The overall structure and writing format of formulology textbooks in higher education institutions of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） have become relatively stable. However， disputes remain regarding the classification of prescriptions， including vague classification standards， a disconnect between classification and clinical practice， and limitations in classification evaluation. Through an analysis of the 11th edition of the textbook Formulology published by the China Traditional Chinese Medicine Publishing House， it is found that the species classification method combines both the clinical advantages of disease-based classification and the theoretical strengths of function-based classification. The species classification unifies standards， making it suitable for theoretical teaching， while emphasizing the correspondence between prescriptions and syndromes， enhancing its clinical relevance. This method highlights the unique characteristics of TCM prescriptions， provides a clear research path， and fosters the development of students’ clinical thinking and practical abilities. Additionally， it promotes the modern research of TCM with a focus on clinical value， offering useful insights for improving the classification method in the current formulology textbooks.