This is the fourth volume in this series. It is scheduled for publication in April of 2007. Like the previous three volumes of the Chinese Medical Characters series this text presents both simplified and complex forms for 100 characters that are frequently encountered in diagnosis, providing an in-depth look at the most commonly used characters in case records and diagnostic texts. Significs and stroke counts, commonly used equivalents, character composition, explanation of meaning, and examples of character combinations are included. The stroke sequence showing how to write the character is presented, and space for students to practice writing the characters is provided. The appendix contains a systematic list of the characters presented in the text as well as all characters presented in Volumes One and Two of the series.

By gaining familiarity with the words and meanings that compose the language of the traditional four examinations, readers will discover additional insights into the concepts themselves. The frequent occurrence of these characters in medical Chinese makes this text a must for any practitioner seeking to expand their knowledge of Chinese language and medicinal therapy.

People propose ideas about Chinese medical language that are not justified by the facts. Among these myths is the idea that Chinese medical language is so "fuzzy," with so many variable meanings that it cannot be translated without the intervention of someone with very special qualities. This is not the case. See this very interesting comparison [0] which contains the entire Chinese text of Ten Lectures on the Use of Formulas [0] by Professor Jiao Shu-de. This comparison color-codes every character that you will learn how to read in each of the "Chinese Character" books. What it demonstrates is that with a relatively small vocabulary, and a reasonable understanding of Chinese grammar, you can read very useful information in Chinese. Clearly, this level of knowledge does not make you a translator or an expert on the linguistics of the Chinese language. However, it does give you access to information that you might otherwise depend upon others to provide. The comparison file is very large (167 pages); there is a short sample here [0] .