Xu, Xiaoqun, “'National Essence' vs 'Science': Chinese Native Physicians' Fight for Legitimacy, 1912-37” (1997)

Title : “'National Essence' vs 'Science': Chinese Native Physicians' Fight for Legitimacy, 1912-37”

Author(s) : Xu, Xiaoqun

Year : 1997

Type : Journal article

Subject : History

Keywords : political;health;social

Journal : Modern Asian Studies

Volume : 31

Number : 4

Start page : 847

End page : 877

Language:Name : English

Support : Print

Abstract : Examines the resistance of Chinese native physicians to the incursions of modern (Western) medicine in China during the Republican period (1912-1937) to shed light on state-society interaction & the role of Westernization & nationalism in China's modernization. Efforts by modernists to abolish native medicine are discussed. Described is how native physicians, based in Shanghai, used symbols of cultural nationalism, eg, the "national essence" argument linking medicine to Chinese nationalism, to motivate public opinion against Western medicines. This was combined with collective actions taken by physicians to influence government policies. It is shown how the conflict reflected the tensions between modernization & nationalism & was played out in the experiences of different social groups. The role of the government in legitimizing both native & modern medicine is analyzed. The legacy of this conflict is deemed to be the rise of pluralistic interests & groups to defend them.