Abstract: Knowledge representation of ancient Chinese medical books based on knowledge elements is a method for organizing and mining the knowledge of ancient Chinese medical books by combining knowledge elements and metadata theory. The current situation, problems, and significance of ancient Chinese medical books study based on knowledge elements are reviewed, and it is concluded that knowledge element theory and technology-based ancient Chinese medical books study is a supplement and development of traditional literature organization and study. Thus, it is an important development direction of ancient Chinese medical books organization and literature study in the future.