medicine where the standards were "one disease, many formulas" and individualizing formulas to the strengths and weaknesses of the patient. Herbs in the Chinese system are recognized by their effects on specific organs and meridians or organ systems. A Chinese formulation generally has a "king" herb that addresses the major problem, supported by "ministers" that either support it or address weak organ systems, and "servant" herbs that harmonize and carry the herbal effects to specific parts of the body. However, a system that bridged the various Western and Eastern herbal traditions was lacking. The Triune System of Formulation was inspired by a vision LeSassier had during a period of personal difficulty — a vision that changed the direction of his herbal practice. He saw a triangle, and saw Pythagoras giving him a book. The system consisted of one triangle inverted within a larger triangle, with the client’s constitution or core condition in the center and supporting organ systems in the flanking sides. According to the system, nine herbs would be used: three in larger amounts to support the core problem, with lower amounts for the supporting systems. Herbs in the system are classified by their ability to either build or tonify (+), react amphoterically (which means to stabilize or harmonize) (0), or to eliminate (-). Herbs on the apex of each triangle represented the "king", the ruler/significant herb/neutral signified by a circle. A "minister", the herb that communicates to other plants and takes the message to the king, is signified by a plus sign. A "servant", the reciprocal part of the formula that acts upon/eliminates through the "doorways of the body". Measurement of herb was formulated by energetic strength, not weight, with the most potent herbs being used less than the milder ones. Personal life In the 1960s, LeSassier married in Taos, and had a daughter, Ona Marie LeSassier. He later remarried in New York and had a son, Alex LeSassier in 1986. In 1989 he met his partner Daniela Noe, with whom he lived for the rest of his life. See also Traditional Chinese medicine Herbalism Pharmacognosy Botany Ethnobotany References External links William LeSassier Archives Interview with William LeSassier – Vegetarian Times, 1985 Herbalists Ethnobiologists 2003 deaths 1948 births