中国古代科技典籍英译文献之溯源、流布与影响(1736-1921)

Uncovering the Origins,Dissemination and Impacts of English Versions of Chinese Sci-tech Classics(1736-1921)

文章基于甄选的《中国科学技术典籍通汇》选目,梳理1921年前的中国古代科技典籍早期英译文献。根据爬梳到的36种中国古代科技典籍的55部英译文献,相关英译肇始于1736年,翻译重心呈现出从注重科学性到人文性,再到科学性的回归,又表征为版本考究不足、传教士译者主导、在中国与英国及其殖民地集中出版的特征。这些英译文献助推了欧洲近代科学和社会变革、东学西渐和英美汉学的发展,为李约瑟及其之后的中国科技史研究者提供了知识参照。

By picking up items in Collections of Chinese Sci-tech Classics,this paper is devoted to unearthing English versions of old Chinese sci-tech classics translated before 1921.According to the collected 55 English versions of 36 Chinese sci-tech classics,the earliest translation can be dated back to 1736,the focal point of translation shifts from science knowledge to practical information,and finally to science knowledge.Specifically,these English versions tend to ignore the academic examination of Chinese versions,and their translators are mainly missionaries,and are primarily published in China,Britain and its colonies.Though due limitations exist,all these English versions contribute to the European scientific and social revolution,westward spread of Chinese culture and the sinology development in Britain and US.Moreover,they are invaluable references for studies on science and civilization in China conducted by Joseph Needham and later fellows.