明代官方馬匹的飼養、勞役與醫療

Abstract

明代的馬政體系包括太僕寺、御馬監等諸多機構。御馬監負責管理皇家馬匹，南北兩京太僕寺負責京城和南北直隸地區的馬匹管理，行太僕寺則負責西北地區的馬匹，苑馬寺則專門處理馬政事務，而車駕清吏司則負責供應車駕所需的馬匹。茶馬司與鹽馬司則分別負責茶馬和鹽馬貿易的監管。這些機構各司其職，形成明代馬政體系的整體樣貌。南北兩京太僕寺在馬匹管理、繁育調習和飼養方面擁有重要的權力，是明代馬政體系的核心。養馬方面，特別關注水草的品質與潔淨程度。明代的養馬方式包括季節性的養馬、營衛的放牧、草場的劃分與熟地的徵收等。另外，馬匹的短缺是明代馬政的一個重要問題，透過有效的管理和育種來增加馬匹的整體數量。季節方面，春季放牧、夏季放牧、秋季放牧與冬季養育等不同的牧養階段，對馬匹的成長健壯有著深遠影響。養育則離不開醫療的問題，其中獸醫主要負責畜養與醫療的工作，主要職責是照顧與診治馬匹。隨著明代獸醫體制的發展，各地陸續設立獸醫，並在軍中配置獸醫等相關的醫療人員，用以確保馬匹的健康狀態。此外，馬匹在驛遞制度中扮演重要角色，涉及會同館、遞運所、急遞鋪與軍站等傳遞機構，這些機構提供馬匹作為運輸的工具，以提供方便且即時的通訊與運輸服務。明代的法律對於郵遞事務和畜養管理也有詳盡的規範。郵政方面，明確規定相關刑罰，如役使逾時、濫用驛馬等。畜養方面，明確規範牧養畜產、生產馬駒、照顧病弱畜產等事項的規定與懲處。透過一系列嚴格的規範與刑罰，得以維持郵政與牧場事務的延續與實踐。傳統中獸醫學有所謂「八證」的論述，是一種研究疾病發展與變化的方法。主要將八種病證分為四組相對的病證，屬於辨證的基本原則。診斷方面，主要依賴「四診」的診斷方式，以實現對疾病的分析，判斷病證的虛實與寒熱程度，進而訂立適合的治療方法。治療方面，預防為主要原則，強調在疾病發生之前的預防措施，並在疾病出現後立即進行診斷與醫治，以避免疾病再度惡化。例如，保持飼養環境的清潔衛生、定期檢查畜群的狀況、隔離病畜等。治療方面，放血療法和針灸療法是兩種重要的治療手段。放血療法可預防氣血過旺和季節變化引起的疾病，但需要考慮馬匹自身的體質。針灸療法則根據疾病的虛實和病程來選擇適當的穴位與針灸方法。診治目的在於確定疾病症狀後，調和陰陽，使軀體恢復成原先的自然平衡。The administrative system for horses in the Ming Dynasty consisted of several institutions, including the Ministry of Works and the Imperial Stable. The Imperial Stable was responsible for managing the royal horses, while the Ministry of Works in both the southern and northern capitals oversaw horse management in the respective regions. The Department of Works for the Western Regions was responsible for horses in the northwest area, and the Temple Stable specialized in horse affairs. The Office of Clean Officials for the Imperial Carriages was tasked with providing horses for the emperor's carriages. The Tea and Salt Horse Offices were responsible for overseeing the tea and salt horse trades, respectively. These institutions each had their designated roles, forming the overall framework of the Ming Dynasty's horse administrative system. The Ministries of Works in the southern and northern capitals held significant power in horse management, breeding, training, and care, serving as the core of the horse administration system.In terms of horse care, particular attention was givento the quality and cleanliness of water and forage. Ming Dynasty's horse husbandry methods included seasonal horse care, organized grazing, pasture allocation, and utilizing fertile land. Moreover, the scarcity of horses posed a significant challenge in the Ming Dynasty's horse administration, prompting the implementation of effective management and breeding strategies to increase the overall horse population. Different stages of horse rearing, such as spring grazing, summer grazing, autumn grazing, and winter nurturing, had profound effects on the growth and robustness of the horses.Rearing livestock is inevitably intertwined with medical issues, in which veterinarians are primarily responsible for the care and treatment of animals, with a primary focus on tending to and diagnosing horses. With the development of the veterinary system in the Ming Dynasty, veterinarians were established successively in various regions. Medical personnel were also stationed within the military to ensure the well-being of horses. Furthermore, horses played a crucial role in the postal relay system, involving institutions such as relay stations, courier depots, express delivery outlets, and military posts. These establishments provided horses as transportation tools to facilitate convenient and immediate communication and transport services.The laws of the Ming Dynasty also comprehensively regulated postal and livestock management matters. Regarding postal affairs, specificpenalties were laid out for behaviors violating regulations, such as delays by relay officials or the misuse of relay horses. In terms of livestock management, explicit provisions and punishments were outlined for raising livestock, producing horse colts, and caring for sick or weak animals. Through a series of strict regulations and penalties, the continuity and implementation of postal and ranching affairs were upheld.Traditional chinese veterinary science employs a concept known as the'Eight Principles,' which is a methodology for studying the development and changes of diseases. It primarily divides eight types of disease patterns into four pairs of opposing patterns, constituting the fundamental principles of pattern differentiation. In terms of diagnosis, it heavily relies on the 'Four Examinations' approach to analyze diseases, determine the nature and severity of patterns, and subsequently formulate appropriate treatment methods.Prevention is a cornerstone of the treatment approach, emphasizing preventive measures before the onset of illnesses. Additionally, immediate diagnosis and treatment upon the emergence of diseases are stressed to prevent the deterioration of conditions. For instance, practices such as maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for animal husbandry, conducting regular assessments of livestock conditions, and isolating sick animals are recommended.Regarding treatment, bloodletting therapy and acupuncture are two significant therapeutic methods. Bloodletting therapy can prevent diseases caused by excessive Qi and blood or seasonal variations, while considering the individual constitution of the animal, especially horses. Acupuncture therapy, on the other hand, selects appropriate acupuncture points and techniques based on the deficiency or excess nature of the disease and its progression.The ultimate goal of diagnosis and treatment is to harmonize the Yin and Yang energies in the body after identifying the disease symptoms, facilitating the restoration of the body's natural equilibrium."Please note that some nuances might be lost in translation, and it's always a good practice to consult a professional translator or expert in the field for precise and accurate translations.