A renowned physician of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Originally named Heng, styled Ren'an. A native of the west gate of Xiuning County. Wang Ang was originally a scholar who had passed the imperial examination at the county level. Due to his humble family circumstances, he abandoned his scholarly pursuits at the age of 30 (early Qing Dynasty, Shunzhi era) and turned to the study of medicine.

Wang Ang addressed the contemporary issues of difficult-to-read medical texts and unclear medical theories by diligently studying ancient medical works and enhancing clinical experience. After decades of exploration and accumulation, he compiled a series of influential books on medical theory and pharmacology.

In 1682, Wang Ang, after years of "gathering books from various sources" and meticulous research, completed the compilation of Yifang Jijie in 3 volumes. This work categorized the practical functions of famous medical prescriptions and folk remedies from various dynasties into 21 sections, including 320 main prescriptions and more than double that number of supplementary prescriptions, with an appendix of Jijiu Liangfang at the end. In 1689, he completed Suwen Lingshu Leizuan Yuezhu in 3 volumes, which was well-organized and clearly written, greatly facilitating beginners in studying Neijing. In 1692, he compiled a collection of seven-character verse mnemonics, Tangtou Gejue in 1 volume, which was concise and easy to memorize, widely circulated, and became an essential introductory text for medical students. In 1694, he selected 400 commonly used drugs from various materia medica and compiled Bencao Beiyao in 4 volumes, providing the medical community with a concise and practical drug reference.

Wang Ang also authored a volume on health preservation, Wuyao Yuanquan, and a volume of mnemonics on meridian and collateral theory. Wang Ang made significant contributions to bringing medical knowledge to the general public throughout his life.