Includes bibliographical references (243-279) and index
Introduction -- The demand and supply of Ming eunuchs -- Institutionalization of the eunuch agencies -- Eunuchs and the Ming military system -- Eunuchs and the Ming intelligence-gathering apparatuses -- Eunuchs and Ming diplomacy -- Eunuchs and Ming maritime activities -- Eunuchs' involvement in the Ming economy -- Miscellaneous duties of the Ming eunuchs -- Conclusion