March 28, 2024
KCNA Uriminzokkiri (En)

Korea’s First Natural History Dictionary

Date: 18/05/2020 | Source: Uriminzokkiri (En) | Read original version at source

Mulmyonggo, compiled in 1824, is the first comprehensive natural classification dictionary in Korea.

It gives the names of natural phenomena and things and explains terms related to them in a comprehensive way. As an annotated dictionary which deals with terms related to natural history and science and technology, it s five-volume copy had been passed on before being photoprinted in the early 20th century.

With Vol. 1 dealing with birds and animals, Vol. 2 fishes and shellfish, Vol. 3 plants, Vol. 4 trees and Vol. 5 soil, stone, metals, fire, water and others, it gives names of and explanations about related things and terms.

Described in it are 442 species of living organisms, 739 kinds of inanimate objects and 173 kinds of others, over 1 350 in all, with a total of over 9 300 entries. As for animals, it contains the names and mode of life and breeding of the male, female and young and even the way of catching them.

At the beginning of each division it gives a general and common explanation about the division as a whole , arranges words belonging to the names of related things and gives notes on them. Entries are given in Chinese characters with corresponding Korean words, followed by explanations.

It also introduces necessary materials and adds the author’s opinion.

Though its simple contents and some unscientific explanations reflect the limitations of development of natural science in those days, Mulmyonggo is a valuable national classic showcasing the level of dictionary compilation and development of natural science and technology in the middle ages.

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