[A brief textual research on Mei shi fang (Prescriptions of Master Mei) and Yi men fang (Prescriptions of Medical Professionals)]

Mei shi fang (Prescriptions of Master Mei) cited in Zheng lei ben cao (Classified Syndromes Materia Medica) and Yi men fang (Prescriptions of Medical Professionals) cited in Yi xin fang (Ishinpo) are actually the same book with different titles, which is actually called Yi men mi lu (Secret Records of Medical Professionals) with 5 volumes or the 5-volume Mei chong xian fang (Prescriptions of Mei Chongxian) approximately compiled during the years of Zhenyuan to Yuanhe reigns of the Tang Dynasty (785-820) written by Mei Chongxian, a Tang taoist. Mei Chongxian and Mei Biao, the author of Shi yao er ya (Dictionary of Mineral Medicines), might probably be the same person. According to the citations of Yi xin fang and Zheng lei ben cao, Yi men mi lu should be a comprehensive medical book including theories, methods, prescriptions and medications, recorded classical prescriptions of predecessors extensively, with some innovations and high clinical and documentary significance.