Shanzhi--Yuanming

Author: Wang Hongzuan (Qing Dynasty), annotated and edited by He Benfang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: This book is a collection of the author's notes on reading and personal observations. It records materials related to Confucian studies, history, linguistics, calligraphy, painting, and the study of inscriptions and stone artifacts, as well as social customs and folk traditions of the time. It holds significant reference value for understanding and researching the social history and academic culture during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The book dedicates considerable space to recording miscellaneous observations, with the author's focus primarily on social benefits and correcting contemporary issues. For example, in the section on fire prevention regulations, it teaches people how to save themselves after a fire occurs. In the sections on "lying on ice to cut a leg" and others, it rejects the cruel practices of sacrificing children, cutting livers, or amputating limbs in a desperate attempt to seek official commendation. In the sections on "worshipping Buddha and Laozi" and others, it expresses neither approval nor disapproval of Buddhism and Taoism, advocating for the respect they deserve while also arguing that Cheng Yi's criticism is excessive. In sections on Qin Shi Huang, technology, and Zao people, it criticizes the harm caused by sorcery and harmful practices like the "Mai Yi" face-reading method. The recorded observations contain very few supernatural or fantastical events, and they provide rich material for the study of the social life history of ancient China.