Li Shizhen (Li Shih-chen; simplified Chinese:李时珍; traditional Chinese:李时珍; pinyin:Lǐ Shízhēn; Wade–Giles:Li Shih-chen, July 3, 1518  – 1593), courtesy name Dongbi (Tung-pi; Chinese:东璧), was a Han Chinese polymath, medical doctor, scientist, pharmacologist, herbalist and acupuncturist of the Ming dynasty. His major contribution to clinical medicine was his 27-year work, which is found in his scientific book Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu). He is also considered to be the greatest scientific naturalist of China, and developed many innovative methods for the proper classification of herb components and medications to be used for treating diseases.