Sun Yat-Sen (1866–1925),a Man to Cure Patients and the Nation-his Early Years and Medical Career

1 This was from a story of a physician named He, who offered a consultation to Marquis Ping in the year 541 bc. See Guo Yu, Vol. 14, Jin Yu, 8, Shu Ye De Cang Ban, 1900, vol 3, p 10. This book has been attributed to Zuo Qiu-Ming, said to be a contemporary of Confucius (551-479 BC) or even earlier.

2 This was from a story of Fang Zhong-Yen, who once prayed in a temple, asking whether he would be a prime minister or a doctor, and who, later, though never a prime minister, was ranked a position equal to a vice prime minister. See Wu Zen, Nenggaizhai Manlu (Notes of Nenggaizhai) (1154–7), revised and printed by Zhonghua Shu Ju, Beijing, vol 13, p 381.

3 Sun was called firstly Di Xiang, and later was named Wen, also called Re Xin, and De Ming. He changed his name to Yi Xian (Yat-Sen) in 1886. He used an assumed name, Zhong Shang Qiao, in 1897 when he was in Japan, and hence he has also been called Zhong Shan.

4 Yan Huang Bo-Xin Li . Sun Zhong-Shan Di Jiating Chushen He Zaoqi Shiji (Family background and early deeds of Sun Zhong-Shan) Guangdong Wenshi Ziliao (Material of historical accounts of Guangdong Province). Guandong Renmin Chuban She 1979 vol 75, 276–9; see also Shang Ming-Xuan. Sun Zhong-Shan Zuan (Biography of Sun Zhong-Shan). Beijing: Beijing Press, 1979: 2, note.

5 Yan Huang Bo-Xin Li (op. cit. ref 4): 282; see also Lu Tian-Xiang. Sun Zhong-Shan Zai Cui-Heng-Cun (Sun Zhong-Shan at the Cui-Heng Village). In Guangdong Xinhai Geming Shilao (Material of the Xinhai Revolution in Guangdon), Guangdomg Xinhua Press, 1962: 436, 444; see also Song Qing-Ling. Wei Xin Zhongguo Er Fenduo (Fight for a new China). Beijing: People's Press, 1952: 5.

6 Lian-He Young . Sun Zhong-Shan Xiansheng di Tongnian Shenghue (Childhood of Sun Zhong-Shan), unpublished article, kept in the Guangdong Province Research Council of Historical Accounts, the People's Political Consultative Conference; see also Linebarger P. Sun Yat-Sen and the Chinese Republic. New York: AMS Press, 1969 (reprint of 1925 edn): 50–2.

7 Martin B . Strange Vigour — A Biography of Sun Yat-Sen. London: William Heinemann Ltd, 1957: 12.

8 Lian-Fen Yang . Sun Zhong-Shan Xiansheng Qingshaonian Shidai Di Shenhuo Pianduan (An episode in Shu Zhong-Shan's youthhood). Guangdong Xinhai Geming Shiliao (Historical material of the 1911 Revolution in Guangsong). Guangdong Xinhua Shudian, 1962: 448; see also Linebarger P (op. cit. ref 6): 80; Wu Xiang-Xiang, Sun Yi-Xian Xiansheng Zhuan (Biography of Sun Yat-Sen). Yuandon Tushu Gongsi 1981; 1: 17. Right after the founding of the Republic of China, on 11 March 1912, Sun, as the Interim President, issued an order to all the provinces of China for the prohibition of foot-binding.

9 Yat-Sen Sun . Fu Zhai Li-Si Han (Letter to Giles H). In Kexueyuan Guangdongsheng Shehui Yianjushi Lishi , ed. Sun Zhong-Shan Quanji (Complete works of Sun Zhong-Shan). Beijing: Zhonghua Shu Ju, 1981: vol 1, 47; see also Shen Young-Hua, et al. Sun Zhong-Shan Yu Aomen (Sun Zhong-Shan and Macao). Beijing: Wenwu Chuban She, 1991: 39, illustration 42.

10 Zhong-Shan Sun . Zai Guang-Zhou Ling-Nan Xue-Xiao di Jiang-Yan (Speech at the School of Linan-Nan of Guang-Zhou). Min-Li Bao, 14 May 1912.

11 Linebarger P (op.cit.ref 6): 135–40.

12 Dong-Meng Zheng . Tanshan Huaqiao (Overseas Chinese of Tanshan) Honolulu: Section for Tanshan Huaqiao, 1929: 11.

13 Zi-You Feng . Sun Zhong-Shan di Jiating Chusheng He Zaoqi Shiji (Sun Zhong-Shan's family background and early deeds). In Geming Yishi (Historical anecdotes of revolution). Commercial Press, 1945–7: vol 2, 2, 10; see also Huang Yan, Li Bo-Xin (op. cit. ref 4): 285–6.

14 Sharman L . Sun Yat-Sen, His Life and Its Meaning. A Critical Biography. New York, 1934: 19–20.

15 Hager CR Yat-Sen Sun Dr : some personal reminiscences. Missionary Herald, Boston 1912; April, 382–3; some other sources date Sun's conversion to 1885 — see Lo Jia-Lun, Guofu Nianpu Chukao (Chronological biography of Sun Yet-Sen, a primary textual research). Taibei, 1958.

16 Sun Zhongshan Daxue Yanjiusuo Zhong-Shan . Sun Zhong-Shan Zai Gangao yu Haiwai Huodong Shiji (Activities of Sun Zhong-Shan in Hong Kong, Aomen and abroad). Hong Kong: Zhongwen Daxue Lianhe Shuyuan, 1986: 10–14.

17 Nianpu Guofu (A chronicle of the father of our country). Taibei, 1985: 37.

18 Linebarger P (op. cit. ref 6): 196; see also Sharman L (op. cit ref 14): 23; Biggerstaff K. The Earliest Modern Government Schools in China. Ithaca, 1961: 49, 51; Sun Yat-Sen. China's present and future: the Reform Party's plea for British benevolent neutrality. Fortnightly Review, New Series 1897; 61: 363, 424–40.

19 Zhong-Shan Sun (op. cit. ref 10).

20 Sun Zhong-Shan Quanji (Complete works of Sun Zhong-Shan). Zhonghua Shuju, 1981: vol 6, 229.

21 Zhong-Shan Sun (op. cit. ref 10).

22 Jia-Lun Lo . Guofu Jianpu Chukao (Primary work of the chronological biography of Sun Zhong-Shan). Taipei, 1958: vol 1, 34; see also Sun Zhong-Shan (op. cit. ref 10): 195–8.

23 Preparatory Committee of Zhong-Shan Medical College. Zungli Kaishi Xueyi yu Geming Yundong Wushi Zhounian Jinian Shilue (Outline of the history of the Prime Minister for his fifty year anniversary of studying medicine and devotion to revolution). Ling-Nan University, 1953: 8 (original Chinese text translated by author).

24 Yan Huang Bo-Xin Li (op. cit. ref 4): 287; see also Sun Zhong-Shan Xiansheng Xue-Sheng Shidai Yishi (Anecdotes of Sun Zhong-Shang's school days). Renmin Rebao (People's Daily), Beijing, 2 November 1956.

25 Shi-Liang Zheng (1863–1901), originally called Zheng An, also named Zheng Bi-Chen, a native of Gui Shan, now Hui Yang County, Canton, who discontinued his medical studies in 1888, and returned to his native place, engaged himself to the activities of the “San He Hui” (the Triad Society) and became its head. He later became one of the key members of the revolutionary organization “Xing Zhong Hui” (Society for the Revival of China).

26 Cantlie N Seaver G . Sir fames Cantlie, A Romance in Medicine. London: John Murray, 1939: 97; see also Klawans HL. Sir Patrick Manson and the kidnapping of Sun Yat-Sen. In: The Medicine of History: from Paracelsus to Freud. New York: Raven Press, 1892: 203.

27 Cantlie N Seaver G (op. cit. ref 26): 73, 96.

28 Cantlie J Jones CS . Sun Yat-Sen and the Awakening of China. London: Jarrold & Sons, 1912: 46.

29 The marks (out of 100) he got in the first-year examination, held in August 1888, were: 43 in botany, 92 for chemistry, 65 for anatomy, 81.5 for physiology, 39 for pharmacology, 92.5 for physics, 70 for clinical diagnosis; the average mark for all the subjects was 70. The marks in his second-year examination, held in July 1889, were: 80 for anatomy, 85 for physiology. The marks he got in the fourth-year examination, held in July 1891, were: 66 for legal medicine in the written examination (80 was considered the full mark) and 32.5 for the oral examination (40 was considered the full mark) — the total mark was 98.5 and the average mark was 82.5; 86 for public health in the written examination (100 was considered the full mark) and 30 for the oral examination (40 was considered the full mark) — the total mark was 116, and the average mark was 77; 90 for practical elementary surgery. The average mark of the three subjects was 83. His marks in the fifth-year examination, held in 1892, were: 80 for obstetrics in the written examination and 80 for the oral examination — the average mark was 80; 62 for surgery in the written examination, 80 for the oral and clinical examination — the average mark was 71; 85 for internal medicine in the written examination — the average mark was 68. The average mark for the three subjects was 73. See Luo Xiang-Lin. Guofu Zhi Daixue Shidai. Chungqing: Duli Chu Banshe, 1945: 18–19, 59–68.

30 Cantlie J Jones CS (op. cit. ref 28): 248.

31 Guomin Geming Wenxian Conglu (Collections of literature of the Revolution). In: Guangdon Wenwu Zhanlanhui (Exhibition of Guan-dong Cultural Relics) Guandong Wen Wu (Cultural relics of Guan-dong). Hong Kong: Zhongguo Wenhua Xiejinhui, 1941: vol 2, 101; Sun in his letter to H A Giles also mentioned his interest in reading Darwin's works — See Sun Yak-Sen (op. cit. ref 9): vol 1, 46.

32 Zhong-Shan Sun (op. cit. ref 9): Shang Li Fuxiang Shu (letter to Li Hong-Zhang): vol 1, 16.

33 Zhong-Shan Sun (op. cit. ref 9): Shang Li Fuxiang Shu (A petition to Li Hong-Zhang): vol 1, 8–18; see also Shanghai Minguo Rebao, 28 February 1923; Huang Yan Li Bo-Xin (op. cit. ref 4): 287.

34 He was also named Zheng Zhi-Xian, or Yu Xuan. Being a successful candidate in the imperial examinations at the provincial level, he became a high official and was sent to America and Spain, and Peru, as an ambassador. After 1886 he retired to his native home owing to poor health. He had close relationships with some high officials, such as Zheng Guan-Ying, who advocated Westernization and reformation in China.

35 This letter was first published in the newspaper of Macao, and later published in the Hao Tou Yue Kan (Monthly of Haotou), nos: 14–15, October 1947: 10–12; see also Lo Jia-Lun (op. cit. ref 22): vol 1, 1–3.

36 He Kai was perhaps the one who influenced Sun most strongly, by his political stand. A summary of his scheme for reform in China was published in the China Mail in Hong Kong on 21 May 1895. He sympathized with Sun's revolutionary activities and took part in the Guanzhou uprising in 1895.

37 Wang Tao spent the 1850s in Shanghai as Chinese editor of the London Missionary Society Press. He helped James Legge to complete his translation of the Five Classics. In the 1870s he worked as an independent journalist in Hong Kong. He often offered counsel to the leaders of the Westernization Movement in the late Qing dynasty.

38 According to Dai Ji-Tao, an article written by Sun about the development of agriculture in China was incorporated in Zheng Guan-Ying's book, Shengshi Weiyan, under the subtitle “Nu Gong” (Agriculture) with Sun's penname, Sun Cui-Xi, in its 1894 edition, vol 3, pp 36–40. In this article Sun held that the government should send men to go abroad to investigate methods dealing with cultivation of trees, agriculture, agronomy, silkworm breeding, animal husbandry, tilling machinery, and those technologies that could improve barren soil, and to spread them in China. He pointed out that the key for administering the country was to take agriculture as meridian and commerce as parallel, so that China could be equipped and ready to make the army powerful and the country prosperous. See Dai Ji-Tao. Sun Zhong-Shan Xiansheng Zhuzuo Ji Jiangyan Jilu Yaomu (Catalogue of Sun Zhong-Shan's writings and speeches). In: Gan Nai-Guang. ed. Sun Zhong-Shan Xian Sheng Wenji (Collected works of Sun Zhong-Shan). Guangzhou Sun Wen Yanjiushe, 1925: 122; see also Wu Zhi-Hui Yanxing Lu (Words and deeds of Wu Zhi-Hui). Shanghai: Guangyi Shuju, 1929: 133.

39 Shao-Bai Chen , a native of Xinhui County, Guangdong Province, a student of Guangzhou Ge Zhi Shu Yuan, who transferred to the Hong Kong Medical College through the introduction of Sun Yat-Sen. He became one of the leaders of the Xing Zhong Hu. You Le, a native of Shunde County, Guangdong Province, a graduate of the Mathematics School in Guangzhou, and became map maker. Yang He-Ling, a native of Cui-Heng Village, Xiang-Shan County, also a graduate of the Mathematics School in Guangzhou, ran a shop in Hong Kong. The last two also became members of the Xing Zhonghui.

40 See Sun Yat-Sen (op. cit. ref 9): vol 6, 229.

41 Ride L . The antecedents. In: Harrison B , ed. University of Hong Kong: The First 50 Years, 1911–1961. Hong Kong, 1962: 13, 15; see also Schiffrin HZ. Sun Yat-Sen and the Origin of the Chinese Revolution. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1968: 30–1.

42 According to Jiang Ying-Hua, Sun's co-graduate, it was because there was no job for Sun and him that Robinson, the Governor of Hong Kong, wrote, through the British Ambassador in Beijing, to ask Li Hong-Zhang, the Viceroy, to employ them. Li consented, and Sun thought that having a job in the capital would be beneficial for his revolutionary course and that he would like to go. But, Sun was angry about the obstruction created by the government office of the Two Guang government, which demanded a curriculum vitae from them covering the details of three generations of their families before they were allowed to leave for the capital. Jiang also advised Sun that it would not be safe for him to be in the capital. They gave up that chance. Sun then hated the Qing officials all the more, and his determination on revolution was more firm. See Wu Xiang-Xiang. Sun Yi-Xian Xian-sheng Zhuan (Biography of Sun Yat-Sen). Taipei: Yuandong Tushu Gongsi 1981: vol 1, 89; see also Cantlie N, Seaver G (op. cit. ref 26): 79.

43 Shao-Bai Chen . Xiangzhong Hui Geming Shiyao (Outline of the revolutionary history of the Society for the Revival of China). Nanjing, 1935. Reprinted in Taibei, 1956: 6–7.

44 Cantlie J Jones CS (op. cit. ref 28): 38–9.

45 Ibid: 41–2.

46 Ibid.

47 Yuang-Hua Sheng Sun Thong-Shan yu Aomen ( Zhong-Shan Sun Macao ). Beijing: Wenwu Chuban She (Historical Relics Press), 1991: Figure 53.

48 Cungbao Jinghu (Collection of Jinghu news), 18 July 1893, in the section “Jinghu Yaocai” (lustre of Jinghu) of the Benao Xinwen (News of Macao); Shen Yuang-Hue et al. (op. cit. ref 47): Figure 63; this was the first issue of this newspaper, which was founded by Francisco H Fermandes, a Portuguese, a friend of Sun; see also Feng Zi-You. Geming Yishi (History of revolutionary anecdotes). Shanghai: Commercial Press, 1947: vol 1 (original Chinese text translated by author).

49 Yuang-Hue Sheng (op. cit. ref 47): Figure 65.

50 Yat-Sen Sun . Kidnapped in London. Bristol: Arrowsmith, 1897: 12.

51 Yuang-Hua Sheng (op. cit. ref 47): Figure 69.

52 Zi-You Feng . Geming Yishi. Commercial Press, 1947; vol 1, 7. The English translation is the author's. Here it mentions that Sun had mastered the profound essence of both Chinese and Western medicine and was good at acupuncture and surgical operations. But, so far, there is no other evidence to show that Sun had learned and practised Chinese medicine.

53 Le You . Yang Heng-Yun Lue Shi. In: Wenwu Guangdong Hui Zhanlan , ed. Guang Dong Wen Wu. Hong Kong: Zhong Guo Wen Hua Xie Jin Hui Press, 1941: vol 2, 437; see also Feng Zi-You. Zhonghua Minguo Kaiguoqian Geming Shi. Shanghai: Zhongguo Wenhua Fuwushe, 1946: vol 1, 3.

54 Zhong-Shan Sun Ji Quan . Zhong-Hua Shu Ju. Beijing, 1981: vol 1, 8–19, 99–100; vol 7, 116.

55 Ibid: 52; see also Sun Zhong-Shan Xuangi. Beijing: Renmin Chuban She, 1962: vol 1, 24.

56 Yat-Sen Sun . Zhai Lingnan Xuexiao Jiangyan (Speech at the Lingnan School). In Guofu Tuxiang Moji Jixhen (Collections of photographs and calligraphies of the father of our country). Taipei: Jinda Zhongguo Chubanshe, 1935: 20 (original Chinese text translated by author).

57 Zhong-Shan Sun . Zai Xiangang Daxue di yanshuo (Speech at the Hong Kong University). Zhong-Hue Shu Ju. Beijing, 1981: vol 7, 115–17.

58 Manson-Bahr P . Patrick Manson, The Father of Tropical Medicine. London: Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd, 1962: 73; see also Cantlie N, Seaver G (op. cit. ref 26): 101.

59 For the first-hand material about the kidnapping of Sun, see Sun's own account (op. cit. ref 50); Cantlie J, Jones CS (op. cit. ref 28): 60–3. There have been many works and articles on this event in English, Chinese and other languages, with descriptions, discussions and even some controversies about some of the plots surrounding this event. For more details, see Wong JY. The Origins of an Heroic Image: Sun Yat-Sen in London, 1896–1897. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986.

60 Cantlie J Jones CS (op. cit. ref 28): 249.

61 Yat-Sen Sun (op. cit. ref 9): vol 1, 107–8.

62 While Sun was hospitalized in the Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing, he was first operated on and treated with radiotherapy. Because no good effect was produced, Sun was also treated with traditional Chinese herbal medicine, prescribed by native practitioners. (See Lu Xiun, Zhong Shan Xiansheng Shishi Yi Zhounian, Lu Xiun Quanji, 394.) There were strong disagreements between doctors trained in Western medicine, who opposed traditional Chinese medicine, and the followers of Sun, who wanted to try traditional Chinese for Sun's treatment. Sun himself seemed to be open-minded about traditional Chinese medicine. In his writings, however, no concrete comments about traditional Chinese medicine can be found. Judging by the fact that he had been working at the Jinghu Hospital for Chinese medicine in Macao, and that his patient mentioned in the newspaper notice that he knew both Chinese and Western medicine, he must have had some experience and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, although there is no evidence so far as to where and when he learned Chinese medicine.

63 Ji-Min Wang . Sun Zhong-Shan Xiansheng Qouxue He Xingyi Shiqi De Shishi. Xinzhong Yiyao 1956; 11: 485.

64 Yuang-Hua Sheng (op. cit. ref 47): Figure 166.