Taoist and alchemist, lived c. 350 (Jurong, Dangyang, China).
Ge Hong lived during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420) of the Six Dynasties Period. He lost his father at an early age and grew up under difficult circumstances. From his early age he was interested in studying and often went to collect firewood, which he would barter for paper and brushes. He became knowledgeable about all aspects of Confucianism and began to become interested in immortality.
The Six Dynasties Period was a time of continuous turmoil and war. Ge Hong kept away from politics and ended up leading the life of a recluse on Luofu Mountain, where he wrote several books about techniques to attain immortality. He became known as Bao Pu Zi, "The Master Who Embraces Simplicity."
Ge Hong's role in science is due entirely to his deep interest in medicine. In his search for immortality Ge not only recorded the use of medical plants and drugs but discovered the causes for various infectious diseases that originate from food and unclean water. He introduced the prevention of smallpox through inoculation and developed treatment for tuberculosis.