[Retrospection on the history of discovery of artemisinin and its ponderation].

The study of the medical history of the discovery of artemisinin is divided into two stages since its achievement of international awards. Before the award, the studies were focused on historical background, discoverer, time of discovery, discovery process, methodology, key difficulties, and the disputes about artemisinin and its causes. After achieving international awards, the focus of research was obviously different. In addition to more detailed research on the discovery process, more researches were focused on a multiple approach, including the significance, enlightenment, experience and lessons of discovery of artemisinin, scientist community, Tu Youyou's award-winning priority, Tu Youyou's biography, involving the spread, right of discovery and inventory, and geography of science and technology. In the future, scientific methodology, unconventional thoughts, intuitive thoughts, abductive reasoning, special social background at that time and the thought leading to its ponderation, etc. of winning the Nobel Prize should all be paid attention to.