Forgotten Hu Xianqiao

Author: Hu Zonggang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The poem by Elder Hu introduces new discoveries in Chinese science, proving that Chinese science can be independent and innovative without relying on others。——Chen Yi praised Hu Xiansuo. The meaning, theory, and spirit of Hu Xiansuo's poetry are all superior。——Chen Sanli reviewed Hu Xiansuo. In ancient-style poetry, he picked up the brush in his youth and devoted himself to this. The Xiu Zhou transmission bowl, the Western Sea spreads the sect. Among the schools of thought, he excels in botany. The famous garden held a grand event, and all admired him from all directions。——Qian Zhonglian inscribed for the memorial exhibition of Hu Xiansuo at Lushan Botanical Garden. Dr. Hu Xiansuo is undoubtedly the father of Chinese systematic botany. He proposed the multi-system in 1950, which is still recognized worldwide today, bringing honor to the Chinese people。——Dr. Zhu Guanghua of the Missouri Botanical Garden commemorated the 110th anniversary of Hu Xiansuo's birth. Hu Xiansuo (1894-1968), a native of Xincheng, Jiangxi, was born into a scholarly family and was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. After studying at the Capital University, he studied abroad in the United States twice, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate from Harvard University. Upon returning to China, he taught at institutions such as Nanjing Normal School, Southeast University, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, and Tsinghua University. He served as the first president of National Zhongzheng University, a member and assessor of the Central Academy of Sciences, and led and participated in the establishment of China's first biology department and biology research institute. He promoted the founding and development of scientific research institutions such as the Jing Sheng Biological Survey Institute, Lushan Botanical Garden, and the Yunnan Forestry and Agriculture Botanical Research Institute, as well as the compilation and publication of botanical textbooks, maps, and monographs. He was the father of Chinese systematic botany and the th of the Botanical Society of China. In 1948, he jointly published the new species of "living fossil" Metasequoia glyptostroboides with Zheng Wanjun, causing a sensation internationally. Amid the waves of the New Culture Movement, Hu Xiansuo upheld traditional values as the leader of Xue Heng and engaged in a debate with Hu Shi. Throughout his life, he made many literary friends and was skilled in poetry and ci. His works were highly praised by masters and experts. Chan'an Poetry Manuscript was compiled by Qian Zhongshu, and his long rhyming poem Song of Metasequoia was recommended for publication by Chen Yi. Hu Xiansuo was straightforward and stubborn, speaking freely without restraint. After 1949, he suffered unfair treatment and criticism, and his works that upheld truth and opposed Lysenko's pseudoscience were banned. He was rejected twice when the Chinese Academy of Sciences selected academic members. During the Cultural Revolution, he was again persecuted and his property searched. He died suddenly in 1968. This book uses a wealth of historical archives and over 120 historical photographs to leave a precious memorial for Dr. Hu Xiansuo and the pioneers of biology and botanical science.