[Zhu Xi's influence on development of ancient traditional Chinese medicine].

As an ancient famous philosopher and a figure of encyclopedic pattern, Zhi Xi was conversant with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the art of healthcare in addition to the knowledge of philosophical knowledge and its implication, with special understanding on medical classics and its recipes, pulse taking and drug application. He exerted significant influence on the development of ancient medicine, especially in methodology which can be summarized into 3 points. 1. Advocating seeking truth by suspicious attitude; 2. Emphasizing the combined use of simplicity and erudition and from erudition to simplicity; 3. Nature and natural law, manifesting rather high rational dialectical level. These ideas improved the medical development of later generation.