Biographies of Academic Figures in Ming Dynasty Nanjing

Author: Shen Xinlin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The Biographies of Academic Figures in Nanjing during the Republic of China is a comprehensive character biography encompassing both social sciences and natural sciences, integrating intellectual depth, academic rigor, and knowledge, serving as an academic reference material for a broad readership. The book selects individuals who achieved outstanding accomplishments in various disciplines during the Republic of China, representing the highest standards of their respective fields at that time in China, or made significant contributions to the establishment of their disciplines, earning the titles of "pioneer" or "master." The selected figures must have already gained fame during the Republic of China. Those spanning two periods—whose primary academic achievements were in the late Qing Dynasty or the People's Republic of China—are excluded; however, those who demonstrated outstanding academic performance in both periods may be included, provided their primary contributions and achievements were during the Republic of China. The selected figures must have a close connection to Nanjing, such as being native to Nanjing or having grown up there, spending extended periods in residence or working in Nanjing during the Republic of China, their nationwide influential academic activities taking place in Nanjing, gaining fame in Nanjing, or achieving their primary academic accomplishments there. To ensure objective standards for selection, scholars who were members of the Central Academy of the Republic of China government or department-appointed professors during the Republic of China, and those who were elected as members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences or ranked as first-class professors in the early years of the People's Republic of China, are generally included, provided they meet the geographical and temporal criteria of the selection standards. However, due to limited resources, some individuals who should have been included were omitted from this book. The selected figures are arranged in the following order: writers, historians, philosophers, sociologists, political scientists, medical professionals, educators, artists, mathematicians, physicists, chemists, agronomists, biologists, astronomers, geologists, psychologists, and engineers, with no particular order within the same discipline. The biographies strive for factual accuracy. Where discrepancies exist, necessary research is conducted, the most reliable sources are adopted, or uncertainty 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 evaluations of historical figures or writing critical biographies. Regarding the editorial intent, the emphasis 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. Therefore, special attention is given to the academic activities of schools and societies established in Nanjing during this period, which had significant nationwide impact, as well as their academic influence. For academic debates or where multiple interpretations exist, the dominant view is presented alongside other perspectives.