A brief history of qi - Zhang, Yu Huan (Paradigm Publications, 2001)
Includes bibliographical references (p. 184) and index
Acknowledgments -- Preface -- Foreword -- Chapter 1: Literary Traditions Of Qi -- 1: Etymologies-the roots of qi -- 2: Definitions -- 3: Passages from ancient texts -- 4: Selections from modern writers -- 5: Concepts in other cultures that correlate with qi -- Chapter 2: Qi Of The Philosophers -- 1: Role of qi in ancient cosmology and ontology -- 2: Qi in the explanations of natural phenomena and as the basis of social structures -- 3: Qi and dao -- 4: Qi of kong zi, meng zi, and the Confucian school -- 5: Influence of qi in Western philosophy -- Chapter 3: Qi In The Arts -- 1: Momentum of qi-yi qi he cheng -- 2: Dance of qi -- 3: Qi in the education and training of artists: the basis of aesthetic standards -- 4: Charm of qi -- 5: Understanding qi: perception and appreciation of art -- Chapter 4: Qi In Medicine -- 1: Concept of qi in medicine -- 2: Differentiation of qi in anatomy and physiology -- 3: Role of qi in diagnostics and therapeutics -- 4: Nourishing and treating qi for health and longevity -- 5: Theoretical tools to identify and use qi in TCM -- Chapter 5: Qi Gong -- 1: Ancient roots and practices -- 2: Aims of qi gong practitioners -- 3: Qi gong and the ancient search for the internal elixir -- 4: Real and the fake -- Chapter 6: Qi In The Martial Arts -- 1: Power of qi -- 2: Qi and gong fu -- 3: External and the internal -- 4: Masters and secrets -- 5: Tai ji quan, qi, and their contemporary relevance -- Chapter 7: Qi In Daily Life -- 1: Qi in modern Chinese language -- 2: Familiar experiences and expression of qi -- 3: Qi and the Chinese world view -- 4: Future of qi -- Ten heavenly stems and twelve earthly branches -- Twenty-four seasonal divisions -- Concise chronology of Chinese history -- Bibliography -- Index
Overview: This text attempts to define the many-faceted Chinese metaphysical concept of qi. The authors (affiliations not cited) begin with a discussion of qi's literary and linguistic roots as well as similar concepts from other cultures. They then trace the development of the concept in medicine, philosophy, martial arts, poetry, calligraphy, dance, and painting. The volume is illustrated with b&w Chinese medical drawings, photographs of Tai Chi masters, and traditional Chinese artwork. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)