Ke Luo Te Tian Yan Xue 克洛特天演學 [Primer of Evolution] Shansi Imperial University, Methodist publishing house, Shanghai, 1905

Numerous in-text illustrations. One volume, orig paper covers, 8vo(21.5 × 14.2 cm). 山西大學堂譯書院, Shansi Imperial University, Methodist publishing house, Shanghai, 1905.

This work is a Chinese translation and adaptation of Edward Clodd’s Primer of Evolution (first published 1888), an influential popular exposition of evolutionary theory intended for general readers. The translation was prepared under the auspices of the Translation Institute of the Shansi Imperial University (山西大學堂譯書院)—one of the most active academic translation centers in the late Qing period. The translation was carried out by Theodore Wong (黃佐廷) and colleagues, and edited by the Scottish missionary John Darroch (竇樂安), both of whom played important roles in the dissemination of Western scientific thought in North China in the first decade of the twentieth century. Wong, a diplomat and educator, helped introduce Western natural philosophy to educated Chinese audiences, while Darroch, active in missionary educational work, contributed to several translation projects bridging Western science and Chinese intellectual society.

The book presents Clodd’s evolutionary framework, including discussions of natural selection, variation, heredity, and the fossil record, accompanied by numerous explanatory illustrations. It was intended for use in the new academic curriculum emerging during the late Qing reforms, particularly in science instruction at provincial academies and missionary schools.

Slight overall cockling; light soiling to front wrapper; label affixed to spine; rear wrapper cracked at fold but remains attached.

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