Acupuncture (1727)

Engelbert Kaempfer, a 17th-century German physician and naturalist, is known for his extensive travels and detailed reports on Asia. In 1727, he published an illustration of acupuncture, part of his extensive studies of medical practices in Japan. Kaempfer was one of the first Europeans to document the technique of acupuncture, and his work contributed greatly to the spread of knowledge of this traditional healing method in Europe. The illustration is believed to show the application of acupuncture needles to specific points on the human body, a practice based on the idea that the balance of vital energy, called Qi, can be influenced by these points.

Interesting fact: Engelbert Kaempfer was not only a pioneer in the documentation of Asian cultures, but also a man with an adventurous resume. Before embarking on his famous travels, he served as secretary of the Swedish embassy in Persia. During his travels through Asia, he learned several languages ​​and collected a variety of plant specimens, which he brought back to Europe. One of the lesser-known facts about Kaempfer is that he was instrumental in introducing the ginkgo tree to Europe by bringing seeds of this then-exotic plant. His passion for botany and the cultures of Asia made him a key figure in mediation between East and West in the 18th century.