崔国因对19世纪晚期美国科技发展的观察和认识——以《出使美日秘日记》为中心

CUI Guoyin’s observation and realization of science and technology development in the late 19th century of America:Based on the Ambassadorial Mission Diary to the US,Spain and Peru

崔国因(1831-1909)是清代同治年间进士,于光绪十五—十八年(1889-1893)出任驻美国、日斯巴尼亚(今西班牙)、秘鲁公使,著有《出使美日秘三国日记》16卷,对三国政治、经济、军事、外交及华侨生活等加以客观记载,其中对19世纪晚期美国科学技术发展的记载尤为详细,从中可见美国天文、地理、化学、机械、兵器制造、矿冶、能源、交通、建筑、农业、水利等自然科学和工程技术发展的状况。他深刻认识到科学技术发展对推动美国近代化的重要作用,并对学习西方先进科技,发展中国的科学技术,走强国富民之路提出了自己的建议和主张。从总体上看,崔国因的出使日记内容翔实、观察犀利、见解独到,显示了一位外交官忧国忧民的情怀和浓郁强烈的报国之志。

CUI Guoyin was born in Taiping(Huangshan city)in Anhui province and awarded the Jinshi degree in the reign of Tongzhi.The Qing Dynasty appointed CUI Guoyin to be the China’s minister at USA,Spain and Peru from the 15th year to the 18th year of Emperor Guangxu(1889-1893).CUI Guoyin objectively recorded politics,economy,military,diplomacy and life of the overseas Chines,and recorded in detail science and technology development in American in late 19th century in the Ambassadorial Mission Diary to the US,Spain and Peru,and we could find out development situation of natural science and engineering technology,such as astronomy,geography,chemistry,machinery,weaponry manufacturing,mining and metallurgy,energy,transportation,architecture,agriculture,water conservancy and etc.He deeply realized that the science technology development played an important role in American modernization and put forward some suggestions on studying advanced western science and technology,developing China science and technology and the way for the country to enrich itself and its people.Generally speaking,CUI Guoyin’s Diary had detailed content,trenchant foresight and original view,which showed his feeling for caring for the country and the people and ambitions of serving to the country as a diplomat.It was worth paying attention and studying.