试析魏源在边疆历史地理沿革研究上的贡献

Analysis of Wei Yuan's Researches on the Evolution of History and Geography of the Border Areas

魏源是我国19世纪著名的思想家、史学家,他为救亡图存、抗敌御侮而致力于本国边疆地区的山川阝厄塞、地利情势、沿革掌故的考辨,以服务于现实的需要。魏源对于西北边疆地理沿革的考辨是与元史研究结合起来进行的,其《元史新编》在边疆史地的突出贡献莫过于对元代漠北、西域疆域版图的厘定。魏源也是中国近代第一位综合各书对中俄边界和俄罗斯问题详加考证、进行系统研究之人。此外,魏源还对边疆地理沿革研究上应注意的问题进行总结,提出了自己的看法。

Wei Yuan was a famous progressive historian during the early times of modern China. He was concerned about the country's destiny as well as the weal and woe of the people. In order to defend his country against enemies, he investigated the evolution of history and geography of the border areas. His researches involved textual criticism and pragmatism and it is a combination of the two characters. In fact, he was a champion of pragmatism and the fact that he investigated the history and the course of change and development at the border areas embodies his inclination. Wei Yuan played an important role in the academic circle concerning investigating this subject during the late Qing Dynasty because of his ingenious exploration in this respect.