首位《四书》英译者柯大卫生平诸事考述

The First English Translator of Four Books

柯大卫(Collie David)是19世纪初期伦敦会派往马六甲的传教士,英华书院第三任校长。主持英华书院期间,著译了十几种中英作品,培养了一批熟悉中西文化的学生,在19世纪初期的中西文化交流史上占有一席之地。但我们对他知之甚少,连出生年月都尚待考证。本文以伦敦大学亚非学院伦敦会档案、苏格兰人民中心老教区档案等相关资料为依据,遵循史学研究的实证—文献学方法,就柯大卫生平、事功、后人评价等内容进行爬梳、考证,力图再现这位新教传教士的"庐山真面目"。

Rev. David Collie was a missionary sent into Malacca by London Missionary Society in the 19th century. He was the third principal of the Anglo-Chinese College, wrote and translated more than 10 works in English and Chinese and trained some students who were familiar with Western culture and Chinese culture. So he should have his place in the history of Sino-West culture communications in the early 19th century. Unfortunately up to now we know him too little, even not knowing his date of birth. Based on the first-hand materials from LMS Archives and OPR Bans and marriages of the Scotland＇s people Center and so on, this paper explores his life, Christian ministry, teaching and works and tries to represent the truth of all his sides.