This text gives an introduction to the historical development of medicine in China whose influence on Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia was profound and even reached far west into the Islamic world. The authors wish to make the interested reader aware of China's rich contribution to the world growth of the medical sciences. Often the view has been taken that the history of medicine began with the discoveries of the Greeks and those ancient nations from whom they learnt. The authors attempt to redress this view and acquaint readers with a glimpse of the concepts and history of Chinese medicine.