AbstractCompendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen in the Ming Dynasty is not only a monumental work in pharmacology but also a scientific classic rich in chemical knowledge and rudimentary chemical concepts. This paper systematically reviews the classification system of inorganic drugs,chemical preparation processes,and observations on the properties and transformations of substances recorded in “Compendium of Materia Medica”,analyzing the empirical spirit,concepts of material transformation,and systematic classification ideas contained therein. At the same time,in combination with modern chemistry education concepts,it explores how to integrate this traditional cultural treasure into classroom teaching to provide feasible approaches for cultivating students’ core chemical literacy and enhancing cultural confidence. The research shows that the Compendium of Materia Medica holds unique value and significant importance in the fields of chemistry history and chemistry education.
ZHANG Si-Fang, ZHANG Shi-Hao, DONG Mu-Ling. Chemical Knowledge System and Educational Value in Compendium of Materia Medica[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2026, 47(11): 116-126.
