关于严译《原富》一书的几个问题——与胡培兆同志商榷

Questions on the Translation "Yuanfu" ("The Wealth of Nations") by Yan Fu──A Discussion with Prof. Hu Peizhao

本文对胡培兆《当辨〈原富〉与〈国富论〉》一文的观点提出了商榷。根据原著书名 ,说“严复翻译《国富论》”并不错 ,《原富》就是“论富”或“论国民财富” ,胡之“辨正”实不确 ;《原富》翻译于 1897至 190 1年 ,出版于 190 1-190 2年 ,胡之 190 2年说亦不确 ;《国富论》的三种译本应是严译本 ,郭、王译本和杨敬年译本 ,三译本各有所长 ,特别是严译本的首斧之功和巨大作用不能抹杀 ,胡文抑严扬郭、王而不知有杨译 ,是失之偏颇的。

This essay raises several questions to Prof. Hu Peizhao's article A Differentiation between Yuanfu and The Wealth of Nations. According to the title of original work, it is corret to say that Yan Fu translated 'The Wealth of Nations' because 'Yuanfu' is equal to 'on Wealth' or 'The Wealth of Nations'. But Hu's 'differentiation' is not correct . 'Yuanfu' was translated from 1897 to 1901, and published in 1901-1902. Hu says it was in 1902, so it's incorrect.There are three versions of translation of 'The Wealth of Nations', i.e.Yan fu's translation, Guo Dali and Wang Yanan's translation and Yang Jingnian's translation. In fact, each version holds its own advantage, especially Yan's translation is the pioneer and its influence is profound. Hu's article devalues Yan's and praises Guo and Wang's, let alone he does not know that there is Yang's version. In short, Hu's article can be seen as deviation.