官制研究的文献学意义

On the Importance of Documentation to the Study of the Civil Service System

治文史离不开古文献。能否达到正确地阅读、理解、运用古文献 ,很大程度上取决于对古文献中所包含的名物制度的认识水平。而职官制度则是名物制度中的重要内容 ,因为它渗透在有关古代政治、经济、文化甚至社会生活的大量文字记录之中。检视近二三十年来的古籍整理成果 ,有很多差错就出现在职官制度上。官制研究在文献学上具有重要意义 ,它不仅可提高人们的古文献阅读能力 ,提高古籍整理水平 ,而且还有助于考证史实 。

Ancient books are the basis on which the research of history is done. Correct reading, comprehension and utilization of these books rely chiefly on a correct understanding of institution systems recorded in them. The civil service system, which is available in manifold records concerning political, economic, cultural and social life, represents an important aspect of the institution systems. Unfortunately, however, a lot of mistakes found in examining the revision of ancient books published over the last 20-30 years are attributed to misunderstanding of the said systems, to the best of my knowledge. The study of the civil service system is of importance to documentation in enhancing the ability to read ancient books, improving the revision of ancient books, conducting research and criticism of historical facts, and writing biographies of historical figures.