Amid the decline in the study of modern Chinese chambers of commerce, Chen Zhongping's Chinese-translated monograph Modern China's Network Revolution: Chambers of Commerce and Sociopolitical Change in the Early Twentieth Century (Shanghui yu jindai Zhongguo de shetuan wangluo geming) provides a new perspective in the study of the history of chambers of commerce. The book introduces a new concept - "network revolution" - and illustrates how the chamber networks in the Lower Yangtze region brought a "network revolution" within the social and political landscape of modern China through unprecedented institutionalization, expansion, and diversification of relations and strengthened member interactions. It provides theoretical guidance for the research of the interconnection between Chinese businessmen at home and abroad and overseas Chinese associations, their interactions with China, and the resulting impacts. Additionally, the book uses the network approach to reexamine the origins, functions, and roles of chambers of commerce, offering considerable new insights. However, it fails to discuss the most important economic functions and roles of chambers of commerce from the perspective of chamber networks, which is an area for future research.
As a break from the scholarship tradition during the Song and Ming dynasties,intellectuals in the Qing Dynasty placed more emphasis on learning new knowledge.But this pursuit posed a dilemma:how could they balance their desire for new knowledge with maintaining the stability of the dominant ideological narrative?One example of this dilemma is China's exposure to and learning of Western knowledge.Yao Ying,an important representative of the Tongcheng School,was renowned for his advocacy of learning Western knowledge.In his work Journey in Western Sichuan(Kangyou jixing),he argued that China could not hope to"tame"the"barbarian"Westerners without first learning from them.He rejected intellectual divisions that had prevailed during the Han and Song dynasties and showed great tolerance for"heterodox"knowledge,which helped pave the way for China's acceptance of foreign knowledge during the Qing Dynasty.However,in keeping with the tradition of sinology studies during the reigns of Emperors Qianlong and Jiaqing,Yao Ying focused on the utilitarian aspects of Western knowledge and expressed concern that it might challenge the orthodoxy of the time.His dilemma over whether to embrace the novelty of Western knowledge or avoid indulging in it shed light on the tensions inherent in China's exposure to and learning of new knowledge from foreign countries.In conclusion,intellectuals during the Qing Dynasty faced a fundamental contradiction in their quest for knowledge.While they sought to expand their understanding of the world,they also had to maintain the stability of the overarching Chinese ideological narrative.Yao Ying's experience reflects this tension and illustrates the challenges that Chinese intellectuals faced in grappling with new knowledge from foreign cultures.
The book Public Passions:The Trial of Shi Jianqiao and the Rise of Popular Sympathy in Republican China,written by Chinese American historian Eugenia Lean,stands as a pioneering work that utilizes the history of emotions to examine contemporary Chinese history.By exploring the case of Shi Jianqiao's revenge,the book offers insights into popular sentiments rooted in filial piety and knight-errantry,while also showcasing innovative interpretations and methodologies applied to Chinese urban culture,judicial trials,and national governance during the 1930s.This influential book has significantly impacted academia,demonstrating the vast potential for studying the history of emotions.However,the author's intense focus on theoretical advancements has given rise to certain issues.For instance,there is a lack of careful distinction among the public,potentially affecting the interpretation of historical figure Shi Jianqiao's deliberate efforts to evoke"public sympathy"from a predisposed standpoint.Additionally,there may be an overvaluation of the political significance of"public sympathy"and other related factors.Overall,while the book contributes greatly to the field,it would benefit from a more nuanced approach that addresses these concerns.
在有关茶叶起源的众多传说中,"达摩眼皮变茶树"的故事广为流传.然而,中国有关达摩的相关典籍中并没有这一传说的记载.经过考证发现,这个故事来自卡姆弗1728年出版的《日本史》.但在日本传世的文献典籍和绘画资料中,也没有记载这个故事.18世纪这个故事在西方有了早期传播,基本保持本初面貌,只有个别细节改编.19世纪英国在印度等殖民地发展茶叶产业并取得成功后,以英国为首的西方国家学者通过多种手法改写这个故事,将其塑造成印度是茶树原产地的依据.这一观点受到吴觉农等中国学者的批驳."达摩眼皮变茶树"的故事在19世纪西方世界的变异,揭示了英国等先发国家崛起后利用学术主导权篡改历史、打压其他国家茶叶产业、服务本国贸易和殖民经济发展的话语逻辑.
"秉笔华士"的薪酬待遇是研究晚清中外翻译合作中值得探究的基础性问题.对华士来说,通过翻译赚取经济收入以解决谋生问题是促其与传教士开展合作的首要现实动因.总体来说,传教士及教会机构提供的薪酬明显低于清政府官办机构,尤其是江南制造局提供的译书薪酬,且表现出前高后低态势,这反映了二者资金的来源不同以及早期"秉笔华士"所处"卖方市场"境况的改变.比较而言,"秉笔华士"的薪酬虽不及官员阶层、高级幕僚以及书院教师,但比其有资格担任的私塾教师明显要高,大体保证他们衣食无忧,能稳定从事译书活动."秉笔华士"对所获薪酬待遇大体是可接受和满意的,同时他们也以自己的工作业绩回报了雇佣方与合作方.译书活动的开展及译书薪酬的推出,吸引了大批举业无望、经济困顿的传统文士,进而使之成为促成中外译书合作的重要链条,推动了晚清翻译潮流的发展,并成为后来译书、写作商业稿酬规范化的前驱先路.
