INTRODUCTION
Although the concept that our intestinal microbiota has an
important role in maintaining our health is relatively new, the
subject of fecal transplantation has been around for millennia.
Its fi rst mention in the literature was during the 4th century,
when Ge Hong described the use of human fecal suspension by
mouth for food poisoning or severe diarrhea ( 1 ). In the 16th
century, Li Shizhen detailed a variety of fecal preparations called
“ yellow soup ” to be given for diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting,
and constipation ( 1 ). I will discuss the modern history
of fecal transplantation later, but we can be sure that future
history will reveal high-quality scientifi c studies into the nature,
awesome complexity, and therapeutic powers of our intestinal
microbiome.