Eric Karchmer

This project examines the historical transformation of Chinese medicine that begins in the Republical era and culminates in the Communist Period. Contemporary Chinese medicine is defined, above all, by its relationship with Western medicine. On the one hand, doctors of Chinese medicine speak as if their medical practice is radically different than Western medicine. On the other hand, they combine both medical systems in their everyday clinical practice. This project examines the historical antecedents of this phenomenon. It seeks to find answers to this transformation through an historical examination of China’s colonial and postcolonial power relations.