晚清西方力学知识体系的译介与传播——以“重学”一词的使用及其演变为例

The Translation and Spread of Mechanics in the Late Qing Dynasty:A Case Study of the Term Zhongxue(重学) and Changing of its Meanings

"重学"是早期西方"力学"(Mechanics)一词的译名。它在晚清力学传播中占据了重要的位置。随着与重学相关著作的译介与传播,"重学"一词的内涵不断扩大,"重学"的译名也发生了变化,有将"Me-chanics"译为"力学"的,也有将"Dynamics"译作"力学"的,而且"力学"一词的含义当时在不同的译著中指代不同,造成了力学知识体系传播的混乱。"重学"一词的使用及其演变过程体现了力学知识体系在晚清的吸收与消化过程,并反映出当时翻译与传播中存在的问题。

Zhongxue(重学) is the Chinese translation of Western term 'mechanics'.It occupied an important position in the transmission of Mechanics in late Qing Dynasty.The meanings of the term Zhongxue were expanded,as the works related to the Zhongxue were translated and introduced.During this period the term Zhongxue changed,someone translated the word 'mechanics' into Lixue(力学),the others translated the word 'Dynamics' into Lixue.At the same time the meanings of the Lixue varied in different books,which resulted in chaos in dissemination of knowledge on mechanics.The use of the term Zhongxue and the change of its meanings reflected the situation that the system of knowledge of mechanics was absorbed,and the problem of the translation and spread.