Abstract:The term "Bencao" was first appeared in "Hanshu·Jiaosi Zhi". It was used continuously in the documents of successive dynasties) In modern times, some authors have held that the term refers to medicines or Chinese materia medica. Our textual research of historical documents and analysis of current differentiation of scientific subjects of Chinese pharmacy suggest that the concept of "Bencao" has to be limited to the ancient books on Chinese pharmacy.