Biography of Academic Figures in Nanjing during the Republic of China

Author: Zhang Xianwen
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-06-01
Features: The Biographies of Academic Figures in Nanjing during the Republic of China is a comprehensive collection of biographies covering both social sciences and natural sciences. It integrates intellectual depth, academic rigor, and knowledge, serving as an academic reference for a broad readership. The book selects individuals who achieved outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields during the Republic of China period, representing the highest level of expertise in their disciplines at the time in China or made significant contributions to establishing new fields, earning the titles of "pioneers" or "gurus." The selected figures must have already gained fame during the Republic of China. Those who spanned two periods—such as those whose major academic achievements were during the late Qing Dynasty or the early People's Republic of China—are excluded unless their academic activities demonstrated outstanding performance in both periods, with their primary contributions and achievements firmly rooted in the Republic of China. The selected individuals must have a strong connection to Nanjing, such as being natives of Nanjing, having grown up there, residing or working in Nanjing for extended periods during the Republic of China, having their nationwide influential academic activities take place in Nanjing, achieving fame in Nanjing, or having their major academic accomplishments made in Nanjing. To ensure objective standards, scholars who were members of the Central Academy of the Republic of China government or department-appointed professors during the Republic of China and later became members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences or first-class professors in the early People's Republic of China, as long as they meet the geographical and temporal criteria of the selection standards, are generally included. However, due to limited resources, some individuals who should have been included were omitted. The biographies are arranged in the following order: writers, historians, philosophers, sociologists, political scientists, medical scientists, educators, artists, mathematicians, physicists, chemists, agronomists, biologists, astronomers, geologists, psychologists, and engineers, with no particular order within the same discipline. The facts presented in the biographies are striving for accuracy and reliability. In cases of conflicting accounts, necessary research is conducted, the most credible sources are adopted, or ambiguity is retained for further investigation. The focus is on recording actions, events, and statements of the subjects, embedding perspectives within historical materials rather than offering historical critiques or writing appraisals. The editorial intent lies in uncovering the depth of Nanjing's culture, showcasing its charm, and highlighting its soul, thereby expanding the academic influence of Nanjing during the Republic of China and promoting its cultural essence. Special attention is given to the academic activities of schools and societies established in Nanjing during this period, which had a nationwide impact, as well as their academic influence. For academic debates or multiple interpretations, the book either presents all viewpoints or focuses on one while summarizing others.