Chapter 291: "Stealing the Country"
In Walonga Province, East Africa, soldiers encountered a green African tree snake while on patrol. Although it wasn't as dangerous as some other snakes, they still proceeded with caution. The black mamba snake, known for its aggressiveness, was a more significant concern in the region.
Back in Hechingen, Hohenzollernburg, Tom expressed his uncertainty about Ernst's decision to import medical talents from the East. He suggested that they could hire European medical professionals instead. Tom was concerned about the cost of this project and Ernst's unconventional ideas.
Ernst explained that the reason behind recruiting medical talents from the East was their long history of medical knowledge, which had been systematically passed down for over 3,000 years. While some might misuse the label of Chinese medicine, many had genuine expertise. The East had historical records and cultural heritage that exceeded Europe's, as most European parchment scrolls were used to record the Bible.
Ernst believed that the extensive historical documentation of Eastern medicine indicated its efficacy. Although there might be fraudulent practices, Eastern medicine had been tested and refined over millennia, which couldn't be easily dismissed.
Tom raised concerns about ensuring the authenticity of the medical experts from the Far East and avoiding charlatans. Ernst suggested official cooperation with their governments, particularly their Tai Hospitals, to obtain medical prescriptions and related books. Official endorsement would help filter out fraudulent individuals.
Ernst had another motive behind this plan: to gain access to the medical formulas of Far Eastern countries, patent them in the West, and ensure East Africa's advantage in this field. He saw it as a way to secure valuable knowledge for the future of East Africa.
Tom acknowledged the challenge of East Africans not being well-versed in Oriental medicine. Ernst proposed starting with authorities and using their judgment. Mistakes were acceptable, as East Africa could sift through the collected knowledge to determine what was valuable.
Ernst emphasized that the current focus was on traditional medicine, with future plans to invest in modern medical research. Europe would be a more suitable place for the development of modern medicine due to its advanced education system and resources.
Ernst's initiative to promote Oriental medicine early on in East Africa earned it the nickname of "stealing the country" in the Far East. However, East Africans, especially those practicing traditional Chinese medicine, maintained that it was an inheritance of their Oriental ancestors and rightfully belonged to East Africa.
(Note: This is the end of this chapter.)