Geographical distribution of Chinese herbalists：causes of four distribution centers about Huizhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou / 中国中药杂志

ABSTRACT

Based on the "Zhong Guo Ben Cao Yao Ji Kao", Chinese herbalists in past dynasties were counted and analyzed by their living period,numbers and native places. Combined with GIS, the geographical distribution and the formation causes of the four distribution centers of herbalists in past dynasties were discussed. The results showed that, there was a greater difference between the numbers of herbalists in different periods of time, which achieved to the peak in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In addition, the distribution of herbalists in past dynasties characterized east more and west less, forming the distribution areas centered by Huizhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. Besides, the geographical distributions of Chinese herbalists showed an obvious southward trend since the Song Dynasty.