日本近世初期文学に於ける医学的影響

Abstract

Many instances of medical writing can be seen in the kanazoshi, a form of literature of the early Edo period. This content includes descriptions of: (1) sickness and disease, (2) doctors, (3) treatments, (4) prescription of medicines, (5) medical literature, and so on. While pointing out concrete examples of these themes, this study examines the intent and background of each work. Next, a study was carried out on the authors of these medical accounts in the context of the era in which they were written. First: (1) regarding the works of Asai Ryoi, a Buddhist priest who is surmised to have also lectured; (2) regarding the various topics taken up by the otogishu, officials who worked closely with the daimyo from the warring states period through to the Edo period; (3) regarding the ordinary and entertainment works of common writers, and the development of new medical study by Manase Gensaku, who worked to reform contemporary medicine through the publishing of many articles in the early Edo period. Then, it considered the process whereby these medical writings further developed to be used as a full-scale subject in novels through the example of (4) the first chapter of Budo Denraiki by Ihara Saikaku, an author known for his ukiyozoshi, which were another form of early Edo era literature. Based on these examinations, it is argued that medical influence in early Edo period literature can be summed up in the following five points: (1) the enlightenment and introduction of medical knowledge; (2) its use in morality, comical, and other tales; (3) the practical use of specific medicines; (4) its use in ghost stories; (5) its use in common novels.