•
Xiao He (?–193 BCE) was a prominent statesman in the early Western Han dynasty. He was born in Zhongyang Village, Fengyi, Pei County (in present-day Feng County, Jiangsu). During the Qin dynasty, he served as a low-ranking clerk in the Pei County government.
•
Sima Qian (c. 145 or 135 BCE – ?) was a preeminent historian and literary figure of the Western Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Zichang, and he was born in Xiayang (south of present-day Hancheng, Shaanxi). He was the son of Sima Tan, the Grand Historian (Taishi) of Emperor Wu’s court.
•
A celebrated musician of the Spring and Autumn period (circa 7th–6th century BCE), Bo Ya was a native of Ying, the capital of the state of Chu (modern-day Jingzhou, Hubei). He served as a Senior Grand Master (Shang Da Fu) in the state of Jin.
•
A figure from the time of Duke Mu of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period (circa 7th century BCE), Bo Le’s given name was Ziliang, and he was renowned under the honorific title “Bo Le.” He was famed for his exceptional ability to evaluate horses and treat equine illnesses.
•
Bian Que (407–310 BCE) was a renowned physician of the Warring States period. His surname was Qin, and his given name was Yue Ren. He was from Mo County, Bohai Commandery (north of present-day Renqiu, Hebei).
•
Compendium of Materia Medica, Bencao Gangmu, is a monumental pharmacological treatise compiled by Li Shizhen of the Ming dynasty. The work comprises 52 volumes, organized into 16 divisions and 60 categories. It documents 1,892 medicinal substances, over 11,000 prescriptions, and includes more than 1,100 illustrations of medicinal materials.
•
Baili Xi (c. 725–621 BCE) was a virtuous minister of Duke Mu of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period. His courtesy name was Ziming, and he was from Wan in the state of Chu (present-day Nanyang, Henan).