关于丁韪良译介《万国公法》的几个问题

Some Questions on W.A.P Martin Translation of Elements of International Law

丁韪良翻译《万国公法》有其自身的动机,但客观上适应了当时中西双方外交的需要。对于此书,总理衙门基于自身立场,采取了实用主义的、有选择地利用的态度。将中文译本和英文原本进行比勘,可以发现其中存在不少误译,也有丁韪良主观误导的成分。因为书中的缺陷,造成了国人对国际法的不少误解,也使其不能发挥更大作用。

Even though W. A. P Martin had his own intention, in the process of translating ＂Elements of International Law＂ into Chinese, generally speaking, this translation satisfied the need for improving mutual relations among China and western powers. Tsungli Yamen had taken pragmatic or optional attitude towards this book based on its own political stance. By comparing it with its original English version, some incorrect places and wrong guidance have been found, Much misunderstanding on international law among Chinese was caused, and its impact on Chinese thoughts changing was limited.