Neither Donkey nor Horse: Medicine in the Struggle over China's Modernity

Neither Donkey nor Horse examines the complex relationship between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in early twentieth-century China. The book focuses on the period between 1900-1949, when China underwent radical transformations in its medical systems and practices. The narrative follows key historical figures and institutions as they attempted to reconcile or reform traditional Chinese medicine in response to Western medical knowledge. Lei documents the heated debates between traditionalists, reformers, and modernizers as they struggled to define the future of Chinese medicine. The research draws on extensive archival materials, including medical journals, policy documents, and personal writings from Chinese medical practitioners of the era. Medical controversies and public health crises serve as focal points for exploring larger questions about China's modernization. Through this medical lens, the book offers insights into how societies negotiate between tradition and modernity, and how scientific knowledge transforms across cultural boundaries. The work challenges simplified narratives about the triumph of Western medicine, revealing a more nuanced story of adaptation and resistance.

Readers describe this academic work as thorough but dense, with detailed analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine's evolution in the early 20th century. Positives: - Comprehensive archival research and documentation - Clear explanation of complex medical and political concepts - Balanced perspective on both Chinese and Western medicine - Effective use of case studies and specific examples Negatives: - Writing style can be dry and repetitive - Heavy use of academic jargon makes it less accessible - Some sections move slowly with excessive detail - High price point mentioned by multiple reviewers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (5 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (2 ratings) "The book provides valuable insights into China's medical modernization, but requires patience to get through" - Goodreads reviewer Note: Limited public reviews available due to the book's specialized academic nature and recent publication (2014).

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🔍 The book won the 2015 William H. Welch Medal from the American Association for the History of Medicine for its outstanding contribution to medical history 🌿 The title "Neither Donkey nor Horse" refers to how Chinese medicine in the early 20th century was caught between traditional practices (the donkey) and Western medicine (the horse) 🏥 During the period covered in the book (1900-1949), only about 10% of China's population had access to Western-style medical care, despite major modernization efforts 👨‍⚕️ Author Sean Hsiang-lin Lei is a research fellow at Academia Sinica in Taiwan and specializes in the history of medicine, particularly the intersection of Chinese and Western medical practices 🔮 The book reveals how Chinese medicine practitioners strategically rebranded acupuncture as "scientific" in the 1930s to maintain legitimacy alongside Western medicine, helping ensure its survival into modern times