Six-point classification of ancient books

The classification methods of ancient books mainly include six points (Liu Xiang and Liu Xin in the Western Han Dynasty), four points (Cao Mo and Xun Xu in the Western Jin Dynasty), seven points (Wang Jian in the Southern Dynasty), five points, eight points (Northern Song Dynasty) and twelve points (Qing Dynasty). But since the Tang Dynasty, the most influential is the four-part classification, which is divided into four categories according to the contents of ancient books:

"Jingbu" refers to Confucian classics. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has sub-categories. In the Qing Dynasty, Sikuquanshu was divided into ten categories: Yi, Shu, Poetry, Ritual, Spring and Autumn, Filial Piety, Five Classics, Four Books, Music and Primary School.

"History Department" is history, including all kinds of historical works. The history department of Sikuquanshu is divided into 15 categories: official history, chronology, chronological background, other history, miscellaneous history, imperial edict, biography, historical records, records, seasons, geography, official positions, political books, catalogues and historical reviews.

"Subdivision" includes books on politics, philosophy, science and technology, and art. Sikuquanshu is divided into Confucianism, military strategists, legalists, farmers, doctors, astronomical algorithms, technology, art, music records, miscellaneous books, novelists, Buddhists and Taoists.

"Collection Department" collects essays, parallel prose, poems, essays, literary criticism, opera works, etc. Sikuquanshu can be divided into five categories: Chuci, Bieji, Zongji, Poetry Review, Ci and Qu.