine in the 18th century faced the task of inheriting the previous century’s teachings and at the same time overcoming their limitations. Many medical scholars met this challenge by accumulating their own experiences and knowledges, but they faced certain limitations. The most notable accomplishment of the period was the advancement in the study of measles, majinhak, which reflected a strong will to fight contagious childhood diseases as they spread with the urbanization of the late Joseon period. The scope of medicine also gradually expanded in response to social demands, including a growing awareness of geriatric diseases.