The Chinese Journal for the History of Science and technology  NO.4 2004

Educator and Historian of Chemistry Mr. Chang Tzu-kung……WANG Zhi-hao

【Abstract】 Prof. Chang Tzu-kung (1904-1968) was a famous educator and historian of chemistry,as well as a staunch patriot. This paper gives a brief account of his life,his contribution to Chinese science and education, and his long-lasting friendship with Dr. Joseph Needham.

Tentative Analysis on Discovery of the Elements Translated by Chang Tzu-kung……YUAN Zhen-dong，GUO Shi-jie

【Abstract】 Illustrated and written with excellence by Mary Elvira Weeks, Discovery of the Elements is a best-seller. Chang Tzu-kung began to translate this book in 1933 and completed it in 1940, but it was as late as 1952 that the book was officially published. He supplemented his translation with 269 notes and 41 illustrations,especially the notes and illustrations related to China,in order to make it easier for readers to comprehend. What he had done was not only translation but also research. His version is a work on the history of chemistry which has a style of its own.

The Foundation of the School of Engineering of Tsinghua University……CHEN Chao-qun,YANG Jian

【Abstract】 In 1932,Tsinghua University set up its School of Engineering. A batch of doctors of engineering who had been studying abroad returned to China and formed the first faculty of the School of Engineering of Tsinghua University. They established a new system of curriculum for their students,and emphasized the importance of mastering the universal principle of engineering science. In addition, they resumed their research work begun abroad and some of their research work even constituted a part of the academic authority all over the world then. Their work geared the education of technology to the education of engineering in China, and the foundation of the School of Engineering of Tsinghua University might be looked upon as a new milestone in the process of transplanting technology from the West to China.

Ding Fubao and Medical Exchanges Between China and Japan……NIU Ya-hua，FENG Li-sheng

【Abstract】 Ding Fubao( 1874-1952) is a representative figure in the history of medical exchanges between China and Japan in the eraly period of 20th century. This article collects all available materials and gives a minute description of his activities and achievements on Sino-Japanese medical exchanges. Ding's journey to Japan on a tour of investigating modern medicine in 1909 is introduced in detail, together with a discussion on his Chinese translations of Japanese medical works. The Chinese translations,which were widespread in China, promoted the popularization of Western medicine in China and transformation of Chinese medicine from Chinese medicine into modern medicine.

The Appellation of the Yellow River Originated from Western Han……LI Chuan-jun

【Abstract】 Yellow River is the mother river of the Chinese people,as well as the cradle of Chinese civilization. But for a long time past, the study on the river by scholars chiefly focused on the state of its silt, and the changes in its course and irrigation, with little discussion about its appellation. This paper deems that there is a close relation between the name of the river and its sandiness. Through textual research on Han Shu ( History of the Han Dynasty) , Hou Han Shu ( History of the Later Han Dynasty) , Wei Shu (History of the Wei Dynasty) and Shui Jing Zhu (Commentary on the "Waterways Classic" ) ,it can be seen that the name of the Yellow River has its origin in the early stage of Western Han, and that in the Wei, Jin and Southern & Northern Dynasties, this appellation for the river already became quite popular.

Tablet on the Side of a Tomb and Study on the Life of Zhu Zaiyu……TIAN Zhong-hua

【Abstract】 Zhu Zaiyu,an outstanding scientist and artist of Ming Dynasty,was the first person in the world to found the theory of twelve-tone equal temperament. The stone tablet for his tomb was originally erected at the foot of Nine-peak Mountain in the northwest of Qinyang City. The inscription on the tablet was written and inscribed in bright red by Wang Duo,a famous calligrapher in Ming Dynasty. The inscription, which describes Zhu s pedigree, life story and academic achievements, is an important document for studying his academic thought, as well as valuable material to correct theomissions and mistakes of the official history. The inscription on the stone tablet was recorded in both Annals of Huaiqing Prefecture and Annals of Henei County of the Qing Dynasty.

From Studying in England to Going to the Department of Mathematics in Northeast People's University: An Interview with Prof. Xu Li-zhi……Told by XU Li-zhi，Interviewed by GUO Jin-hai and YUAN Xiang-dong

【Abstract】 Prof. Xu Li-zhi( Hsu L. C. ) afforded some rare historical materials about his personal experiences from his beginning to study in England in July 1949, returning to Tsinghua University in September 1951 and the disbandment of its Department of Mathematics due to a nationwide reform in higher education, to his going to the Northeast People's University at Changchun where he established a Department of Mathematics together with his colleagues including Wang Xianghao and Jiang Ze-jian. From this interview,one can see not only the details of his academic activities,but also the hardships of some intellectuals in creating an educational institution for higher mathematics after the founding of New China.

On the Hand-Copied Zhong Xing Jie……LI Di

【Abstract】 Zhong Xing Jie ( Explanation of the Transits of Stars) , which was copied in the early Qing Dynasty, is a hand-copied collection of papers and illustrations on astronomy and geography. The author comes to the conclusion that it collects materials both from China and the West.