The Baopuzi (抱朴子), written by the scholar-official Ge Hong around 320 CE, remains one of the most influential texts in the history of Daoism and Chinese science. For English speakers seeking a "best" translation, the search is often complicated by the fact that the work is divided into two distinct sections: the Inner Chapters (Neipian), which focus on alchemy and immortality, and the Outer Chapters (Waipian), which focus on social philosophy and Confucian ethics.
One morning he set the scroll back in its silk, handed Yan a copper coin and said, “I must go where translations are better and texts are guarded.” Yan shook his head. “You have what you need. Travelers bring polished books; readers bring patience.”
Warning: Sailey’s book is out of print. While no legal PDF exists of the full text, sections are available via JSTOR and university libraries. For the best PDF experience, you will likely have to combine Ware’s Inner chapters with Sailey’s summaries of the Outer chapters.
Quick reading suggestions (if you want a concise focus)
