尹赞勋教授和第四纪研究

PROFESSOR YIN ZANXUN AND THE QUATERNARY RESEARCH IN CHINA

尹赞勋教授是我国杰出的地质学家，他一生工作涉及地质学的许多分支学科。除了在古生物地层学领域的突出贡献外，他还是我国第四纪研究的先驱和开拓者。他回国后早期的研究工作很多是第四纪研究课题，如１９３２年对大同火山的研究。这些成果至今仍是我国第四纪地质的重要文献。晚年他再次赴大同火山区考察（１９７５年），以第四纪研究为他毕生最后一次野外工作。尹赞勋先生关心和支持中国第四纪研究委员会的成立和它的活动，他倡导中国第四纪研究人员与国外交流，扩大国际影响，中国第四纪能在今天走向世界，得益于尹赞勋先生的教诲。

Professor Yin Zanxun was a famous geologist and paleontologist He is the most contributive one among the outstanding geologists in China who initiated the modern geological study during the period from twenties to thirties of the century. He is wellknown as the leading paleontologixst in China, especially in the study of the Graptolite in Silurian System. He took care of the compilation of the 'Annotated List of Chinese Stratigraphic Names', 'The Stratigraphic Code of China', 'Explanatory Notes on the Stratigraphic Code of China' and two volumes of 'Regional Stratigraphical Table'.His scientific career, however, dealt with many branches in geology, among which he paid his great attention to Quaternary studies.Professor Yin was involved in many Quaternary studies at the beginning of his entering into the Geological Survey in Beijing after he finished his study in France in 1931. Firstly he explored the Quaternary mammalian fauna at Guxiangtun near Harbin in 1931. Next he studied the origin of Chingpohu and Tiaoshuilou falls and the geology of Datong Quaternary volcanoes in 1933 and also he was interested in the studyon Peking-Yunshui Cave of Shangfangshan and on Ostracean from the marine terrace in Fujian (1934). His excellent work was and still is the important Quaternary literature so far. He had a clear conscience as being a pioneer of the Quaternary research in China.It might be a curious coincidence, Professor Yin, in his advanced age of seventy three, visited Datong again, forty three years after his first exploration to the volcanoes there, which became his last field trip in his whole life. If his first going to Datong was for pure scientific purpose, the second visit embodied his concern over the practical utilization of geological sciences. As the authority in volcanic studies.his confirmation of Datong volcanoes being dead ones made the local people relieved of frightening of the volcanic abrupt eruption. Professor Yin's spirit of devotion encouraged the Chinese Quaternary scientists to serve for the national economic construction and for the people.In addition to personally participating the Quaternary research, Professor Yin closely concerned and supported the creation of the Quaternary research work in China. He gave strong backing to the establishment of the China Quaternary Research Association (CHIQUA) and placed great hopes on the Chinese Quaternary scientists. During the Third National Conference of CHIQUA held in Beijing in 1979, he gave the.opening speech entitled as 'Strive for a great breakthrough in Quaternary research'and appealed to increase the international exchange in this field. He expected the INQUA Congress would de held in China someday by the common effort of Chinese Quaternary scientists. It came at last in 1991. The XIII INQUA Congress was successfully held in Beijing. As being a milestone in Quaternary research history in China it is the common aspirations of a few generation of Chinese Quaternary scientists including Professor Yin. Unfortunately he could not witness the spectacular event for his passing away seven years ahead.Professor Yin was a very kind promoter and always glad to patiently instruct the young students. A number of younger geologists were nurtured and educated by his guidance. Some of them are now taking charge of a department in paleontology and stratigraphy.Professor Yin was a gentle and cultivated senior always full of vigour and vitality in his inner world. It was just like the words in the forewords of his book 'Recollections of the Past' written by late Professor Zhou Peiyuan: 'Professor Yin is full experienced with his lifetime of frustrations. He assiduously seeks for the truth with a indomitable spirit and constantly brings forth new ideas as to have achieved outstanding contributions in the sciences. His achievements in scientific research are like a brilliant hundred-flower garden.' Professor Yin's devotion to Quaternary research in China was a gorgeous fresh flower in the garden.