The first book on Chinese medicine published in America by Dr. Tan Fuyuan
In 1899, Dr. Tan Fuyuan — a Chinese doctor practicing in San Francisco, published the first English-language treatise on Chinese medicine in America. It was called The Science of Oriental Medicine.
Below are a few of our favorite tips and insights from Dr. Tan’s 1899 book explaining traditional Chinese medicine to Americans for the first time.
Extractions from His Book
Diet and why Chinese medicine recommends cooked food instead of raw salads:
SOME POINTS ON COOKING
The main thing to remember in regard to all forms of cooking for invalids, is that everything must be very thoroughly cooked for the purpose of rendering it easily digestible. This applies equally to bread, cereals, meat and vegetables. In our opinion, the best way to cook food for invalids is by steaming them, boiling is the next best. We rarely permit our patrons to eat anything that is broiled or roasted, although for the sake of variety, we may occasionally permit a little roast beef, or baked potatoes or broiled meats, such as bacon, chicken or beefsteak. The reason for this is that foods cooked in hot air are too dry. They do not supply the juices of the system but, on the other hand, exhaust those juices upon which digestion and health depend. This is a point, we think, not fully understood by American writers on diet.
An 1899 recipe on rice water, a remedy which has been trending on social media:
RICE WATER
Thoroughly wash one ounce of rice in cold water. Then macerate for three hours in a quart of water kept at a tepid heat. Afterwards, boil slowly for an hour. Then strain. This is a very useful drink in diarrhoea and dysentery and in all irritable states of the alimentary canal. It may be sweetened or flavored with a little lemon peel, placed in the water while boiling, if desired.
On emotional balance, moderation, and the importance of rest:
SOME POINTS TO BE OBSERVED
Avoid excitement of every character; cast aside all anxiety and make earnest and persistent efforts to assist nature to restore the deranged condition of the system by preserving the vital forces in every manner possible.
Do not chew gum or toothpicks, or anything that will cause saliva to flow between meal hours. Such practices are very weakening to the system, causing thirst and a weak, scant supply of juices in the stomach and bowels.
Avoid large gatherings in crowded halls or apartments. The inhaling of the foul air at such places, together with the exposure at a late hour at night, is a practice that is very injurious to the health of even robust people.
Hold in check all desires that if indulged in will tend to weaken the system. A candle will last only half as long a time if allowed to burn at both ends as it will if there is a fire at only one end. The same reason applies to human life.
Without proper nutrition, there could be but little or no benefit derived by taking medicine.
Retire regularly at an early hour. One hour’s sleep before midnight is worth more to a young, growing, laboring, or sick person than two hours after.
What Dr. Tan understood then remains true today: TCM isn’t mystical—it’s practical. Rooted in close observation, gentle correction, and long-term care.
Read the book here: The Science of Oriental Medicine