@article{ART003313480},
author={Kim,hyerang},
title={On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -},
journal={Journal of Humanities},
issn={1598-8457},
year={2026},
number={100},
pages={479-497}
TY - JOUR
AU - Kim,hyerang
TI - On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -
JO - Journal of Humanities
PY - 2026
VL - null
IS - 100
PB - Institute for Humanities
SP - 479
EP - 497
SN - 1598-8457
AB - This study reexamines the perception and application of numerical theory in the medicine of the Huangdi Neijing (黃帝內經, Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor) by analyzing the use of wuchangshu (無常數; non-constant numbers, musangsu in Korean) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun (至眞要大論, Great Treatise on the Essential and True Points)” chapter of the Suwen (素問). While changshu (常數; constant numbers, sangsu in Korean) has traditionally been understood as fixed numerical laws, this paper argues that it functions as a context-dependent principle in practice.
Furthermore, it demonstrates that wuchangshu is a key concept that reveals the flexibility of numerical operations within the shengfu (勝復; victory and return, seungbok in Korean) relationship. By comparing these findings with Han dynasty shushu (術數, predictive arts) texts, this study shows that the Neijing prioritizes yipingweiqi (以平為期, taking balance as the standard)—a mode of medical reasoning aimed at physiological equilibrium—over the theoretical completeness of numerical systems. Consequently, this research clarifies both the theoretical character and the inherent limitations of numbers in Neijing medicine.
KW - The Huangdi Neijing;“Zhizhenyaodalun;” Wuchangshu (Non-Constant Numbers);Changshu (Constant Numbers);Shengfu (Victory and Recovery);Yipingweiqi (Taking Balance as the Standard)
DO -
UR -
ER -
Kim,hyerang. (2026). On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -. Journal of Humanities, 100, 479-497.
Kim,hyerang. 2026, "On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -", Journal of Humanities, no.100, pp.479-497.
Kim,hyerang "On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -" Journal of Humanities 100 pp.479-497 (2026) : 479.
Kim,hyerang. On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -. 2026; 100 : 479-497.
Kim,hyerang. "On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -" Journal of Humanities no.100(2026) : 479-497.
Kim,hyerang. On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -. Journal of Humanities, 100, 479-497.
Kim,hyerang. On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -. Journal of Humanities. 2026; 100 479-497.
Kim,hyerang. On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -. 2026; 100 : 479-497.
Kim,hyerang. "On the Limits of Number (數, Shu) - An Analysis of the Use of Wuchangshu (無常數) in the “Zhizhenyaodalun” of the Huangdi Neijing Suwen -" Journal of Humanities no.100(2026) : 479-497.
